A lot of rock bands visit the NPR studios with maybe a fiddle or two in tow. But Miracles of Modern Science are not a typical rock band. The group boasts a mandolin, upright bass, cello, violin, drums ...

Although Elephant Revival’s multi-instrumentalists all contribute to its Celtic-inspired harmonies, its the beautifully morose vocals of Bonnie Paine that best represents the band’s jammy jazz sound.

An upright or double bass provides the lowest tones in an orchestra, but also can play the rhythmic background to a jazz improvisation or the solid foundation of a bluegrass song. It can be played ...