The Playful Musician

Miguel Zenón joins me on The Playful Musician. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and living in New York City Miguel is a Grammy Winner, Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow, and a Doris Duke Artist.Growing up in San Juan, Miguel Zenón originally thought he would study engineering, but during his senior year of high school he was drawn to jazz, much to his family’s surprise. With no musicians in his family, the transition was stressful, and he describes it as a leap of faith. Today Miguel is a Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator, recognized as a true alto saxophone legend. He is releasing his eighteenth album, and his first live recording, Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at The Village Vanguard.Described as “one of the most esteemed and singular-voiced alto saxophonists in jazz,” it is an honor to interview Miguel. We discuss his Tiny Desk Concert, his path from classical to jazz saxophone and back again, the culture shock of leaving Puerto Rico to study at the Berklee College of Music, and how he has kept his quartet together creating music for more than 20 years.His new album, released the same day this podcast airs, captures what it feels like to perform on the sacred ground of the Village Vanguard. It is more than a tribute to the Vanguard. It honors the foundation of music itself, the people who paved the way for Miguel to be where he is today, and the groundwork he is now laying for those who will follow.

Filipino-American saxophonist and composer Jon Irabagon joins the ranks of legendary saxophonists sharing their stories on The Playful Musician. Born in Chicago, Irabagon studied at DePaul University before moving to New York City to earn his master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music, followed by postgraduate studies at Juilliard. He has taught on four continents and is currently on the faculty at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he teaches jazz saxophone, directs combos, and leads courses in jazz history.Jon’s story begins in the Windy City, a place that shaped and molded his unique, evolving expression on the alto saxophone. His parents had emigrated from the Philippines in search of a place where they could find work, start a family, and feel accepted in a new country. Irabagon’s sweeping career is like hearing the American Dream set to the brassy, warm tones of the alto sax.With his newest album, Someone to Someone, from his label Irabbagast Records debuting today August 15 we sit down to discuss how he went from being a little kid too small to carry a saxophone to the bus stop to become one of Time Out’s “25 Essential New York City Jazz Icons” and one of my personal favorite alto sax players.In this episode, we discuss why he started his own label and his theory on releasing albums authentically, his insights from private lessons with Dick Oatts and Dave Liebman, his teaching philosophies and techniques (covering everything from goal setting to social media), how he landed a gig with Billy Joel simply by asking the right question, and his dream of one day releasing an album featuring all nine saxophones he owns and plays.Jon’s passion for music and his ability to cut straight to the heart of what it means to be a working musician will leave you inspired and ready to stream his music.

Lafayette Gilchrist is a keyboardist, composer, and the newest piano chair in the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra.In this episode, Gilchrist shares his story of growing up in Washington, DC, and what led him at age 17 to finally sit down at a piano and begin teaching himself to play and compose. He describes how his early love of hip-hop, funk, and go-go evolved into a passion for jazz, sparked by Chuck Brown’s riffs and inflections woven into the popular music of the time. After earning a degree in economics, Gilchrist left college to begin his professional life but also launched his band, spending hours in music stores selecting jazz albums purely by their cover art.His is a story of individualism and discovery, a reminder that there is no single path to virtuosity or success in music. Like many professional musicians, he understands the many roles required to build a career and his journey offers inspiration to musicians of all ages.

Fulfilling the unrealized aspiration of his paternal grandfather to become a conductor, Roberto Kalb’s early life was shaped by supportive parents, teachers, and mentors, combined with unrelenting drive and courage.Where many might have shied away from the pursuit, Roberto carved his own path. His journey to becoming a composer and conductor, with a biography that reads like a travel guide through the Midwest, is marked by bold opportunity-taking and the determination to create new milestones within an institution often viewed as rigid in its traditions.Roberto moves with lightness, joy, and genuine encouragement for his peers and fellow artists. This episode will leave you eager to spend an evening on The Hill at Britt, sipping wine and enjoying the beautiful life journey that brought Roberto Kalb from a kid in Mexico to Southern Oregon’s verdant Applegate Valley, baton in hand.

In this episode I sit down with Tibi Cziger, clarinetist, founder, and Artistic Director of the Israeli Chamber Project before his visit and performance with the Chamber Music Concert December 4th in Ashland, Oregon. The Israeli Chamber Project consists of strings, winds, harp, and piano. They were named the winner of the 2011 Israeli Ministry of Culture Outstanding Ensemble Award and 2017 Partos PrizeTibi is the founder, and Artistic Director of the Israeli Chamber Project. It’s been 16 years since their group first debuted, and we sit down to talk about how it came to be. We discuss his love of programming, how he manages a traveling chamber orchestra, including where the harp comes from, “a harp in every port”. It wasn’t always that way, how wanting to include a new composition by a new Israeli composer in each program is a great idea that proved challenging. Of course, speaking with another reed player, we dive into and “nerd out”, on reeds. Tibi’s dreaming spirit, self-starter work ethic and idealism is sure to inspire.

