The Playful Musician

 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. 

Saxophonist Joel Frahm is a regular on the New York City club circuit. He's appeared alongside musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Bill Charlap and Matt Wilson and has recorded with Diane Schuur, Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit and other top jazz artists.  Joel joins The Playful Musician to discuss how the pandemic has shifted his career, including sparking his newest endeavor, writing a book. We chat about the recent passing of legendary jazz artists, Chick Corea and Freddy Cole. Joel shares about transcribing his first Johnny Griffin solo, how he developed his signature sound, and how playing the blues influenced him as a jazz artist. We discuss playing in a duo, recording with your heroes, and learning jazz standards. Joel shares his practice routine and how he draws inspiration from books, art and of course, other musicians. 

Grammy® nominated jazz singer, Sara Gazarek, has been one of the leading lights of an impressive generation of jazz vocalists since her brilliant emergence at age 20. She has five acclaimed albums, an ardent fanbase, enthusiastic reviews, a teaching position at the University of Southern California, and collaborations with such luminaries as Kurt Elling, Fred Hersch, Billy Childs, and Larry Goldings.Sara joins The Playful Musician to discuss the Grammy® nomination process and what it's like to be nominated and attend music's biggest event. We chat about the loss of legendary jazz musician Chick Corea. Sara shares about finding success at an early age, improvising beyond melodies, and the value of going on the road. We discuss teaching practices and how she empowers and challenges her students. Sara also shares her approach to songwriting and how she's finding inspiration with her new vocal group, säje.

Rhett Bender is a Professor of Music at the Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University. He teaches music theory and saxophone performance and is a founding member and soprano saxophonist with the Mazama Saxophones and Globe Saxophone Quartet. Rhett joins The Playful Musician to discuss pandemic challenges, including teaching remotely and how performing has changed. He shares about his time as a student of Dr. Kenneth Fischer, and how Fischer taught him to practice efficiently. Rhett talks about his journey to become a saxophonist and university professor. We chat about the difference between playing and practicing and Rhett shares where he finds creative inspiration. 

Deanna Swoboda is an Associate Professor of Music at Arizona State University. She teaches tuba and euphonium, Entrepreneurship and Music courses, coaches chamber music, and designs creative music performances. Early in her career, Deanna developed the K-6th grade music program, Band Blast Off. She toured and performed at thousands of schools across the country inspiring children to play instruments. Deanna shares how she teaches students to improvise musically, and in life, and how she encourages them to pursue and diversify their goals. We discuss our brass heroes, Deanna's journey from clarinet to tuba and how she encourages playfulness in the practice routine. Deanna shares about her time with Dallas Brass, the challenges and opportunities of teaching during a pandemic and what's currently inspiring her. 

Pianist Alexander Tutunov is widely recognized as one of the most outstanding virtuosos of the former Soviet Union. He's performed throughout Europe, China, Mexico, and the United States as a solo performer, soloist with orchestra, and on radio and television. When he's not traveling or recording Emmy award winning soundtracks, Alexander is a Professor of Piano and Artist in Residence at Southern Oregon University. He is a passionate musician with a fascinating life story. At the age of six, Alexander moved away from his family to study music in Moscow. We chat about studying music at a young age, influential teachers and how the trombone saved him from fighting with the Soviet Union military in Afghanistan. Alexander shares about his rehearsal process, what inspires him and how he plays in service of the music.

Susan Mohini Kane is a professor of voice and opera and professional classical singer. She teaches opera workshops, master classes, voice lessons, and opera training programs throughout the United States and Internationally.  Susan is absolutely one of the most playful people I know. She has an upbeat, innovative energy she brings to every aspect of her music and teaching. We chat about her experience teaching workshops at a maximum security prison, how to embrace musical opportunity during this unconventional time and the challenges of teaching online. Susan shares her practice routine, her advice for young musicians and why singing matters. 

Vicki Genfan is a virtuoso guitarist, singer and composer. Drawing from folk, jazz, pop, soul and world music, she has a distinctive style that pushes the boundaries of the singer/songwriter genre into new territories. Vicki is honest, thoughtful and soulful. We chat how the Covid-19 pandemic and huge life events have challenged her to slow down and get creative with making music. Vicki shares about her songwriting process, playing covers, battling self doubt and her journey to grow musically over the years.

