Ida Gillner is very special musician based in Sweden, and in this episode you’ll hear the powerful story of her personal journey, embracing different cultures, and also the comforting power of music.  Ida is a multi-instrumentalist and composer; her main instruments are soprano saxophone, piano and voice.  In the first part of this episode we focus on her project Shtolstse lider, her songs set to the poetry of some of Yiddish’s greatest women writers. You’ll hear about Ida’s childhood on the island of Asperö, forging her own path in different world music traditions, and  the Finnish tango group Anna Heikkinen and Längtans Kapell.  We also talked about her solo album “Anna” dedicated to her sister, and how the process of writing and recording this healing music comforted her through the shock of her family’s loss. I have included detailed timestamps for all the topics covered and for the music, and you’ll find links to Ida and her musical projects below. Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on YouTube; that's linked here with the transcript on my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/ida-gillner The recommended episodes below are also linked directly on my website link to Ida's episode! You may also be interested in my episodes with:  Polina Shepherd, Marilyn Lerner,  Kavisha Mazzella, Ceara Conway, Kirsten Agresta Copely, Sophie Lukacs,  and Yale Strom, among so many. Ida Gillner Website https://idagillner.se/ Klez Canada complete video Mayn Heym: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_moFp3o_ho Sign up for my Podcast Newsletter!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Very Cool Merch⁠⁠ Buy me a coffee? ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠⁠ Thanks! Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (02:11)Gothenburg, Sweden,  (3:09) Sholtse lider project songs Yiddish poetry women writers (12:06) excerpt from Mayn Heym by Anna Margolin (16:03)Anna Margolin’s life (23:50) Shtoltse Lider with Livet Nord and before with Louise Vase (25:55)Celia Dropkin (29:17)  Ickh hob dikh nokh nit gezen from the Shtoltse Lider album with vocalist Louise Vase, poem by Celia Dropkin (31:37) Rachel Korn, Holocaust survivors in Sweden, Yiddish (35:08) how Ida got interested in Klezmer and Yiddish (38:21) Ida’s childhood, the Södra Archipelago,  Asperö island Sweden (42:15) music education and family encouragement (48:01) Finnish war children in Sweden, Anna Heikkinen and Längtans Kapell quartet (51:38) Apeltango with Anna Heikkinen and Längtans Kapell quartet, from the album Omenatango (55:11) other episodes of interest, ways to support this series (56:11) Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow, learning Yiddish (01:06:32) Anna, grieving her sister (01:12:05) “Sommersång it stilla tid och barfotadans på klippor” from Anna (01:15:21) healing process of creating the album (01:19:30) Flyga from Anna (01:23:34) balancing a career in music with family life, working with El Sistema (01:27:29) upcoming projects, new piano album, collaborations photo: Ellika Henrikson

DeWitt Fleming Jr. is a multi-talented and brilliant performer, renowned for his tap dancing, choreography and acting, and is also a singer and drummer. As he said to me in this interview “when I’m tap dancing I’m drumming”. You’ll hear about his experience growing up in the Projects, the importance of attending an Arts high school, the usefulness of theatre training for musicians, and insights into memorization, mindset and performing. He shared his experiences working with Wynton Marsalis, meeting his wife the actor and singer Jennie Harney-Fleming, with whom he’s presently performing A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical,  his experiences with Cirque du Soleil and touring internationally with Riverdance, and most recently playing both drums and performing tap with the Hot Sardines in Tokyo.  Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast on all the podcast platforms, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website, everything linked here : https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/dewitt-fleming-jr DeWitt Fleming Jr. Website: https://www.dewittflemingjr.com/bio Sign up for my Podcast Newsletter!⁠ ⁠Very Cool Merch⁠ Buy me a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Thanks! You may be also interested in my episodes with ⁠J. Walter Hawkes,⁠ ⁠Vahn Black⁠,⁠ Mike Essoudry⁠, ⁠Destiny Muhammad⁠, ⁠EmmoLei Sankofa⁠, ⁠Kellylee Evans⁠ and so many ⁠others. ⁠  “Doxy” highlighting DeWitt’s tap dancing with saxophonist Erica von Kleist; Sax & Taps’ this video which was recorded live at The Red Room in 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6-xm8DZY6c Sax & Taps’ album Intersplosion! https://saxandtaps.bandcamp.com/album/intersplosion-live-at-dizzys-club clips of DeWitt dancing with  Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGl6svIDzNc  Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (02:48) history of tap, African roots  (09:26) DeWitt’s youth Projects of Washington DC, Hoofin’ out of the Hood show (17:54) meeting his wife Jennie Harney-Fleming, parenting (22:16) A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical (23:30) choreography, Broadway  (26:56) benefits of drama training (29:31) clip from Doxy, Sax & Taps with Erica von Kleist (32:28) other episodes you may like, and different ways to support this series! (33:15) drummer, Blue Note Tokyo with The Hot Sardines (36:47) Cirque du Soleil experience, Broadway Underground (43:06) meeting and working with Wynton Marsalis (50:24) tap dancing, mentoring and teaching youth, the importance of theater (56:10) connections with music, acting, dancing (59:38) touring internationally with Riverdance (01:02:35) Alicia Keys (01:04:57) balance between playing drums and dancing, being in the moment, tap is music

I was honored to be able to record this wide-ranging interview with violinist Yale Strom, who is the leading ethnographer-artist of Klezmer music and history, and also has done many years of research among the Roma communities. He speaks to us about some of his many inspiring experiences during over 75 research expeditions to Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans. To prepare for this episode, I read several of his books, including his 400 page The Book of Klezmer: The History, The Music, The Folklore, some of which we touched on during this conversation, and he also spoke about two of his upcoming books and other projects. Yale is an energetic and prolific creator; he’s also a filmmaker, photographer, educator, playwright and composer, and we spoke about many of his projects during this wide-ranging interview.  Timestamps below. https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/yale-strom Video Transcript Yale Strom Website To support this series, please either buy me a coffee or shop at my merchandise store Newsletter sign-up You may be also interested in these episodes:  Alicia Svigals (both episodes linked) Polina Shepherd, Josh “Socalled” Dolgin, and Marilyn Lerner.   Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (02:29) Yale’s career as ethnographer-artist (04:03) Stoliner shul concert in Detroit Victory Fellowship Baptist Church (10:44)  Oberek Palota, Klezmer music from Slovakia, from the album “Borsht with Bread, Brothers” with Yale Strom and Hot Pstromi (14:34) ethnographic research, Wandering Feast book, Yiddish, meeting Holocaust survivors (24:43)The Witches of Lublin (27:26) Dire Gelt from The Devil’s Brides with Yale Strom and Hot Pstromi, vocals with Elizabeth Schwartz (31:10) Yale Strom’s films The Last Klezmer, A Great Day in Eldridge Street, the Man from Munkasc, An American Socialist, the Life and Times of Eugene Victor Debs (35:09)Leopold Kozlowski, The Last Klezmer, Naftuli Brandwein (39:33) Rom musicians, book Uncertain Roads, Searching for the Gypsies, connections with the Jews (49:46) Klezmer loshn secret language and culture (58:46) the lost Stoliner Weinstein manuscript, upcoming book  (01:07:02) other episodes with Klezmer musicians and ways to support this series (01:07:42) Yale’s compositions and commissions (01:17:28) Dave Tarras (01:22:19) Influences of Klezmer and Romani on Russian school of violin playing, Oistrach, Auer (01:29:25) Shimmering Lights album, Sara Caswell, influences of prayers on Klezmer (01:33:53) excerpt from Bashir Mizmor, Shimmering Lights album Yale Strom’s Broken Consort, with Sara Caswell improv  (01:35:56) The Expulsion of the Jews, Sephardic communities research (01:43:33) Schlomo books, new musical about the Chagalls, Sweet Fragrance of Life

Nimrod Borenstein is a brilliant composer, who was a child prodigy as both a composer and performer. His often complex music is beloved by performers and audiences alike, and has been widely recorded and performed internationally. He is also a renowned conductor, and he spoke to me about his difficult decision to cut short his career as a violin soloist in order to find alternate career options as he developed his career as a composer. Vladimir Ashkenazy has been an active champion of Nimrod’s music, and you’ll hear the charming story of their first meeting.  Ashkenazy first conducted Borenstein’s orchestral work The Big Bang and Creation of the Universe op. 52 to great acclaim, and the Chandos label released a very successful album devoted to Borenstein’s music conducted by Ashkenazy featuring his Violin Concerto and orchestral works.   Nimrod shares his insights about interpreting music for performers and conductors, the development of his compositional style and his views on creativity in general. Nimrod has an infectious energy in his enthusiasm for the pursuit of beauty.  Nimrod has exceptional parents, and you’ll hear how they met, and we start with Nimrod’s close relationship to his father the renowned painter Alec Borenstein.  You’ll be hearing excerpts from a couple of recordings, with thanks to both SOMM recordings and Naxos; links to Nimrod Borenstein's compositions and recordings below This episode is also a captioned video on YouTube, and you can read the transcript at this link as well: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/nimrod-borenstein Nimrod Borenstein website, for his discography, compositions and current projects: https://www.nimrod-borenstein.com/recordings To support this series, please either buy me a coffee or shop at my merchandise store Newsletter sign-up Catalog of Episodes Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:27) father Alec Borenstein, sharing ideas about great art and creativity (10:44) Un moment de sérénité Shirim, op. 94, no. 5  performed by pianist Clélia Iruzun with thanks to SOMM recordings (13:24) the importance of contrast (15:06) importance of dynamics, notation, interpretation (18:04) evolution of Nimrod’s compositions,  decision to give up career as a violin soloist  (22:37)Concertos (24:51) piano Etudes (30:11) Tango Etude. op. 66 No. 3 on the Naxos label with pianist Tra Nguyen (32:32) piano Etudes, first symphony (35:24) Chopin performed very little, Nimrod’s decision to prioritize composition (36:41)decision to conduct (43:47) excerpt from the 3rd movement of the Borenstein Concerto for Piano and Orchestra op. 91, performed by Clélia Iruzun and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Nimrod Borenstein conductor (47:11) conducting, composition and interpretation (55:35)past episodes you may enjoy, different ways to support this series (56:20) English Chamber Orchestra 2025 collaboration Shakespeare Songs (57:16)how Vladimir Ashkenazy became a champion of Nimrod’s compositions (01:06:38) evolution of Nimrod’s compositional style, use of polyrhythms, finding his voice (01:24:09) excerpt from the 2nd movement of the Borenstein Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, op. 91, performed by Clélia Iruzun and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with Nimrod conducting. (01:27:31) Nimrod’s childhood in France, then move to the UK, musical influences, rating composers (01:37:32) Nimrod’s family  (01:42:55) piano pedagogy books and approach to teaching (01:48:42) great art separate from the creator photo: Sonia Fitoussi 

Mark Growden is a brilliant, curious, and expressive American multi-faceted musician.  He’s a multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer, music educator, conductor, and visual artist. In this episode we focus on his large and varied instrument collection and he demonstrates several unusual instruments, including different jaw harps, biclycle handebars, and overtone flutes. He shares his unique journey, and how he developed new skills in response to different challenges and opportunities. I was fascinated to hear about his inspiring recent trip to Kyrgyzstan, about many of his mentors and collaborators, and his expressive approach to musicianship training.   Mark has devoted his life to making music for other people and to helping other people make music for themselves, and he is an advocate for openess about respect and understanding for people with neurodivergence and mood disorders. Mark  is the founder and Artistic Director of The Calling All Choir, The Chromatic Community Music Center, SF SingFest, and The SF Jaw Harp Choir. He has released several critically acclaimed albums and has toured the US extensively. He has composed original musical scores for dozens of dance and theater companies and scored several films. We are featuring music from 3 of his albums during this episode and you’ll find his discography linked below.  This episode on YouTube, and the transcript: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/mark-growden Mark Growden website: https://markgrowden.org To support this series, please either buy me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman or shop at my merchandise store: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about You may be also interested in my episodes with other wide-ranging musicians involved in community music, instrument-making and exploring, such as with Linsey Pollak, Kavisha Mazzella, Philip Griffin, Polina Shepherd, Jesse Stewart, Sarah Jeffery, and Gary Muszynski. Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (03:16) Kyrgyzstan, Irina Bogatyryova, jaw harp music, Kutman Sultanbekov (08:25) overtone flutes, bicycle handlebars, selijefloyte (14:06) jaw harp history and demo (17:32) jaw harp technique  (21:21)clip from bicycle handlebars improvisation on Mark’s  album Saint Judas (22:02) in-blown flutes, interdental embouchure, Central Asian flutes (28:23) Mark’s childhood, music education, bands  (31:24)Orff Schulwerk,  Blues (35:05) New Orleans, writing for choirs, leading Community Sings (42:36) Mark’s early music education (46:53) Driving into the Sunrise, from In Velvet with the New Orleans Heavies and Mark Growden (50:20) other episodes you may like and different ways to support this series (51:07) Juggling, busking, bands, digeridoo, studying art, jazz (53:04) Kodaly method (55:11) Mark’s approach to teaching musicianship, hearing intervals according to function (59:11) how Mark got into singing and choral direction, claw hammer banjo, album Lose me in the sand (01:04:26) Shady Grove from Lose me in the sand (01:08:53) move to Portland, show for the Getty museum Edyth Eyde (01:16:15) Aron Szilagyi jaw harp festival World Vibes Hungary (01:17:53) bass jaw harp demo (01:19:06) Lithuanian psaltery tuned in whole tones, Veljo Tormis Tabu, kankles psaltery (01:22:07) video music art new projects (01:25:47) mentors Vance George, Alice Parker, Michael Kaulkin (01:31:50) living and creating with bipolar type 2 and ADHD