Carla Ecker, concert violinist, and I sat down in Ashland, Oregon, for a delightful in-person conversation. She has performed with renowned orchestras, including the Sarasota Opera Orchestra, New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, El Paso Symphony, and the Phoenix Symphony. Currently residing in Tucson, Carla maintains an active performance schedule across the U.S. and has served as the Concertmaster of the Rogue Valley Symphony for the past eight years.During our conversation, we explore the definition of a Concertmaster and delve into this fascinating and vital role within an orchestra. Carla shares her experience working with Martin Majkut, Music Director of the Rogue Valley Symphony and a friend of the podcast. She explains how the collaboration between the Conductor and Concertmaster is essential for creating an efficient and effective orchestral environment—one that, when successful, elevates the music to extraordinary levels.Carla’s natural grace and leadership make her a perfect fit for the role of Concertmaster. We also discuss the challenges she has faced and overcome in her life, as she has continually sought opportunities and refused to let struggles define her. Her perspective on how music can unite us, even during times of deep division, offers a hopeful and uplifting message for citizens of both the United States and the world.

Angela Johnson’s music is rich and funky, featuring smart and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny, soul-baring lyrics. She broke onto the music scene as a member of Cooly's Hot Box, which showcased her unique blend of jazz, soul, and R&B. Johnson then released her first solo album, “They Don't Know,” jumpstarting her solo career and highlighting her production skills. As a singer, songwriter, and producer known for her soulful voice and compelling compositions, she has a soul made for storytelling, and boy does she.I sit down with Angela on the day her latest album, “The Best of Both Worlds,” is released by Reel People Music —a collaboration with Opolopo (AKA Peter Major). We discuss the trials and triumphs of being a female producer, her writing process and inspiration, her attraction to high-vibration music, and her new endeavor of writing scores for films. This episode is packed with her unique playfulness, which you'll find infectious.

I’m grateful to be sitting down once again with Martin Majkut, Music Director of both the Rogue Valley Symphony in Oregon and the Queens Symphony Orchestra in New York. We haven’t spoken since 2020, and there’s much to catch up on.We geek out over Beethoven's 5th Symphony and the ongoing debate about its proper tempo. Martin shares how fatherhood has transformed him as both a person and a conductor, explaining why becoming a father later in life has been ideal for him. We also delve into the aftermath of the pandemic and how it has positively changed both him and the makeup of his orchestra. This conversation, like all my discussions with Martin, is delightful. You'll come away with wisdom to apply to your own path in life and an intimate look at this wonderful composer.

Caity is a two-time Juno Award-winning vocalist from Canada, known for her remarkable musical talent and relentless work ethic. Her voice has an instrumental quality that can hold its own against any saxophone on an improvisational riff. Gyorgy has performed at jazz clubs and festivals across Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the United States, collaborating and recording with incredible musicians, including Christine Jensen, Pat LaBarbera, Jocelyn Gould, Ira Coleman, Bryn Roberts, and Joe LaBarbera, to name a few.Join us as we discuss her ambitious project of transposing 31 songs in 30 days, her ability to write music that feels as if it emerged organically from the 1950s, and how she has honed her writing and improvisational skills to stand out as a young jazz vocalist you'll want to keep an eye on. We also talk about her newly released album Hello! How Are You?, where she brings her joyful spirit and playfulness to these new tracks, and what's next for her career.

Nikka Costa returns to the music scene after a career break, and we sit down to discuss her life and her new album, Dirty Disco. Costa’s evolution as an artist is truly inspiring. Each of her works invites the listener to peel back layers, revealing more about this transformative vocalist with every song and decade.In our candid conversation, we revisit her early fame, which began with an album that catapulted her to stardom at just seven years old. From being greeted by adoring fans at airports to growing up with musical legends, we explore her journey and what she enjoys listening to when she’s not creating new music. This episode offers an intimate look at an artist with decades of experience in the music industry and the stories to match.Tune in as we discuss showmanship, the art of guiding an audience, and how to write a song by listening to how it wants to be written. This episode is both profound and exciting, featuring advice and wisdom from an artist we’ve all eagerly awaited for her next big hit.

Originally from London, Will Vinson has played as a leader and sideman in New York, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, and Japan. Will is a member of Rufus Wainwright’s band and has performed, arranged, and recorded with Sufjan Stevens, Sean Lennon, Martha Wainwright, Beth Orton, Harper Simon, and other jazz visionaries.In this episode, we discuss his mentors and how they have shaped his sound and that of other alto saxophonists. We also explore how his sense of time affects everything, his journey overcoming shyness to make a mark on New York and jazz, and how picking up the alto saxophone pushed him to carve his own path as a jazz leader with incredible power, dramatic sensitivity, and technical prowess.

