Robert Black

Double bass and electric bass virtuoso Robert Black combines classical acoustic traditions and computer, MIDI, and video technologies in his work. He has also commissioned pieces from over 50 composers including John Cage, Paul Dresher, James Sellars, Christian Wolff and Michael Gordon. He has given solo concerts throughout North and South America, Japan, and Europe, and performs regularly with the electronically-assisted duo BASSO bongo, the Bang On A Can All-Stars, and the Hartford Symphony. In his performance for this Roulette TV video, Black presents three acoustic pieces, "Poucha Dass" by Francois Rabbath, a tuneful, earthy work than gains in energy to a grand fiery climax, "Flatlands" by Colin Bright, a plaintive, moving work with occasional declarative outbursts, and "Tunnels" by Stuart Smith, an energetic, non-linear collage of aphoristic, characterful, and often humorous (e.g., the two-note shark motif from the movie "Jaws") vocal interjections interpreted as instrumental gestures. Black recalls his musical epihany upon picking up the bass for the first time in high school, describes his early circle of composing friends, meeting John Cage, and from his concert experience in suburban living rooms, notes the positive reactions that most people have toward new music. Click here to view clip.