Divergent Paths with Dan Dunford

This week, so excited to feature the early education program/organization Mozart for Munchkins. Listen to my interview with founder Sara Sherman and Creative Director Peter DelGrosso to talk about their approach to bringing music to very young children, how they run their organization, musical concepts, and building engaging programs with great musicians that appeal to early ages! It was also fascinating to hear about how they peresevered through the pandemic. Really good stuff here. mozartformunchkins.com

littlemozartfoundation.org

Goodbye New York is a new musical with music by Andrew Beall, book by David Don Miller, and lyrics by Evan McCormack. Andy and David were able to sit down with me and we had a really nice talk. Learned so much about some things I really just don't know much about. Also I feel like I'm in the middle of a good run where I'm getting my interview legs back so to speak. And also excellent guests (obviously). Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

Pianist Erika Dohi is this week's guest. We talk about her journey from Osaka to NYC, improvisation, new music, and her fantastic album. I, Castorpollux (out on 37d03d Records). Check out erikadohi.com and get the album at erikadohi.bandcamp.com

Greg Hotrum is probably not a name that you recognize but he is an old trombonist friend who spent 2008 to 2018 living, teaching, performing, and conducting in China. He hangs out to talk about his experiences and all the things he learned from 10 years in a beautiful and unique culture. Take a listen.

This week, I talk to New York freelancer James Rogers about struggling to find a footing in 2008 recession New York, about the decisions to be made between artistic fulfillment and paying one's bills, the pitfalls and learning curve of subbing on Broadway, and the difference that exists when you finally get your own show.

Broadway veteran Jennifer Wharton (Beautiful, King Kong, West Side Story) joins the show to talk about her unusual road to success from the West Coast to NYC, about Broadway pit life, about her group Bonegasm, and even about kicking around the house with ANOTHER world class trombonist. We really spread out have a fun conversation. Check out Jen's music at jenniferwharton.bandcamp.com and her upcoming events and merch at jenniferwharton.com

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It's OFFICIAL RE-LAUNCH DAY. Welcome to all new episodes of Divergent Paths. I'm so excited to be making new things. This week my first guest (and also a return guest from the initial run) with a brand new episode is Calliope Brass, an ensemble of incredible women who have worked their butts off to create an original group in an overcrowded world of brass ensembles. They do incredible work in education and performance and we talk about building an identity, both creative and business. CHECK IT OUT!

This week is Part 2 of my 2016 interview with bass trombone legend David Taylor. We jump in on his recording projects, teaching philosophies and artistic influence. As always, Dave is excellent.

Check out my Patreon for more stuff and to *bats eyelashes* support the show :) : patreon.com/divergentpathspod

It's a Pre-Launch Party! While the official re-launch of Divergent Paths won't come until later this month, we are having previews. Or a soft open. Or whatever you want to call it. Originally from ewarly 2016, this interview is from my first run of Divergent Paths. And it is great. David Taylor is one of the most legendary bass trombonists to ever pick up the instrument. He's played with everyone from Sinatra to Boulez to Duke Ellington to Thad Jones to the New York Philharmonic. And given solo recitals all around the world. And commissioned hundreds of pieces while pushing the envelope of trombone playing every chance he gets. Give it a listen. And come back next week for Part 2!