Omo Bello is an acclaimed French-Nigerian operatic soprano , and in this episode we are focussing on her newly-released album “African Art Song” on Somm recordings with pianist Rebeca Omordia. Many of you heard my episode this past summer with pianist and curator of the African Concert Series, Rebeca Omordia, and I’ll be linking that episode below for you.   Omo talked to me about overcoming shyness and stage fright,  her childhood and university years in Lagos, Nigeria, and some of her mentors including Grace Bumbry and Thomas Quasthoff.  I was fascinated to gain insights from her life as an opera singer, and to learn about many of the composers from Africa and the African diaspora featured on this wonderful album, including Ayo Bankole, Fred Onovwerosuoke,  Ishaya Yaron, Chirstian Onyeji and Shirley Thompson .   Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast on all the podcast platforms, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website:  https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/omo-bello Episode with Rebeca Omordia: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/rebeca-omordia-african-pianism African Art Song album: https://somm-recordings.com/recording/african-art-song/ Omo Bello website: http://www.omobello.com/about.html Omo Bello instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omo_bello Merch store to support this series: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Buy me a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Linktree Social Media: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman photo: Vincent Pontet Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:53) African Art Song album with Rebeca Omordia (09:12) Ayo Bankole (10:40) Ayo Banko’s Adura fun Alafia Prayer for Peace (14:22) Ayo Bankole (17:00) Omo’s childhood and university years in Lagos (32:22) Fred Onovwerosuoke, cultural context to interpret this music (39:13)  excerpt of “Ngulu” by Fred Onovwerosuoke  (40:11) the voice as instrument (44:49) other episodes you may like, and different ways to support this series (45:33) Grace Bumbry (53:44) Shirley Thompson (58:15) excerpt from  Shirley Thompson’s "Psalm to Windrush” (59:44) Omo Bello Music Foundation in Nigeria (01:07:47) Ishaya Yarison (01:10:26) excerpt from Ishaya Yarison’s Ku zo, mu raira waƙa  (01:11:54) Christian Onyegi, African Art Song album themes (01:15:34) Giri Giri by Christian Onyegi (01:17:31) percussionist Richard Olatunde Baker on the album, transmitting oral tradition of the music (01:20:46) challenges in music education in France (01:28:17) Thomas Quastoff, Des Knaben Wunderhorn album (01:34:21) challenges and joys of an opera singer

Gilad Weiss takes us on a visit to his music studio and improvises on several of his instruments, including the fretless guitar, and some of the instruments from Turkey and Central Asia, such as the kopuz, the baglama and the Turkmenistani dutar. He also spoke to me about his duo project with the Anatolian kamanche player Melisa Yildirim and we’re including a track from their beautiful album, which is linked below, along with Gilad’s album Improvisations on Fretless Guitar Volume 1, and the ways to connect with Gilad. He shared his valuable insights about teaching music, and teaching the guitar, improvisation and interesting details about the modes and tuning systems for the various instruments he demonstrates. This episode has a lot of improvised music; Gilad spent much of the interview with an instrument in his hand; please use the detailed timestamps (below) to navigate the episode, which like all my episodes you can either watch on my YouTube or listen to on all the podcast platforms, and the transcript is here too: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/gilad-weiss https://giladweiss.bandcamp.com/album/improvisations-on-fretless-guitar https://www.youtube.com/@TheShfanfan https://www.facebook.com/giladweis https://www.instagram.com/gilad.weiss.hadad/ https://talus.info/ It’s a joy to be able to bring these meaningful conversations to you, but this project costs me quite a bit of money and lots of time; please support this series through either my merchandise store or on my Ko-fi page: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Here's the merchandise store: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter You may be also interested in my episodes with lutenist Elizabeth Pallett, guitarists including masters Derek Gripper, Daniel Ramjattan, or Marc van Vugt, along with many episodes featuring traditional and improvised music from around the world.  Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ photo: Daria Perelmuter  Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (02:24) saz, dutar, guitar, fingernails (06:31) intro to “Late Night” from Improvisations on Fretless Guitar, Volume 1 (07:16)fretless guitar “Late Night” from Improvisations on Fretless Guitar, Volume 1 (11:50) Gilad’s fretless guitar, Erkan Oğur  (14:29) fretless guitar improvisation (16:30) album with kamancheh player Melisa Yildirim (24:49) Yeldeğirmeni Zeybeği | Windmill Zeybek from Talûs with Melisa Yildirim and Gilad (28:11) musical experiences in Turkey, Engin Topuzkanamış (33:40) kopuz (tambur) history and demo, tuning system (36:50) kopuz improv (39:37) huseyni mode and tuning systems  (43:18) kopuz improv (44:00) kisa sap baglama  (46:23) other episode you will enjoy, different ways to support this series (47:15) different playing techniques, history of microtonal frets (55:48) tambur  (58:46) Turkmensitani dutar  (01:04:08) Gilad’s early musical influences (01:11:07) Gilad’s approach to teaching music and guitar (01:18:25) improvising and different approaches to learning  (01:28:35) different guitars, approach to tuning and teaching guitar (01:34:44) next recording project

I was honoured to have this opportunity to record this conversation with the phenomenal violinist Sara Caswell, who is a GRAMMY Nominee for the Best Improvised Jazz Solo. We focused on the recent 9 Horses album, Strum with mandolinist and composer Joseph Brent, and she also spoke to me about some of her other collaborators including esperanza spalding, Chuck Owen, Nadje Noordhuis, and mentors including David Baker, Mimi Zweig and Josef Gingold. She shared how she started playing the 10 stringed Hardanger d’amore, her rich early musical life in Bloomington, and how she is grounded and inspired from her family and friends.  You can read the transcript or watch the video, both linked here on my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/sara-caswell  https://9horses.bandcamp.com/album/strum https://saracaswell.com/ Merchandise store: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Buy me a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about photo: Shervin Lainez Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:19) 9 Horses album Strum, Joe Brent (07:12) clip from The House that Ate Myself, 9 horses album Strum (08:30) 9 horses trio and different recording projects (11:50) clip from Americannia from 9 horses ablum Strum (13:09) acoustic versus electric violin (15:06) about Sara’s Hardanger d’amore fiddle (23:00) clip from Long Time Away  (25:27) Sara’s approach to teaching jazz (28:33) GRAMMY nomination, Chuck Owen the Jazz Surge (32:59) Sara Caswell quartet The Way to You, Nadje Noorduis (34:26) excerpt from South Shore  Sara Caswell quartet The Way to You by Nadje Noorduis (37:30) early musical life in Bloomington, David Baker, supportive parents, Mimi Zweig (40:55) Josef Gingold (48:14) related episodes and ways to support this project (48:57) Bloomington years with David Baker, Jamey Abersold, Janis Stockhouse, Stanley Ritchie (53:32) New York early years, John Blake, Sylvia Rosenberg (56:47) clip from Jennie Pop Nettle-Eater (57:22) meeting Joe Brent (59:18) esperanza spalding (01:02:54) the joy of collaboration (01:04:31) clip from Strum (01:05:19) work-life balance and self-care

Mark Deutsch is a brilliant and unique musician who has devoted the last 3 decades of his life to his instrument the Bazantar, which is unique to him. There is only one Bazantar, which is a double bass hybrid with elements of the sitar:  it has 6 main strings, 4 drone strings, and 29 sympathetic strings. Mark grew up as a multi-instrumentalist, but primarily a classical, jazz and rock bass player, and gave up a successful career as a performer to devote himself to the Bazantar. While studying sitar with Ustad Imrat Khan, Mark begin delving into the universal fundamentals of music and its underlying frequency structures. The nonlinear mathematical patterns that exist in sound are found universally in the natural world, includeng seashells, and Mark goes into some of the math of the overtone series in some detail, as well as fascinating specifics of how the Bazantar and his playing of it have evolved.  You’ll hear Mark talk about how he developed his patented engineering solution to construct a separate housing for the sympathetic strings. In this episode, Mark demonstrated live, and also is sharing not only excerpts from previously released recordings, but a preview from an upcoming album.  Mark Deutsch website https://bazantar.com/ Podcast website with Transcript and Video link: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/mark-deutsch-and-his-bazantar Buy me a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Merchandise store to support the podcast: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:16) Mark’s background, sitar, and inspiration for creating the Bazantar (10:52) Bazantar music: excerpt from Lahja from the Picasso Tunings (12:13) studying sitar with Imrat Khan (14:10) Alain Danielou’s book Music and the Power of Sound, the math of frequencies and music (18:14) building the Bazantar (22:17) excerpt from Avodah from the album Fool (23:32) Prehistoric Planet (25:09) 8Dio samples, different tunings and playing techniques (34:19) Bazantar demo (39:37) Other episodes you’ll like and different ways to support this series! (40:54) sympathetic strings with demo (44:09) excerpt from The Crooked Road from The Picasso Tunings (45:04) prototypes and the patented engineering solution to the Bazantar (55:55) different bridge designs  (58:46) improvisation plucked Bazantar (01:04:13) cross-country tour stories with the Bazantar, Mark’s musical interests (01:08:38) different approaches to improvisation, learning to play what you’re hearing (01:14:05) Mark’s approach to teaching and playing (01:21:50) first album “Fool” with both sitar and Bazantar (01:25:40) excerpt from Painted Bird on Fool (01:26:58) fasting (01:29:00) Picasso Tunings albums (01:31:45) Antique Slippers, 8th movement from the Picasso Tunings (01:35:25) decision to move to San Franciso, different tunings (01:39:18) special effect with just the sympathetic strings with demo from unreleased recording Bardo (01:42:29) Jaron Lanier, Quincy Jones disbelief (01:44:13) more Bazantar demos, ideas about improvisation, background to Kundalini Rising (01:51:54) excerpt from Kundalini Rising from Fool (01:52:55) more demos and the math of the harmonics and frequencies, developing the Bazantar (02:08:25) Mark’s approach to improvisation

Trumpeter, composer and conductor Stephen Burns is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Fulcrum Point New Music Project in Chicago. He has been acclaimed on four continents for his virtuosity and interpretative depth in recitals, orchestral appearances, chamber music, and multi-media performances.In this interview you’ll hear him talk about some of his mentors including Arnold Jacobs, and Pierre Thibaud. Stephen Burns won several important competitions and awards which helped launch his solo career at a young age,  the Maurice André Concours International de Paris, but touring internationally brings challenges which he discussed candidly with me. Stephen has worked closely with Madeline Bruser and is a certified teacher in the Art of Practicing.  We talked about mindfulness, the importance of a  student-centered approach to teaching, the deep connection to your audience, programming innovative programs, and specific advice for not only brass players and musicians, but for all of us. See Timestamps below for the topics covered.  Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/stephen-burns Stephen Burns Fulcrum Point: https://www.fulcrumpoint.org/founder Episode with Madeline Bruser: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/madeline-bruser Telemann: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m5b5ZQtTEQjEfrDUAsQv6qjxLVALKEV0E Hindemith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmHwJbYls5Y&list=OLAK5uy_nUp5ihSm80-NXa1Zk5nGGEqvsh7PvWQ6o&index=5 Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ photo: Josh R Zepka Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:13) Madeline Bruser, The Art of Practicing, Buddhist principles (07:05) Fulcrum Point New Music Project, programming concerts (16:02)  Hindemith Sonata for Trumpet 2nd mvt Maessig bewegt with David Korevaar on piano (18:45) middle school band teacher Dan Riley (26:13) making the decision to pursue music as a career (33:33) moving to New York (35:03) Telemann Concerto in D Major, 1st mvt Adagio (35:18) overcoming injury, Armando Ghitalla, Vince Penzerella (41:44) realistic goals for musicians, finding what makes you happy (44:51) the personal challenges of an international touring career (48:48) moving to Indiana then Chicago (53:33) teaching Mindfulness for Musicians (55:48) other episodes of interest and ways to support this series (56:37) Arnold Jacobs (01:01:26) Telemann’s Trumpet concert  in D Major; the  last mvt Allegro (01:01:24) the importance of body awareness, working with dancers Martha Clarke, Ruby Shang, overcoming injuries (01:07:54) advice for brass players, Pierre Thibaud, Madeline Bruser (01:15:44) Stephen’s teaching, online challenges (01:18:40) stage fright, performance anxiety, Arnold Jacobs, Brass playing concepts of sound, building trust (01:32:58) a life of travel (01:39:22) the most important aspects of mindset, Bobby Shew, George Zan, Madeline Bruser

This episode is a special short Catch-Up episode with the Klezmer violinist and composer Alicia Svigals. I first spoke with her in 2021 in Season 1 of this podcast, and that wide-ranging in-depth conversation is here: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/e15-s1-alicia-svigals-klezmer-violinist-and-composer Today we are focusing on Alicia’s new album Fidl Afire https://borschtbeat.bandcamp.com/album/fidl-afire, with several excerpts from the album with her insights.  Alicia Svigals website: https://aliciasvigals.com/home I have many episodes featuring klezmer musicians such as Polina Shepherd https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/polina-shepherd and Marilyn Lerner https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/marilyn-lerner, and many artists in the folk and world music scene, so please check out my catalog of episodes. https://www.leahroseman.com/about Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on YouTube, or read the transcript, everything linked here: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/alicia-svigals-catch-up-fidl-afire Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Thanks! Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Timestamps (00:00)Intro (01:18)Fidl Afire album (05:17)excerpt from Alician’s Patsch Tants (10:38) excerpt from Mayn Mame Ver Ikh featuring Vira Lozinsky (15:57) excerpt from Dybbuk Honga (18:57) excerpt from South Fallsburg Bulgar (21:36) excerpt from Fidl Afire Fantasy (23:44) excerpt from Levitt Bulgar

