Conversations with Musicians with Leah Roseman is available wherever you listen to podcasts. The video and transcript are linked here on my website, where you can check out my episodes catalog and sign up for Sneak Peeks for upcoming guests: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/jeremy-mastrangelo This week’s guest is violinist Jeremy Mastrangelo, who’s a wonderful colleague of mine in Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra. He’s known in our greenroom as a great storyteller, onstage as an excellent musician, and having heard him give brilliant masterclasses I can attest to his excellence as an educator as well. This episode is infused with Jeremy’s wit and wisdom as well as a couple of beautiful violin performances. We talk about violin shopping in Cremona, teenage life at Interlochen Academy, the difficulties and joys of a career as an orchestral musician, family, and the benefits of deepening our understanding of the composers we play. You will find that one of the wonderful stories in this episode reveals an unexpected discovery! This independant podcast needs your support. Can you help with $3? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks so much! Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:11) Jeremy’s brother Dave, his childhood starting violin (10:31) Bach Aria from Goldberg Variations (13:23) Dave Mastrangelo arrangements (15:05) orchestra audition process (19:11) working conditions, collective agreements, Syracuse orchestra experience, Sara Mastrangelo (27:21) please support the podcast! (28:00) different roles and chairs in the orchestra (30:31) Interlochen (34:13) intro to Piazzolla etude (35:45) Piazzolla Tango Etude no. 3 (39:34) dealing with uncertainty, pandemic Syracuse then Ottawa with Pinchas Zukerman (45:37) ideal orchestra experiences, role of conductor and players (50:15) Cremona with wife Sara, Italian heritage, Vittorio Villa (55:54) Jeremy’s violin teachers Rafail Sobolevsky, Bill Preucil, Hal Grossman, Paul Kantor (01:03:26) Rafail Sobolevsky story (01:10:13) Sally Thomas, James Ehnes (01:14:12) cooking (01:16:07) great books about composers and performers (01:20:37) solo experiences, stress dreams, benefits of knowing more about the composers (01:28:16) one final orchestra story
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
Canadian violinist Yolanda Bruno spoke to me about her new album Dear Jeanne and her film The Immortal Serafin, which both honour the late Jeanne Lamon, the renowned baroque violinist, and Music Director of Tafelmusik for 34 years. Yolanda explains how she explores the story of Jeanne’s 1759 Santo Serafin baroque violin, which was generously loaned to Yolanda for one year. You’ll hear a few clips from the album, including Jeanne’s masterful string trio arrangement of Bach’s iconic Ciaccona, as well as a taste of a Leclair duo with Julia Wedman, another important mentor for Yolanda, and a work by Beth Silver honouring Jeanne’s Dutch-Jewish heritage. Yolanda reflects on what it means to live more sustainably with her partner, the accordionist Michael Bridge, who was previously featured on this podcast. She shared how her her annual project Music for Your Blues has impacted her life, as well as a very memorable experience performing in a high-security penitentiary, which taught her about connection and dignity, and the value of live music. I also wanted to shine a light on Yolanda’s brilliant first ablum, The Wild Swans, featuring 11 women composers, recorded with pianist Isabelle David. You’ll hear short excerpts by Lera Auerbach and Kelly-Marie Murphy. We end the episode with Yolanda’s insights about avoiding burnout by achieving balance in her life using the idea of longer cycles of time, which I loved.Complete Show Notes with All the Links! Yolanda Bruno Websitephoto: Curtis Perry(00:00) Intro(02:34) Dear Jeanne and her film The Immortal Serafin, Jeanne Lamon, Tafelmusik(12:25) Jeanne’s arrangement of Bach Ciaconna with clip (Yolanda with Julia Wedman, Christina Mahler - J.S. Bach Ciaccona from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004(15:46) film The Immortal Serafin, living more sustainably and mindfully, Michael Bridge(24:39) the process of buying the Serafin, Jaak Liivoya, Bill Monical(30:56) how Yolanda started playing baroque violin, meeting Jeanne(34:41) clip of Jean-Marie Leclair Sonata for Two Violins in D Major, Op. 3, No. 3, ii. Allegro, lessons with Julia Wedman(38:00) other linked episodes and ways to support this series(38:50) Leclair, Beth Silver, Jeanne Lamon’s Dutch-Jewish heritage (44:16) musical family, The Wild Swans album, Lera Auerbach with clip Lera Auerbach - 24 Preludes for Violin and Piano, op. 46: No. 9 in E Major (Allegro)(51:38) Kelly Marie-Murphy The Swan Parapraxis with clip Kelly-Marie Murphy - The Swan Parapraxis, Carmen Bruno cello The Wild Swans album, Katherine Dowling(55:22) Music for Your Blues, reading, memorable concerts(01:02:37) performing for incarcerated audience in a penitentiary, Jean Rohe, Diane Schoemperlen(01:07:04) studying in England, balancing life in annual cycles