Sarah Belle Reid is a rule breaker. A performer-composer who trained in trumpet and moved through, and at times against the status quo, to modular synthesizer, and an ever-expanding array of handcrafted electronic instruments. The personal voice she explores, moves between the intersections of contemporary classical music, experimental and interactive electronics, visual arts, noise music, and improvisation. Reid holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from California Institute of the Arts, with a research focus on the development of new electronic instruments and musical notation systems as interfaces for exploring temporal perception and co-creation. Reid is on faculty at Chapman University teaching music technology, as well as Temple University, where she teaches Physical Computing and Electronic Instrument Design. Sarah and I discuss her early career and how she disrupted her own ideas of musical success to forge a path all of her own. She shares the story of creating her own instrument, MIGSI, explaining what inspired its development, its mechanics, and how it has propelled the trumpet into the future with innovative sensing technology and sound processing. Sarah also reflects on her journey as an innovative musician in her field, building a social media presence, independent research and improvisation, and how she felt like she was “just starting”, once she realized she was not just a performer but so much more, herself. Sarah goes on to announce, for the first time publicly, her newest work, an opera titled “Times Undoing and Progress”.

Alexandra Arrieche, Brazilian-born conductor keeps busy working with some of the most important ensembles and figures in both classical and pop music. With an ability to move masterfully between genres, she distinguishes herself as one of the most unique and exciting conductors of her generation. Alexandra currently serves as Music Director of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra and the Henderson Symphony, and as Principal Conductor of the Antwerp Philharmonic in Belgium as well as conducting the European Emmy Award-winning Night of the Proms. Alexandra has a laundry list of collaborations including Bryan Ferry, Seal, Simple Minds, Earth Wind and Fire, Pointer Sisters, Natasha Bedingfield, Chaka Khan, Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Peter Cetera (Chicago), Toto, and Alan Parsons.In this episode Alexandra shares her life’s story, starting from her early days in Brazil, emerging as a musician from a family of chefs, attributing her musical talent to her maternal grandfather, a traditional fado guitarist who she never met. We chat about her early life, starting with piano and composing for the first time at the age of 16, creating a musical storm. Today, she is an extremely accomplished and a rare “collaborative conductor”. We chat about her upcoming Britt performances in Jacksonville Oregon where she is a guest conductor, why classical music is vital, and how she works to successfully produce applaudable performances from the orchestral ensembles she works with.

From picking up the violin before even mastering speech, to gracing prestigious concert halls worldwide, Jennifer Roig-Francoli’s musical odyssey is as captivating as her performances. An international prize-winner, her talent has been featured in TIME Magazine. She’s also certified and accomplished Alexander Technique (AT) instructor, reshaping how musicians perceive and inhabit their craft, with the goal to free mind, body, and spirit. Jennifer immerses us in her enthralling violin journey, recounting tales of her childhood violin practice. We delve into what drew her to the Alexander Technique and its exploration, her current teaching path, her “without hands” approach, and her mission to empower students’ to train themselves. Her recent book, Make Great Music with Ease adds depth to our conversation; expect to be inspired by Jennifer's spark and sharp insight.

This week, I sit down with Idit Shner. Idit holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Oklahoma City University, a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Texas. She currently teaches at the University of Oregon as a professor of saxophone and jazz studies. Idit has performed solo recitals across the United States and Israel.Idit is one of those rare musicians who excels in both classical and jazz saxophone. I couldn’t wait to hear about her theories on playing both genres and her tips and tricks for switching between these two demanding styles. We discuss how she gigged to pay for college, her experience meeting her husband when she started grad school, and the newest hot topic of reeds—when she would use synthetic ones and why she prefers not to.Idit’s enviable drive, dedication, and work ethic are a wonder to behold, yet she still manages to keep things Playful.

Heralded as one of the best prepared and most serious bassists by Chuck Israels, Garrett Baxter is also a longtime friend. Though years separate us, Garrette and I grew up in the same small town in Southern Oregon where we cut our teeth in band rooms from high school to college. Residing now in Portland he is one of the most exciting young bassists in the city. One of only a few in person interviews I have done, I was excited to join Garrett in his home in Portland to talk music. We chat about practice patterns and tips, what we do before we even pick up our instruments to learn new pieces, and who he is currently playing with, in the Pacific NorthWest and beyond, including his first gig in New York City at Dizzy’s Club. Garrett is a consummate student of music. Listen as he shares some of the best advice and most memorable lessons he’s learned along the way.

Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies and Jazz Ensemble Director at Houghton University Russell Scarbrough is a composer, bandleader, trombonist, and educator. His works have been performed by symphonies, orchestras, big bands, jazz ensembles, and soloists alike on a multitude of stages, at schools and universities, Carnegie Hall, and the steps of the US Capital. Russell and I get nostalgic and walk down memory lane in this episode. Tune in and reminisce with us about choosing our first instruments in school and making the trek home with our cumbersome choices. While swapping stories from the jazz band, we discuss the changing landscape of jazz education, and what Russell learned by playing along with borrowed records from the public library. Russell shares the trials and joys of writing for jazz musicians, who each have their own voice and we debate whether a composition is there to serve the needs of the musician or the soloist is there to serve the piece.

