Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman

Leah Roseman

There’s a fascinating variety to a life in music; this series features wonderful musicians worldwide with in-depth conversations and great music. Many episodes feature guests playing music spontaneously as part of the episode or sharing performances and albums. The inspiration and connection found in a meaningful creative life, the challenges faced, and the stories from such a diversity of people will draw you into this weekly series, with many topics that will resonate with all listeners. Available also as video and transcript: https://www.leahroseman.com/about

  1. Scott Nygaard: Acoustic Guitar, Peghead Nation and a Lifetime in Music

    3D AGO

    Scott Nygaard: Acoustic Guitar, Peghead Nation and a Lifetime in Music

    You may know Scott Nygaard from his career as a guitarist in the bluegrass and acoustic scene for more than 30 years, his work as former editor and writer with Acoustic Guitar Magazine, or as one of the co-founders of Peghead Nation. You may not know his novel Evergreen, based on his transformative first year at Evergreen College in 1973. I love a coming of age story, and this is very much a tale musical growth and about the loss of innocence during a time of societal changes . We also explore Scott’s most recent album, Flown South which was recorded after a serious accident, when Scott had to relearn to play guitar. You’ll also be hearing music from his wonderful album Rosco with the Swedish guitarist Roger Tallroth, best known as a founding member of Väsen. Another collaboration you’ll be hearing about is Crow Molly, which features mandolinist Joe K. Walsh (a previous guest of this podcast). Scott shared his experiences recording with Chris Thile, touring with Joan Baez, and his move to Chile. I really enjoyed this opportunity to hear Scott’s wise observations on what really matters in a creative and connected life well-lived. The complete show notes take you to the video, Scott Nygaard, other episodes you'll love, podcast newsletter sign up (where you'll get exclusive information about upcoming guests), podcast merchandise and how you can buy me a coffee to support this podcast - as well as the video link and transcript. (00:00) Intro (02:20) novel Evergreen, bluegrass, old-time music, racism (12:35) old-time fiddling (16:36) Crow Molly band and album with clip of track 5 “Too Hungry” (18:21) album with Roger Tollroth Rosco with clip of track 6 The Surly Seven (24:01) more about collaborating with Roger Tollroth, clip of track 9 True North album Rosco (26:07) challenges of touring, Crow Molly with clip of track 9 Haapavesi album Crow Molly (29:13) editing and writing for Acoustic Guitar magazine (31:49) role of flat-picking guitarist in bluegrass and old-time music (34:00) other episodes you’ll love and ways to support this series! (34:50) music education and Peghead Nation, bands and community (41:33) learning to play again after accident, album Flown South with clip of Itutu (49:20) learning Spanish, wife Claudia losing hearing, sign language (58:07) Flown South clip of improv “Understanding Makes the Brain Lazy” (59:46) Evergreen, community of musicians, Peghead Nation, Scott’s books, guitars (01:11:45) Chris Thiele, Joan Baez (01:22:51) musical curiosity and advice, Lena Jonsson