I really enjoyed this opportunity to speak with Mack Hagood, author of Hush: Media and Sonic Self-Control, to explore how we use sound to manage our minds, moods, and modern lives. From white noise apps and noise-cancelling headphones to tinnitus and sound therapy, Mack helped me understand the complex relationship between media, technology, and the human need to tune in (or out). We discuss the surprising cultural history behind everyday sonic tools — from the 1964 Sleep-Mate sound conditioner to Irv Teibel’s visionary Environments recordings, to Dr. Amar Gopal Bose’s 1978 flight epiphany that led to noise-cancelling headphones. Mack reflected on teaching “The Smartphone in Society,” and concerns with both social media and streaming platforms. Towards the end of this conversation he explained why started his podcast Phantom Power and how his childhood in New Orleans eventually led him to the new field of sound scholarship. Complete Show Notes with all the links! Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:34) life as a guitarist, Pinetop (05:47) tinnitus(15:32) first white noise machine Sleep Mate(22:54) Hush: Sonic Media and Sonic Self-Control, Irv Teibel environments series(30:36) Bose noise-cancelling headphones (35:30) Edison Realism test, how our listening is culturally conditioned (41:03) other linked episodes and ways to support this series(41:47) soundscapes, R. Murray Schafer, field recordings(45:14) podcast Phantom Power(49:02) Walkmans, consumption of music, white noise apps(52:14) The Smartphone in Society, social media(59:08) why Mack got into podcasting as a sound scholar, Liz Pelley, problems with Spotify(01:08:07) how he became a sound scholar
Michael Stephen Brown is both a fantastic pianist and composer, and in this episode you’ll be hearing some excerpts from his upcoming album Twelve Blocks, which is a very personal project for him of chamber music and solo piano pieces. You’ll hear the stories and personal connections with each of these works that he’s composed. He shared his experiences at several inspiring arts residencies including living in Aaron Copland’s house unplugged from the internet, his close friendship with the late Shirley Perle, and his research into Felix Mendelssohn’s relationship with Delphine von Schauroth and her compositions. We talked about the importance of removing the stigma from getting therapy and providing more affordable access to mental health support to those in the performing arts through his support of Creative Care. and his longstanding collaboration with cellist and comedian Nick Canellakis; you’ll also be hearing a clip of one of their performances. At the core of this interview are Michael’s broad interests and how he reflects his curiosity and love of storytelling in his creative work. There’s lots more to this in-depth episode, and all the music you’ll be hearing is composed by Michael; have a look at the show notes for all the links.Photo: Sofian Kahn(00:00) Intro(02:31)learning composition and piano from age of 5, teachers Rothgarber, Julliard, Lowenthal, Adler(06:16) 12 Blocks with clip, Ursula Oppens, Jerome Lowenthal(08:32) more previews of 12 Blocks with clips, Osmo Vänskä, Erin Keefe, Yaddo residency, Lake Alan, Love’s Lives Lost, Susanna Phillips, SPA trio, Paul Neubauer(18:35) inspiration from poetry and personal relationships, clip Breakup Etude for Right Hand Alone(21:45) McDowell artist retreat, Carnival of Endangered Wonders(29:23) Andràs Schiff mentorship(31:05) Delphine von Schauroth and Felix Mendelssohn(34:55) other linked episodes and how to support this series(35:50) Aaron Copland residency
This week’s episode is a personal one for me, since Jennifer Johnson has been helping me gain more ease and comfort in violin playing and living in general. An understanding of Body Mapping will help you whether you play an instrument, sing, or simply go about your daily life. Jennifer Johnson is a violinist, film maker, and the author of several books including “What Every Violnist Needs to Know About the Body”. She’s an internationally sought-after Master Teacher and Teacher Trainer in Body Mapping and is renowned for her expertise in helping musicians to move according to the design of their bodies to prevent playing injuries and promote ease.I also wanted to shine a light on Jennifer’s film Music, Movement & Transformation: The Body Mapping Story, which is partly a beautiful tribute to her inspiring mentor Barbara Conable.I’m sure you’ll find this conversation with Jennifer is full of actionable tips and insights to help you, including some of the best advice about dealing with stage fright that I’ve ever heard.Complete show notes: including links for Jennifer's film, her website, my newsletter, podcast merch and linked episodes with transcript and video.(00:00) Intro(01:59) string quartet career, injury, Alexander Technique, meeting Barbara Conable, Body Mapping(11:05) Body Mapping, common mismappings(17:29) transformations, stories of Body Mapping success(25:50) film "Music, Movement & Transformation: The Body Mapping Story”, Duane Andrews, Murat Eyuboglu(36:51) other linked episodes, ways to help this series(37:36) worldwide community of Body Mapping educators(41:23) Jennifer’s books, backwards walking, 6 places of balance(53:04) humero-scapular rhythm(58:39) film, Barbara Conable quotes, instrument-specific books(01:04:16) stage fright advice(01:10:44) how to teach Body Mapping to childrenphoto: Colette Phillips
