For the Greater Groove: The Future of Strings

“There are things in the music that conjoin us all.” Matt Glaser chats about the music that still inspires him after 50 years of study—the swing music of the 20’s thru the 50’s—and his perspective, after years of study, that the same musical ideas were shared across racial and economic boundaries, and how this has defined American popular music.

With a musical worldview centered on individuality, freedom and emotion, Ginny talks about how to deal with the challenges women face in the performing arts, how to be fearless onstage, her new album, and how and what she teaches the students at her Popular Strings class at the Thornton School of Music, USC.  ­­

Regina talks about her sound, her move from classical to jazz, her experience as a hospice caregiver, and then I ask the MacArthur genius how much she knows about...the song "MacArthur Park."

Violinist and tireless educator Jesus Florido talks about the importance of the groove in Latin music and how it's expressed on the violin. We share an astonishment at how the groove is so often ignored by classical violinists in favor of tone production, and then I quiz Mr. Florido about...obscure facts about the state of Florida. 

A collection of highlights of my conversations from the past year, with short musical excerpts, starting with the Zach Brock episode from January and including Natalie Haas, Sara Caswell, Billy Contreras, Roberto Sierra, Diana Ladio, Danny Seidenberg, Sirius String Quartet, Tomoko Akaboshi, Mark Summer, Mia Asano, Eugene Friesen and Daniel Bernard Roumain. 

Composer/violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain shares his unique perspective as a black progressive string player and composer in a very traditional classical world. We talk about his journey of self-discovery and the importance of advocating for new ideas and updating of traditions. Then I quiz the composer of one of the better known contemporary solo violin works, "Filter", about the rock band Filter. Hilarity ensues.

Eugene Friesen is one of the architects of progressive string playing. We go deep and we get specific--Eugene slows down an example of his trademark pizzicato technique and drops nuggets of gold all through this podcast, getting philosophical and sharing little known secrets of his early years. And then the inventor of the educational superhero, Celloman, gets quizzed on indie-rock festival vendor, Jelloman.

Mia Asano is a young electric violinist who has become one of the most visible content creators in the string world. She's a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music and we talk about how she got over 2 million views and 100K followers one night. And how she fell out of love and back in love with music. 

Mark and I reminisce about the old Turtle Island days and he confesses to having written one of the best-known solo cello pieces of all time, "Julie-O", on the piano. Then I quiz Mr. Julie-O about...all things Julio, as in Julio Igelsias, "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" and Don Julio tequila.

My old buddy from the Turtle Island String Quartet demonstrates jazz viola techniques, talks about arranging for TISQ and about his newfound love for the violin. Then I ask the founding member of the Unbande about...7 Up, the Un-cola.

Diana is the violin half of the violin/cello Moxie Strings duo. They work with thousands of kids every year as guests in schools all over the country. We talk about our shared mission of striving to give young people the ability to play their own pop music on strings. Then we find out what the Moxie Strings violinist knows about...the Moxy Hotel in Chicago.

Composer Roberto Sierra speaks about the new electric violin concerto he is in the middle of composing for me. It's called "Ficciones" and is inspired by short stories by the Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges. We also talk about writing and playing in the musical vernacular, the popular musical styles of our time. And then I quiz the composer of "Fandangos" about...WWE wrestler Fandango.

Billy reflects on the influence of Buddy Spicher, tells some gig stories and breaks down the comprehensive and highly structured routine he uses in practice and on the bandstand. Then we quiz the Western Swing expert about...Western Spring Manufacturing Co.

One of the most important jazz violinists on the scene today, Sara brings her classical and jazz background to her students at Berklee College and Manhattan School of Music. She talks about the inspiration she gets from young players and then we quiz Downbeat magazine's perennial "Rising Star" jazz violinist about...Rising Star Casino and RV Park.