Jacob Warren: "Leanne Marie" for Solo Double Bass (orchestral, solo and high C tunings)

About the Composition

Leanne Marie is a piece that I wrote to explore the rhythmic modulation of polyrhythms using two-handed harp harmonic playing. This is a challenging yet rewarding piece to play as it fosters independence between the right and left hands and independence between polyrhythms and melodic pitch cycles, which phase at various intervals depending on the accompaniment. This piece uses scordatura tuning, where the top string is tuned down a whole step, and the bottom string is tuned up a half step.

About the Composer

Curiosity, commitment, and collaboration define Jacob Warren’s exceptional career as a multi-style double bassist, composer, and educator. As a classical double bassist, Jacob was awarded first prize in the 2023 International Society of Bassists Soloist Competition, where his program displayed the diversity of his musicality, including an original transcription of the Debussy Cello Sonata, an original composition, an arrangement of a Canadian fiddle tune, and more.

In addition to solo performing, Jacob is also an avid chamber musician. He is currently a member of three nationally touring ensembles, two of which he co-founded and co-manages. Warren & Flick is a duo project with multi-instrumentalist Grant Flick. Together, they have released two albums (Kestrel, 2019 and Waxwing, 2022) of original material that spans genres from classical to American and Swedish fiddle, jazz and more. The quartet Westbound Situation released Pilotin 2019 and Accord in 2023. The quartet explores thematic development through their arrangements of original compositions drawing sonic inspiration from string ensembles and electronic music styles. Jacob also tours with the Grammy-nominated string quintet Kittel & Co. Through his diverse collaborations, he has been able to perform at a wide range of venues, from local listening rooms, house concerts, and jazz clubs, to performing arts centers, Royal Albert Hall, the Kennedy Center, and more.

As an educator, Jacob has been invited to give guest masterclasses at the Curtis Institute of Music, Indiana University, Wabass, and Mimi Zweig’s Jacobs String Academy, among others. He has maintained a flourishing private studio since 2015, and also connects with other curious bassists through educational videos and online workshops exploring techniques that he has translated to the instrument. He has also been selected to present at multiple International Society of Bassists conventions, including presentations on his own music and techniques.

Jacob began double bass studies at the age of 10 under the tutelage of Robert Rohwer. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in 2017 along with the Earl V. Moore Award in Music. During his undergraduate degree he studied with Dr. Diana Gannett. He also holds both a Masters of Music in Improvisation and a Masters of Music in Chamber Music from the University of Michigan.

In addition to writing music for his ensembles, Jacob composes original works for solo double bass. Videos of his compositions, teaching, and arrangements have been featured by The Strad, The Violin Channel, and others. His compositions are available for purchase online. Jacob currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.