Cherokee singer-songwriter Agalisiga “The Chuj” Mackey shares the story behind his debut country-folk album, created entirely in the Cherokee language with producer Jared Tyler. He discusses language revitalization, the Cherokee syllabary, immersion schools, and the impact of boarding schools. Agalisiga also reflects on Indigenous history, cultural preservation, and his musical influences—showing how traditional language and contemporary music can keep a culture thriving.Agalisiga Mackey Music Show notes: bring you to other episodes you'll like, newsletter sign-up to get sneak peeks, podcast merch, buy me a coffee, YouTube video, and transcript!(00:00) Intro(02:39)Cherokee culture and language(10:11)When I was a Boy Tsitsutsa Tsigesvwith clip(13:24) developing Cherokee language and culture app(17:31) forced relocation Trail of Tears(22:00) Agalisiga’s elders, legacy of boarding schools(28:55) Tiny Desk experience, clip Daganigisi (I’m Gonna Leave)(32:18) other episodes linked and ways to support this project(33:05) Sequoyah’s Syllabary, Cherokee sounds and culture(41:33) musical influences, clip of Gatlohiha (I’m Crying)(48:19) Bringing the language into the present, creating the album, Jared Tyler, clip of Dvkiyohiselvi (I Shall Be Released)(57:47) Anvdvnelisgi ᎠᏅᏛᏁᎵᏍᎩi album(59:16) family, learning Spanish(01:02:11) bringing the culture into the present
Gaelynn Lea is a violinist, singer-songwriter, disability rights advocate, author, and public speaker. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Gaelynn began her musical journey with the support of a childhood music teacher and her musical family. You’ll hear about how her big break happened when she won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, which led to a fascinating creative life which in the last few years has included international touring and scoring Macbeth on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga. Gaelynn is really open to trying new things, and this really came through as she talked to me about how she’ll never have enough time to explore all her curiosities, reflections on her first compositions and songs, how she collaborated with mentors Alan Sparhawk, and Charlie Parr, and how she created a new musical fable for the stage called Invisible Fences with disabled storyteller Kevin Kling. You’ll be hearing clips from some of Gaelynn’s albums during the podcast, and her Bandcamp is linked in the show notes for you. We begin with a look at her upcoming memoir—It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect— a warm, funny and deeply-felt exploration of disability, music, and the messy creativity of an artist’s life. I plan to welcome Gaelynn back for a future episode focused on that work. You can find the pre-order link in the show notes. It will be published by Algonquin Press in April 2026.Episode page with video, transcript and other episodes you'll love! Gaelynn Lea Website Albums on Bandcamp Order It Wasn’t Meant to be Perfect Invisible Fences with Kevin Kling Newsletter Podcast Merch Buy me a coffee photo: Explore Duluth(00:00) Intro(03:32) Gaelynn’s upcoming memoir—It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect(10:42) Macbeth score and album, meeting Michael Stipe, Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship(16:02) about “Perfect”, with clip from Macbeth album(18:50) Gaelynn’s childhood, learning the violin in an adapted way, her instruments(26:20) decision not to have surgery (29:01) Someday We’ll Linger in the Sun with clip(32:06) other episodes you’ll love, ways to support this independent project(32:53) how winning Tiny Desk changed her life and for her husband(38:32) disability visibility, mindset, beginning of song-writing and composing Alan Sparhawk, Charlie Parr(45:56) The Long Way Around with clip from The Living Room Sessions(49:46) Dragons and Fairies with clip from The Living Room Sessions, joys of improvisation, looping(54:45) fiddle repertoire, jamming in Edinburgh (59:45) Invisible Fences with Kevin Kling, disability activism, psychological challenges