Joanna Wallfisch is a London born vocalist/composer, hailing from generations of musicians. A multi-instrumentalist, she plays the guitar, ukulele, charango, piano, flute, and is a master in the art of live vocal looping. Her music is at once, hypnotic, and genre defying.We sat down right before her newest album, now released, All in Time dropped. This latest is a collection of songs, with “no particular theme, but an overarching sense of purpose”. About allowing herself to be more patient, “it’s all at once about nothing and everything”. The second track, Killer Whale, will pull your skin away from your bones, calling you like a siren, to the sea. Music in her family has been more than a career, it was a means of survival. She tells the harrowing story of her grandmother, a survivor of Auschwitz. As a young teen she preserved her life by playing the cello in the orchestra at the camp. “If it weren’t for music, none of us would exist.”A lively listen as we discuss endurance, in sport, in music, motherhood, and life. Purchase Joanna’s book The Great Song CycleWatch Joanna’s documentary The Great Song Cycle, Down Under

Kat Eaton has a voice dripping with deep, sultry tones and a pen that cuts through both light hearted topical themes and heavy social issues with equal parts soul and finesse. From drunk-dialing your ex to the persecution and attacks on the LGBTQAI+ community, Kat is the relevant, progressive musician we are all searching for. Truly an artist for the modern times. Kat has toured the UK/EU and sold out multiple headline shows in London, co-writing with the likes of Caro Emerald, Ruby Turner, and Roberta Campos; breaking through to distant territories via the national radio airwaves of Holland, Belgium, Brazil, France, and Italy. Kat’s voice is a rich jewel in the music scene.Kat shares how with her first exposure to blues and soul, at the age of ten, she knew she wanted to create the visceral, full body experience she felt in the music. As a very shy kid, Eaton created an alter ego to embody the confidence she needed, to become the performer she is today. From winning a Battle of the Bands, to playing pubs, Kat and I discuss how the ability to remain objective about her performance and talent, opened doors to a full life of songwriting, performance, and composition. Her new album, Honestly dropped Friday last, March 22nd.

The Playful Musician is back with a new season and you won’t want to miss it. Our host Steve Davidson will chat with musicians of every ilk; diving into the background, practice rituals, and origin stories of each guest. Discover talented, inspiring artists as you are introduced to them for the first time or hear stories regaled from your favorite performers and legends of our era.With Davidson’s captivating interview style he deftly pulls out intimate stories and candid moments you’ll not hear anywhere else. So sit back and tune in as you deep dive into the personal world of professional musicians and what makes them tick.

Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host Laila Biali returns to the Playful Musician to talk about her brand new recording Your Requests. This recording is the result of her deep connection to her fans and their "requests" for songs for her to record. Bringin new imagning's and fresh ideas these jazz standards, Your Request is a joyful, breath of fresh air!

A delightful and insightful conversation with Toronto based vocalist, composer and teacher Nicky Schrire. Our conversation centers mostly around her new album Nowhere Girl which arrives on June 9, 2023 wherever you get your music! We talk about the long, ten-year build up to this album, working with producer Oded Lev-Ari, how things transpire in the studio and what musical adventures she has planned for the rest of the year. You can find out more about the album and about Nicky at nickyschrire.com.

Dr. Otis Murphy is professor of Saxophone at the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington Indiana. Otis has the distinction of being the youngest faculty ever appointed to the Jacobs School of Music, having obtained his position at the tender age of 28.Otis was a student of Classical Saxophone icon Eugene Rousseau and received a Fulbright Fellowship to study in France with french saxophonist Jean-Yves Fourmeau.In our conversation we spoke about his trajectory towards becoming a professional musician. How he got started on the saxophone, what a big influence his father was and the sacrifices his family made so he could, as a teenager, travel to Athens Georgia to study with Dr. Kenneth Fischer at the University of Georgia. Otis also shared what it was like as a freshman at Georgia to be playing with Doctoral Students in a saxophone quartet, which included fellow Playful Musician guest Rhett Bender. Otis also talked about what is was like teaching former classmates, his teaching style, the importance of music in his family. His wife and 6 children all are musicians! He shares about the importance of tone and intonation, how he and his students practice the five T’s and the challenge of switching between playing A440 in the US and A442 in other countries.

Brett Detar is a Los Angeles based singer, songwriter, film composer, producer and super creative guy. He's made a name for himself with his band The Juliana Theory which he co-founded when he was just 19. Brett has also made an impact on the big screen, composing for the films The Devil Inside and Wer.Brett Shares about his start with songwriting at age six, how he approaches creativity, what it's like to score for a major motion picture and you'll get to hear a bit of his just released single Playback 99, off the EP, Still The Same Kids Part I!