Meg Okura is an award-winning Jazz composer and brilliant Grammy-nominated violinist, and the leader and founder of the  Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble. This episode features several excerpts from Meg’s wonderful recent duo album “Lingering” with the Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and composer  Kevin Hays. This  was a wide-ranging conversation, including Meg’s musical tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto, her experiences playing for Cirque du Soleil,  some of the challenges she’s faced, and about her search for a new spiritual community.  She shared with me her thoughts on mentorship and the power of music to create real understanding and connection.   Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/meg-okura Album Lingering: https://megokurakevinhays.bandcamp.com/album/lingering Meg Okura Website https://www.megokura.com/home Phantasmagoria: https://open.spotify.com/track/4YG1HjeJF3qgK2AsmiqcXh Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (02:19) meeting Kevin Hays, album “Lingering” (06:49) Again and Again (10:18) intro to Maim Korim  (11:25) Maim Korim (15:07) Meg’s classical training, early interest in composing was discouraged, Pan-Asian Youth orchestra experience (19:56) commentary on Will You Hear My Voice  (21:56) excerpt from Will You Hear My Voice  (23:06)  finding her own path into jazz in New York, influences and opportunities (27:41) BMI Jazz composers workshop (29:30) founding the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble  (40:38) excerpt from Tomiya Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble from album Ima Ima (42:09) Ryuichi Sakamoto tribute project (47:02) Michael Brecker, new album with Randy Brecker (48:54) ISJAC prize, Silent Screams: an Anthem for the Unheard  (50:18) commission to write trio Phantasmagoria for Tasha Warren and Dave Eggar, writing for classical ensembles (56:00) excerpt from Phantasmagoria  (57:23) parenting decisions, importance of education and community, decision to convert to Judaism (01:08:42) changes with education and music online (01:11:36) coommentary on Shamaim  (01:13:28) excerpt from Shamaim (01:15:50) different ways you can support this independent podcast (01:16:43) the importance of intuition and emotion in musical composition and improvisation (01:23:06) commentary on Lingering, nostalgia and changing sense of self as we age (01:26:10) excerpt from Lingering (01:28:02) use of electric violin as a tool for composition and in performances (01:29:54) Scorchio Quartet, David Bowie, Sirius quartet, Pharaoh’s Daughter (01:35:10) Cirque du Soleil, decision to return to New York, marriage to Sam Newsome, learning jazz (01:43:19) the importance of mentorship, community, the healing power of music

I have known the Canadian cellist Julia MacLaine for many years in her role asAssistant Principal Cello of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, of which I am also a member. In this episode we’re highlighting her gorgeous album Preludes which pairs the Preludes of J.S. Bach for Cello solo and with newly commissioned works for solo cello by Canadian composers.  Julia and I talked about many things, including how best to address  the challenges of maintaining high levels of playing and inspiration, studying the craft of songwriting with the legendary Ian Tamblyn , the intricacies of putting together ambitious projects,  her childhood in Prince Edward Island,  and strategies to cope with performance anxiety. It was really inspiring to hear some of the wisdom Julia gained from her mentors including Timothy Eddy and the late Antonio Lysy. This episode features excerpts of music from Preludes including that of J.S. Bach, Airat Ichmouratov, Carmen Braden, Roy Johnstone and Nicole Lizée.   Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website, everything linked here: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/julia-maclaine Julia MacLaine website: https://www.juliamaclainecello.com/bio Preludes album https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9309403--preludes?srsltid=AfmBOoop593ZT29pz3RSsEMawTjbiHPF_8oMICuS2ruzUn1Qo2dkujCn Preludes album on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC80c6WS5jNMk-L5RhXOknCA Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ My episode with Rachel Mercer, Principal Cellist of NACO: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/e9-s2-rachel-mercer Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:02) J.S. Bach solo Preludes, Julia’s childhood in Singapore and Prince Edward Island (10:59) Prelude in D minor, Suite number 2 J.S. Bach (14:43) Antonio Lysy, bow control, intonation (20:03) boundaries with technology, Julia’s childhood no TV (22:48) Bonnie Hampton, Julia’s career trajectory, staying in good playing shape (28:08) commissioning Airat Ichmouratov’s Praeludium with excerpt (29:30) excerpt from Airat Ichmouratov’s Praeludium (31:33) commissioning new works inspired by Bach, securing funding (34:30) Carmen Braden collaboration on interpretation (37:44) excerpt from Play Time by Carmen Braden (39:01)more discussion about interpretation and editions (39:59) Timothy Eddy, Julliard and New York experience (44:22) different ways you can support this independent podcast! (45:15) Roy Johnstone (46:36) clip of No. 6 Post Bach by Roy Johnstone (47:52) PEI, Matt Zimbel (48:51) multi-disciplinary project in New York Voice of the Whale (54:38) songwriting with Ian Tamblyn (57:48) mental game, perfectionism, performance anxiety  (01:04:33) Nicole Lizée with clip from Prayers for Ruins (01:06:44) balancing family life as a musician (01:10:53) choosing repertoire (01:14:09) performance anxiety (stagefright), Don Greene photo: Stewart MacLaine

This special Catch-Up episode with the Dutch singer Ineke Vandoorn focuses on her album with Jasper van ’t Hof, “Dancing on Water”, with lots of music from the album. You’ll also get to hear of her inspirational experience learning from Betty Carter.  When Ineke Vandoorn won the prestigous Edison Jazz Award for her album ‘Love is a Golden Glue’ the jury wrote:"Ineke Vandoorn distinguishes herself as a singer with her adventurous way of singing. First of all because of her exceptional, striking voice with an extreme range with which she can do anything. Her voice control enables her to cross her limits. Every note is placed at the right spot. Apart from that the singer has a huge amount of guts." I couldn’t agree more! It was such a pleasure to have this opportunity to speak with Ineke again. My 2023 episode with her is here, during which she sang live for the podcast: 2023 Interview https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/ineke-vandoorn Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website, everything linked here: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/ineke-vandoorn-dancing-on-water Ineke's website https://www.inekevandoorn.com/ Dancing on Water album https://baiximrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dancing-on-water Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:54) about the album “Dancing on Water” with Jasper van ’t Hof (03:17) Paul Simon song “Quiet” with excerpt (05:59) process of creating the album (07:40) meeting Betty Carter (11:30) Marsch Fur Oelze with excerpt (13:03) Yayapriya with excerpt (16:35) please support this indepedent podcast! (17:18) Quiet American with clips (21:04) challenges of writing lyrics, The Way She Looks with clip (24:30) about Dance on the Water, with complete song (31:27) the satisfying challenge of this project

Joe K. Walsh is an acclaimed master of bluegrass mandolin and a professor at Berklee College, and in this episode you’ll hear about many of his inspiring collaborations including with Darol Anger, Mike Block, Grant Gordy, Alex Hargreaves and Mike Marshall. We are also featuring some music from some of his albums inluding “If Not Now, Who?” We talked about Joe’s approach as an educator, the challenges and joys of the touring life, the importance of innovation and taking chances musically. Joe’s love of music and the mandolin shines brightly in this candid conversation. Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/joe-k-walsh Albums featured in this episode: https://garrisongordyhargreaveswalsh.bandcamp.com/album/bluegrass-and-the-abstract-truth https://joewalsh.bandcamp.com/album/if-not-now-who https://joewalsh.bandcamp.com/album/borderland Joe K. Walsh website: ⁠ https://joekwalsh.com/⁠ Buy me a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! Merch store: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:28) Aaron Weinstein, Joe’s search for a different approach, “If Not Now, Who?” album (07:23) Tom from “If Not Now, Who?” (11:48) recording the album, Joe’s student days at Berklee, teaching approach (19:01) songwriting (20:41) Innisfree from “Borderland” (24:10) Gibson Brothers, experience of touring (28:40) mandolin family, David Grisman, Daryl Anger, Mr. Sun, Ger Mandolin Ensemble Mike Marshall (36:12) Joy Kills Sorrow, maturing and working with different generations in the music business (39:20) Daryl Anger, dangers of perfectionism in recordings (41:43) please support this independent podcast (42:35) healthy mindsets, Adam Hurt, creativity, teaching (50:42) decision to pursue music professionally, early influences (53:09) Grant Gordy, Mike Block, the value of music for community (57:31) practicing the mandolin, transcribing, dealing with injuries (01:02:07) mandolin demo Chinkapin Hunting (01:04:02) Steve Gilchrist luthier, Bluegrass and mandolin community worldwide (01:09:47) “Bluegrass and the Abstract Truth”, Alex Hargreaves, memorizing music (01:15:07) Mahjong from “Bluegrass and the Abstract Truth” (01:18:03) meeting Joe Walsh story (01:19:18) reflecting on the mental game

This episode features Bad Snacks, a producer and multi-instrumentalist known for the use of violin, with lofi and dance influences. We talked about her experience when she went viral on Andrew Huang’s “4 Producers Flip the Same Sample” challenge with over 4.5M views, dealing with online boundaries, with sexism, finding inspiration, and  enjoying the learning process. Bad Snacks is also an educator; she coaches fellow producers privately, runs a successful YouTube channel where she posts content related to music technology and beat breakdowns. Due to her love for cutting-edge music tech, she has worked as a key demonstrator with several of the industry’s largest names like Ableton, Roland,  and Moog. She has also taught as an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music for Electronic Production & Design. We talked about her unique educational path and choices she’s made along the way to carve out a successful career, and in fact what success really means. She spoke thoughtfully about important topics such as music education, developing creativity, imposter syndrome and keeping a healthy perspective. Video and transcript link: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/bad-snacks Bad Snacks Website: https://www.lilbadsnacks.com/ Bad Snack’s My Pedals for Synth Violin video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2thGDywkg18&t=1s Original Merch to support the podcast: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! ⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:01) Bad Snacks path into making beats, developing her sound with violin demo (10:49) Google Audio Library with excerpt (12:45) Andrew Huang’s 4 Producers Flip the Same Sample (19:36) name Bad Snacks, Home Music EP hybrid style (24:57) clip from iiwannabe (25:47) collaboration with chromonicci like u do with clip (31:38) decision not to go to Berklee college (35:06) different ways to support this independent podcast (35:58) making difficult life decisions, bathtub bumps clip, using different sequencers (43:11) cassette tapes (45:14) imposter syndrome, healthy mindsets, interacting with online community (51:35) finding her own path in music, early education (58:31) Brainfeeder’s The Hit, Flying Lotus (01:02:11) Dot mentorship, creativity exercise, dealing with sexism in the industry (01:09:34) teaching violin, teaching production (01:12:37) different ways of releasing and marketing music (01:16:57) neat tape 1, learning curve for each project, music clip (01:18:30) using the violin, sampling, festival circuit (01:26:42) expanding Home Music into a series, building community photo of Bad Snacks: June Jameson

This is a special stand-alone bonus episode featuring the the inspiring Australian artist, educator and author Maryanne Moodie who’s woven art graces the cover of the Collected Strands album Volume 1, which is being celebrated in the main episode connected to this one. I decided to release this stand-alone bonus for those listeners who are passionate about weaving and want to dive into the interview with Maryanne right away, but I have included a clip of our improvisation Solace as part of this episode, and you will find all the links in the description of this episode to listen to this music, and of course the links to Maryanne Moodie’s art, workshops, and books in the show notes as well. I feel that all my listeners who love music and creativity will find that Maryanne’s personal journey and perspectives will resonate strongly with them, and I hope some listeners in the weaving and art world will also be inspired by the musicians!  https://maryannemoodie.com/ Transcript https://www.leahroseman.com/blog/maryanne-moodie-interview Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUiiflQLnjM Collected Strands listen here: https://collectedstrands.bandcamp.com/album/volume-1 Streaming:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/collectedstrands/volume-1 Collected Strands mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/5bbfa0f0e271/collected-strands-updates Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/collected-strands-interview-with-maryanne-moodie Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Timestamps: (00:00) intro  (00:45) excerpt from Solace, from Volume 1 by Collected Strands improvising ensemble (which has Maryanne Moodie’s art on the cover) (01:26) more information (02:34) interview with Maryanne Moodie: her start in weaving, writing her books, nurturing our creativity (11:39) creating commissioned pieces, how the audience takes in art, the community of weavers

This is a special episode of my podcast, celebrating Volume 1 with my improvising ensemble Collected Strands. The other musicians in the group have all been featured previously on this series, and you’ll find the links to those episodes below, with cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne, pianist James McGowan and drummer Mike Essoudry. I’m also delighted that you will get to know the inspiring Australian artist, educator and author Maryanne Moodie who’s woven art graces the cover of this album. You’ll find the links to her work as well. I am also releasing the interview with Maryanne as a separate stand-alone bonus episode connected to this episode. I feel that all my listeners who love music and creativity will find that Maryanne’s personal journey and perspectives will resonate strongly with them, and I hope some listeners in the weaving and art world will also be inspired by the musicians!  We are including excerpts from the album during this episode, and you’ll find all the links to buy and stream this music below. You can listen here: ⁠https://collectedstrands.bandcamp.com/album/volume-1⁠ https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/collectedstrands/volume-1 Artist Maryanne Moodie: https://maryannemoodie.com/ Collected Strands mailing list https://mailchi.mp/5bbfa0f0e271/collected-strands-updates Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠⁠ Thanks! Video and transcript: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/collected-strands-interview-with-maryanne-moodie⁠ The musicians in Collected Strands have all been featured on previous episodes of this podcast, linked below: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/raphael-weinroth-browne https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/james-mcgowan https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/mike-essoudry-drummer Websites: https://jamesmcgowan.ca/ https://raphaelweinrothbrowne.com/ https://mikeessoudrymusic.com/bio Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Timestamps  (00:00) cold open with Raphael Weinroth-Browne   (00:48) excerpt from Solace, Volume 1 Collected Strands (01:44) intro about the episode, Maryanne Moodie (03:45) James and Leah talk about recording the album, the process of improvising (07:27) intro to Unsettled Night with excerpt (10:13) group discussion, Mike Essoudry using bass bow, creative process in improvisation (12:14) percussive, random textures intro to Chaotic Kittens with excerpt (15:15) Mike and James on creative process  (19:25) James and Leah on putting the album together, choosing titles, intro to Baroquinerie with clip (23:52) Raph’s perspectives on improvisation, group discussion  (34:51) Leah and James genres, improvised chamber music, intro to Summer’s Eve with clip (38:02) Interview with artist Maryanne Moodie: her start in weaving, writing her books, nurturing our creativity  creating commissions, how the audience takes in art, the community of weavers (55:08) ways you can support this podcast (56:02) group discussion, audiences (01:00:36) comments on  The Long Journey Home and Summer’s Eve, A Simple Magic (01:03:10) A Simple Magic photo of Collected Strands: Curtis Perry