Sam Sadigursky is a renowned clarinetist, composer, and member of the Philip Glass Ensemble. In this episode, we explore his latest project The Solomon Diaries with Nathan Koci, his work on Broadway in The Band’s Visit, and his career spanning jazz, classical, and contemporary music. Sam shares stories from touring with Philip Glass, mentors Brad Mehldau and Lee Konitz, and his upbringing in a musical immigrant family.We also dive into improvisation beyond music, the impact of streaming algorithms, and the cultural legacy of the Borscht Belt. Listen to insights into Sam’s unique voice as a composer and performer, and hear excerpts from some of his wonderful creative output. Sam Sadigursky’s websitePodcast website: episode page with YouTube, TranscriptNewsletter sign-up Podcast merch Buy me a coffee?Other episodes you'll love: Meg Okura Tasha Warren Yale Strom Colleen Allen Rachel Eckroth and John Hadfield(00:00) Intro(02:11)Sam’s musical family and early influences(08:02) jazz, hearing heroes play teen years in L.A.(10:12) Isaac Sadigursky, VNP Hora with clip(14:26) move out to New York(17:05) about Six Miles at Midnight with clip, Nathan Koci, Satie influence (21:07) Touring with Philip Glass Ensemble(25:23) influence of Glass, Migrations Vol. 5 Solomon Diaries(28:59) clarinet music, Eleven from 24 Rhythmic Duets for Clarinet, teaching, Vince Trombetta(33:54) other linked episodes you’ll love and ways to spread the word!(34:33) about “Lucky” vol. V The Solomon Diaries, wife Sarah, Danny Fox(40:10) early jazz mentors and opportunities, Brad Mehldau, Bill Berry(42:31) parenting, streaming and music industry challenges(45:44) Broadway: The Band’s Visit and beyond(51:18) solo piano music, Incidentalee dedicated to Lee Konitz, from Figures/Broken Pieces performed Nick Sanders(54:39) many instruments, decision to focus on clarinet(57:38) Borsht Belt history, Marisa Scheinfeld, The Solomon Diaries(01:03:24) Guy Klucevsek, “Secondhand” The Solomon Diaries Vol. IV by Nathan Koci(01:08:17) creative output, music industry challenges, Words Project, upcoming projects
Composer and audio producer Pat McCusker joins me to talk about his work creating music for The Ezra Klein Show, his role at The New York Times, and what it’s like touring the world as a musician with actor David Duchovny. Pat's music also appears on The Daily, Modern Love, and many more.🎶 What we talk about in this episode:Composing the theme for The Ezra Klein ShowScoring for podcasts and working with The New York TimesTouring internationally with David DuchovnyThe power of music in shows like Severance and White LotusTools and gear Pat uses as a composerManaging anxiety and building creative communityIf you're a composer, musician, or podcast fan, you'll find plenty to connect with in this conversation.Web page for the episode includes transcript, YouTube link.Pat McCusker David DuchovnyOther episodes with some of the media composers I've featured: Pat Irwin, Christoph Zirngibl, Adam Blau, Anže Rozman and Kara TalveBuy me a coffee?Podcast MerchNewsletter sign-up🎙️ About the show: Conversations with Musicians. with violinist Leah Roseman: weekly episodes featuring a fascinating diversity of musical guests worldwide. (00:00) Intro(02:55) how Pat became a podcast composer(07:16) creative process Magical Tree Creatures theme for “The Ezra Klein Show” with clip(10:37) composing for podcasts at The New York Times, the function of music in podcasts(18:01) listening and appreciating great podcasts, Marc Maron(23:11) The Big Question Mark with clip, "Interesting Times with Ross Douthat”(26:37) Severance and White Lotus inspirations, Moog synthesizers(32:09) other episodes you’ll love, ways to support this podcast(32:58) rock career, Buzzbody, David Duchovny, Pat Irwin(41:00) Holding Patterns with David Duchovny (website linked in show notes)(45:57) joy of performing and touring, his dad(49:35) Pat’s youth, discovering guitar, Berklee (55:43) Buzzbody Full of Fear, dealing with anxiety(01:03:12) some personal creative projects, wife Simo(01:10:52) suggestions for books, podcasts, music
I have become a big fan of Ruckus, a dynamic Early Music ensemble, and I so enjoyed this uplifting conversation with Clay Zeller-Townson, their Artistic Director and bassoonist. ou’ll be hearing clips from The Edinburgh Rollick with music from the Niel Gow collection, featuring the violinist Keir GoGwilt, and because this music is very much at the crossroads of Scottish traditional music and Baroque music, it delights audiences who are more into folk as well as baroque. You'll be inspired to hear Clay’s ideas around crafting something truly personal and unique and connecting with audiences, as well the importance of access to music education at all levels. We also got into Ruckus’ Fly the Coop project with flutist Emi Ferguson with a wonderfully fresh take on the music of J.S. Bach, and a lot of what Clay shared was how the musicians connect deeply with their audiences with contemporary relevance in many different ways.You’ll find the track names of the music included in the time stamps. The complete show notes on my website will take you the video and transcript for this episode.Ruckus Early Music Other episodes you'll love: bassoonist Christopher Millard, Lutenist Elizabeth Pallett, recorder player Sarah Jeffery , fiddler Alexis Chartrand, organist Gail Archer and cellist Juliana Soltis. Buy me a coffee? Newsletter