

Upright Citizens
Reuben Rogers & Bob DeBoo
Come hang with some effortlessly cool professional jazz bassists who have a lot to say about music, life, and of course...the bass! Great interviews with legendary artists, funny road stories, playing and practicing advice, listening suggestions, and much more await you on your journey with the Upright Citizens.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 13min
Nurture Your Relationships
Bob and Reuben dive into the art of nurturing relationships, emphasizing the power of in-person connections. They tackle the challenges of maintaining real ties in a digital world. The duo reflects on musical partnerships that inspire creativity and opportunities born from trust on stage. They share advice on recognizing draining relationships and the importance of simple gestures like texts and show attendance to keep bonds strong. Ultimately, they remind listeners that showing up is key to sustaining connections.

Nov 4, 2025 • 35min
Bassist Spotlight: Joe Sanders
"Bassist extraordinaire Joe Sanders is getting his flowers from the Upright Citizens this time. Nobody plays like Joe, and his writing and collaborations are always incredible. Let's listen and share thoughts on this master!" The UC Joe Sanders playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ASufk595TtFJygTLRQGt9?si=b1d483320c8043e7If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com
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Oct 7, 2025 • 15min
Playing Melodically
"The role of the bass is support of course, but there's ways that we can be more or less 'melodic' with our playing. This episode dives into what it means to play 'melodically' and why you might want to..."If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com
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Sep 2, 2025 • 43min
Drums & Bass Teams Pt. 5
"We're back with another drum & bass teamup focus! This time we're celebrating the connection that Larry Grenadier and Jeff Ballard have, as well as the the incredible driving force of the Rodney Whitaker and Carl Allen hookup."If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com
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Aug 5, 2025 • 11min
Do Not Fear Mistakes
"Everybody makes "mistakes"...and there's no better way to learn! Join Bob & Reuben on this discussion of what's important to keep in mind when we have things go other than expected..."If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com
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Jul 1, 2025 • 16min
Free Association - Bob's Turn
"In this episode Reuben mentions three names and has Bob respond on the spot with his thoughts. You'll have to listen to find out who gets mentioned...and to hear what Bob has to say about them!"If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com
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Jun 3, 2025 • 38min
Drum & Bass Teams Pt 4
"The connection between the bass and the drums is a deep one! In this episode we shine light on two of our favorite teams: Peter Washington/Kenny Washington and Robert Hurst/Jeff Tain Watts. Let's listen together and dig into what makes these teams so great..."Peter Washington/Kenny Washington:1) Bill Charlap Trio "While We're Young" (Live at the Village Vanguard)2) Grant Stewart "Koko" (Downton Sounds)Robert Hurst/Jeff 'Tain' Watts:1) Wynton Marsalis "Cherokee" (Standard Time Vol. 1)2) Branford Marsalis "Wolverine" (Crazy People Music)If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com
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May 6, 2025 • 16min
Free Association - Reuben's Turn
"This is a fun one! Bob says three names, and Reuben shares his immediate thoughts on those folks. There's a theme here, but you have to listen to find out!"If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com
★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 1, 2025 • 18min
Bow Bros
"Finding the right bow is a very personal journey and can be daunting. Join the Citizens as they discuss Reuben's recent search for a bow while on tour..."If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com
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Mar 4, 2025 • 12min
Do We Need Music Theory?
"Music 'theory'....Is it helpful? Is it a crutch? Can it make you a better player? Can it stifle your creativity? Come join the Upright Citizens as we kind of say 'yes' to all of these questions!"If you like Bass - you're in the right place! Interested in more music and practice advice? Check out Open Studio...where you'll find courses and much more by world-class bassists like Reuben Rogers, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bob DeBoo and more. Reach out to the Upright Citizens anytime at uprightcitizenspodcast@gmail.com
★ Support this podcast ★


