I really enjoyed my conversation with the inspiring multi-style violinist Gina Burgess. During the episode she plays a couple of her original tunes, and at the end we did an improv back-and-forth across our Zoom call.  The video and transcript, and Catch-Up episode, are linked here: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/e18-s1-gina-burgess-multi-style-violinist

Timestamps are below. 

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 Gina is a founding member of the Iqaluit-based Arctic rock band The Jerry Cans, is a four-time ECMA award winner with the gypsy-jazz outfit Gypsophilia, she fronts her own klezmer band Der Heisser, is is a regular collaborator in flamenco and Arabic music ensembles.   Gina has toured Europe twice over with Tim Crabtree’s atmospheric ensemble; Paper Beat Scissors, and with folk-pop artist Gabrielle Papillon. Along with The Jerry Cans, Gina has performed and conducted youth workshops in Canada, Australia, Greenland, New Zealand, and Europe.  https://www.ginaburgessmusic.com/ Instagram @ginaburgess.violin Facebook Gina Burgess Music

(00:00) Intro

(01:27) Green Grass

(04:24) pandemic lockdowns, importance of playing for live audience

(05:54) Gina’s start in music as a classical violinist

(07:59) dealing with injury, playing different styles

(11:27) dealing with touring

(13:32) music workshops, first trip to Iqualuit, founding the Jerry Cans

(17:59) practicing violin in different ways

(22:02) teaching music in schools and online, improvisation games

(27:47) early experiences as a performing improvisor, learning to enjoy the process

(33:52) touring with the Jerry Cans and Gypsophilia, dealing with playing the same music

(35:06) Gina’s performance of her song “For D”

(39:07) putting together solo album ISNOW

(44:41) working with effects pedals and using a looper

(46:59) creative process

(48:14) duo improv with Leah and Gina

photo credit: Jennifer Lane, One Right Lane Photography