Hillary Simms is a virtuosic Canadian trombone player with the esteemed American Brass Quintet and is on faculty at the Julliard School. Hillary’s warmth and love of music comes through in this candid interview, from her childhood in Newfoundland to playing on the world’s biggest stages, and also the unusual situation she found herself in when  her engagement to her husband became a viral sensation in China.  As the first woman to join the Amercian Brass Quintet since 1960,  Hillary spoke to me about gender disparity in the brass world and some of her strong female role models.    Hillary shares wonderful insights for all of us, whether you pursue music as a career or follow a different path,  of the need to have self-compassion and have an awareness of the big picture of your life.  Hillary has performed as a soloist a couple of times with my orchestra, Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, and you’ll hear us talk about the arc of her career so far as a chamber musician, soloist, educator and busy freelancer. We decided to delay the release of this episode slightly in order to include a wonderful recent recording of the Amercian Brass Quintet, a movement from David Biedenbender’s wonderful work Sacred Geometry. This is the first recording of the group with Hillary performing,  and you’ll find more information and links below.  You'll find the video and transcript here: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/hillary-simms Hillary Simms website: https://www.hillarysimmstrombone.com/ American Brass Quintet: https://www.americanbrassquintet.org/ ABQ Sacred Geometry Il. Gaudi by David Biedenbender https://youtu.be/YOBA2gjpnKo?si=PNJHPuQ3ZOPS_pAV Song for Japan Trombone Quintet https://youtu.be/2lVH_vesCUA?si=iD2fZsxKWi0TNDg8 Songs My Mother Taught Me by Charles Ives https://youtu.be/I7ZdF-gH9mg?si=YwJ1T4t2K2sSdy6Y Hillary Simms with NACO https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/27460 Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Timestamps: (00:00) intro (04:02) solo opportunites with NACO pandemic, Tomasi, David, Raum (08:26) American Brass Quintet, Julliard teaching, auditioning for ABQ (14:10) commissioning new compositions (20:41) second movement,Gaudi, from Sacred Geometry by David Biedenbender (25:29) recital in Toronto, Charles Ives songs (27:51) Songs My Mother Taught Me by Charles Ives (27:49) benefits of singing (31:44) Hillary’s story of becoming a  trombone player (37:55) Newfoundland (39:49) different ways to support this independent podcast! (40:43) Hillary’s career path and love of chamber music, Dr. Karen Bulmer, Douglas Burden (47:39) Gord Wolfe trombone mentor, getting through burnout (50:47) husband Ricky Nan, the strangeness of being part of a viral sensation (56:36) need for mentorship (01:00:10) recording the Song for Japan video, help from Zach Haas (01:04:42)  Song for Japan by Steven Verhelst  (01:11:00) self-care and routine, practice routine (01:15:54) gender disparity, female role models (01:21:16) Michael Mulcahy, playing with Chicago symphony (01:25:58) advice for musicians

Concert pianist Rebeca Omordia, has just released her second African Pianism album, volume 2, which was just named Editor’s Choice in the Gramophone Magazine,  and it is a fascinating and beautiful kaleidoscope of piano works from West Africa, North Africa, South Africa and East Africa. Rebeca spoke to me about her extensive research about these composers, varied styles, and the different traditional music traditions which are often at the heart of this music.  We talked about  her experiences growing up in Romania with a Romanian mother and a Nigerian father. Now based in London, Rebeca spoke to me about The African Concert Series at Wigmore Hall, and  many of her collaborations,  including with Errollyn Wallen whose  Piano Concerto,  written for Rebeca Omordia, is featured in this podcast along with excerpts from several of the works on the African Pianism album, volume 2.     Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast on all the platforms, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/rebeca-omordia-african-pianism Rebeca Omordia website and recordings: https://www.rebecaomordia.com/recordings Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:50) African Pianism, Akin Euba (05:41) Wakar Duru: Study in African Pianism number 1 by Akin Euba (10:30) childhood in Romania, deportation and return (20:50) Florence Price (22:40) excerpt from Fantaisie Nègre by Price (24:46)  encouraging women composers in Africa, Rebeca’s identity in Africa (27:11) Salim Dada Algerian composer (31:14) excerpt from Soirée au Hogarr by Salim Dada (33:05) about Salim Dad’s Crépuscule sur la baie d'Alger, with an excerpt (35:36) African Concert Series  (38:13) different ways you can help this podcast continue (39:06) Delius Prize, duo with Julian Lloyd Weber, book about John Ireland (42:50) duo with South African bass soloist Leon Bosch (46:36) about Errollyn Wallen’s Piano Concerto (50:12) last movement of Errollyn Wallen’s Piano Concerto (52:55) family legacy in music, Nigerian grandfather (57:03) experience of nerves, performing from memory (01:01:12) Ethiopian composer Girma Yifrashewa (01:03:43) excerpt from Elilta - Cry of Joy by Girma Yifrashewa (01:05:21) next projects, Omo Bello (01:07:51) childhood music exposure in Romania (01:09:41) advice about self-care photo of Rebeca Omordia: Fourchiefs Media

Sarah Jeffery is a wonderful and versatile recorder player based in the Netherlands, known worldwide for her outreach with her YouTube project Team Recorder, which at the time of this podcast release has well over 205,000 very engaged followers. She is the Recorder Professor specializing in Contemporary music at the Royal College in London, and we talked about her work teaching recorder technique, improvisation in different styles, her varied career including experimental theatre and her synesthesia which directly informs her work as a musician. There’s lots more to this wide-ranging episode, which features some fantastic recorder performances as well.  Transcript and Video link on my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/sarah-jeffery-of-team-recorder Sarah Jeffery website: https://sarahjeffery.com/ Bach Sarabande: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9paJfIegQ3Q Constellations album https://team-recorder.myshopify.com/collections/audio Support this podcast in several ways! Merch store: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Buy me a coffee? Monthly or one-time support through Paypal: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Complete Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Linktree: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman photo: Claudia Hansen Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:49) Team Recorder (06:37) winning the International Nordhorn Competition  (09:13) album Constellations, about Vermont Counterpoint Steve Reich (11:41) excerpt from Vermont Counterpoint by Steve Reich (13:46) trio axoLot (14:54) excerpt from Virgo splendens with trio axoLot  (16:14) Austro (17:54) excerpt from Austro by Giorgio Tedde (19:28) recorder family (20:46) synesthesia (23:39) recorder challenges (26:04) Bach Sarabande G major Cello Suite on bass recorder (29:32) parenting and music education (32:11) please support the podcast! (33:01) community of recorder players, importance of music education funding, Team Recorder (37:17) mentors in England, encouragement to pursue music from high school teachers (41:08) moving to the Netherlands, learning Dutch (43:58) teaching improvisation, SoundLAB Amsterdam (47:42) improvisation, band Jerboah (49:35) Walking with Jerboah (55:17) interesting theatre performances, Jetse Batelaan (01:01:19) challenges with lack of arts funding (01:02:23) Royal College recorder department, historical instruments 3D printing (01:05:57) studio work, Bob’s Burgers (01:06:58) approach to teaching, the future of Team Recorder, Schott publishing books and Hal Leonard 

Lisa Pegher is a brilliant American percussion soloist and drummer. She is also a composer, improvisor and software engineer.  She is known for pioneering percussion as a solo instrument within the orchestral realm and beyond, making it her life’s work to present percussion to larger audiences by commissioning, collaborating, and creating new works and performances that bring percussion to the front of the stage. We talked about her new concerto/show, "Circuits and Skins," written for her by Paul Dooley, which explores ways to meld orchestra with Electronic Dance Music, and also her project A.I.RE Artificial Iintelligence Rhythm Evolution. You’ll hear about her perspectives on self-care, social media, the value of mentors, and  a fascinating variety of her performances during this episode. (the links to the video performances from the podcast are linked to the show notes on my website, where you'll also find the transcript and this episode on my YouTube: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/lisapegher Lisa Pegher Website: https://www.lisapegher.com/music Original Merch for sale to support this channel and series: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter ⁠Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman ⁠Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ The podcast theme music was commissioned from composer Nick Kold, and you can use the timestamps to navigate the episode. Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:24)the story of Lisa’s first drum, breaking boundaries at a young age as a soloist, Schwantner concerto (13:34) vibraphone improvisation (16:48) love for the vibraphone (18:46) great teacher (22:29) yoga, getting in the zone (24:19) No Reply (27:24) love for marimba, the importance of a solid technique (30:13) dealing with burnout (31:38) Player of Games, AI, Fate Amenable to Change (34:40) A.I.RE Artificial Intelligence Rhythm Evolution show (38:03) demo using AI (39:31) thoughts about improvisation (43:34) new merch available! (44:28) intro to Matthew Rosenbloom’s Northern Flicker (47:03) excerpt from Northern Flicker by Matthew Rosenbloom (50:17) the challenges of notating percussion scores (52:43) the fun of found objects (55:40) Splice, the joy of coding (01:00:51) TROMP percussion competition experience and value of community (01:03:43) Paul Dooley Circuits and Skins, bringing EDM audiences into symphonic music (01:06:02) Imperfection project with SideFire trio free jazz (01:12:38) excerpt from Fire from Imperfection with the SideFire trio (01:13:44) taking risks (01:15:45) collaboration with Andrew Knox Imaginary Windows (01:22:45) Water Runs Up from Minimal Art: Imaginary Windows (01:25:35) overwhelm with social media and promotion (01:32:52) equity and inclusion in music

Cliff Beach is an award-winning singer, songwriter, author of “Side Hustle and Flow”, podcast host, record label owner and also works fulltime as VP of digital and operations in the beauty industry. This episode focuses on his recent album and tribute to Ella Fitzgerald “You Showed Me the Way”, we also got into his funk hit “Confident” and the last part of the interview we talked about some of his valuable advice from his book. Most of the guests I speak with work in music full-time, but of course that always means having many skill sets, and a few musicians like Cliff have a day job and also work hard on their music which is central to their lives. Cliff didn’t write his book for musicians, but for anyone that wants inspiration and advice for making the best of their lives, and I found a lot of what he wrote about resonated with me. Take a look at the time-stamps below.  Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website : https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/cliff-beach Cliff Beach music link for You Showed Me the Way: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cliffbeach1/you-showed-me-the-way-2 Cliff Beach website: https://californiasoulmusic.com/cliff-beach-fyc-confident Check out cool new merch to support this series and channel: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Ko-fi link to buy this independent podcaster a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Instagram and Facebook @cliffbeachmusic  photo: Sheldon Botler Photography Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (02:34) jazz album “You Showed Me the Way” tribute to Ella Fitzgerald (07:11) “You Showed Me the Way”  (13:13) Cliff’s childhood singing in harmony in church (15:50) teen years and Berklee (17:11) networking in LA (19:27) cruise ship gigs (22:26) Mestizo Beat, “Confident”  (26:38) ”Confident” (29:58) winning the John Lennon song-writing competition (32:27) playlist curation and pitching your music (37:12) book “Side Hustle and Flow”, setting goals, self-reflection, gratitude and building habits (53:16) new merch to support the podcast! (54:09) more advice and perspectives from “Side Hustle and Flow” (01:00:02) Bill Withers (01:04:57) about “The Gift of Blues”  (01:08:3) “The Gift of Blues” (01:12:14) Toastmasters (01:19:19) creating the audio book and Udemy course (01:24:32) the many roles we play in life and business, financial advice (01:30:54) cold calls, taking chances and pitching (01:35:33) making it personal, family stories (01:38:09) telling stories with different media, how music helped Cliff through challenges

Jessica Cottis is an acclaimed orchestral conductor, and in this wide-ranging interview you’ll gain insights into the special world of orchestral conductors and also some of Jessica’s interests in the natural world and the arts. She spoke to me about her musical path, from how she made her first trumpet, to life on a sheep farm, to her transition from a career as a concert organist, to lessons learned from conducting mentors including Colin Davis and Colin Metters. Jessica is such an articulate champion of the value of music and the arts, and I’ve also been privileged to have worked with her in my role as a violinist in Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra.   I have a special interest in synesthesia, so I was interested in hearing her experience of sound through colour, and if you look at the description of this episode, you’ll find detailed timestamps for the many topics covered, inluding some beautiful music from Julie Cooper’s new album Oculus with Jessica Cottis conducting. Jessica also shared her difficult recovery from a concussion and how her senses were further mixed for a period of time.  Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website as well: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/jessica-cottis Jessica Cottis website: https://www.jessicacottis.com/about Angel in Dark Green by composer Julie Cooper is featured in this episode from her album Oculus (conducted by Jessica Cottis): https://juliecoopermusic.com/ Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ photo of Jessica Cottis: Gerard Collett Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:46) Jessica Cottis transition from organist to conductor (13:57) the experience of conducting an orchestra (16:57) Julie Cooper Oculus project, synesthesia, chromesthesia (20:41) Angel in Dark Green by Julie Cooper from Oculus (25:45) synesthesia (26:22) please support this listener-supported series!  (26:58) synesthesia, random assault and recovering from concussion (37:08) childhood and the sheep farm, butterflies (42:08) childhood musical education, trumpet, piano (43:45)programming orchestral programs (48:52) presenting and interpreting contemporary music (52:20) equity and inclusion in classical music (56:19) conducting mentor Colin Davis  (01:00:18) conducting mentor Colin Metters, the art of conducting (01:07:41) how Jessica learns scores, listening to historical recordings (01:16:00) inspiration from books (01:17:34) time-space synesthesia  (01:19:16) childhood and using music to understand and express emotions (01:20:52) early conducting experiences, founding the Bloomsbury Opera and getting sponsors