Pittsburgh Trombonist Reggie Watkins has always had a knack for music. He has come a long way from learning how to play the piano at six. Born and raised in West Virginia and spending years in Pittsburgh, Reggie was exposed to musical influences that would later turn him into an internationally-recognized performer, pianist, arranger, and composer. Leveraging his experience fronting a quarter on a cruise ship, he then served as trombonist and musical director for trumpeter and band leader Maynard Ferguson. From there he went on to tour and record with Jason Mraz from 2008 to 2013. He has shared the stage with many great artists from various genres including Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews, Dianne Shuur, Jose Feliciano, Willie Nelson, Arturo Sandoval, Trombone Shorty, The Temptations, and the O’Jays. He is also a member of the Grammy-nominated Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Big Band. He joins us in this episode to talk about his epiphany moment with jazz, his music education and influences, his early cruise ship gigs, his years touring with the Maynard Ferguson band and Jason Mraz, his practice routine, and the honor of playing at Aretha Franklin’s funeral.

Singer and Songwriter, Alice DiMicele, joins me on this captivating episode of The Playful Musician. Based in Southern Oregon like myself, we swap stories and share musical memories from the past as well as speaking about challenges we’ve faced during the pandemic and beyond.Alice DiMicele talks about her new upcoming album Every Seed We Plant along with her experience writing and producing during the pandemic. Hear incredible snippets from Every Seed We Plant, which effortlessly communicates emotions and captures the listener’s imagination with thought-provoking lyrics. We also touch on some special high points throughout Alice’s three-decade career, including her performance on stage with Bonnie Raitt, touring, and everything in-between.

Australian jazz pianist Barney McAll has had a fascinating music career. An accomplished jazz pianist and composer with an innate musical curiosity and drama, Barney’s played with Gary Bartz, Kenny Garrett, Maceo Parker and Eddie Henderson... and he was Sia's music director too. No big deal. In this episode, we chatted about the influence of Cuban and African ritualistic trance on Barney’s work, his time as composer in residence in Sydney and how he’s developed as a musician. In this episode, we chat about Barney’s new album, Precious Energy, the influence of the Cuban musical and ritual has had on him,Barney’s musical process and writing routine, what audiation is and teaching audiation, his stint touring with Sia as her music director, Anti-pop, the power of objectivity and unwittingly taking part in Laurie Anderson’s 15-year old art exhibition (yes, really)

Pianist Baruch Meir is a professor of piano at Arizona State University. He maintains a busy teaching schedule in addition to his international concert career. Baruch recently toured Korea's most prestigious music schools and universities as well as the Music Academy in Vienna (Austria), the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem (Israel) and various conservatories and universities in the U.S. Baruch’s distinctions include the American-Israel Cultural Foundation Awards, the British Council fellowship, and many additional awards in piano competitions worldwide.Baruch shares details about growing up in Israel and how he began playing the piano. We chat about his love of teaching and how he uses relaxation with the piano. Baruch discusses the nuances of competitions, including what led him to start his own competition in 2006. We chat about new music, memorization versus reading music, and Baruch’s upcoming artistic plans.

A singer and composer of eclectic tastes and prodigious gifts, Grammy-nominated Theo Bleckmann makes music that is accessibly sophisticated, unsentimentally emotional, and seriously playful. Theo spent 15 years as a member of Meredith Monk’s ensemble and appeared on 2002's Mercy and 2008's Impermanence. He has also worked with Philip Glass, John Zorn, Kenny Wheeler, and David Lang, to name a few. Theo has released a series of irreverent albums on Winter & Winter, including recordings of Las Vegas standards, of Weimar art songs, and of popular “bar songs” (all with pianist Fumio Yasuda).Theo shares how his curiosity for sound began at a young age. We chat about how his music is based in jazz, how he maintains his instrument, and his “messy” practice routine. Theo shares about his move from Germany to New York City. We discuss his time working with Laurie Anderson and Meredith Monk, his favorite vocalists, and even indulge in some coffee talk.

Indian-American pianist Vijay Venkatesh has been recognized on three continents as a pianist with profound musicianship, sparkling pianism and an innate sense of partnership. Vijay has rapidly established a major international reputation as top prizewinner in the San Jose, Seattle, Zimmerli, World Piano, and Waring International Piano Competitions. He has also been named a Davidson Fellow Laureate at the Library of Congress and featured on NPR’s “From the Top” with host Christopher O'Riley. Vijay is performing Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto with the Rogue Valley Symphony this month. He shares how he is preparing for this performance and also how he channels his life’s experiences into each piece. We discuss his early upbringing studying the Suzuki method, his favorite composers, and the challenges and benefits of transitioning to online teaching. We chat about the Vieness Piano Duo, Vijay’s collaboration with his wife. And Vijay shares his practice essentials and tips and tricks for combating performance nerves.