    1h 30m
  2. Women in Bluegrass, Songwriting & Each Machine — Carolyn Kendrick

    MAR 22

    Women in Bluegrass, Songwriting & Each Machine — Carolyn Kendrick

    Carolyn Kendrick is a fiddler, songwriter, and producer based in California. I’m really looking forward to her upcoming podcast with Tristan Scroggins “Don’t Call Me Darlin’,” based on an archive of Women in Bluegrass newsletters. You’ll also be fascinated to learn about Carolyn’s project “Each Machine” and you’ll be hearing some of that music and about her research into the Satanic Panic. She also started a really cool initiative with her friend Isa Burke, the Gender Equity Audio Workshop. You’ll hear Carolyn’s tips on songwriting, how she remembers songs, and how she’s built balanced life in music. Show Notes bring you to all the links: albums featured, Carolyn's other projects, ways to support this podcast, Newsletter sign-up, podcast merch and other linked episodes you'll enjoy, as well as the YouTube video and transcript published to my blog! Photo: Natalie Petersen Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:46) Don’t Call Me Darlin’ podcast, Women in Bluegrass, Murphy Hicks Henry (06:12) trailer Don’t Call Me Darlin’ (link in show notes) (10:45) women in bluegrass (14:34) Each Machine album and zine, satanic panic ( 18:09) audio clip "A Perfect World" Each Machine album linked in show notes, from poem by David Keig, research into satanism, clip of “Sugar and Spice”, interviewing Stephan Jones (28:10) clip of “Leela” from Each Machine (28:58) murder ballads, with clip of “Wind and Rain” (30:57) upcoming new album, Gender Equity Audio Workshop with Isa Burke (35:05) Berklee experience (36:20) other episodes you’ll enjoy and ways to support this podcast (37:08) Carolyn’s musical path (45:25)clip of Silver Dagger from Tear Things Apart linked in show notes (46:23) singing, different styles, memorizing songs, fiddle tunes (50:34) love of Los Angeles, importance of being rooted in community (54:42) love of making podcasts, Don’t Call Me Darlin’ (58:02) songwriting support group, creative outlets and prompts

    1h 4m
  3. Ian Brennan: Recording Extraordinary Musicians in Remote Places Part 1 (Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi)

    MAR 11

    Ian Brennan: Recording Extraordinary Musicians in Remote Places Part 1 (Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi)

    This episode is with one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet: the Grammy-winning producer, musician and author Ian Brennan who has traveled the world in search of countries and languages that are underrepresented. He has produced over fifty remarkable international records since 2009 across five continents with his wife the Italian-Rwandan filmmaker, photographer and author Marilena Delli Umuhoza. In this Part 1 of a new series with Ian within this podcast, you’ll hear about the Tanzania Albinism Collective, Rwanda’s The Good Ones, the Zomba Prison Project in Malawi, Comorian and Africatown’s Ancestor Sounds, music of the descendants of the last slave ship in Mobile . Ian also has a fascinating personal story and is sought after for his work in empathy-based violence prevention. The links for all the music you’ll hear are in the Show Notes In the show notes you'll also find the link to sign up for my newsletter, where you'll get exclusive information about upcoming episodes, different ways to support this podcast and linked episodes, as well as the YouTube video and transcript. Photo: Marilena Delli Umuhoza (00:00) Intro (02:48) book “Missing Music: Voices From Where The Dirt Road Ends”, Comoros (09:00) Music: excerpt of track 1 Please Protect My Newborn Child from the Spirits from Comorian's album "We are an Island, but we're not alone”, recording in Comoros, Marilena Umuhoza Delli. (14:51) Rwanda, The Good Ones, Marilena’s mother (20:51) Music: excerpt The Good Ones album"Rwanda...You See Ghosts, I See Sky" track 9, "My Chubby Baby, Please Sleep( I will protect you from anything)” (21:50) The Good Ones, Kinyarwanda language, Rwanda history (29:06) dominance of English in media and songs (33:09) Music: excerpt The Good Ones album “Rwanda…You See Ghosts, I See Sky” track 4 “Every Job Has Importance” (34:05) dominance of English, nonverbal communication, Ian’s sister who had Down syndrome, working in psychiatric environments (41:15) other linked episodes and ways to support this podcast (42:02) violence prevention and anger management books and workshops, “Peace by Peace” (47:32) efficiency in recording (51:08) Zomba Prison Project (51:08) Zomba Prison Project (54:53) Music: clip from track 4 "All is loss" album Zomba Prison Project "I will not stop singing”) (55:39) Zomba prison recording with clip of track 3 “I Will Never Stop Grieving For You, My Wife” from Zomba Prison Project album “I will not stop singing” (01:00:44) how Ian records and produces (01:02:50) Africatown, Mobile,Alabama trip, descendants of slaves on the Clotilda (01:05:39) Clip of track 1 “Run if you can, don’t go down that road” from Ancestor Sounds (01:07:04) history and music of Africatown, Ian’s life as a songwriter and guitarist, becoming a parent (01:12:31) Music: clip of Track 8 Comorian "Bandits Are Doing Bad Deeds" from album "We are an island, but we’re not alone”) (01:13:43) early career recording in the laundromat (01:18:00) Tanzania Albanism Collective, Ukerewe island, Standing Voice (01:22:22) Tanzania Albinism Collective, track 23 “Happiness”, album “White African Power” (01:22:51)Standing Voice organization, dangers of albinism