Vahn Black is a vocalist based in Atlanta, and in this episode we focused on her project celebrating Gladys Bentley, including Vahn’s fantastic  album Petrichor. Born and raised in Detroit, Vahn  grew up in a melting pot of music and this aided her in cultivating her soul-charged, jazz infused sound, marrying her reverence for vocalists like Sarah Vaughn with her love of producers like J Dilla. We talked about her musical education, her career path,  her research into Black history and culture, her joy of collecting vinyl and some of her other creative outlets. It was interesting to hear about her contrasting experiences with work, life and music in Detroit, New York and Atlanta.  As a composer Black has lent her artistry to various art mediums from short films to interactive performance art. In 2023 she was selected to perform at NPR's Tiny Desk on the Road Tour stop in Atlanta, and for those listeners who are fans of Vahn Black and those who are discovering her, I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation which is punctuated with her music. Vahn Black Website: https://www.vahnblack.com/about Vahn Black's Care Too Much video NPR submission: https://youtu.be/B09NXWSoSWc?si=_f3SeS18fgN_MLB6 The transcript and video version of the podcast are linked here on my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/vahn-black Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (02:36) Gladys Bentley project (10:58) intro to Too Soon from Petrichor (12:13) live version Too Soon (16:33) Detroit, Atlanta, finding her place and people (20:20) The City from Temporary Colors (23:20) Detroit, Atlanta, studying Classical music at Detroit School of Arts (26:16) please support this series and sign up for my newsletter (26:57) inspiring music teachers Connie Malabed and Cheryl Valentine (29:08) studying Library Science, AI (31:46) undergrad experience (33:43) NPR Tiny Desk Block party (35:22) Care Too Much  (40:05) Trunino Lowe arrangements, recording spirituals (41:36) Vinyl collection (50:55) Gladys Bentley project (51:45) Lucid Dreams (55:54) Gladys Bentley project next albums, different inspirations (59:47) career path choices (01:02:05) creative outlets crocheting, creative process

Martha Mooke is a pioneer in the field of the electric five string viola and transcends boundaries as a performer and composer. This episode features insights, stories and music, including from the beautiful album by Carla Patullo So She Howls  which just won the GRAMMY® Award for “Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album.” as well as from several of Martha’s solo and collaborative albums. You’ll hear about the unique multi-style string program she’s helped launch at New Jersey City University, and about many of her mentors and collaborators from David Bowie to Tenzin Choegyal to Laurie Anderson to  Jean-Luc Ponty. Martha is passionate about the breadth and diversity needed in music education for the 21st century, and it was a joy and an inspiration for me to be able to hear about the arc of her multi-faceted career so far.   Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast on all the podcast platforms, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website:  https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/martha-mooke Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Martha Mooke Website: https://www.marthamooke.com/ Complete Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Linktree for social media: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman photo of Martha Mooke: Ebru Yildiz The podcast theme music was commissioned from composer Nick Kold, and you can use the timestamps to navigate the episode: Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:59) electric viola demo with explanation of gear and effects Edmar Castaneda (09:01) Martha’s creative process (13:41) clip from Ice 4 from No Ordinary Window (15:40) Martha’s creative process (18:42) Multi-Style Strings program New Jersey City University (35:29) Carla Patullo So She Howls  (38:31) Machine Dreams from Carla Patullo So She Howls  (43:15) Carla Patullo album concert, vocal group Tonality (43:51) please support this independent podcast!  (44:29) Thru the Walls, Scorchio quartet, Tibet House benefit concerts, Tony Visconti, David Bowie, Philip Glass (01:01:17) Tenzin Choegyal with clip from Sutras of the Heart (01:03:50) meditation practice (01:05:46) different types of electric violins and violas, collaborations with Yamaha (01:12:17) strings education outreach project in Jamaica (01:17:18) album Buzz, Metachrosis electronic music production using insect sounds with audio clip, Linsey Pollak, sound design (01:24:46) Jean-Luc Ponty (01:33:57) clip from Omotion from No Ordinary Window (01:34:53) Laurie Anderson (01:39:09) Martha’s perspectives on her career   

This week’s featured guest is James McGowan, a solo and collaborative pianist at home in jazz, classical and improvised musics. The 14-member James McGowan Ensemble has just released its jazz-classical fusion album Reaching Out, the companion to the previous album Reaching In, and this episode features some of the music from this beautiful project as well as from his jazz-fusion group Modasaurus. Besides James’ work as a composer and pianist, he’s also a Theory Professor, and choral direcctor,  and has served as Carleton University Chair in Teaching Innovation in developing experiences in the arts on campus and in the community. James is so passionate about sharing his love of music and I trust you’ll find this an uplifting conversation.  Besides my role as a podcaster, I’m a violinist, and last year I founded an improvising chamber group with James, Collected Strands,  and we’ll soon be releasing a special podcast episode to celebrate the release of our upcoming album.  Can you buy this independenat podcaster a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! You can also watch this on YouTube or read the podcast, everything linked here to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/james-mcgowan James McGowan website for all the music featured in this podcast, and his current projects: https://jamesmcgowan.ca/ photo: Kelly McDonald Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:32) Modasaurus jazz ensemble, 4K album, fusing styles (05:13) clip from Chaconne and Fugue 4K Modasaurus (06:41) background and clip of Crazy Ceilidh (09:27) music career advice (11:42) Reaching Out and Reaching In, tribute to Chick Corea (16:43) clip from Corean Poultry on Reaching Out (18:05) intro and clip from Blue Lament, from Reaching Out (21:10) intro and Elegy from Reaching Out (26:44) James’ grad school experience, switching from Composition to Theory  (29:31) please spread the word about this podcast! (30:08) musical dialects, code switching, overtone series (39:59) teaching music theory (43:05) Reaching In, spoken word and different art forms (46:56) Acceptance from Reaching In (50:50) parenting and music, encouraging children in the Arts (56:36) dealing with emotions through music (59:00) voluteer work Discovery Course for Ottawa Mission and Lotus Center  (01:03:27) teaching musicianship, singing, community music (01:10) dealing with playing injuries, music education, voice and choral direction (01:18:26) improvisation, Collected Strands

This is a special re-release with cellist Rachel Mercer,  with added music from some of her recordings. This was orginally recorded and released in Season 2 of this podcast in 2022, and now in Season 4 2024, Rachel and I are including some tracks from some of her albums in the podcast version of this episode. See more below for some of the many topics covered! The original video is on YouTube with the transcript, everything linked here: ⁠ https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/e9-s2-rachel-mercer⁠ We discussed the arc of her career so far as a chamber musician, soloist, and Principal Cellist of my orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada. One of the musical selections added to this podcast is from the album “Our Strength, Our Song" with Rachel’s sister, the wonderful violinist Akemi Mercer-Niewöhner. We also talked about and many other chamber music collaborations and unique projects, as well as her way of approaching music. You’ll also hear some of Rachel’s memories of the late Yehonatan Berick who was an amazing violinist and pedagogue and was Rachel’s life partner. As well,  Rachel very generously made a special recording of the prelude from JS Bach's fifth solo suite for this episode in 2022,  and her heartfelt introduction to the power of this music is right after our conversation, so please keep listening till the end. Rachel Mercer’s website: http://www.rachelmercercellist.com/ Support link to buy this independent podcaster a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! Complete Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Linktree: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman

This week, I’m featuring a wonderful episode from the archive, with Linsey Pollak, which was recorded and released in Season 2 of this podcast, 2022. Linsey Pollak is an Australian musician who is known worldwide as a passionate and creative advocate for community music. His life has been full of unusual opportunities to explore different styles of music, and his inventiveness has spurred him to create countless instruments from found objects. In this episode you’ll get to hear him play 4 different instruments in different improvisatory styles, and I’m sure that everyone will be inspired by stories from his life, describing some of his incredibly unusual, fun and beautiful collaborations and creations. I take care of all the many jobs of research, production, and publicity and I really do need the help of my listeners to keep this project going; please consider buying me a coffee through my support page which is linked to Paypal: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks so much! You can watch this on YouTube as well, and I've linked the transcript here too: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/linsey-pollak Linsey Pollak website: https://linseypollak.com/ My complete catalog of episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Podcast newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter photo credit: Beat Lehmann Timestamps: (00:00 Intro) (01:58) gaida music (05:10) Rafting trip, discovering Macedonian bagpipes, first trip to Macedonia (11:35) trip to Greece to study klarino with Stavros Vasthekis (13:15) discovering the Macedonian community in Australia, establishing Kulcha (17:36) Linsey’s start making instruments, London and Early Music scene (23:14) busking in Europe, learning Macedonian dance, Živko Firfov Group, Destan Destanovski (31:48) importance of humour in his solo shows (33:17) duduk design and music (39:57) Linsey’s early musical education and projects (41:27) developing live looping in the early 90s, his solo shows (50:30) rubber glove bagpipe (54:36) Linsey’s current project going out to record in the forest with ambient sounds (his album of this music is on Bandcamp), also the frog sounds album (56:53) Dva with Tunji Beier and now Beier-Griffin-Pollak trio with Philip Griffin (58:23) Humarimba community music project (01:09:16) Paranormal Music Society Romano Crivici and Blair Greenberg, and QWERTY with Peter Rowe (01:13:47) MIDI wind controller Dangerous Song project with demonstration using animal sounds (01:33:26) Linsey’s drive to create instruments and connect people, his creative process (01:37:20) Linsey’s decision to stop touring outside of Australia (01:40:07) Linsey’s advice

This week’s episode is with the brilliant cello-piano ensemble, Cheng² Duo, with siblings Bryan and Silvie Cheng. They have performed to great acclaim worldwide and have released to date four fantastic albums, the most recent Portrait which was nominated for a JUNO award. Portrait features music by composers from diverse Asian heritages, and in this podcast, Bryan and Silvie reflect on some important personal experiences related to this. We are featuring some of the music from Portrait and some of their other projects in this episode, with their insights on championing living composers such as Paul Wiancko and  Dinuk Wijeratne and reaching new audiences. I asked them about their Carnegie Hall debut when Bryan had just started high school, and some of their individual experiences with concert preparation, touring, and finding a life-balance.  Some of what you’ll hear about are Bryan’s reflections on his  memorable childhood lessons with Yuli Turovsky, the incredible opportunity he’s had to play the Bonjour Strad, and his experiences with international competitions.  Silvie shared her reflections on her mentors and her life as a performer and educator in New York. Bryan and Silvie grew up in Ottawa, Canada where I live and it’s wonderful to see their careers expanding both individually and as a world-renowned chamber ensemble. Bryan spoke to us from his home in Berlin, and Silvie from her home in New York.  Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks!  Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube and it's linked with the transcript on my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/cheng2-duo https://www.cheng2duo.com/ Weekly newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about photo: Andrej Grilc  Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:11) album Portrait, early pandemic in New York, Asian heritage, erhu (12:33) Hua Yanjun Moon's Reflection upon a Spring (20:26) anti-Asian harassment, making a difference in the world as musicians (24:46) Paul Wiancko (29:00) Paul Wiancko clip from Sonata 1, Part 1  (28:59) concert presentation, connecting with the audience (31:33) Carnegie Hall debut experience, importance of commissioning new music (35:51) Yuli Turovsky (40:48) Romance for Cello and Piano Scriabin from Russian Legends (42:56) could you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? (43:32) Brazilian composers,  Chiquinha Gonzaga, women composers, Silvie’s duo with violist Georgina Rossi (45:24) Silvie’s work as a teaching artist Orto centre and Living Arts Collaborative (50:36) family history, parents’ support (54:08) Silvie’s mentors Jeffrey Cohen, Menahem Pressler (57:21) learning music, comparing the analytical and intuitive (01:01:25) Bonjour Strad cello (01:03:07) Silvie coping with different pianos on tour, pianists’ psychology (01:05:12) Bryan’s reflections on competitions (01:08:46) pre-concert routines and mindset (01:11:20) tour to India, Dinuk Wijeratne “Portrait of an Imaginary Sibling’ (01:14:27) excerpt from Dinuk Wijeratne “Portrait of an Imaginary Sibling’ (01:17:05) tour to India

