The Swedish fiddler Lena Jonsson has created a unique style inspired by traditional Swedish music as well as many other influences. Today we’re focusing on the wonderful 3rd album by her trio, “Folk Covers” which celebrates many great folk music composers of today. I think you’ll really enjoy this uplifting conversation which features a lot of music, including Lena giving us some spontaneous house concert experiences, and clips from the new album, with insights into process of curating and interpreting these folk covers; please note the timestamps have the tune names. You’ll also learn about the Swedish folk scene and regional differences, her experiences studying both in Sweden and Boston at Berklee, her love of creative design and how to dance a Polska. I want to let you know that I’m going to be taking a short break for a couple of weeks, but I’m very excited to bring you Season 6 of this podcast at the beginning of January 2026!

Complete Show Notes for this Episode!

Lena Jonsson Website

photo: Klara Granberg

(00:00) Intro

(02:16) album Folk Covers, with clip of Äntligen!

(04:33) childhood musical family in Hälsingland Sweden

(10:28) microtonality and ornamentation in Swedish fiddling with Silkesvalsen

(13:25) fiddling, duo with Brittany Haas

(16:33) Four Minute Love Story with clip “Neljän Minuuttin rakkaus” Johanna Jukola

(18:44) arranging, curating with Erik Ronström and Krydda Sundström with clip of Fortcalquier by Genticorum

(22:29) first Canadian tour, Blue Skies festival

(24:26) teaching folkhögskola, Berklee experience

(30:22) Burdland, cover of Kinnaris with clip, Norwegian hardanger fiddle influence

(34:51) learning from archival recordings

(37:23) other linked episodes and ways to support this series

(38:10) experience studying in Stockholm

(42:00) Bubbles in Central Park with clip, how to dance a Polska

(47:58) how to pronounce Lena and bits of Swedish culture, and clip of Unless/The Tobagganist by Hawktail

(54:58) love of design and fashion, duo with Johanna Juhola

(59:00) Morgenslått with clip, memorizing music

(01:03:01) Erik Rydvall nyckelharpa, Midsummer, great fiddle teachers

(01:07:33) harpist Maeve Gilchrist, clip of Brenda's Abbey, how the trio got started

(01:12:09) composing with performance of Ispolskan

Violinist Lara St. John joins me to discuss her upcoming documentary Dear Lara, her remarkable career, and her ongoing work to ensure a safe and inclusive music community . Lara’s creativity, warmth, humour and brilliance come through in this wide-ranging interview and you’ll hear about her decision to become the first classical soloist to start her own record label, her formative year in the former USSR, advice about learning music and the violin, and a tribute to one of her main mentors, Joey Corpus. In fact Joey’s amazing story wasn’t one I was familiar with and since this conversation I’ve learned more about this inspiring pedagogue. We talked about two of her many albums, and you’ll hear a couple of clips from Shiksa and She/Her/Hers; track names are in the timestamps and everything is linked to Lara’s website in the show notes. Lara is also known for her love for iguanas, and at the very beginning of this episode you’ll get to meet Baby Octavius!

Trigger warning: Please note that there are detailed timestamps below, so you can go to specific parts of this interview; there are mentions of both sexual assault and a suicide attempt

Complete Show Notes with linked episodes, newsletter, podcast merch and more!

Lara St. John Website

Varaiuni Bar Fight video on Lara's channel

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Timestamps: (00:00) Intro with mention of sexual abuse (trigger warning) (03:10) meeting the Caribbean iguana Baby Octavius (04:59) Order of Canada, meeting other celebrities for Canadian Thanksgiving (06:28) the story of Moishe the violin, klezmer (09:48) about album Shiksa with clip from The Pain Will Find Us (14:17) “Dear Lara” film, trigger warning mention of rape (27:16) changing perspectives on her career (32:27) other linked episodes and supporting this podcast (33:16) perspectives on children in music, competitions (35:36) U.S.S.R. experience (38:18) her record label Ancalogon, album She/Her/Hers women composers with clip of Ana Sokolović Danza 2 (42:55) adjusting repertoire, Gabriela Lena Frank with clip of Luciérnagas (46:40) clip of video Variaiuni Bar Fight from Shiksa, linked in show notes (47:54) first trip to Peru, brief reference to suicide attempt (49:16) Marlboro, Felix Galimir (53:06) Joey Corpus violin pedagogue, portato problems, final reflections on film making and career direction