JUNO-nominated artist, Tara Kannangara is a second-generation, Sri Lankan-Canadian force of nature, making music that is deeply personal, genre-bending and culture blending. Tara has been featured on CBC's The Signal, The Sunday Edition and NPR Tiny Desk with Lido Pimienta. Her work has been presented at major festivals across North America including The Montreal Jazz Festival, The Washington DC Jazz Festival and The Smithsonian. She is a founding member of #thisisartschool, a coalition of artists championing equity in arts education. Tara and I chat about her time off during the pandemic and how that helped her reimagine her relationship with music. We discuss her social activism and equity work. Tara shares how her teaching methods have changed, specifically with how she approaches criticism. We chat about the subtleties of the definition of jazz, practice routines, and Tara’s plans for the coming year.

Robert Spring is one of the country's most unique and talented clarinetists. He is a professor in Arizona State University's School of Music, Dance and Theatre, and recently received the International Clarinet Association’s highest honor, the Honorary Membership Award. Spring has performed as a recitalist or soloist with symphony orchestras and wind bands in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and South America. He has been on the faculty of several summer music festivals and has published numerous articles on multiple articulation and other contemporary clarinet techniques.Robert joins the Playful Musician to discuss his musical path to the clarinet and his journey into teaching. He shares the unique practice tips he learned from his time with John Mohler. We chat about the nuances of tongue technique, including how he learned double tonguing. Robert reminisces about seeing Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin in concert and we discuss his current projects and future plans.

Along with being a conductor and violinist, Jared Judge is an established web developer and entrepreneur. He created and runs BookLive.com, a web tool for musicians to streamline their booking, band scheduling and more. Jared currently serves as Director of Development for the Milwaukee Philharmonic Orchestra.Jared is the definition of innovative. He joins The Playful Musician to discuss how he launched Dream City Music and the origins of BookLive.com. We chat about how he started playing the violin, his first teaching gig with a high school band, and how he got into performing at weddings. Jared shares the biggest mistake gig musicians make and how he ended up performing for a former President’s dog. As a special gift for listeners, Jared is giving away free (just pay shipping and handling) copies of his book Gigging Secrets - The Underground Playbook To Make a Living Performing. Visit giggingsecrets.com/playfulmusician to secure your copy.

Korean-born clarinetist, Wonkak Kim, is an Associate Professor of Clarinet at the University of Oregon School of Music. Wonkak has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician at leading venues throughout the United States, as well as in Paris, London, Ghent, Geneva, Seoul, Osaka, Costa Rica, and Brazil. He was the first Korean clarinetist to perform Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto on basset clarinet in a nationally broadcasted concert with Seungnam Philharmonic Orchestra in South Korea. Wonkak is a founding member of enhakē, the clarinet-violin-cello-piano quartet, which is in its 12th season and has been praised for rhythmic integrity. Won joins The Playful Musician to chat about his musical beginnings, from Korea to Paris to the United States. We discuss the nuances of clarinet teaching, including how to pace expectations. Wonkak shares how he approaches memorization and tips for musicians still honing the process. We chat about his interests outside of music, the basset clarinet, and about his many upcoming projects, including performing with the Rogue Valley Symphony.

Jazz pianist Geoffrey Keezer, a two-time GRAMMY nominee, has approximately 20 albums to his name as a bandleader. He has built a successful career by creating unusual and compelling music with a wide range of artists, from singers such as Diana Krall to bassists such as Christian McBride, and rock stars such as Sting. Geoffrey has toured all over the world, playing with giants of jazz like Joshua Redman, Pat Metheny, and Wayne Shorter. He has taught numerous master classes at schools and universities such as the Brubeck Institute, the Royal Academy of Music, the New School, and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, among others.Geoffrey joins The Playful Musician to chat about his unique and acclaimed career as a jazz pianist. We discuss his transcribing process, including the very first solo he transcribed. He shares how he collaborates with other artists, including pianists. Geoffrey reminisces about his time playing with Art Blakey and Sting, and the advice he received from Miles Davis. He shares about his practice routine, writing process, and the advice he has for young musicians.

Jazz artist, Kate McGarry, and guitarist, Keith Ganz, have been musical and life partners for 17 years, producing 6 critically acclaimed albums together and earning two GRAMMY® nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album. After honing their craft on the NYC jazz scene for many years and a stint out west at the California Jazz Conservatory, the couple currently resides in Durham, NC.Kate and Keith join The Playful Musician to discuss their new record, eleven years in the making, What to Wear in the Dark. We chat about their writing process and the inspiration behind various tracks on the album. Kate and Keith reminisce about when they first met and first started playing together. We discuss the intricacies of several songs and how they approach each recording with intention.

James Genus is an American jazz bassist and currently plays in the Saturday Night Live Band. He has performed as a session musician and sideman throughout his career, with an impressive list of artists including Roy Haynes, David Sanborn, Bob James, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Wynton Marsalis.James joins the Playful Musician to chat about taking a break from touring and performing during the pandemic. He tells stories about playing with many iconic jazz musicians, including Roy Haynes and Herbie Hancock. James shares his advice for working on time plus how he approaches playing both acoustic and electric bass. We chat about playing with Jeff Watts and the Saturday Night Live Band, and James shares how he prepares for a big gig.