This podcast strives to inspire you through the personal stories of a diversity of musicians worldwide, with in-depth conversations and great music, that reveal the depth and breadth to a life in music.  This week’s episode is with the wonderful harmonica player and composer Ariel Bart. I first started listening to her music with her debut album, “In Between” in which she presents a unique approach to the harmonica and all her albums feature her original music which is inspired by the European jazz tradition and the Middle-Eastern world. Ariel began playing the chromatic harmonica at the age of 7 and since then it’s been her primary instrument.  We’re including music from several of her albums. You’ll hear  about some of her inspiring mentors and collaborators and her positive experience at the New School University for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City, including working with Reggie Workman, Shai Maestro, and Jane Ira Bloom. We also talked about the music business, and her delight in using storytelling and film with her music.  Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website, everything linked together here: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/ariel-bart Besides being the host, I take care of all the many jobs of research, production, and publicity for this podcast, and I really do need the help of my listeners to keep this project going; please consider buying me a coffee through my support page which is linked to Paypal: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Did you know that this podcast is in Season 4, and that I send out a weekly email newsletter where you can get access to Sneak Peeks of upcoming guests and be inspired by highlights from the archive? Sign-up here: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Ariel Bart website: https://www.arielbart.com/ Take a Ten Minute Break, solo Nine Souls video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8VnpGV2b58 Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:51) Ariel Bart’s harmonica journey and music education, starting to compose (07:40) In Between (13:16) Brendan Power, chromatic harmonica, playing technique (18:15) harmonica improvisation (20:03) Ariel’s influences and mentors, Jane Ira Bloom, New School in New York, Reggie Workman, effect of many influences (28:36) please help this series keep going! (29:13) making Teardrop narrative video, storytelling (31:55) Teardrop (35:18) The Trio Project  (37:52) part two Listening to Shame from The Trio Project (42:12) writing for film, collaborations cellists Mayu Shviro, Talia Erdal (46:17) European contacts, the challenge of teaching (48:56) the need to learn the business side of a music career (52:32) clip from Deep Down with Omri Bar Giora (53:23) creative process, the importance of collaboration (54:56) the novelty of the harmonica for audiences, listening to singers (56:01) Nine Souls film project Take a Ten Minute Break (57:33) Nine Souls ensemble version from album Documentaries

Dr. Gail Archer is a GRAMMY-nominated internationally touring concert organist and trail-blazer for women organists.  She has fantastic advice on not only approaching a career in music, but in living life to it’s fullest. We talked about learning languages, some fascinating history, the magic of choirs and much more. This episode features music from several of her acclaimed recordings, and we discuss women composers, and the challenges facing women organists. We also speak about Musforum the international network for wormen organists that she founed. Gail’s work highlighting composers from many Eastern European countries including Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Russia was a big part of this conversation and you’ll hear some of this music as well as that of Fanny Mendelssohn, a discussion of the Bach revival and interesting details about J.S. Bach himself, and one of Gail’s recordings of one of his sublime Chorale preludes. I learned a lot about the history of the pipe organ and gained not only a better understanding of the instrument and it’s vast repertoire, but I also gained important insights into the work of choir directors. One of the main topics Gail addressed was how to build a robust career and live a full life, with sensivity, curiosity,  intelligence and determination.  Gail Archer website: http://www.gailarcher.com/ Musforum network for women organists: https://musforum.org/ This is also available on YouTube, and the transcript is linked there as well: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/gail-archer  I really do need the help of my listeners to keep this project going; please consider buying me a coffee through my support page which is linked to Paypal: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman photo: Stephanie Berger Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (03:32) playing on different organs (05:55) J.S. Bach Chorale preludes, Fritz organ (08:30)  Chorale Prelude An Wasserflüssen Babylon, By the Waters of Babylon, from Gail Archer’s album "J. S. Bach The Transcendent Genius" (13:02)  history of the organ (26:17)Fanny Mendelssohn Prelude in G major from Gail Archer’s album “Mendelssohn in the Romantic Century” (28:36) Musforum and sexist challenges facing women organists  (36:47) please support this series! (38:23) scene in England and Europe for women organists (39:25) Eastern European organs, Chernivsti (45:22) Chacona by Svitlana Osgtrova from album Chernivsti (48:28) St. John Cantius in Chicago rescued organ from Canada, Polish album (51:28) excerpt from Grazyna Baciewisz Esquisse on album Cantius (51:53) interpreting repertoire, choosing registers, Messiaen, Bulgarian project (58:08) Baroque performance practice (01:00:01) choir director, the magic of choirs, building her career, Harriman institute at Columbia (01:07:07) learning Russian and Italian (01:10:02) choral director, priorities working with choirs (01:15:10) books and history, Mendelssohn family, Clara Schumann, Bach revival (01:24:02) advice, how Gail built her career

Gerry Bryant is a brilliant classically-trained pianist, composer, and arranger. He came from a poor inner-city Cleveland neighbourhood, and was givin an opportunity to attend the prestigious Phillips Academy, then Harvard university. He went on to get an MBA and a law degree, all the while continuing the expansion of his knowledge of different styles of music, and forming his jazz group Pocketwatch. This episode partly focuses on his Composers album, with music of Florence Price and Thomas Wiggins who was known as Blind Tom to his slave masters. Gerry reflects on how access to a musical education changed his life, and how wonderful it has been to discover and champion Black composers. One of the musicians that Gerry has collaborated with many times is the wonderful and versatile violinist Mark Cargill, whose playing is also featured in this episode.   Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/gerry-bryant Can you buy this podcaster a coffee to support this series? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Thanks! Gerry Bryant website: https://www.gerrybryant.com/music Follow me on Social Media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Did you know that this podcast is in Season 4, and that I send out a weekly email newsletter where you can get access to Sneak Peeks of upcoming guests and be inspired by highlights from the archive: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:18) The Composers album, Thomas Wiggins “Blind Tom” (08:39) Rêve Charmant by Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins performed by Gerry Bryant (17:16) blind musicians, learning by ear, Gerry Bryant first teacher Ethel Morton, going to Phillip’s Academy, Albian Metcalf (23:27) inspiration and problems with comparing ourselves to great masters (29:15) Florence Price (33:18) Florence Price Piano Sonata in E minor, 2nd movement Andante, The Composers album (40:49) Florence Price (41:46) please help me keep this series going!  (42:24) violinist Mark Cargill, Florence Price (46:33) Andante con espressione by Florence Price for violin and piano Mark Cargill and Gerry Bryant  (51:08) Gerry’s experience going to Phillips Academy in Andover and then Harvard (01:02:03) accissibility in arts education (01:06:42) commonalities between people in different creative disciplines like acting, music, visual art, and the importance of nurturing creative expression (01:14:12) Gerry’s full life, and Pocketwatch jazz ensemble, getting a law degree and MBA (01:24:19) What Could Have Been with Pocketwatch at Kulak’s  (01:31:29) the healing power of music and Gerry’s volunteer work (01:41:31) entertainment lawyer, California Lawyers for the Arts, balancing his life and new album (01:53:06) Gerry’s foray into acting

This week’s episode is a Catch-Up episode with the renowned film and televison composer and multi-instrumentalist Pat Irwin, and we are featuring lots of Pat’s music for you today in different styles from many of his projects.  In my previous episode with him from 2023, Season 3 of this podcast, we talked about his days with the B52s and composing the score for Dexter: New Blood, and we also talked about his band SUSS and his work mentoring graduate students, and so much more . I encourage you to click on the link to that earlier episode if you missed it: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/pat-irwin Today’s conversation also jumps around Pat’s varied and fascinating creative life. You’ll hear more stories and music from some of his acclaimed cartoon music from Rocko’s Modern Life and songs from Pepper Ann.  We talk about, and you’ll hear music from some of his projects,  including rocking out with the PI Power Trio with Sasha Dobson and Daria Grace,  and new albums coming out with Cynthia Sley, with SUSS and with Julia Heyward.  I’m blown away by Pat’s detailed memory and this episode is rich with interesting stories, and also his down-to-earth advice.   Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/pat-irwin-2024-catch-up Pat Irwin website: https://patirwinmusic.com/ Can you buy this podcaster a coffee to support this series? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Thanks! Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Follow me on Social Media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ (00:00) Intro (03:25) writing music for Disney’s cartoon Pepper Ann, touring with B52s (10:06) music: Enough, song from Pepper Ann musical episode (12:10) process of writing and recording for Pepper Ann (14:21) music: Photosynthesis, song from Pepper Ann musical episode (15:45) collecting instruments, Ray Beats archives (19:32) Rocko’s Modern Life, getting the band back together (22:53) music: Junk Junkies from Rocko’s Modern Life soundtrack (26:09) music: Bookshop from Rocko’s Modern Life soundtrack (27:27) getting the Rocko’s band back together (29:33) re-purposing music, SUSS new album (36:55) music: Heat Haze SUSS (41:28) But I’m a Cheerleader (43:59) how and why to pitch  (49:54) Nurse Jackie (50:15) music from Nurse Jackie (50:13 advice for preparing reels, learning collaboration, students at NYU and Brooklyn College (01:01:14) can you buy me a coffee? Thanks for supporting the series! (01:01:56) music from Nurse Jackie (01:01:55) learning to collaborate as a media composer (01:04:53) Cynthia Sley Command V, Bush Tetras  (01:07:05)music:  Command V with Cynthia Sley Lost On Me (01:11:58) changes in the music industry (01:16:18) the PI Power Trio Sasha Dobson, Daria Grace, Pat’s love of instrumental Rock ’n Roll (01:21:48) music: The Walk PI Power Trio (01:25:05) George Scott, Raybeats, PI Power trio (01:29:10) film When Last Seen  (01:30:04) music from Pat’s score to film When Last Seen (01:31:39) working on When Last SEen, T Venus with Julia Hayward (01:35:11) music: excerpt from Smile, Don’t Touch That Dial with T Venus Julia Hayward (01:36:32) the importance of friendships with your peers, decision to stay in New York instead of LA, knowing your strengths

This week I’m highlighting an episode from the archive, with the engaging and talented Leslie DeShazor  who is a multi-style violist,  violinist and composer based in Detroit. She teaches students both through the Sphinx Organization and the Detroit Symphony as well as privately. She was named one of thirty Professional Movers and Shakers in the Performing Arts by Musical America in 2019 and in 2022 she released her jazz and R&B album “Journey With Me” which features herself as soloist, bandleader, and composer, and "Simply Complicated" from that album is part of this podcast episode. This conversation was full of stories and insights from Leslie’s life. She shared valuable perspectives that educators, parents and anyone who mentors children and young adults will find inspiring and thought-provoking. We talked a lot about why kids quit playing music, why so many young adults today have trouble figuring out the direction of their life, and how the educational system can take away people’s innate creativity and confidence. Link to video and transcript on my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/leslie-deshazor Link to Leslie DeShazor's website: https://lesliedeshazor.com/ Can you buy this independent podcaster a cup of coffee through Paypal? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Follow me on social media: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman Timestamps: (00:00) Cold open quote plus Intro (02:00) album Journey With Me, accepting help (06:16) differences playing acoustic and electric instruments (07:30) intro to tune “Simply Complicated” (13:25) Leslie’s childhood musical pranks, growing up in Inkster and Canton (16:10) the importance of Detroit in many different musical genres (18:36) the influence and importantce of church music (22:47) Interlochen, perspectives on exposing kids to a competitive atmosphere (32:43) Leslie’s approach to coaching student ensembles (36:14) Leslie’s history going to Orchestra Hall, continuity and history of Detroit (40:52) parenting, guiding children in music (42:37) University of Michigan and Wayne State college experiences, James Dapogny, how to guide students, the importance of helping music students with options (51:00) dealing with injury (53:06) different cultures through dance, learning Spanish, teaching with Sphinx (56:14) Sphinx organization (01:03:10) Musique Noire, Eunoia Society, JoVia Armstrong (01:04:45) problem with labels in music, colonial attitudes (01:10:44) teaching music using different strategies (01:16:35) challenges in guiding students (01:19:53) students who are over-scheduled, the benefits of allowing time for creativity and play (01:25:42) Cole Randolph taking time off and motivation (01:26:42) dealing with stress through exercise, jumping rope, keeping balance (01:30:00) freelance life stress (01:31:18) teaching body percussion, benefits of community music making, learning from other educators (01:35:35) Leslie’s advice about bravery

Thomas Cabaniss is a wonderful American composer of works for opera, theater, dance, film and the concert stage. He’s been a member of the faculty of the Julliard School since 1998, and leads the Lullaby Project at Carnegie Hall, serving young parents in shelters, hospitals and prisons with collaboratively created songs for their children. We talk about all this and much more, inluding his work creating Carnegie Hall’s Link Up. I was curious about these many facets to Thomas’ life as both a composer and educator, and you’ll find this episode has gorgeous, inspiring music of his, as well as great stories from his diverse career as a Teaching Artist, working with music educators, students of all ages, and meaningful outreach in the community. You’ll hear performances from pianists Michael Shinn and Jessica Chow Shinn, singer Joyce DiDonato, and towards the beginning of the episode you’ll hear some of Thomas’ great music for string quartet, performed by the Charleston symphony String quartet.  Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast on all the platforms, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/thomas-cabaniss Thomas Cabaniss website: http://thomascabaniss.com/about.html Support link to buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! My social media links: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman My Complete Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:24) Thomas Cabaniss string quartets (07:57) excerpt from Water from Four Elements with the Charleston Symphony String Quartet  (09:28) Charleston Symphony (12:10) Fire, Four Elements string quartet (16:07) Link Up program and Cabaniss’ work with music education and orchestras (23:39) the Lullaby Project (30:53) Peace sung by Joyce DiDonato written by Tamilles Fernandez with Dierdre Struck (34:19) Tiny Bits of Outrageous Love, Michael Shinn and Jessica Chow Shinn (39:53) Lovesong no. 3 Tiny Bits of Outrageous Love, Michael Shinn and Jessica Chow Shinn (41:58) Thomas’ wife, and musical themes in families (43:54) Two no. 7 Tiny Bits of Outrageous Love, Michael Shinn and Jessica Chow Shinn (47:09) different musical styles and influences, writing for theatre at Yale (51:27) Thomas’ youth and musical education (55:50) Thomas’ approach to teaching music theory, teaching music appreciation to dancers (58:50) please support this series! (59:27) the work of Teaching Artists, working with students and educators (01:07:16) operas for toddlers (01:13:38) how to bring new audiences into orchestra concerts (01:17:57) how and when  to talk to audiences (01:23:15) Thomas’ creative process