photo: Titolayo Ayangade

Guitarist Ben Garnett has released a beautiful new album, Kite’s Keep, and this episode features clips and insights from the project. The record includes collaborations with acoustic music greats familiar to listeners of this podcast, including Darol Anger and Brittany Haas. Ben’s mentor, Chris Eldridge of the Punch Brothers, also appears, and Ben discusses the wisdom he’s gained from other influential musicians in his life, among them his cousin, acclaimed rock guitarist Andy Timmons, the brilliant Julian Lage, and bandleader Missy Raines. He also talks about how playing tuba was helpful, and how he immersed himself in a range of musical styles—studying jazz in university before finding his way into Nashville’s acoustic bluegrass scene.

Like all my episodes, you can 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! In the show notes I"ve also linked other episodes which I think may interest you: with Darol Anger, Brittany Haas, Marc van Vugt, Tal Yahalom and Alisa Rose

Complete Show Notes with ALL LINKS!

(00:00) Intro

(01:57) Kite’s Keep album, Brittany Haas, Darol Anger, clip Look Again

(06:59) Darol Anger, clip Tell Me About You

(10:07) album cover, photo by Emilio Mesa

(11:35) tuba, music education

(13:43) Andy Timmons

(19:11) Julian Lage

(24:25) Chris Eldridge, producing 1st album Imitation Fields, clip of Post Office Prodigies

(29:09) Julian Lage, Chris “Critter” Eldridge

(34:20) other linked episodes and ways to support this project

(35:09) jazz, Chris Eldridge, Paul Kowert, Ethan Jodziewicz, clip of The Clockmaker

(40:33) love of movies, Bluegrass, Missy Raines

(51:13) touring strategies, Ben’s guitars

(56:25) Celia Hill, clip A Place for the In Between, Matt Glassmeyer

(01:00:14) teaching, clip the end of Somewhere Near Hope, next projects

photo: Natia Cinco

Canadian violinist Yolanda Bruno spoke to me about her new album Dear Jeanne and her film The Immortal Serafin, which both honour the late Jeanne Lamon, the renowned baroque violinist, and Music Director of Tafelmusik for 34 years. Yolanda explains how she explores the story of Jeanne’s 1759 Santo Serafin baroque violin, which was generously loaned to Yolanda for one year. You’ll hear a few clips from the album, including Jeanne’s masterful string trio arrangement of Bach’s iconic Ciaccona, as well as a taste of a Leclair duo with Julia Wedman, another important mentor for Yolanda, and a work by Beth Silver honouring Jeanne’s Dutch-Jewish heritage.

Yolanda reflects on what it means to live more sustainably with her partner, the accordionist Michael Bridge, who was previously featured on this podcast. She shared how her her annual project Music for Your Blues has impacted her life, as well as a very memorable experience performing in a high-security penitentiary, which taught her about connection and dignity, and the value of live music. I also wanted to shine a light on Yolanda’s brilliant first ablum, The Wild Swans, featuring 11 women composers, recorded with pianist Isabelle David. You’ll hear short excerpts by Lera Auerbach and Kelly-Marie Murphy. We end the episode with Yolanda’s insights about avoiding burnout by achieving balance in her life using the idea of longer cycles of time, which I loved.

Complete Show Notes with All the Links!

