Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leah-roseman/message