Merch(00:00) Intro(02:04) Ruckus early music continuo band, creating unique style and sound(09:10) violinist Keir GoGwilt The Edingburgh Rollick (clip from The Jenny Nettles Set), Neil Gow(15:16) how Baroque bassoon is different from modern(18:10) Ruckus’ collaborative creative process(23:23) Mrs. Ferguson’s Strathspey, about the Beatles’ quote(26:28) Playing for dancers(31:54) playing for opera with no conductor(37:02) Fiona Gillespie with clip of The Broome of Coudenknowes(40:15) Clay’s childhood and discovery of the bassoon(42:19) other episodes you’ll love(43:11) Clay’s music education and forming Ruckus(46:38) flutist Emi Ferguson, album Fly the Coop with J.S. Bach Siciliana (54:53) The Edinburgh Rollick album art, The Gigg Set with clip(01:01:10) Clay’s life as an educator(01:08:02) Early Music scene(01:14:07) Roscoe Mitchell project
Join me in getting to know the fascinating world of Leif Karlstrom, a musician and scientist who combines data sonification in his outstanding collaborative exploration, The Volcano Listening Project. Leif is an Earth scientist at the University of Oregon who studies fluid motions in and on volcanoes and glaciers, landscape evolution, and geodynamics. He’s also a fantastic violinist and mandolin player, composer and improvisor.The Volcano Listening Project features many great musicians including Billy Contreras, Todd Sickafoose and Laurel Premo. You’ll also hear music from Leif’s fantastic duo Small Town Therapy with Adam Roszkiewicz, from their album Dreams and Circumstances.Learn how sonification can transform data into a powerful tool for scientific discovery and education and hear about Leif’s adventurous life as both a musician and scientist.My website takes you to: linked episodes, newsletter sign-up, merch store, Ko-fi page, YouTube and Transcipt! The Volcano Listening Project album Small Town Therapy (00:00) Intro(02:07) Leif’s family influences, musical background, with clip track 2 Lava dome failure at Soufrière Hills, Montserrat, 2003(07:37) The Volcano Listening Project upcoming tour, creative collaboration, with clip track 12 Large earthquakes during caldera collapse, Kilauea, 2018(13:25) Billy Contreras with clip track 4 Mount Saint Helens drumbeat seismicity and eruption, 2004, album art Rachel Sager(17:09) sonification of the data with clip track1 A walk through fresh tephra(24:32) memorable experiences in the field with volcanoes(29:06) instrument collection, 5 string fiddle design(32:21) Adam Roszkiewicz, with clip Small Town Therapy track 7 from Dreams and Circumstances “33”(36:45) other episodes linked in the show notes and ways to support this podcast(37:35) sonification of the data as a scientific tool with clip track 7 Seismic cycles of caldera collapse, Kilauea, 2018(42:47) Leif’s touring experiences, keeping music in his life, parenting(50:28) more volcano science with clip track 3 650 years of global explosive eruptions, Stash Wyslouch(53:50) Adhyaropa records sonification tracks add-on, Laurel Premo with clip track 10 Lightning and the ash plume of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha-apai, 2022(57:28) collaborating, Alaska, Todd Sickafoose, Idit Shner, Johnny Rogers, upcoming tour
Martha Redbone is acclaimed for her powerful performances as a singer, as well as her prize-winning song-writing, composition and arranging. For over 30 years she’s been in a successful collaboration with her partner Aaron Whitby and we talked about some of their new theatrical projects including Black Mountain Women, The Sex Variants of 1941, and Guardian Spirit: The Words of bell hooks. Throughout this episode you’ll be hearing clips from Martha’s powerful album The Garden of Love which sets the poetry of William Blake to the diverse music of Appalachia, written with Aaron and John McEuen of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Many people think of the music, culture and history of Appalachia in terms of the blend of white settlers in the area, but Martha’s family heritage from Harlan County Kentucky includes African American, British, Chickamauga-Cherokee and Mississippi Choctaw. She shared her experiences growing up with her grandparents as part of a coal-mining family, as well as the dramatic changes she has witnessed in Brooklyn over several decades.In this wide-ranging episode, you’ll also hear Martha’s great advice for self-care, maintaining boundaries and working collaboratively. We started this conversation with Martha’s collaborations with clarinettist Tasha Warren and cellist Dave Eggar and if you missed my interview with Tasha last year it’s linked to this one below.You can also watch this on my YouTube and I’ve also linked the transcript on my websiteMartha Redbone websiteThe Garden of Love albumBuy me a coffee?Podcast Merch Newsletter sign-upOther episodes you'll love:Tasha Warren Shakura S’Aida, Chuck Copenace, Jah’Mila, and Vahn Blackphoto: Christine Jean Chambers(00:00) Intro(02:56) Tasha Warren, Dave Eggar clip Black Mountain Calling(09:06) Black Mountain Women, clip of A Poison Tree(13:12) history Black people in Appalachia(16:06) mixed Black Indigineous family history(25:00) Carnegie project, The Garden of Love with clip of The Garden of Love(32:30) John McEuen, David Amram clip of Sleep, Sleep, Beauty Bright(37:47) telling broader story(42:47) learning Indigenous culture, Brooklyn(48:02) other episodes,(48:53) musical influences (music clip On Another Sorrow)(54:01) Brooklyn(58:15) bell hooks(01:02:59) The Sex Variants of 1941, Stephen Trask, Steve Cosson, LGBTQ+ history(01:07:53) Aaron Whitby
