Originally released in 2022: Tracy Silverman is truly an inspiring musician in every respect and it was such an honour to meet him and be able to record this memorable episode! This interview is also available as a video; the transcript is also linked on my website

We talked about his classical roots, studying with legendary teachers Lewis Kaplan and Ivan Galamian, his rejection of the classical world and his fascinating career, through his years in rock bands, we even talked about some of his early gigs, including learning the ropes as a strolling violinist, getting the job as first violinist of the innovative Turtle Island string quartet, and the development of his Strum Bowing method.

We talked about many musicians, including some of his collaborators and mentors including Terry Riley, Darol Anger, Roy “Futureman” Wooten, Mark Wood, and composers Roberto Sierra and John Adams. In this conversation one of the many topics we covered was the new concerto writtten for Tracy called “Ficciones” by Roberto Sierra.

Finally, we dived into his creative process, how music affects our emotions, and how to stay open by listening to others, and learning to show up as ourselves.

Tracy Silverman website

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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:03:29) Concerto "Ficciones" by Roberto Sierra, premiered with the American Symphony Orchestra

(00:07:13) Tracy's 6-string electric violin built by Joe Glazer with demonstrations, and more about "Ficciones"

(00:14:14) Tracy's support system for the instrument, progression from classical violinist through his rock days

(00:22:37) Lewis Kaplan

(00:25:25) Ivan Galamian

(00:28:40) Tracy's approach to Bach

(00:32:04) Tracy's childhood, improv and composition

(00:36:17) "Ficciones" "Between the Kiss and the Chaos"

(00:40:51) Turtle Island String Quartet and career advice

(00:44:35) Strolling violin gigs, wedding singer

(00:47:41) John Adams, "Dharma at Big Sur", solo recital versions of concerti

(00:50:00) Looping with demo

(00:57:27) Album "Beats and Jams" with son "Toby Beats"

(01:02:11)Terry Riley

(01:24:03) process of improvisation, Strum bowing different styles

(01:17:47) Egberto Gismonti, Darol Anger

(01:22:00) teaching, strum bowing in school music programs

(01:24:43)Turtle Island String Quartet, Darol Anger and the origin of strum bowing

(01:28:08) music affects our emotions

(01:32:10) Roy "Futureman" Wooten, positive mindset

(01:37:30) challenges with the 2020 lockdowns

(01:44:35) commission for "Ficciones" with different orchestras

(01:46:22)Tracy's mission with string playing, practicing, advice