Yolanda Bruno Website

photo: Curtis Perry

(00:00) Intro

(02:34) Dear Jeanne and her film The Immortal Serafin, Jeanne Lamon, Tafelmusik

(12:25) Jeanne’s arrangement of Bach Ciaconna with clip (Yolanda with Julia Wedman, Christina Mahler - J.S. Bach Ciaccona from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004

(15:46) film The Immortal Serafin, living more sustainably and mindfully, Michael Bridge

(24:39) the process of buying the Serafin, Jaak Liivoya, Bill Monical

(30:56) how Yolanda started playing baroque violin, meeting Jeanne

(34:41) clip of Jean-Marie Leclair Sonata for Two Violins in D Major, Op. 3, No. 3, ii. Allegro, lessons with Julia Wedman

(38:00) other linked episodes and ways to support this series

(38:50) Leclair, Beth Silver, Jeanne Lamon’s Dutch-Jewish heritage

(44:16) musical family, The Wild Swans album, Lera Auerbach with clip Lera Auerbach - 24 Preludes for Violin and Piano, op. 46: No. 9 in E Major (Allegro)

(51:38) Kelly Marie-Murphy The Swan Parapraxis with clip Kelly-Marie Murphy - The Swan Parapraxis, Carmen Bruno cello The Wild Swans album, Katherine Dowling

(55:22) Music for Your Blues, reading, memorable concerts

(01:02:37) performing for incarcerated audience in a penitentiary, Jean Rohe, Diane Schoemperlen

(01:07:04) studying in England, balancing life in annual cycles

I really enjoyed this opportunity to speak with Mack Hagood, author of Hush: Media and Sonic Self-Control, to explore how we use sound to manage our minds, moods, and modern lives. From white noise apps and noise-cancelling headphones to tinnitus and sound therapy, Mack helped me understand the complex relationship between media, technology, and the human need to tune in (or out). We discuss the surprising cultural history behind everyday sonic tools — from the 1964 Sleep-Mate sound conditioner to Irv Teibel’s visionary Environments recordings, to Dr. Amar Gopal Bose’s 1978 flight epiphany that led to noise-cancelling headphones. Mack reflected on teaching “The Smartphone in Society,” and concerns with both social media and streaming platforms. Towards the end of this conversation he explained why started his podcast Phantom Power and how his childhood in New Orleans eventually led him to the new field of sound scholarship.

Complete Show Notes with all the links!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:34) life as a guitarist, Pinetop

(05:47) tinnitus

(15:32) first white noise machine Sleep Mate

(22:54) Hush: Sonic Media and Sonic Self-Control, Irv Teibel environments series

(30:36) Bose noise-cancelling headphones

(35:30) Edison Realism test, how our listening is culturally conditioned

(41:03) other linked episodes and ways to support this series

(41:47) soundscapes, R. Murray Schafer, field recordings

(45:14) podcast Phantom Power

(49:02) Walkmans, consumption of music, white noise apps

(52:14) The Smartphone in Society, social media

(59:08) why Mack got into podcasting as a sound scholar, Liz Pelley, problems with Spotify

(01:08:07) how he became a sound scholar

Michael Stephen Brown is both a fantastic pianist and composer, and in this episode you’ll be hearing some excerpts from his upcoming album Twelve Blocks, which is a very personal project for him of chamber music and solo piano pieces. You’ll hear the stories and personal connections with each of these works that he’s composed. He shared his experiences at several inspiring arts residencies including living in Aaron Copland’s house unplugged from the internet, his close friendship with the late Shirley Perle, and his research into Felix Mendelssohn’s relationship with Delphine von Schauroth and her compositions. We talked about the importance of removing the stigma from getting therapy and providing more affordable access to mental health support to those in the performing arts through his support of Creative Care. and his longstanding collaboration with cellist and comedian Nick Canellakis; you’ll also be hearing a clip of one of their performances. At the core of this interview are Michael’s broad interests and how he reflects his curiosity and love of storytelling in his creative work. There’s lots more to this in-depth episode, and all the music you’ll be hearing is composed by Michael; have a look at the show notes for all the links.