John Ellis is a gifted, versatile saxophonist and composer. His music is incredibly creative and embodies the celebratory, welcoming spirit of New Orleans and the edgy, frantic streets of New York City. Both as the leader of his own eclectic projects and as sideman for a variety of artists, he consistently expresses a keen intellect and easy virtuosity.John joins The Playful Musician to discuss how he first got into playing the saxophone and his early influences. We geek out about saxophone techniques and talk about how he released multiple records during a pandemic. John shares about playing with Charlie Hunter and how a mentor and former teacher “snuck” him onto a Sting record. We chat about his time studying and playing gigs with Ellis Marsalis and what projects he currently has in the works.

Steve Owen is a saxophonist, composer, and the Director of Jazz Studies at University of Oregon. He is the founder and co-director of the Oregon Jazz Festival, an annual workshop for college, junior high, and high school jazz ensembles, the University of Oregon Summer Jazz Improvisation Camp, and is on the faculty of the University of Kansas’ jazz camp. Steve is the original playful musician and was a big inspiration for this podcast. He joins The Playful Musician to chat about how music has been his playground his entire life. Steve shares about how he loves practicing and how he recently took a huge hiatus from playing the saxophone. We discuss his practice routine, writing process, and the evolution of jazz pedagogy. Steve shares his current favorite tunes, who inspires him, and about his plans for the future.

American jazz saxophonist, Donny McCaslin, has recorded over a dozen albums as a bandleader in addition to many sideman appearances, including on David Bowie's final studio album, Blackstar. He is a two-time Grammy nominee. His most recent album, Blow, is described as “a daring fusion of vibrant electronica, and bombastic art-rock.” Donny joins The Playful Musician to chat about his recent tour in Europe and how good it felt to play live again. He shares what it was like recording with David Bowie and how that had a tremendous impact on his artistic growth. We chat about jazz influences, learning solos by ear versus transcription, and practice routines. Donny shares the lessons he’s learned during the pandemic, including how to slow down and enjoy every moment on the stage and in life.

Tierney Sutton is a 9-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist. She has received a “Best Jazz Vocal Album” Grammy nod for every project she has released in the last decade. Known for her impeccable voice and imaginative treatments of The Great American Songbook, Sutton is heralded for her abilities as both a jazz storyteller and her ability to use her voice as an instrument. Tierney joins The Playful Musician to discuss her pandemic projects, which include creating a series of by-request videos and working on two new albums. Tierney shares about being a Bahá’í and her recent racial justice work. We chat about the making of the ScreenPlay album and how her and her band pick music for their albums. Tierney shares about working with her hero, Al Jarreau, how she prepares for performance, and what she’s most looking forward to over the next few months.

Gian Slater is a vocalist and composer based in Melbourne, Australia. Gian is the definition of innovation. Her unique approach incorporates wordless singing and improvisation, songwriting; electronics and extended vocal techniques; new music and contemporary composition and collaborations with theatre and dance practitioners. She has released eight albums of her original music,and has featured on many projects and recordings for acclaimed Australian and American artists. Gian discusses how the pandemic prompted her to learn new technology and she shares the challenges she had learning to record herself. From her writing process to composing, we dive into the five year journey of recording her latest album, Grey is Ground. Gian shares about studying jazz in high school, her passion for teaching vocalists, and why she created the vocal ensemble, Invenio Singers. We chat about the evolution of her albums and trusting curiosity. Gian shares her advice for young composers, what she’s currently listening to, and her future performance plans.

Amanda Tosoff is a B.C-raised, Toronto-based pianist, composer, and educator with six albums to her credit. As a bandleader and side-woman, she has performed with internationally-recognized artists such as Emilie-Claire Barlow, Ingrid and Christine Jensen, Brad Turner, Phil Dwyer, and many more. She’s received various honours, a Juno nomination and mention on the Polaris Prize “Longer List,” for her album Words. Amanda joins The Playful Musician to chat about starting her online education business, Music Arts Collective, during the pandemic. She shares about her early musical influences and experiences, including studying with Ross Taggart. We discuss the composing process for her most recent album, Earth Voices, and how she structures her practice time. Amanda shares her approach to learning a new song, what she’s currently listening to, and from where she draws inspiration.