In the second half of my conversation with guitarist Jeff Pevar, we chat about playing with the greats. From recording Ray Charles' Christmas album to playing with David Crobsy, he talks about pushing boundaries, knowing your worth and the highlights of being on a world tour. Jeff also shares what it's like to work with your partner, the ups and downs of composing and what advice he has for the next generation of musicians. Jeff Pevar is a guitarist, composer, producer, performer and multi-instrumentalist. He's brought his unique musical style to movie scores, television shows, advertisements and composes original music for his own releases. 

Jeff Pevar is a guitarist, composer, producer, performer and multi-instrumentalist. He's brought his unique musical style to movie scores, television shows, advertisements and composes original music for his own releases. Jeff is entertaining, passionate, extremely talented and a true community builder, inside and out of music. From the infamous audition to touring the world, he shares about his time performing with musical legend Ray Charles. Jeff talks about pursuing your passion, taking chances, letting the music speak through you and so much more.

He may be best known for his 12 year stint as a drummer for the Blue Man Group, but Matthew Kriemelman's talents reach far beyond the Las Vegas stage. From NYC's downtown club scene to touring in fifteen different countries as a “Road Runner” recording artist to performing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, he has a rich musical background. Matthew shares all about his time as a “Blue Man” plus how he hyper prepares for a gig and the value of recording practices and performances. We chat about artistic influences and how to find joy in every beat. 

Flutist Tessa Brinckman has been described as a “flutist of chameleon-like gifts.” Not only does she play the flute, piccolo, baroque, alto, bass and contrabass flutes, and miscellaneous keyboards, but she also composes, teaches and brings her musical talents to art installations and animation.In this episode, Tessa shares her inventive and holistic approach to practice, performance, and moving through life. We chat about everything from music in the theatre to influences to how music teaches grace and truth. 

Todd Barton is a composer, sound designer, multimedia performer and an analog synthesist specializing in Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments. From innovative scores for plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to avant-garde music for electronic synthesizers and computers, Todd's musical resume is impressive and unique to say the least.  From the trumpet to the buchla, Todd shares his musical background plus we chat what it means to “play the space,” the unconventional beauty of the buchla, composing with uncertainty and his advice for the next generation of musicians.

Theresa McCoy is an accomplished percussionist. She's played with esteemed symphonies, salsa bands, on horror movie soundtracks and for distinguished guests such as the Queen of England.  Theresa exudes playfulness and has a zest for life and music. She shares her journey as a musician, tips for sight reading and how to find joy in all aspects of the musical process. 

Martin Majkut is a world class conductor and human being. He's lived through a revolution, has two PhDs, can sing, play piano and inspires orchestras to deliver exciting, polished and powerful performances. He's the Music Director of the Rogue Valley Symphony in Ashland, Oregon, and the Queens Symphony Orchestra in New York. Martin shares his experience growing up in Czechoslovakia during the Velvet Revolution, his journey as a musician and conductor, his practice formula and how he incorporates play into rehearsals, performances and conducting. All recordings by Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, including: Beethoven Symphony no. 9 in D minor, Op.125, movement 4, "O Fruende nicht diese Töne(Ode to Joy)"; Wagner: Tristan un Isolde:Prelude; Tchaikovsky Symphony no. 4 in F minor, Op. 36, movement 2: Andantino modo di canzona.

Versatile doesn't even begin to describe my first guest. Terry Longshore is a percussionist, composer, teacher and performer. From collaborating with multi-media artists to composing live music for dance and theatre to premiering works by today's most ground-breaking composers, his musical resume is impressive and unique. When he's not performing around the world, you can find Terry teaching young musicians as Professor of Music at the Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University.

This episode explores the inspiration behind the podcast. Steve talks about influencers from university professors to siblings to current friends. He also shares a clip from episode 1 where he and Terry Longhsore talk about music as language and the influence of Victor Wooten on their teaching philosophies.