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. PJ Adzima: From The Book of Mormon to Stage Time CEO

    4d ago

    PJ Adzima: From The Book of Mormon to Stage Time CEO

    I was fascinated to meet PJ Adzima, and learn about his path from his childhood on a farm to his career as a Broadway performer in the Book of Mormon. A chance encounter with a legendary composer changed his life forever and now as the CEO of the production company Stage Time, he’s paying that forward by discovering and curating talent across genres through many projects. He talked about how embracing vulnerability and studying drag has been transformative and helped him take up space, challenge norms, and create with purpose. A joyful and deep appreciation for the performing arts certainly has driven his excellence and helped him transform his side project into his full-time business, and I’m sure you’ll find PJ’s energy infectious. Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast on many podcast platforms, and I’ve also linked the transcript. It's a joy to bring these inspiring episodes to you every week, 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 (00:00) Intro (01:55) Book of Mormon (06:37) Stage Time (11:23) power of drag (16:59) Masquerade nighclub curation Phantom of the Opera (21:00) The Stuppets (25:20) history of Vaudeville, dealing with racism, minstrelsy and history of Broadway (29:43) acting career (30:10) linked episodes and how to support this series (31:11) from childhood on a farm to Broadway, his big break (39:44) comedy, Louis C.K. story (43:10) curating new shows, Slam Frank (51:42) challenges and joys entrepreneurship Photo: Shawn Salley

    58 min
  2. Vivienne Aerts on "Current", Mindfulness, Jazz and Psychology

    May 23

    Vivienne Aerts on "Current", Mindfulness, Jazz and Psychology

    Vivienne Aerts is a NYC-based Dutch Singer, Educator, and Psychologist, for many years on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music. I’ve been following her inspiring creative practice for a couple of years and I’m excited to tell you that for this episode you’ll be hearing clips from her beautiful upcoming album Current, produced on a tiny 1951 Dutch sailboat, blending jazz, electronics, and vocal loops with water-inspired soundscapes. Her husband, the renowned pastry chef Ted Steinebach also made a documentary film about the journey, which features several other wonderful musicians who hopped on the boat to record. I found it uplifting to get to know Vivienne’s interdisciplinary approach, rooted in mindfulness and how she got started as a student creating interesting opportunities for artists. You’ll also be hearing clips from a couple of her previous projects including the award-winning Typuhthâng featuring 100 female musicians which supports Congolese female cacao farmers through a partnership with Original Beans. In this age of AI, I’m inspired by Vivienne's trust and hopefulness in the need for us to engage all of our senses and the power of mobilizing micro-communities to support meaningful creative work. You can also watch this video on my YouTube; I’ve also linked the transcript, Vivienne's website, other suggested episodes, podcast newsletter sign-up, podcast merch, and how you can buy me a coffee to support this independent podcast! Everything linked here in the complete show notes: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/vivienne-aerts photo: Ted Steinebach (00:00) Intro (02:48) album Current and film with excerpt of track 1 (08:30) collaborations with husband chef Ted Steinebach (12:54) Current, mindfulness, the film, excerpt of track 5 (17:33) creative process Current, excerpt strack 5 and 11 (22:08) songwriting, South Korea (27:49) Current, clip of track 8 Closer, living on the boat (35:26) other linked episodes (36:23) creative process album Polaroid with clip of Streetlamps (39:16) Susanne Alt with clip of track 11 (43:31) Typuhthâng album with clips track 9, 4, 1, 6, Original Beans chocolate (50:17) Vivi Talks podcast, teaching, Berklee, entrepreneurship (55:16) her educational path, railway festival, micro-communities (01:04:51) album launch concerts on boats (01:08:12) career path with psychology and music, Dutch culture (01:12:15) Effortless Mastery Kenny Werner, different approach to teaching mindfulness with self compassion

    1h 26m
  3. Nancy Shear on Stokowski, Rostropovich, and "I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms"

    May 14

    Nancy Shear on Stokowski, Rostropovich, and "I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms"

    I was so honoured and delighted to have this opportunity to have this conversation with Nancy Shear, whose diverse career in classical music will fascinate you. I loved reading her memoir “I knew a man who knew Brahms” which is very much a book about appreciation for great music making as well as the importance of reflecting on the legacies our elders. You’ll hear about insights gleaned from her close releationships with many luminaries including Leopold Stokowski and Mstislav Rostropovich. Nancy was a troubled teenager when she began working as part of the Philadelphia orchestra library staff, and her brave determination, sensitivity and brilliance have led her to many unexpected opportunities. Whether or not you are currently a fan of classical music, I’m sure Nancy’s wisdom and storytelling will inspire you. We’re also including Nancy’s suggested listening links in the show notes, as well as other episodes you’ll enjoy. Complete show notes take you to: video, transcript, Nancy's website and listening suggestions, other episodes you'll enjoy, podcast newsletter sign-up, podcast merch store, podcast support page to buy this independent podcaster a coffee, and more! SHOW NOTES with ALL links! (00:00) Intro (01:38) memoir “I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms” (12:01) Leopold Stokowski and her memoir (38:14) William R. Smith (43:25) Eugene Ormandy (52:48) other suggested episodes (53:47) Stokowski, excerpt from the book (56:50) Stravinsky Rite of Spring, Stokowski, Mahler (01:00:35) Rostropovich (01:08:49) Nancy’s career and independence (01:17:35) Stokowski’s fascination with technology (01:20:32) great concerts, Byron Janis, Jacqueline du Pré, Ormandy (01:24:22) Curtis (01:27:41) growth mind-set, healthy tech boundaries, writing (01:36:45) final excerpt from “I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms” about Stokowski, Saul Caston, music appreciation (01:40:14) who was the man who knew Brahms, importance of legacy photo of Nancy: David Teubner