    1h 29m
  4. Vienna Teng on Songwriting, Climate Action & Few of a Kind’s New Album

    MAR 3

    Vienna Teng on Songwriting, Climate Action & Few of a Kind’s New Album

    It was so inspiring to have this conversation with the multi-talented singer-songwriter and pianist Vienna Teng . In this episode we’re featuring the band Few of a Kind’s new album, a beautiful collaboration with Vienna, Brandon Ridenour, Ben Russell, Yousif Sheronick, and Andrew Gutauskas. Vienna takes us inside their creative process with excerpts from each track. She also reflects on what truly makes a great song, how her identity evolved with parenthood, and how she has connected with audiences through her climate action workshops. Vienna also shared insights into two other brilliant recent projects, her unique album We’ve Got You and “The Riversitter” after Dave Eggers’ “The Museum of Rain”. You’ll hear the charming story of how she actually found her stage name, some highlights including opening for Joan Baez, performing on the Late Show with David Letterman and especially what it felt like to return to touring and recording after a ten-year hiatus after working in environmental sustainability. Full Show Notes for all the links: Vienna Teng's albums, website, Songwriter podcast, linked episodes with Gabriel Kahane, Jean Rohe, Ida Gillner, Fern Lindzon and Diane Nalini and my Newsletter, Merch store and how you can buy me a coffee to support this series! photo: Sherwin Lainez (00:00) Intro (02:21) Stage name story, David Letterman and early fame, working at Cisco (07:09) Few of a Kind band, with clip track 1 “Transcontinental 1:30 AM” (11:49) life of a singer, Ben Russel with clip of track 4 Two Steps From the Blues (18:31) creative process Few of a Kind, Octavian studios (20:52) environmental sustainability, decision to go back to university (28:07) Few of a Kind, clip of track 2 Alone, Brandon Ridenour (31:32) crafting a life in music with social impact (34:12) other linked episodes and ways to support this series (35:02) what makes a great song, Asian American identity Alex Wong (42:31) climate action workshops connected to concerts (47:20) We’ve Got You with clips, how Comfort and Spark fit together (54:33) writing “The River Sitter” after David Eggers “The Museum of Rain” (01:00:36) Few of a Kind, with clip of track 3 Five’s Alive, Andrew Gutauskis, Yousif Sheronick (01:07:40) touring, opening for Joan Baez (01:12:03) coming back after 10 year hiatus

    1h 18m
  5. In One Take: The Art of Christina Petrowska Quilico

    FEB 22

    In One Take: The Art of Christina Petrowska Quilico

    I was honoured to have this opportunity to talk to the pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico about her extraordinary life in music and the arts. She shared wonderful and moving stories about Ann Southam, Louis Quilico, Pierre Boulez, Jacques Isrealievitch, and her legendary teacher Rosina Lhévinne. I was really struck by Christina’s open-minded attitude throughout her long career to learning new music, culminating in almost 70 brilliant and powerful albums so far; it’s amazing to learn that most of her recordings are recorded live, in one take. Christina also shared how meaningful it is to her to be a mother and grandmother, as well as respected academic; she’s Professor Emerita and Senior Scholar at York University in Toronto. Among many honours, she has been appointed to the Order of Canada, and the Royal Society of Canada. Her curiosity and creative energy seem limitless; she’s a poet and visual artist, she’s studied Ancient Egyptian culture, and she lives her life spiked with humour and a down-to-earth attitude. We are also including excerpts from several of Christina’s albums and performances including music by Mozart, Art Tatum, Ann Southam, Meredith Monk and David Jaeger, all detailed in the timestamps, with links in the show notes. The show notes will also bring you to: Christina's website, linked episodes you'll enjoy, my podcast newsletter for exclusive information about upcoming guests, podcast merch, the YouTube video, and all the albums featured on this podcast! (00:00) Intro (02:19) Ann Southam (07:29) clip fo Ann Southam’s Glass Houses Revisited #5 from concert; video linked in show notes (09:09) Ann Southam (11:29) mindset for recording (17:11) Jacques Israelievitch Mozart project with (22:07) clip of Mozart Sonata no. 32 in B flat major, K. 454, 3rd movement Allegretto, album linked in show notes (23:20) Louis Quilico, opera (30:38) visual art, synesthesia (35:32) Other linked episodes (36:31) learning so much new music, Pierre Boulez stories (45:55) first husband Michel-Georges Brégent, David Jaeger (49:07) clip of Takemitsu Les Yeux Clos from Games of the Night Wind, album linked in show notes (50:12) upcoming projects, career path, Rosina Lhévinne (56:30) impact of sexism on her career (0:01:13) audio clip Paris by Meredith Monk from Retro Americana, album linked in show notes (01:02:24) Retro Americana album, with clip of I’ll Never Be the Same by Art Tatum (01:05:22) Rzewski, clip of Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues from Retro Americana (01:06:28) David Jaeger, arts funding, CBC (01:12:21) piano repertoire and technique, Jeaneane Dowis (01:16:39) learning music, funny story, Vintage Americana album (01:20:44) clip of Fantasy Pieces - Allegro Minacciando by David Del Tredici from Vintage Americana) (01:21:36) living a creative life, mindset, studying Ancient Egypt