Tammy Takaishi is a Board Certified Music Therapist, Podcaster and writer based in New York. We talked about her podcast Creative Peacemeal, her meaningful and multi-faceted career as a Music Therapist, and her full creative life including her writing. If music therapy is a career you’re curious about, you’ll be inspired by her stories and insights. As a fellow podcasters, we definitely bonded over our enthusiasm for the medium and the wide range of fascinating, creative people we’ve been able to connect with. I know that fans of Tammy’s podcast will be interested to learn more about her path, personal perspectives and great advice including avoiding burnout. You can watch this on my YouTube or listen to the podcast; I’ve also linked the transcript to my websiteTammy's podcast Creative Peacemeal I wanted to let you know about some other episodes I’ve linked directly to this one, with Martha Anne Toll Heather Taves Jeeyoon Kim Gertrude “Trudy” Létourneau Philip Griffin Newsletter sign-up! Podcast MerchPodcast Support page(00:00) Intro(01:42) Tammy’s musical childhood, juggling creative pursuits(08:15) Creative Peacemeal podcast(14:15) preventing burnout(16:55) Music Therapy with babies NICU(22:54) Music Therapy careers and training(29:53) inspiring stories from life as a Music Therapist(38:30) other linked episodes and ways to support this podcast(39:10) music therapy life(49:52) contrast between Houston
Welcome to Conversations with Musicians with Leah Roseman with powerful, in-depth conversations with a fascinating diversity of musical guests wordwide. In this moving episode, I sit down with GRAMMY-winning composer Carla Patullo. Carla shares her deeply personal journey as well as audio clips from Nomadica, her gorgeous new album born from grief, healing, and resilience following the traumatic loss of her mother and her own battle with cancer. We dive into Carla’s creative process, her emotional transformation, and the collaborative magic behind the album — including features with Martha Wainwright, the Scorchio Quartet, and Tonality. You'll also hear about her powerful projects with partner Elizabeth Beech honoring animation pioneer Lotte Reiniger, her longtime work with Sandra Bernhard, and the meaningful mentorship she’s received within the LGBTQ+ music community, including from Laura Karpman. From her tight-knit Italian family roots to her evolution as a touring artist and composer, this episode is a must-listen for fans of ambient music, film composition, and stories of personal and artistic growth. Like all my episodes, you can watch the video or listen to the podcast; the transcript is linked to my website.All the clips from Nomadica are listed in the timestamps, and you can buy or stream the album from Carla’s website. Buy me a coffee?NewsletterPodcast MerchOther episodes I’m sure you’ll love: Anze Rozman and Kara Talve Adam Blau Martha Mooke EmmoLei Sankofa J. Walter Hawkes Kavisha Mazzella(00:00) Intro (02:05) album Nomadica, Scorchio quartet, Carla’s mother death (07:46) clip of A Handblown World (13:04) cancer treatments, Carla’s mother’s hair salon (16:40) clip of Nomadica (17:29) Tonality vocal ensemble (19:20) Martha Wainwright (21:35) clip of Fly Under (22:23) cover art, Jamie Dwyer (23:51) Italian family (28:08) Carla’s youth, first album, Berklee (33:07) Sandra Bernhard, LGBTQ+ community (37:25) Lotte Reiniger (39:31) Other linked episodes and ways to support this podcast (40:20) Lotte That Silhouettte Girl (42:26) inspiration for Nomadica, All of Us Strangers (46:40) creative process with clip of Isochronic Waves (48:19) film score work, immigrant experience, Italian heritage (50:52) cancer and recovery, self-care (56:40) Below the Surface with excerpt (59:20) The Hurricane musical, getting back on stage with SO SHE HOWLS (01:02:50) film composer life, effects of GRAMMY win, mindset, orchestration