    1h 45m
  4. Ian Brennan Part 2: Recording Music in Remote Communities | Ghana, Bhutan & Oakland Stories

    May 7

    Ian Brennan Part 2: Recording Music in Remote Communities | Ghana, Bhutan & Oakland Stories

    This is my second conversation with Grammy-winning producer Ian Brennan, whose work continues to make a meaningful impact around the world. If you missed Part 1 of our interview, be sure to check the link in the show notes. In this episode, we explore Ian Brennan’s remarkable approach to recording music in some of the most remote and overlooked places on Earth. You’ll hear stories from his travels to Ghana, where he recorded in witch camps, as well as projects in Bhutan and within unhoused communities in Oakland, California—near where he grew up. This ongoing series within my podcast highlights more than 50 albums Ian Brennan has produced, many of which have helped local musicians gain international recognition and perform outside their home countries for the first time. In addition to his work in music production, Ian Brennan is also an accomplished author and a respected expert in nonviolent crisis resolution. In this conversation, we also discuss his book Peace by Peace and the philosophy behind his work. The excerpts from the albums featured in this episode are linked in the show notes. The show notes also take you to: transcript, YouTube video, Ian Brennan's website, Marilena Delli Umuhoza's videos, other episodes you'll enjoy including with Ian Brennan, newsletter sign-up, podcast merch, and how you can buy this indepedent podcaster a coffee to keep this going! Show Notes! (00:00) Intro (01:32) Bhutan Balladeers with clips (album and film linked in show notes) (18:35) experience recording “Not a Homelless Person, just a person without a home” with the Homeless Oakland Heart Collective with clips (album linked in show notes) (31:34) non-violent crisis resolution, book Peace by Peace (44:14) recording Witch Camp in Ghana (album linked in show notes) photo: Marilena Delli Umuhoza

    1 hr
  5. Max ZT of House of Waters Interview: Hammered Dulcimer and Manu Delago "Deuce"

    Apr 26

    Max ZT of House of Waters Interview: Hammered Dulcimer and Manu Delago "Deuce"

    Max ZT is a superb Grammy-nominated hammered dulcimer player. I am really inspired by his broad and deep musical approach, improvisation skills, and virtuosity. You’ll be hearing inspirations and clips from his recent album with the handpan virtuoso Manu Delago, and in fact this was recorded during their album release tour of the U.K. and Europe. Max explained fascinating details about his approach to building hammered duclimers with the guidance of David Lindsey. If you’re a fan of Manu’s handpan playing you’ll also be gaining more understanding into his creative approach to performing. You’ll hear the inspiring stories of how Max came to be a student of both the Cissoko Griot family in Senegal, and the late Pandit Shivkumar Sharma in India. Max has also with us shared clips of House of Waters grammy-nominated album “On Becoming” as well as some great behind the scenes moments in the recording studio. Among Max’s collaborators, you’ll hear about the brilliant Moto Fukushima, the 6 string electric bass player in House of Waters, and Max’s wife the wonderful singer and athlete Priya Darshini. I feel that Max’s insights into mindfulness and creativity apply broadly to all of us. Complete Show Notes with all the Links! (00:00) Intro (02:59) “Deuce” with Manu Delago, clip of track 5 Inhale (05:16) Manu Delago, recording album “Deuce”, touring (15:36) different techniques on dulcimer and handpan, with clip of track 4 “Break” from “Deuce” (23:41) the innovations in tuning the dulcimer (27:00) building and designing dulcimers with David Lindsey (33:18) life-changing encounter, clip of track 6 “Rally” from “Deuce”, India, student of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma “Shivji” (37:50) other linked episodes and ways to support this podcast (38:47) India, student of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (46:04) House of Waters, album “On Becoming” clip of track 1 “Folding Cranes” (47:07) Moto Fukushima, Avaloch Farm Music Institute with clip of track 2 Avaloch, album “On Becoming” (53:18) creative process, importance of improvisation House of Waters, clip of track 8 Improv 13, On Becoming: the Improv Sessions (01:00:41) rewards of improvisation, Mike Stern, with clip of track 4, Hang in the Air, On Becoming House of Waters (01:04:39) Priya Darshini, with clip of track 8, The Wall, On Becoming, House of Waters (01:07:57) Senegal Cissoko Griot family, kora (01:11:48) celebrating the uniqueness of the dulcimer, Bard (01:14:56) upcoming shows photo: David Sosnow