    1h 30m
  6. Elvis, LBJ & the Golden Age of Broadcasting — Hank Moore Stories

    FEB 12

    Elvis, LBJ & the Golden Age of Broadcasting — Hank Moore Stories

    Hank Moore became a radio DJ at just ten years old, then went on to influence the broadcasting industry. You’ll hear about his experiences interviewing Elvis Presley, working as an advisor to President Lyndon B. Johnson, and earning two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. From payola to the negative effects of the deregulation of broadcasting, he offers valuable perspectives on the music industry. Hank has crossed paths with legends like Ed Sullivan, Frank Sinatra, and Burt Bacharach, and lived through many moments that defined popular culture. We discussed his Pulitzer Prize nominated "Pop Music Legends" and some of the many highlights from his varied and fascinating career in broadcasting and business. Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript. t’s a joy to bring these inspiring episodes to you, and I do all the many jobs of research, production and publicity. Have a look at the show notes of this episode, where you’ll find all the links, including different ways to support this podcast and other suggested episodes. Show Notes with All the Links! Hank Moore website (00:00) Intro (01:53) Hank Moore’s books, celebrities, radio, Lady Bird Johnson, Lee Iacocca, Bing Crosby (19:16) Elvis Presley, André Previn, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (30:31) advisor to President Lyndon Johnson, radio industry (49:18) linked episodes, ways to support this podcast (50:02) Ed Sullivan, Mitch Miller, popular music history (58:54) Payola, meeting Burt Bacharach, McCarthy black list (01:08:39) stars discovered on talent shows, music industry problems (01:20:40) non-profit work, business and political work (01:27:45) Carole King, creative process

    1h 34m
  7. Nadje Noordhuis: Jazz Trumpet, Inspiring Collaborations & Building a Career as a Woman in Jazz

    FEB 1

    Nadje Noordhuis: Jazz Trumpet, Inspiring Collaborations & Building a Career as a Woman in Jazz