Darol Anger is an acoustic music legend known as much for his innovative fiddle style beyond Bluegrass and Jazz traditions, and his teaching. Darol has helped drive the evolution of the contemporary string band through his involvement with numerous pathbreaking ensembles such as the Turtle Island String Quartet, the David Grisman Quintet, and his current touring group Mr Sun. This podcast episode is being released a few days before his new 2-album set Diary of a Fiddler #2: The Empty Nest, and you’ll be hearing many clips from this brilliant collaborative project that features dozens of phenomenal string players and improvisers. You’ll find the titles and performers from these clips in the timestamps Diary of a Fiddler #2 Album Anyone interested in the history of American acoustic music will be curious to hear Darol’s stories from his long career, and his advice to students from his many years teaching at Berklee and online at ArtistWorks. Most importantly I’m sure you’ll be inspired by Darol’s openness and generosity to musical connection. My website including YouTube Darol Anger website Newsletter Buy me a coffee? Podcast Merch Martin Hayes Tracy Silverman Brittany Haas Joe K. Walsh Leslie DeShazor Julie Lyonn Lieberman Sara Caswell (00:00) Intro (02:14) summer festivals, Diary of a Fiddler projects (09:28) Brittany Haas with clip of I Coulda told U (10:49) recording the album, Liza Jane Parade with clip (14:44) Mike Barnett with clip Liza Jane Reboot (18:48) Darol’s early career in San Francisco (28:57) 5 string acoustic violin (33:30) Enion Pelta with clip Ouditarus Rez, teaching (39:00) other linked episodes (39:53) ArtistWorks, Berklee teaching (47:52) Ella Jordan, John Mailander with clip The Unberable Gift (49:43) Berklee, Jenna Moynihan with clip Melt the Teakettle (53:32) the importance of a positive and supportive atmosphere (57:54)playing bowed string instruments, baritone violin (01:01:46) Martin Hayes, Allistair Fraser, Natalie MacMaster (01:07:20) Casey Driessen with clip The Amen Corner (01:09:44) Rembemering Emy Phelps with clip of The Crooked Road to Emy with Tristan Clarridge (01:17:51) Mr. Sun 01:19:23) Diary of a Fiddler #2 with clip of the end of La Ville Manteaux with Trent Freeman, gardening
Originally released in 2022: Tracy Silverman is truly an inspiring musician in every respect and it was such an honour to meet him and be able to record this memorable episode! This interview is also available as a video; the transcript is also linked on my websiteWe talked about his classical roots, studying with legendary teachers Lewis Kaplan and Ivan Galamian, his rejection of the classical world and his fascinating career, through his years in rock bands, we even talked about some of his early gigs, including learning the ropes as a strolling violinist, getting the job as first violinist of the innovative Turtle Island string quartet, and the development of his Strum Bowing method. We talked about many musicians, including some of his collaborators and mentors including Terry Riley, Darol Anger, Roy “Futureman” Wooten, Mark Wood, and composers Roberto Sierra and John Adams. In this conversation one of the many topics we covered was the new concerto writtten for Tracy called “Ficciones” by Roberto Sierra. Finally, we dived into his creative process, how music affects our emotions, and how to stay open by listening to others, and learning to show up as ourselves. Tracy Silverman website Please help me keep this podcast going! Podcast merchNewsletter(00:00:00) Intro(00:03:29) Concerto "Ficciones" by Roberto Sierra, premiered with the American Symphony Orchestra(00:07:13) Tracy's 6-string electric violin built by Joe Glazer with demonstrations, and more about "Ficciones"(00:14:14) Tracy's support system for the instrument, progression from classical violinist through his rock days(00:22:37) Lewis Kaplan(00:25:25) Ivan Galamian(00:28:40) Tracy's approach to Bach(00:32:04) Tracy's childhood, improv and composition(00:36:17) "Ficciones" "Between the Kiss and the Chaos"(00:40:51) Turtle Island String Quartet and career advice(00:44:35) Strolling violin gigs, wedding singer(00:47:41) John Adams, "Dharma at Big Sur", solo recital versions of concerti(00:50:00) Looping with demo(00:57:27) Album "Beats and Jams" with son "Toby Beats"(01:02:11)Terry Riley(01:24:03) process of improvisation, Strum bowing different styles(01:17:47) Egberto Gismonti, Darol Anger(01:22:00) teaching, strum bowing in school music programs(01:24:43)Turtle Island String Quartet, Darol Anger and the origin of strum bowing(01:28:08) music affects our emotions(01:32:10) Roy "Futureman" Wooten, positive mindset(01:37:30) challenges with the 2020 lockdowns(01:44:35) commission for "Ficciones" with different orchestras(01:46:22)Tracy's mission with string playing, practicing, advice
This was originally released in 2022. The internationally renowned South African guitarist Derek Gripper is famous for his groundbreaking technique for evoking the West African kora on the guitar. During this episode you’ll get to hear Derek play quite a bit and you will hear his wonderful insights on how we listen to and learn music, the influence of Montessori and Alexander Technique in his life, his reflections on important collaborations in his career and his perspectives on changes that have been imposed on creators and performers.My website for the video and transcriptDerek Gripper WebsiteNewsletterBuy me a coffee?Podcast Merch(00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:45) Bach guitar music with intro (00:04:00) carnatic music studies, album with tabla player Udai Mazumdar (00:06:12) structural improvisation, Bach (00:08:18) Alexander Technique (00:15:28) violin studies (00:16:24) Derek's recording approach (00:20:30) “Billly Goes to Durban” (00:21:28) kora music, Toumani Diabaté (00:25:18) “Tubaka” guitar music (00:26:36) Derek’s transcriptions, Zoom classes (00:30:12) online music economy, Derek’s experiences with selling albums, Platoon label (00:35:35) Montessori method and teaching guitar (00:39:38) "A Year of Swimming" (00:41:34) Alex Van Heerden, “Sagtevlei”, Steve Reich, Bryan Bolton (00:45:36) Guy Buttery and different collaborations (00:48:12) South Africa and COVID’s economic ramifications (00:49:43) Madosini (00:52:06) World Music as a genre and marketing tool (00:58:23) Derek’s style of performing (01:00:31) mental health, touring, mindset with Alexander Technique inhibition and internal resistance (01:04:42) "Seeing Nobody" guitar music (01:07:00) reflections on Derek’s career, being South African, John Williams, Lucy Duran (01:11:30) Derek’s guitars, Paul Galbraith Brahms guitar, “Bloomdorns”, Hermann Hauser, just intonation and bending notes, oud, lute, veena, (01:17:36) Derek’s advice and reflections on too much inputphoto: Luke Young
I'm re-releasing this episode, because my improvising ensemble Collected Strands have just released our second album, Volume 2, also with beautiful cover art by Maryanne Moodie. 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 link 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 can listen to both albums here: Bandcamp Streaming services Volume 1Streaming services Volume 2To listen to my individual episodes with the members of the group, head over to my website where you'll also find the video and transcript of this episode. Newsletter sign-upPodcast Merchphoto of Collected Strands: Curtis Perrycold open with Raphael Weinroth-Browne (00:47) excerpt from Solace, Volume 1 Collected Strands (01:45) intro about the episode, Maryanne Moodie (03:45) James and Leah talk about recording the album, the process of improvising (07:35) intro to Unsettled Night with excerpt (10:16) group discussion, Mike Essoudry using bass bow, creative process in improvisation (12:20) 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 (23:58) Raph’s perspectives on improvisation, group discussion (34:52) Leah and James genres, improvised chamber music, intro to Summer’s Eve with clip (38:03) 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 (55:09) ways you can support this podcast (56:03) group discussion, audiences (01:00:37) comments on The Long Journey Home and Summer’s Eve, A Simple Magic with clip
I’m delighted to welcome Maya Youssef, the world-renowned "Queen of the qanun" and innovative British-Syrian educator .You can also watch on YouTube, and the transcript is linked as well to my website: Maya shares with us how her frustrations with the traditional teaching of Arabic music led her to develop her unique system for teaching musicians and dancers in a completely different way. She also shared her past personal crisis as a victim of domestic abuse and how she found the strength to get out of that danger, which is shockingly pervasive. In fact, she said that she chooses to be vulnerable in sharing this because we never know who is listening. You will be uplifted with clips from Maya’s beautiful second album Finding Home, which I encourage you to buy, and you’ll find all Maya’s projects linked in her website . She also talked to me about her exciting upcoming projects in 2026, including her book about learning and teaching Arabic music, her upcoming album and tours, and her wonderful collaborators. Maya spent the interview with her kanun and you’ll hear her demonstrate several times, including a beautiful improvisation on maqam Rast.NewsletterPodcast MerchBuy me a coffee to support this series? Thanks!I’ve linked several episodes I’m sure you’ll love: Ali Omar El-Farouk Shirley Kazuyo MuramotoKelly ThomaMohamed Assani Olcay Bayir(00:00) Intro (02:07) the kanun with demonstrations (08:15) Maya’s youth in Syria (12:38) clip of Silver Lining and more about Maya’s musical education (19:57) challenges with learning taqsim, and how she developed her method (31:13) qanun music: taqsim on maqam Rast (33:03) improvising, composing (35:18) other linked episodes and ways to support this podcast (36:04) musical influences and composing (38:26) clip of An Invitation to Daydream (38:24) avoiding injuries, album Finding Home, creative process with clip of In My Mother’s Sweet Embrace (44:30) Al MacSween, Elizabeth Nott (46:37) about Soul Fever with clip (51:14) Leo Abrahams (53:21) learning from mentors, learning to be entrepreneurial, clip From My Homeland (57:00) surviving domestic abuse and the importance of speaking about it (01:04:01) SOAS graduate school Musicology (01:06:06) Aziza Mustafa Zadeh (01:07:38) two versions of Walk With Me, with clip of version with Leo Abrahams (01:11:05) Maya’s upcoming book about learning and teaching Arabic music, new album, balancing her career