Music in our Veins: Conversations with June Millington and Friends June Millington

Ady is a wonderful pianist with whom I've shared many a musical adveture since we met in 1981. She played on Holly Near's "Fire in the Rain," an album which I produced, and we proceeded from there ... mostly in the area of (the genre of) Women's Music.

I've always found how Ady explores and experiences music fascinating, and am so glad we were able to have this intimate conversation. Please enjoy it yourself! There are a lot of profound experiences related, all of which started before IMA was even founded. That's saying a lot.

xx June Millington • Goshen, MA


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A fascinating conversation with über-musician, singer/composer Barbara Higbie. We met through the women's music movement in the early 80's, although she'd already made inroads in the music business through Windham Hill Records, initially with Darol Anger. (https://barbarahigbie.com/) But what a road!, absolutely fascinating with twists and turns that, honestly, seem ordained in retrospect. I've always had the greatest respect for Barbara, and although we brushed wings many times at IMAWest (where she performed in various ensembles, all stellar) and at festivals, I never really knew her well. No reason, really, she's extremely engaging and we've shared many situations and enduring stories but it's like we're part of the same fabric ~ very familiar, like stars flashing in the night in some way. I guess this conversation was just waiting!

Some quick memories ... riding on the same bus with her and Teresa Trull (with whom she did an album) into the Michigan Women's Festival grounds; a show she did with us in Bodega with David Balakrishnan (they were in the group Turtle Island together) that was absolutely astounding, off the chain in virtuosity; hearing Barbara, Cris Williamson, and Teresa Trull rehearsing backstage on an Olivia cruise we all performed at, April 2018, and being knocked out by that phenomenal blend and sound. I thought to myself, "This is American music!" And to me that really means something. It ties in to my respect for the many races and cultures who have brought the mix that itself created new styles of expression, and so many hit songs. Nobody else has created so much, for so many years, that sold so phenomenally. Even the Taliban sings Motown! (in some reputably reported instances).

Thing is, I learned so much during this conversation, and had a blast. If you already knew about Barbara, enjoy learning more. If you didn't, welcome to the world of a magical, dedicated musical chameleon who holds her own. Thanks Barbara! xx June


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In 1975 I met Cris Williamson ~ she had known about me, I knew nothing about her. But that was all about to change! We became friends instantly as she was embarking on her life-changing (and affirming) record, "The Changer and the Changed." I had no idea what I was walking into! But that turned out to be a critical period in my life, when my rock 'n roll experiences were to overlap with feminism and the genre women's of music. For me, nothing was ever the same.

So this is a conversation (Pt I, and may there be more in the future) between old friends, here at the Institute for the Musical Arts (www.ima.org) in Goshen, MA. She had just done a show, which seems like such a luxury now ... I assumed nothing about what you may or may not know, but dove into our lives, intersections, and old stories. May this greet you as an old friend as well.

And thanks Cris! xx


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Many people ask me about the mods on my '57 Les Paul, and notice what Jeffrey did to my vintage Strat, as well. Yes, he did all those! When I met "Skunk," I didn't know he played guitar (around 1970). Guitarist Lowell suggested I pay him a visit, to do work in some of my new (old) guitars. And there a deep friendship was born. At the time, the band he was in, Steely Dan, was recording their first album, but no one had heard of them. After a few seasons - and a few hits - Jeff left that band to join the Doobie Brothers, and brought Michael McDonald in with him. There are too many stories, too many chapters to tell, but Jeff and I got down to the nexus of this conversation quickly: our deep friendship and respect for each other, with guitar stories thrown in. Enjoy!

~ June


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Cellist Rebecca Hartka is not only gifted and accomplished, but talking to her was like going on a walkabout as we pursued the ley lines that have led us into a life of music, with a "secret" language one has to pursue single-mindedly to get to the heart, the absolute passion within.. Beyond the hours of practicing, where does one then go?
Her story in particular is strikingly individual, and involves a near death experience when she was very young. ~ which led to trauma and PTSD.  The cello helped release her from that - it was in essence a second body, one that could resonate with hers and contain everything it seemed, with the end pin grounding her to the earth; to all that is. The story is astonishing, and so very inspiring. 
Yes, we talked about technique, but we spoke "beyond technique." I love this conversation, and so will you. Welcome to the world of Rebecca Hartka, and perhaps my favorite quote from her:  "Whatever is wrong in the world, I feel like Bach can heal."

Rebecca's blog site: http://rebeccahartka.com/blog/?p=468

Her latest album, "Colors."
https://rebeccahartka.bandcamp.com/album/colors

TEDx: https://youtu.be/ZHmjLt8_KCY  New Approaches to Music | Rebecca Hartka & Jose Lezcano | TEDxKeene

http://rebeccahartka.com








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Erin  McKeown is known as a fabulous songwriter, using guitar and keyboards with an understated production approach that fill out her songs in a particular way. Her guitar playing I find to be extremely stylistic, and she has such an amazing ear (she co-wrote the songs to the musical "Miss You Like Hell"). Erin's compositions and what she surrounds her recordings with are unerringly simple and spare, yet full. Many people have studied her, as I have. Such a pleasure and honor to have Erin as a guest on this show!! Prepare to be a bit surprised ...

~ June Millington


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