    The trumpet player and composer Nadje Noordhuis joined me for a wide-ranging conversation about identity, creativity, and carving out a life in music on her own terms. Nadje reflects on her early musical upbringing in Sydney, Australia, and the formative training that led her toward jazz trumpet. She remembers her friend Lois Martin, and Nadje speaks candidly about experiences of sexism in the music world, and the challenges of breaking into the New York jazz scene—financial struggles, years at the Manhattan School of Music, and finding her footing as a woman in jazz. She reflected on her collaborative project Multitudes with composer James Shipp, and you’ll be hearing clips from that project as well as Gulfoss with Maeve Gilchrist, Full Circle with Fred Hersch. She talked about being about to record with the legendary engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug, and Nadje encourages all of us to take risks to follow our own paths. Complete Show Notes with all the links! (Video, linked episodes, Transcript, podcast merchandise and Ko-fi support page, newsletter) Nadje Noordhuis Website photo: Matt Baker (00:00) Intro (02:12) Sara Caswell, Dutch heritage (03:45) Multitudes with James Shipp (07:06) clip of Run Together from Multitudes (07:48) more about Multitudes, clip of Say Goodbye (09:31) Lois Martin (13:36) Laurie Frink (16:09) versatility in building a career, Anat Cohen (19:21) early music training childhood in Australia (22:20) experiences of sexism, decision to pursue jazz trumpet (30:15) Full Circle album Elan Mehler, Fred Hersch (clip Little Song from Full Circle) (34:24) move to New York, financial struggles (39:06) breaking into the jazz scene as a woman, Manhattan school (43:54) other linked episodes and ways to support this project (44:51) youth in Sydney, Australia (48:40) teaching, Fifth Bridge (53:26) recording Gulfoss album with clip of Seven Miles (57:25) working with Jan Erik Kongshaug, recording Ten Sails with Luke Howard (01:05:35) clip of Rainbow from Multitudes, living as an expat (01:07:36) clip of Full Circle, reflections on choosing her own path

    1h 12m
  8. Julia Keefe on Mildred Bailey, Indigenous Big Band and Navigating Misogyny

    JAN 26

    Julia Keefe on Mildred Bailey, Indigenous Big Band and Navigating Misogyny

    Julia Keefe (Nez Perce) is an internationally acclaimed Native American jazz vocalist, actor, activist, and educator currently based in New York City. You’ll hear how her Indigenous Big Band project started, the history behind jazz in Native American communities and inspiration from Delbert Anderson to Jim Pepper. A special influence in her life has been Mildred Bailey and you’ll be hearing some clips from Julia’s Mildred Bailey Project album throughout this podcast; the track names are in the timestamps. Mildred was a very important figure in jazz and Julia is also working on a film about her life and career. Julia spoke about some of the sexual harassment she has experienced and how she was affected by the experience of sexual assault by a professor when she was in graduate school. She opened up about how she got through that time with the support of her vocal teacher Jo Lawry . In the shadow of this challenging time, Julia shared some fascinating specifics into how her voice teachers Jo, Theo Bleckmann and also Kate McGarry helped push her artistic and expressive boundaries, and later what a transformative experience it was to be mentored by Esperanza Spalding. Julia’s identity as an Indigenous jazz musician shapes her creative life in so many affirming and inspirational ways; I’m so happy to share this meaningful conversation with you. Complete Show Notes In the show notes: links to other suggested episodes, newsletter, buy me a coffee, podcast merch, link to Indigenous Big Band video, transcript and of course Julia Keefe's music! Julia Keefe website photo: Don Hamilton (00:00) Intro (02:38) Indigenous Big Band, Delbert Anderson (10:21) clip of Jim Pepper’s “Water”, video linked in show notes (12:24) Mildred Bailey Project (14:19) clip of “Thanks for Memory" track 8 (15:08) Mildred Bailey Project album release (18:10) Mildred Bailey with clip of Rockin’ Chair opener track 1 (25:28) clip of track 9 Rockin’ Chair, Mildred Bailey film project with Lily Gladstone, Gary Farmer (39:23) clip of track 2 “Lover, Come Back to Me” Sterlin Harjo film “Love and Fury” (41:51) linked episodes and ways to support this podcast (42:56) Jim Pepper (49:06) Julia’s childhood, Kamia, learning Nimipuutimt (55:00) residential schools bands history (01:00:24) Master’s at Manhattan, Kate McGarry, Jo Lawry, Theo Bleckmann (01:05:35) personal challenges including sexual assault, support of Jo Lawry (01:19:11) Esperanza Spalding mentorship

    1h 27m
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About

There’s a fascinating variety to a life in music; this series features wonderful musicians worldwide with in-depth conversations and great music. Many episodes feature guests playing music spontaneously as part of the episode or sharing performances and albums. The inspiration and connection found in a meaningful creative life, the challenges faced, and the stories from such a diversity of people will draw you into this weekly series, with many topics that will resonate with all listeners. Available also as video and transcript: https://www.leahroseman.com/about

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