Avi Kishna is a Dutch sarod player based in Amsterdam, of Indo-Surinamese heritage. You’ll get to know the sarod as an instrument and hear Avi’s perspectives on  Dutch society and his interesting collaborations. Among his mentors is his inspiring father, Ramdew Kishna, a multi-talented musician, director, and painter, who played a pivotal role in shaping Avi's musical journey along with his guru, Koustuv Ray. As a young man, Avi embarked on a successful career as in sales and marketing, but during this time he pushed music aside, and I found it deeply touching to hear how he was able to come back to music with the wisdom of having left such an important part of himself behind. You’ll hear about Avi’s project working with schools in Amsterdam to help provide music programs in underserved communities and this episode features some of his sarod music. Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel, and I’ve also linked the transcript here to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/avi-kishna Can you buy this podcaster a coffee to support this series? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! Here you'll find the links to Avi's projects like Raga Reflections, where to stream and buy his music, upcoming performances, including a video with dancer Shailesh Bahoran (which we talk about): https://www.sarodbyavi.com/ Link to Muziek Educatie Centrum Amsterdam: https://www.muziekeducatiecentrum.nl/jeugd-fonds-sport-cultuur-amsterdam Follow me on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman Episode with sitar player Mohamed Assani: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/mohamed-assani Episode with bansuri player Milind Date: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/milind-date-bansuri-player Complete Catalog of Episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/about Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:42) the sarod (11:57) Indo-Surinamese heritage and history (16:16) South Asian music in the Netherlands (19:38) dancer Shailesh Bahoran (25:00) excerpt from While She Sleeps (28:06) bringing different music together, Soundscape Sessions (38:01) please support this podcast! (38:39) Ramdew Kishna, Avi’s father (43:27) racism and inclusion (50:53) sarod guru Gungun Kaustuv Ray (56:14) learning from others (57:56) Raga Reflections (01:04:19) Darbari  (01:08:00) sales and marketing career, return to music (01:13:05) giving back through music education

Pierre Chrétien is a Canadian bandleader, multi-instrumentalist and composer who has had international success with his bands The Souljazz Orchestra, Atlantis Jazz Ensemble and his project Cinephonic, and in this episode you’ll learn about all of these and hear highlights from some of these albums on the Marlow Records label. http://www.marlowrecords.com/artists.html Pierre shares how left his career as an Engineer to devote himself to a full-time career as a performer. He also demonstrates some rare vintage instruments at the beginning of this episode, which he’s also an expert at repairing. Pierre is so creative and some of his gorgeous album covers are linked to the episode notes on my website, which of course links to Marlow Records. Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast on all the podcast platforms, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/pierre-chrtien Did you know that this podcast is in Season 4, and that I send out a weekly email newsletter where you can get access to Sneak Peeks of upcoming guests and be inspired by highlights from the archive? https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Speaking to such a diversity of people shines a light on the persistence required to attain mastery in any field. I try to constantly improve every aspect of this podcast, since I take care of all the many jobs of research, production, and publicity. I really do need the help of my listeners to keep this project going; please can you buy me a coffee (which is linked to Paypal)? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Mike Essoudry (drummer with Atlantis Jazz Ensemble) episode: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/mike-essoudry-drummer Please follow me on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:14) marimba (05:33) Vintage Vibe electric piano, Mellotron (10:01) Cinephonic albums (13:05) Le Combat from Visions, the second Cinephonic album (17:01) film score influences (18:09) Musser Ampli-Celeste  (19:52) Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, vintage keyboards (21:45) Pierre childhood and youth, Engineering degree (25:07) Souljazz orchestra, tours, graphic design (29:09) Kingdom Come from album Inner Fire Souljazz orchestra  (33:20) harp (34:14) please buy me a coffee to support this series? (34:52) Atlantis Jazz Ensemble (37:46) Joyful Noise from Celetial Suite Atlantis Jazz Ensemble (42:48) Mike Essoudry drummer (43:06) Atlantis Jazz Ensemble (47:10) Blue Nile Atlantis Jazz Ensemble (52:15) Marlow Records, recording to analog tape (53:43) writing process, musical influences (55:47) changes in music distribution, benefits of Bandcamp, problems withSpotify (58:19) decision to leave Engineering and become full-time musician (01:00:57) other projects, Tezeta for orchestra (01:04:26) Pierre’s teen years 

This week’s guest is the British guitarist Edison Herbert, who plays melodic and soulful groove-based music that will lift your mood.  We are featuring his compositions from a couple of his albums and you’ll learn about his personal journey in music that has led to his career as a full-time performer. He talked to me about some of his mentors and influences including George Benson, and his perspectives as a Black artist navigating the music scene in the UK. I found him to be warmly engaging and candid and we circled around to topics that impact all of us, such as dealing with self-knowledge, creativity,  and the need to be persistent and keep true to what’s important to us .  Edison Herbert Website: https://edisonherbert.com/ Can you buy me a coffee through Paypal to support this channel and this series? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website (link here takes you to Video, Podcast and Transcript): https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/edison-herbert Video of I Wanna Wake Up with You on Edison Herbert's YouTube: https://youtu.be/_vJk8MNuFSA?si=1VyD8fjZd7AiemEi Did you know that this podcast is in Season 4, and that I send out a weekly email newsletter where you can get access to Sneak Peeks of upcoming guests and be inspired by highlights from the archive? Newsletter sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:26) Edison’s start in music (05:12) Edison’s albums (07:21) I Wanna Wake Up with You (13:39) Unforgettable Nat King Cole, US tour, grant funding (19:11) touring life in the UK, different aspects of music business (23:18) intro to Is She Is She Not (24:29) excerpt from Is She Is She Not (26:12) George Benson (31:35) musical influences Wes Montgomery, Grant Green (33:23) Loves in Need of Love Today (38:09) please support this independent podcast! thanks (38:47) Black musicians in the UK, African diaspora Black music traditions, racism (45:13) Edison’s family (46:17) musical influences in Edison’s style (48:55) Edison’s guitars (50:10) Guildhall school, Randy Brecker, London jazz scene, Guildhall (54:36) school teacher experience and deciding to pursue music (56:51) staying healthy as a musician (01:01:57) advice for learning a musical instrument and creating a music career

This week I’m highlighting an episode from the archive, with the brilliant multi-talented  Diane Nalini who is an incredibly nuanced jazz singer, and composer. She performs in 4 languages and teaches jazz ukulele as well. I hope you’ll join me in my fascination with the incredible range of Diane’s interests and expertise. Besides being a phenomenal musician she also is a Rhodes scholar with Phd in Applied Physics from Oxford university and presently works in environmental science policy for the Canadian government. Not only is she a great lyricist, but she has also written songs inspired by great literature including Shakespeare, in jazz, blues, gospel, folk and bossa nova styles. During this conversation, she performs some of her original songs for us.  We recorded this in early in 2022, and as I release this again in 2024, I want to remind you that we’re in Season 4 of this podcast, and if you love jazz singers, you may want to check out my episodes with Kellylee Evans,Ineke Vandoorn , and Renée Yoxon, among well over 100 episodes you may have missed. I’m an independent podcaster who really needs the help of my listeners to spread the word about this podcast, and if you can buy me a coffee to help out: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Diane Nalini website: https://www.dianenalini.com/ Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube or read the transcript: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/e12-s2-diane-nalini Did you know I send out an emailed podcast newsletter, where you can get access to Sneak Peeks for upcoming guests? https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter This podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn: my Linktree https://linktr.ee/leahroseman photo: Adrian Cho Timestamps (00:00)Intro ( 00:53 )Shakespeare “Songs of Sweet Fire” ( 03:30 )Rhodes scholar, and Chinese calligraphy and watercolour painting with Virginia Chang, Bill Evans ( 08:07 )paintings for “Songs of Sweet Fire”, role as album producer (10:55) Diane’s experience as a dancer and also starting to sing jazz songs at 3 years of age, also her experience of strict piano lessons ( 14:18 )National Ballet School summer program experience ( 15:49) first professional jazz gigs ( 16:57) Science mentors at Dawson College Richard Shoemaker and John Mohamed ( 17:58 )intro to her baritone ukulele and “Winter Eclipse” (19:04 )Song “Winter Eclipse” ( 23:13) discussion of her song “Kiss Me Like That” and astronomy ( 26:18 )Diane’s work for Environment, Climate Change Canada (28:13 )discussion of her song “The Last Hurrah” ( 29:50) discussion of the challenges for individuals to limit consumption ( 34:48 )jazz ukulele, Diane’s YouTube Ukulele for Jazz Singers, her (39:48 )teaching and performing online, connecting with people worldwide ( 41:37 )learning Portuguese (47:23 )Syncspace Live with husband Adrian Cho ( 56:00 )some advantages to online teaching ( 58:02 )introduction to song “Le Tournesol” ( 58:58 )Song “Le Tournesol” ( 01:02:01 )discussion about languages, etymology, Diane’s father ( 01:06:13) singing Schubert Lieder, learning German ( 01:10:52 )turning down a recording contract offer, balancing a life in Science and Music ( 01:14:39) producing her first album, the process of putting together albums ( 01:16:34 )making new musical connections in England, joining a salsa band ( 01:22:04 )Diane’s ukulele made by Luis Feu de Mesquita, also history of the ukulele (01:29:36) Future Perfect album, pandemic challenges, new songs (01:33:42 )Diane’s creative process and memory for music ( 01:38:19) Diane’s music in movies and tv shows ( 01:41:01) how listeners interpret songs so differently, including her song “After Dusk”

This week’s episode is a special Catch-Up episode with the Dutch guitarist and composer Marc van Vugt, who was previously featured in Season 2 with his album The Lonely Coyote. Today you’ll hear a selection of highlights from his new solo guitar album, The Curious Badger. We caught up on some of his recent projects, and he also shared some wonderful insights into his creative process, and different ways for independent musicians to find audiences for their music. Like all my episodes, this is available on your favourite podcast player as well as a video on YouTube, and the transcript is linked here as well on my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/marc-van-vugt-the-curious-badger Please consider buying me a coffee to support this independent podcast - you can do that through Paypal on my support site: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks! If you missed the episode with jazz singer Ineke Vandoorn, Marc's partner: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/ineke-vandoorn Marc van Vugt website: https://www.marcvanvugt.com/ Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:37) The Curious Badger album (08:06) excerpts from 2 versions of Liefde (09:59) intro to Back to the Market Square, Zen story (15:15) Back to the Market Square (20:21) lowden baritone guitar (22:13) Marc’s advice about PR work, getting gigs and album reviews (30:53) please support this series! (31:30) intro to Dancing in the Wind, layering of different guitars (33:20) excerpt from Dancing in the Wind (33:18) playing on different guitars (35:55) intro to The Coyote and the Badger (37:08) excerpt from The Coyote and the Badger (37:06) influences of different guitarists, Bill Connors (39:39) intro to The Curious Badger (42:53) The Curious Badger (45:33) 2023 Canadian tour (52:00) Sound Makers Project Christine Duncan (55:35) Marc’s creative process (01:01:16) teaching composition photo of Marc: Jiri Büller

This week's episode is unusual because 4 musicians are featured, the members of the Euclid Quartet. They are a world-class string quartet celebrating their 25th anniversary with a fantastic album of short pieces, entitled Breve, and we are featuring several pieces from that album as part of this episode. Breve album: https://breve.hearnow.com/ You’ll get to know each member of the quartet, which is in residence at Indiana University South Bend: Jameson Cooper, violinist and founding member originally from England; you’ll hear about his experiences as a student of Dorothy Delay, and Roland and Almita Vamos. He also talked about the formative years of the quartet and the nuts and bolts of learning repertoire. The other violinist in the quartet is Aviva Hakanoglu, who holds degrees from Harvard, Indiana University and Stony Brook university and was a student of Philip Setzer, and it was really interesting to hear about her experience auditioning for the quartet and her perspectives on community outreach and as an educator. Violist Luis Enrique Vargas is a long-time member of the Euclid quartet, and started his life in music in Venezuela at the age of 14, and spoke about introducing Latin American composers to his colleagues. Finally cellist Justin Goldsmith is the newest member of the quartet. When he was completing his Master’s degree at Indiana University he formed the Vera quartet which held residencies at both IU and the Curtis Institute of Music, where he was also a Community Artist Fellow. I was curious to learn more about the many roles the quartet plays in their capacities as performers, educators and collaborators, and to hear them speak about the special joys and challenges of being members of a full-time quartet.   Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/euclid-quartet Euclid Quartet website: https://www.euclidquartet.com/biography Please support this independant podcast! https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Did you know that I send out a weekly email newsletter with Sneak Peeks of upcoming guests and lots more? Sign-up here: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (04:46) Jameson Cooper, getting into chamber music, putting the album Breve together (08:12) Luis Enrique Vargas Latin Amercian composers (10:07) Metro Chabacano by Javier Alvarez (14:05) American Masterpieces grant, diversity of representation in programming, youth outreach (16:50) the career of a string quartet incorporating outreach and education, Rehearsing Philadelphia (21:22) intro to Italian Serenade, Aviva on the challenge of recording (22:29) excerpt from Italian Serenade by Hugo Wolf (23:45) rehearsal process (25:20) Jameson the early years of the Quartet, Aspen (29:58) James Cooper studies with Dorothy DeLay, Roland and Almita Vamos, Masao Kawasaki (33:45) intro to Shostakovich Polka (36:18) Shostakovich Polka (36:16) Aviva audition experience joining the quartet (42:18) Aviva’s advice for dealing with nerves (43:40) orchestral auditions and chamber music auditions, Jameson Cooper’s experience as a conductor (47:48) please support this series!  (48:27) Luis conducting project, his love of whistling (51:55) Aviva intro to Four, for Tango  (53:22) Four, for Tango by Astor Piazzolla from live performance (58:23) Hugo Kauder (01:00:56) Luis Enrique Vargas how he became a violist  (01:03:15) Justin Goldsmith experience of joining the quartet (01:04:48) Schubert Quartettsatz Jameson Cooper (01:07:28) excerpt from Schubert’s Quartettsatz (01:09:00) importance of chamber music in music education (01:12:23) Anna Clyne Fischoff Quarter Days (01:13:54) new audiences and different projects (01:20:11) string quartet life (01:26:26) Aviva Hakanoglu on teaching (01:28:54) the advantages of variety and versality for performers 

