Episodes
Sunday Aug 25, 2019
Sunday Aug 25, 2019
Today’s guest is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He plays tenor and baritone sax, clarinet, flute and any other woodwind instrument he can get his hands on. While he is well known and loved in the local music community and beyond for being a versatile player of many genres, I know him as a killer jazz musician, passionate, generous and creative, with very big ears and the ability to connect with anyone.
He also happens to be a community development consultant who travels the world, and a kind and humble man. Today’s guest is Michael Fortunato.
In this entertaining and energetic episode we cover a lot of territory. The importance of play, community building, musicians as natural community leaders, and mental health are just a few of the topics discussed. You will find plenty of laughter and silliness interspersed with interesting reflections and ponderings.
We hope you enjoy this episode of Meaningful Musical Conversations. Please feel free to leave a comment, like, and share with friends if you feel so moved.
Notes from Michael:
"I have to give credit to my woodwinds teacher, Jimmy Guerra, who was the driving force behind how I play today. He taught me how to teach myself, and did the best he could given the limited time we had together."
”Innovation happens at the nexus of unlike things.”
Here is a link to the book Michael highly recommends:
Saturday Aug 17, 2019
Saturday Aug 17, 2019
We are delighted to share Dena DeRose, with you in this episode. Dena is a masterful jazz singer and pianist, jazz educator and overall wise and very fun person! She’s performed in New York clubs since the early 90’s and played at festivals and concerts throughout the world.
Dena has worked with Gene Bertoncini, Ray Brown, Jay Clayton, John Clayton, Bruce Forman, Benny Golson, Wycliffe Gordon, Jeff Hamilton, Billy Hart, Bill Henderson, Mark Murphy, Judy Niemack, Ken Peplowski, Houston Person, Alex Riel, Marvin Stamm, Clark Terry, and Steve Turre, and is the leader on 12 albums, three of which are Grammy nominated. She's recording a new album with Highnote Records in October which will be out in 2020.
Dena is currently professor for Jazz Voice at The University of Music and Performing Arts, in Graz, Austria, where she currently resides.
Jazz Institute of the University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz, Austria
Bach Dining and Dancing Society
Justin Eggert, Tai Chi and Qigong Master
Saturday Aug 17, 2019
Saturday Aug 17, 2019
Our second episode, we are delighted and honored to have Jill's dear friend, Lisa Stano as our very first guest. She currently resides in Petaluma California, and is a prolific and talented singer/songwriter, guitar player, stand-up bassist, and overall delightful human being.
Lisa is someone who seeks and finds joy in whatever she does. In this inspiring episode, which is more of a conversation than a straight-up interview, you will find a lot of laughter joy, and inspiration. We discuss songwriting, what makes a great gig, the art of performing, and, as both Lisa and Jill have brothers who died of AIDS, they discuss the role music played in Jill's brother's passing.
Please subscribe to our podcast if you enjoyed this episode, and feel free to leave a comment, as we would love to hear from you!
Saturday Aug 17, 2019
Saturday Aug 17, 2019
In the first episode of Meaningful Musical Conversations, Jill, jazz pianist and singer, and Daniel, jazz and rock guitarist/singer/songwriter, have a fun time getting to know each other.
https://www.danieltownsendmusic.com