    1h 17m
  6. Guthman Musical Instrument Competition Highlights with Trombonist Jeff Albert

    Apr 19

    Guthman Musical Instrument Competition Highlights with Trombonist Jeff Albert

    Trombonist Jeff Albert joins me for a two-part conversation. The beginning of this episode explores the unique Guthman Musical Instrument Competition at Georgia Tech which celebrates musical inventors from around the world. You’ll be hearing some of these instruments from this year’s competition and you’ll find that information linked in the show notes. The second half of this episode is about Jeff’s life as a trombonist, improvisor, music technologist and professor. You’ll hear about his many years playing and recording in New Orleans across many styles and how digital media pairs with his interest in experimental music. All the music excerpts you’ll hear are linked in the show notes for you, from several of Jeff’s albums. Whether you play in a laptop orchestra or have only the vaguest idea what that means, you’ll enjoy Jeff’s great stories and insights. I’ve been following the Guthman competition for a couple of years and I’ve also linked several previous episodes for you with musical instrument inventors in the show notes, as well as some of the other trombone players I’ve featured. You can watch the video on my YouTube or listen to the podcast, and I’ve also linked the transcript. It’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 complete show notes of this episode on my website, where you’ll find all the links, including different ways to support this podcast. (00:00) Intro (02:12) Guthman Musical Instrument Competition (06:14) clip of USAWI, video linked (06:56) College of Design at Georgia Tech (10:20) clip of Masterpiece, accessible instruments (13:09) Guthman competition, clip of Demon box, Letheliam Lateef Martin (20:29) Fiddle Henge with clip (22:45) Gajveena Debjit Mahalanobiswith clip, remembering Mark Deutsch’s Bazantar (25:49) VERTO with clip Michael Doron, about Klimchak (29:14) Krzysztof Cybulski post-digital Sax with clip (31:53) Jeff Albert, trombonist, New Orleans career (32:10) linked episodes, newsletter, podcast merch (32:58) New Orleans scene, improvised music, New Normal album with clip of Sidereal Will (35:24) Jeff’s blog, changes in the internet for musicians (41:24) pandemic, album Alone Time with track Grocery Run (43:47) life of a trombonist, album Unanimous Sources, with clip of Oregano with Intent (48:05) New Orleans music scene, unexpected path to academic life (54:37) laptop music, wife trumpeter Alexandria Smith, Atlanta Georgia Tech photo: Dennis McDonough

    1h 9m
  7. Gaelynn Lea on her Memoir "It Wasn't Meant to be Perfect", Music, Disability, and Connection

    Apr 9

    Gaelynn Lea on her Memoir "It Wasn't Meant to be Perfect", Music, Disability, and Connection

    I’m delighted to welcome back Gaelynn Lea, the disability rights advocate, author, singer-songwriter, and fiddler. If you missed my first conversation with her last year it’s linked in the show notes. I really enjoyed reading her memoir It Wasn’t Meant to be Perfect, and if you haven’t ordered it yet we hope you will after listening to this episode. Gaelynn goes into some of the themes in the book and you’ll be hearing great stories that didn’t make it into the final edits. In fact, you’ll hear about the editing process and about her new book project as well! We start with the documentary Crip Camp which focuses on Judy Heumann and disability rights. You’ll also hear about Denis Huna and inclusive music making, the importance of ASL and other sign languages. We got into the importance of improving communication with medical professionals with people living with disabilities and also why Gaelynn chose to write about love, sexuality and marriage in her memoir. We also did a deep dive into motivating and encouraging music students. We’re including clips from 3 of Gaelynn’s music videos and the full videos on her YouTube are linked in the show notes. Complete Show Notes with ALL the links! (00:00) Intro (02:22) Memoir"It Wasn't Meant To Be Perfect” (05:56) dealing with medical professionals (08:23) stories from childhood, ASL and deaf culture (21:09) Medicaid, about Gaelynn’s song “I Wait” with clip (video linked in show notes) (26:09) Judy Heumann, film “Crip Camp”, disability rights (32:06) inclusive music performances Denis Huna (37:52) sexuality, “It Wasn’t Meant To Be Perfect” (41:48) other linked episodes and ways to support this series (42:41) husband Paul, with clip “The Long Way Around” (video linked in show notes), artist Lee Zimmerman (48:13) problems with pressure and perfectionism in music education (55:18) Gaelynn’s approach to teaching (01:02:19) accessible book tour (1:04:18) clip of “Lost in the Woods” (video linked in show notes) (01:05:25)making the video, touring, accessibility, Ian Brennan (01:11:47) love of dancing, childhood story (01:13:27) next book, editing process for the memoir

    1h 21m
  8. Scott Nygaard: Acoustic Guitar, Peghead Nation and a Lifetime in Music

    Apr 2

    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
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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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