Chuck Copenace is a Winnipeg-based Ojibway musician and we talk about Chuck’s excellent album Oshki Manitou, which expands his work as a trumpet player, arranger, and composer. He’s woven together ceremonial sweat-lodge melodies with jazz, funk, dance and electronica and this episode features tracks from that album. He’s such a powerfully lyrical trumpet player, and you’ll be deeply touched to hear his inspiring story of moving through trauma and addiction to helping others through counseling and music. Chuck talked to me about his experience of growing up Indigenous, how intergenerational trauma from the residential schools affected his life, and how he was able to get sober and find healing in Indigineous ceremonial traditions.  You’ll hear about his university experience at Brandon university studying with Alan Ehnes, how he became a counselor through the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, and found his way back to a life in music. He spoke of his hope for the future of Indigenous youth, working with Julia Keefe’s Indigenous Big Band, and his upcoming projects. Please check out Chuck’s website: https://www.chuckcopenace.com/ Can you help support this series? I really do need the help of my listeners to keep this going: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Thanks! Like all my episodes, this is also available as a video on my YouTube, and the transcript is linked as well to my podcast website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/chuck-copenace You can sign up here for my newsletter and get access to Sneak Peeks for upcoming guests: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter My Linktree for social media: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:16) Creator, getting back to music, sweat lodge ceremony (06:26) Creator from Oshki Manitou (10:26) learning ceremonial songs, recording the album (14:12) Indian Act, suppression of Indigenous spiritual and cultural practices like the sweat lodge (15:45) intro to Nothing Simple (17:03) Nothing Simple live video from Revelstoke (21:36) Indigenous peoples in Winnipeg (22:56) the origin of Oshki Manitou (26:12) Oshki Manitou (30:13) Chuck’s son (30:53) check out past episodes and support the show (31:31) school music programs (35:00) how music helped Chuck deal with inter-generational trauma, getting sober (46:53) growing up Indigenous, the way history is taught  (50:27) residential schools and hope for the future (58:22) excerpt from Little Sunflower from Oshki Manitou (59:20) Indigineous mentorship, Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band  (01:07:29) Chuck’s music education, Alan Ehnes Brandon (01:16:47) Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, recovery and burnout  (01:24:36) finding a path in music again (01:35:18) next projects, sharing his story, youth workshops

Frank Horvat is an acclaimed Canadian composer and pianist whose music has been featured on over 20 albums. In this episode you’ll hear how he has forged meaningful collaborations with a wide range of musicians internationally, and found and given solace to audiences through his focus on themes of mental health, the climate crisis, and social justice. We start this episode with his Arctic Circle Residency. Frank Horvat is so prolific and involved in so many diverse projects, with music in many styles, that we could only focus on a few of his works in this podcast episode, including with the SHHH!!! Ensemble, the Odin Quartet, flutist Christopher Lee and soprano Meredith Hall.  We talked about his Music for Self-Isolation, and  his wonderful initiative, the  Piano Therapy Virtual Tour, that pairs his music with his personal mental health challenges and coping strategies. I also asked him about The Green Keys Tour, in which he performed his work Earth Hour in dark halls across North America, travelling in a sustainable way. We also got into some of his current projects,  Trees.Listen with Sharlene Wallace inspired by the work of Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger , and  More Rivers,  commissioned by Christina Petrowska Quilico and inspired by the work of Ann Southam.  I need the help of my listeners! https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Frank Horvat website: https://frankhorvat.com/ Follow this podcast on social media: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman You can also watch this podcast on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ViolinLessonOnline Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:22) Arctic Circle Residency (15:00) SHHH!! Ensemble  Auditory Survey of the Last Days of the Holocene, creative process and excerpts (24:51) Frank Horvat composing in different styles, finding new inspirations (28:48) Music for Self-Isolation, music performed by Christopher Lee (40:50) please support this podcast! Thanks (41:26) Piano Therapy Virtual Tour, talking about mental health (54:54) Odin quartet excerpt from the Four Seasons in High Park (55:07) Frank’s start as a composer  (58:00) The Green Keys Tour (01:01:13) excerpt Orbital Tour of CIties at Night from album Fractures with Meredith Hall (01:04:140) new project Trees.Listen with Sharlene Wallace, Dr. Diana Beresford-Kroeger  (01:11:19) More Rivers, Christina Petrowska Quilico, Ann Southam

Guy Donis grew up in Belgium, where he had fallen in love with the banjo and proceeded to dedicate his life to it. In this episode, he describes how he taught himself 5 string banjo, learned about Bluegrass, and expanded his musical horizons by collaborating with jazz and classical musicians. He immigrated to Canada many years ago, and is well-known in the Montreal music scene. He has toured Canada extensively with Notre Dame de Grass and other bands, and in this episode he talks about his newest project, the Montreal Bluegrass League, and a track from their latest album is included in this podcast. Some tracks from his two trio albums are also included earlier in this episode, in which you can hear Guy’s progressive jazz-influenced  original music.  Can you buy me a coffee to support this series? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks so much! Like all my episodes, the YouTube video, Transcript, and show notes are linked on my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/guy-donis Guy Donis website: https://www.guydonisbanjo.com/ Sign up for my weekly newsletter to get access to Sneak Peeks for upcoming episodes: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Follow the podcast on my socials: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:03) Guy’s discovery of the banjo in Belgium (04:35) Tchestou Guy Donis Trio from Paroles d’arbre (04:40) banjo demo, evolution of bluegrass style (21:12) Béla Fleck (25:05) Paroles d’arbre album  (29:16) title track from Paroles d’arbre Guy Donis Trio (33:51) Roots, Risks and Rêveries album Guy Donis Trio (35:33) Grenouillages Guy Donis Trio (36:36) Guy’s youth in Belgium, learning banjo (45:47) could you buy me a coffee to support this series? (46:26) the challenge of continuing to improve  (47:29) Sam Bush (49:39) how Guy learned banjo and found his style (54:04) decision to leave Belgium (59:49) Tony Trischka, Béla Fleck, networking challenges, focus in playing (01:06:36) the Montreal Bluegrass League (01:14:59) career choices (01:19:46) teaching banjo (01:23:59) Guy’s banjo Nechville Phantom (01:29:49) the Montreal Bluegrass League album, intro to One Way Track (01:31:51) One Way Track with the Montreal Bluegrass League  (01:34:05) love for winter in Quebec as an immigrant from Belgium (01:36:04) distractions of the internet (01:38:05) learning music therapeutic photo of Guy Donis: David Roseman

Jeeyoon Kim is a very special concert pianist who has opened meaningful connections to new audiences through her innovative concerts, albums, podcast, and now her book “Whenever You’re Ready”. You’ll learn how she sold out her Carnegie Hall debut recital without knowing one person in New York, without an agent or winning a competition. She’s generously shared 3 tracks from some of her albums that punctuate this episode. Her website is linked here: https://www.jeeyoonkim.com/about I was so honoured when Jeeyoon agreed to be part of this series, because I knew her wisdom, personal story and her music making would resonate strongly with you.   Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/jeeyoon-kim Please buy me a coffee to support this podcast? I really do need the help of my listners to keep this going: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Here you can sign up for my weekly newsletter to get access to Sneak Peeks for upcoming episodes. https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:31) book “Whenever You’re Ready”  (04:34) podcast “Journey Through Classical Piano” (08:26) intro to Brahms’ Intermezzo (11:28) Brahms Intermezzo op. 118, number 2 (18:04) Jeeyoon’s childhood in Korea (23:10) burnout challenges (26:48) decision to pursue Master’s in Pedagogy after Doctorate (30:28) please support this podcast (31:07) adapting teaching to each student (35:00) private teaching versus academic setting, creating your own path (39:46) Jeeyoon’s innovative concerts, 10 More Minutes crowdfunding and Carnegie Hall debut (53:07) Kapustin Concert Etude op. 40 number 6 Pastoral from Jeeyoon Kim’s album Sium (55:59) Sium project, 17 concert tour (01:02:42) Debussy (01:05:21) La plus que lente by Debussy from Jeeyoon Kim’s album Sium (01:09:49) the challenge of adapting to different pianos (01:15:14) Allen T. Brown, pairing photography and poetry with music (01:21:51) lifelong learning (01:25:15) surfing (01:31:35) great advice from David Bremmer

J. Walter Hawkes is a 4-time Emmy-winning composer for the PBS series Peg + Cat and Wonder Pets, is a renowned jazz trombone player, and also performs as a jazz vocalist, ukulele player, and pianist. As a young man, he survived a horrible accident which changed the course of his life. We talk about this and his mentors including the legendary Slide Hampton, how he got into composing for Blues Clues, and many hilarious and heart-warming personal stories. Those of you who listened to my episode with Pat Irwin will remember his album Wide Open Sky with Walter, and we’re featuring two pieces from that album in this episode along with an impromptu performance of Cole Porter’s Get Out of Town. Walter’s love of adventure really comes through in this conversation, and it’s really inspiring to hear how he’s built such an interesting  career in music.   You can use the timestamps (listed below) to navigate, and like all my episodes, you can listen to this on your podcast player, watch the YouTube video, or read the transcript, all linked here to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/j-walter-hawkes  Pat Irwin episode: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/pat-irwin J. Walter Hawkes website: https://jwalterhawkes.com/about Can you buy me a coffee to support this channel and this podcast? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Please do sign up for my newsletter to get access to Sneak Peeks: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter DeWitt Fleming with The Hot Sardines: https://youtu.be/Va68n60B3js?si=ida_ujyhVvRXG_iJ The February video on Walter's YouTube is here: https://youtu.be/XJOeV0mVcgA?si=IZpS8B1MzXa6CEUV My Linktree with social media links: https://linktr.ee/leahroseman Timestamps: (00:00) Intro ( 01:45) Wide Open Sky album with Pat Irwin, story of February and old family film (10:17) February (12:06) the story of the accident  (24:05) please support the podcast! Buy me a coffee? Thanks!  (24:43) intro to For a Dance (26:03) For a Dance from Wide Open Sky (29:44) piano,  The Hot Sardines (32:32) North Texas experience (39:40) Emmys, composing for children’s tv Peg+Cat, Wonder Pets, Blues Clues (48:49) ukulele stories (01:00:00) intro to Cole Porter’s Get Out of Town (01:00:50) Get Out of Town by Cole Porter (01:02:55) Nora Jones, career regrets, dealing with stagefright (01:14:33) Slide Hampton, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band (01:22:29) early NYC days, traditional jazz scene (01:26:24) memorization skills (01:28:31) electronics, old computers, instruments (01:35:40) importance of mentorship, Duncan Goff, Jerry Ball, Sol Yaged, balancing his career between playing and composing (01:45:42) how Walter started composing for Blues Clues, how the accident affected his career

Welcome to Season 4 of Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman. For this first episode in 2024, I welcome the violinist, author and coach Jennifer Roig-Francoli. We talk about her newly released  book, Make Great Music with Ease!: The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life, and  her Art of Freedom Method which incorporates the mind-body skills of the Alexander Technique. This episode also features excerpts from her solo violin album, Solo Con Spirito, with music of Kreisler, Enescu and Bach.  Jennifer had the opportunity to study with Nathan Milstein, Josef Gingold and Stanley Ritchie  and has had an interesting career as a performer, including with Appollo’s Fire. We talk about performing barefoot at Carnegie Hall, travels to India, and in Jennifer’s words” how you do one thing is how you do everything”. I myself have been very influenced by different mind-body practices like the Alexander Technique,  and the power of thought to help me address habitual tensions in my own life has really helped me, and I trust this inspiring and helpful episode will be of help to you, both musical performers and not, because the content of this discussion addresses universal challenges for all of us.  This conversation is punctuated by some excerpts from Jennifer’s solo album, and I hope you’ll listen to the whole album which you’ll find both on streaming services, or better yet for purchase on her website: https://artoffreedom.me/meet-jennifer/ Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/jennifer-roig-francoli Here you can sign up for my weekly newsletter to get access to Sneak Peeks for upcoming episodes: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter I have had several interviews talking about some of the same issues as this episode. My interviews with  Julie Lyonn-Lieberman, Madeline Bruser, Stephen Nachmanovitch, Derek Gripper and Daniel Ramjattan will be good places  to start if you missed any of those.  Finally, I’m an independant podcaster, and I truly need the help of my listeners to keep this project going: https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman photo of Jennifer Roig-Francoli: Tina Gutierrez Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (04:16) album Solo con Spirito! Celebrating 50 (05:27) excerpt from Kreisler’s Recitativo and Scherzo-Caprice (07:07) excerpt from Enescu’s Sarabande (07:47) Stanley Ritchie  (10:03) Jennifer’s studies at Indiana University, learning baroque violin (12:58) Apollo’s Fire (15:11) studies with Nathan Milstein (18:43) Alexander Technique and Primal Alexander touch-free approach (32:58) please support this series! Thanks.  (33:15) the importance of transitions and mindset, performance anxiety, The Art of Freedom Method (41:43) music education, pressure from teachers, competitiveness in the music industry (46:36) excerpt from Ysaye’s Ballade (46:34) challenges in parenting for musicians (52:44) music education, letting go of the focus on goals (58:41) excerpt from Bach’s Chaconne (01:00:12) performing barefoot (01:02:56) decisions around pitch and more for Solo con Spirito (01:07:25) How you do one thing is how you do everything (01:11:32) India meditation retreat Amma’s ashram (01:16:31) connections made through Art of Freedom online coaching