Photo: Sofian Kahn

(00:00) Intro

(02:31)learning composition and piano from age of 5, teachers Rothgarber, Julliard, Lowenthal, Adler

(06:16) 12 Blocks with clip, Ursula Oppens, Jerome Lowenthal

(08:32) more previews of 12 Blocks with clips, Osmo Vänskä, Erin Keefe, Yaddo residency, Lake Alan, Love’s Lives Lost, Susanna Phillips, SPA trio, Paul Neubauer

(18:35) inspiration from poetry and personal relationships, clip Breakup Etude for Right Hand Alone

(21:45) McDowell artist retreat, Carnival of Endangered Wonders

(29:23) Andràs Schiff mentorship

(31:05) Delphine von Schauroth and Felix Mendelssohn

(34:55) other linked episodes and how to support this series

(35:50) Aaron Copland residency

This week’s episode is a personal one for me, since Jennifer Johnson has been helping me gain more ease and comfort in violin playing and living in general. An understanding of Body Mapping will help you whether you play an instrument, sing, or simply go about your daily life. Jennifer Johnson is a violinist, film maker, and the author of several books including “What Every Violnist Needs to Know About the Body”. She’s an internationally sought-after Master Teacher and Teacher Trainer in Body Mapping and is renowned for her expertise in helping musicians to move according to the design of their bodies to prevent playing injuries and promote ease.

I also wanted to shine a light on Jennifer’s film Music, Movement & Transformation: The Body Mapping Story, which is partly a beautiful tribute to her inspiring mentor Barbara Conable.

I’m sure you’ll find this conversation with Jennifer is full of actionable tips and insights to help you, including some of the best advice about dealing with stage fright that I’ve ever heard.

Complete show notes: including links for Jennifer's film, her website, my newsletter, podcast merch and linked episodes with transcript and video.

(00:00) Intro

(01:59) string quartet career, injury, Alexander Technique, meeting Barbara Conable, Body Mapping

(11:05) Body Mapping, common mismappings

(17:29) transformations, stories of Body Mapping success

(25:50) film "Music, Movement & Transformation: The Body Mapping Story”, Duane Andrews, Murat Eyuboglu

(36:51) other linked episodes, ways to help this series

(37:36) worldwide community of Body Mapping educators

(41:23) Jennifer’s books, backwards walking, 6 places of balance

(53:04) humero-scapular rhythm

(58:39) film, Barbara Conable quotes, instrument-specific books

(01:04:16) stage fright advice

(01:10:44) how to teach Body Mapping to children

photo: Colette Phillips

Cherokee singer-songwriter Agalisiga “The Chuj” Mackey shares the story behind his debut country-folk album, created entirely in the Cherokee language with producer Jared Tyler. He discusses language revitalization, the Cherokee syllabary, immersion schools, and the impact of boarding schools. Agalisiga also reflects on Indigenous history, cultural preservation, and his musical influences—showing how traditional language and contemporary music can keep a culture thriving.

Agalisiga Mackey Music

Show notes: bring you to other episodes you'll like, newsletter sign-up to get sneak peeks, podcast merch, buy me a coffee, YouTube video, and transcript!

(00:00) Intro

(02:39)Cherokee culture and language

(10:11)When I was a Boy Tsitsutsa Tsigesv

with clip

(13:24) developing Cherokee language and culture app

(17:31) forced relocation Trail of Tears

(22:00) Agalisiga’s elders, legacy of boarding schools

(28:55) Tiny Desk experience, clip Daganigisi (I’m Gonna Leave)

(32:18) other episodes linked and ways to support this project

(33:05) Sequoyah’s Syllabary, Cherokee sounds and culture

(41:33) musical influences, clip of Gatlohiha (I’m Crying)

(48:19) Bringing the language into the present, creating the album, Jared Tyler, clip of Dvkiyohiselvi (I Shall Be Released)

(57:47) Anvdvnelisgi ᎠᏅᏛᏁᎵᏍᎩi album

(59:16) family, learning Spanish

(01:02:11) bringing the culture into the present

Gaelynn Lea is a violinist, singer-songwriter, disability rights advocate, author, and public speaker. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Gaelynn began her musical journey with the support of a childhood music teacher and her musical family. You’ll hear about how her big break happened when she won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, which led to a fascinating creative life which in the last few years has included international touring and scoring Macbeth on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga. Gaelynn is really open to trying new things, and this really came through as she talked to me about how she’ll never have enough time to explore all her curiosities, reflections on her first compositions and songs, how she collaborated with mentors Alan Sparhawk, and Charlie Parr, and how she created a new musical fable for the stage called Invisible Fences with disabled storyteller Kevin Kling.