Ike Sturm is a bassist, composer and bandleader in New York City. He is the Music Director for the Jazz Ministry at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan. He has performed with Alarm Will Sound, the International Contemporary Ensemble, Gene Bertoncini, Ingrid Jensen, Donny McCaslin, Bobby McFerrin, Ben Monder, Maria Schneider and Kenny Wheeler. His large-scale Jazz Mass album received a 4 1/2 star rating from DOWNBEAT magazine and was named among the “Best CDs of the Year.” Ike joins The Playful Musician to discuss his educational ensemble at Saint Peter’s Church, Jazz 4 All. We talk about how jazz music is a good fit for churches and Ike shares what it was like growing up with a music icon as a father. We chat how he found his way to the bass, his mentors and musical influences, and how the outdoors influence his music. Ike shares how his playing and writing go hand in hand and how the pandemic has changed his writing process.

Sara Caswell is a Grammy-nominated jazz and classical violinist. Through her technical facility and gift for lyricism, she is fast becoming one of today’s foremost jazz violinists. Sara began playing violin at age 5, made her orchestral debut at 15, earned degrees from Indiana University and Manhattan School of Music, and amassed over 100 awards in the jazz and classical competition worlds. Sara joins The Playful Musician to discuss her teaching techniques, including how she teaches classically trained violinists to improvise. We chat about her love of the transcription process and how she got back into it during COVID-19. Sara shares her musical influences, how they’ve shaped her as an artist, and about her time playing with Bruce Springsteen. We discuss her new found pandemic hobbies, pottery and baking. Sara shares her practice tools, what she’s currently listening to, and her plans for the future, including the release of a new album.

Juno-award winning Jazz Saxophonist, Composer and Arranger, Allison Au (pronounced "ow") refuses to be defined. Born to a Chinese father and Jewish mother, and raised in the multicultural metropolis of Toronto, Allison found music as a young child. Exposed to a wide array of musical styles, she was captivated by the unhinged freedom of Jazz. Jazz became Allison’s lab for self-expression, exploration, and musical experimentation. Her work weaves a mosaic of influences into a seamless and soulful sound, a concoction steeped in the tradition of Jazz but skillfully laced with elements of Classical, Pop, R&B/hip hop, Latin, and world music.Allison joins The Playful Musician to discuss the making of her Juno-award winning album, Forest Grove. We chat about leading a jazz quartet and her journey from playing on cruise ships to full time musician. She reveals how she practices her tone and how she shaped her sound to be dynamic and flexible. Allison shares about her writing process, how she times her practice sessions, and from where she finds inspiration.

Janis Siegel, a nine-time Grammy winner and a seventeen-time Grammy nominee, has been an undeniable force in The Manhattan Transfer’s diverse musical catalog. Alongside her career as a founding member of this landmark musical group, she has also sustained a solo career that has spawned more than a half dozen finely-crafted solo albums and numerous collaborative projects, amassed a large international fan base, and garnered consistently high critical praise.Janis joins The Playful Musician to discuss her quarantine project, Vocal Gumbo, an online vocal group that includes a talk show and music events. She shares about first meeting Ella Fitzgerald, her musical influences, and the ups and downs of starting the Manhattan Transfer. We chat about recording the exceptional Manhattan Transfer album, Vocalese, and some of Janis’s new work including a Yiddish jazz album. Janis shares her teaching techniques, who’d she still love to collaborate with, and the words of wisdom she has for aspiring musicians.

Steve joins The Playful Musician to discuss his journey to Ashland, Oregon and how the pandemic has impacted his life. We chat about the nuances of keeping time, his practice routine, and how practicing ambidextrously can improve your match grip. Steve tells stories about learning how to play the drums on a practice pad, touring with Jean-Luc Ponty, and playing big stadium shows with Journey. He shares who he dreams of collaborating with, what he’s currently listening to, and where he finds inspiration.

Laila Biali is an award-winning Canadian jazz singer and pianist. She has been nominated for and won a Juno Award and has toured with Chris Botti, Paula Cole and Suzanne Vega, and recorded with and supported Sting. Laila’s a CBC Music national radio host and has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City’s Carnegie Hall to Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts.Laila joins The Playful Musician to discuss the ups and downs of being a musician during the pandemic and the tough decision to release an album on March 27th, 2020. We chat about her “quarantunes” video project and how she approaches songwriting. Laila tells stories about recording a DVD and touring with Sting. She shares about the Juno Award nomination process, her essentials for composing and the advice she has for young musicians.

Clarence Penn is one of the busiest jazz drummers in the world, a leader of multiple bands, a composer, a prolific producer, and an educator. He’s composed music for films and commercials, produced tracks for numerous singers in the pop and alternative arenas, and played with an amazing array of artists including Ellis and Wynton Marsalis, Stanley Clarke, Steps Ahead, Makoto Ozone, Luciana Souza, Richard Galliano, and Fourplay. Clarence joins The Playful Musician to discuss his transition from touring to going back to school to get his Master’s Degree. We chat about the impact Ellis and Wynton Marsalis had on his music career and playing his first gig with Ellis. Clarence shares his transcribing process and the advice he has for young musicians. He tells stories from touring with Michael Brecker and his experience preparing for gigs in just a few hours. Clarence shares where he’s currently finding inspiration and what he likes to do when he’s not playing music.