Winston Smith
Flunked Scientology
Winston can drop in and play bass with me anytime he wantsI'm a *miserable* bassist. We can probably even scratch up some broad-minded groupies.
Of course, that's a comedown for a cellist, but, I'm willing to let him bring his axe to the session.
Zinj
One of the greatest cellists in the world started life as a bassist. I studied with him in the late 60s...Danny Rothmuller, associate principal cellist of the LA Phil. While I did not study long with him, his influence to this day shapes my sound. He was in the Marine Band 66-70, got the LA job in 71. At Indiana Univ he was a bassist, and when Janos Starker heard him play he insisted he switch to cello. (Starker was one of the handful of magnificent cellists the last generation) Danny needless to say practiced 7 hours a day when in the band, as he had so much catching up to do. BUT his performances of Dvorak concerto and Tchaik Rococo Variations to my mind have never been equalled, possible exception Lynn Harrell's recordings.
Sorry if this sounds "inside baseball," but I get so excited thinking about Danny. His playing can only be described as David Oistrakh on cello...pure love in every note.