You’ll be hearing clips from some of Gaelynn’s albums during the podcast, and her Bandcamp is linked in the show notes for you. We begin with a look at her upcoming memoir—It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect— a warm, funny and deeply-felt exploration of disability, music, and the messy creativity of an artist’s life. I plan to welcome Gaelynn back for a future episode focused on that work. You can find the pre-order link in the show notes. It will be published by Algonquin Press in April 2026.

Episode page with video, transcript and other episodes you'll love!

Gaelynn Lea Website Albums on Bandcamp

Order It Wasn’t Meant to be Perfect Invisible Fences with Kevin Kling

Newsletter Podcast Merch Buy me a coffee

photo: Explore Duluth

(00:00) Intro

(03:32) Gaelynn’s upcoming memoir—It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect

(10:42) Macbeth score and album, meeting Michael Stipe, Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship

(16:02) about “Perfect”, with clip from Macbeth album

(18:50) Gaelynn’s childhood, learning the violin in an adapted way, her instruments

(26:20) decision not to have surgery

(29:01) Someday We’ll Linger in the Sun with clip

(32:06) other episodes you’ll love, ways to support this independent project

(32:53) how winning Tiny Desk changed her life and for her husband

(38:32) disability visibility, mindset, beginning of song-writing and composing Alan Sparhawk, Charlie Parr

(45:56) The Long Way Around with clip from The Living Room Sessions

(49:46) Dragons and Fairies with clip from The Living Room Sessions, joys of improvisation, looping

(54:45) fiddle repertoire, jamming in Edinburgh

(59:45) Invisible Fences with Kevin Kling, disability activism, psychological challenges

Sam Sadigursky is a renowned clarinetist, composer, and member of the Philip Glass Ensemble. In this episode, we explore his latest project The Solomon Diaries with Nathan Koci, his work on Broadway in The Band’s Visit, and his career spanning jazz, classical, and contemporary music. Sam shares stories from touring with Philip Glass, mentors Brad Mehldau and Lee Konitz, and his upbringing in a musical immigrant family.

We also dive into improvisation beyond music, the impact of streaming algorithms, and the cultural legacy of the Borscht Belt. Listen to insights into Sam’s unique voice as a composer and performer, and hear excerpts from some of his wonderful creative output.

Sam Sadigursky’s website

Podcast website: episode page with YouTube, Transcript

Newsletter sign-up

Podcast merch Buy me a coffee?

Other episodes you'll love: Meg Okura

Tasha Warren Yale Strom Colleen Allen Rachel Eckroth and John Hadfield

(00:00) Intro

(02:11)Sam’s musical family and early influences

(08:02) jazz, hearing heroes play teen years in L.A.

(10:12) Isaac Sadigursky, VNP Hora with clip

(14:26) move out to New York

(17:05) about Six Miles at Midnight with clip, Nathan Koci, Satie influence

(21:07) Touring with Philip Glass Ensemble

(25:23) influence of Glass, Migrations Vol. 5 Solomon Diaries

(28:59) clarinet music, Eleven from 24 Rhythmic Duets for Clarinet, teaching, Vince Trombetta

(33:54) other linked episodes you’ll love and ways to spread the word!

(34:33) about “Lucky” vol. V The Solomon Diaries, wife Sarah, Danny Fox

(40:10) early jazz mentors and opportunities, Brad Mehldau, Bill Berry

(42:31) parenting, streaming and music industry challenges

(45:44) Broadway: The Band’s Visit and beyond

(51:18) solo piano music, Incidentalee dedicated to Lee Konitz, from Figures/Broken Pieces performed Nick Sanders

(54:39) many instruments, decision to focus on clarinet

(57:38) Borsht Belt history, Marisa Scheinfeld, The Solomon Diaries

(01:03:24) Guy Klucevsek, “Secondhand” The Solomon Diaries Vol. IV by Nathan Koci

(01:08:17) creative output, music industry challenges, Words Project, upcoming projects