Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman
Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman

Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman

Leah Roseman

Overview
Episodes

Details

There’s a fascinating variety to a life in music; this series features wonderful musicians worldwide with in-depth conversations and great music. Many episodes feature guests playing music spontaneously as part of the episode or sharing performances and albums. The inspiration and connection found in a meaningful creative life, the challenges faced, and the stories from such a diversity of people will draw you into this weekly series, with many topics that will resonate with all listeners. Available also as video and transcript: https://www.leahroseman.com/about

Recent Episodes

Lara St. John on Empowerment and the Making of Dear Lara
DEC 6, 2025
Lara St. John on Empowerment and the Making of Dear Lara
<p>Violinist Lara St. John joins me to discuss her upcoming documentary <em>Dear Lara</em>, 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 <em>Shiksa</em> and <em>She/Her/Hers</em>; 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! </p><p>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</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/lara-st-john"><strong>Complete Show Notes</strong></a><strong> with linked episodes, newsletter, podcast merch and more!</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.larastjohn.com/">Lara St. John Website</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/4CC_k2nQnf0?si=w-XNeMnfCG-FIy16">Varaiuni Bar Fight video</a> on Lara's channel</p><p>.</p><p>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</p><p>photo: Titolayo Ayangade</p>
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62 MIN
Ben Garnett: Crafting Acoustic Beauty on Kite's Keep
NOV 29, 2025
Ben Garnett: Crafting Acoustic Beauty on Kite's Keep
<p></p><p>Guitarist <strong>Ben Garnett</strong> has released a beautiful new album, <em>Kite’s Keep</em>, 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 <strong>Darol Anger</strong> and <strong>Brittany Haas</strong>. Ben’s mentor, <strong>Chris Eldridge</strong> 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 <strong>Andy Timmons</strong>, the brilliant <strong>Julian Lage</strong>, and bandleader <strong>Missy Raines</strong>. He also talks about how playing <strong>tuba</strong> was helpful, and how he immersed himself in a range of musical styles—studying <strong>jazz</strong> in university before finding his way into Nashville’s <strong>acoustic bluegrass</strong> scene.</p><p>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</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/ben-garnett"><strong>Complete Show Notes with ALL LINKS!</strong></a></p><p>(00:00) Intro</p><p>(01:57) Kite’s Keep album, Brittany Haas, Darol Anger, clip Look Again</p><p>(06:59) Darol Anger, clip Tell Me About You</p><p>(10:07) album cover, photo by Emilio Mesa</p><p>(11:35) tuba, music education</p><p>(13:43) Andy Timmons</p><p>(19:11) Julian Lage</p><p>(24:25) Chris Eldridge, producing 1st album Imitation Fields, clip of Post Office Prodigies</p><p>(29:09) Julian Lage, Chris “Critter” Eldridge</p><p>(34:20) other linked episodes and ways to support this project</p><p>(35:09) jazz, Chris Eldridge, Paul Kowert, Ethan Jodziewicz, clip of The Clockmaker</p><p>(40:33) love of movies, Bluegrass, Missy Raines</p><p>(51:13) touring strategies, Ben’s guitars</p><p>(56:25) Celia Hill, clip A Place for the In Between, Matt Glassmeyer</p><p>(01:00:14) teaching, clip the end of Somewhere Near Hope, next projects</p><p>photo: Natia Cinco</p>
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67 MIN
Yolanda Bruno Celebrates Jeanne Lamon: The Story Behind Dear Jeanne
NOV 22, 2025
Yolanda Bruno Celebrates Jeanne Lamon: The Story Behind Dear Jeanne
<p>Canadian violinist <strong>Yolanda Bruno </strong>spoke to me about her new album <strong><em>Dear Jeanne and </em></strong>her film <strong><em>The Immortal Serafin</em></strong>, which both honour the late <strong>Jeanne Lamon</strong>, the renowned baroque violinist, and Music Director of <strong>Tafelmusik</strong> 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 <em>Ciaccona, </em>as well as a taste of a Leclair duo with<strong> Julia Wedman, </strong>another important mentor for Yolanda,<strong> and a </strong>work by <strong>Beth Silver</strong> honouring Jeanne’s Dutch-Jewish heritage. </p><p>Yolanda reflects on what it means to live more sustainably with her partner, the accordionist <strong>Michael Bridge,</strong> who was previously featured on this podcast. She shared how her her annual project <strong>Music for Your Blues </strong>has impacted her life, as well as a very<strong> </strong>memorable experience performing in a <strong>high-security penitentiary, which </strong>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, <strong><em>The Wild Swans</em></strong>, featuring <strong>11 women composers</strong>, recorded with pianist <strong>Isabelle David.</strong> You’ll hear short excerpts<strong> </strong>by <strong>Lera Auerbach and</strong> <strong>Kelly-Marie Murphy. </strong>We end the episode with Yolanda’s insights about <strong>avoiding burnout </strong>by achieving balance in her life<strong> using the idea of longer cycles of time, </strong>which I loved<strong>.</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/yolanda-bruno"><strong>Complete Show Notes with All the Links! </strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.yolandabruno.com/">Yolanda Bruno Website</a></p><p>photo: Curtis Perry</p><p>(00:00) Intro</p><p>(02:34) <strong><em>Dear Jeanne and </em></strong>her film <strong><em>The Immortal Serafin, </em></strong>Jeanne Lamon, Tafelmusik</p><p>(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</p><p>(15:46) film <strong><em>The Immortal Serafin, </em></strong>living more sustainably and mindfully, Michael Bridge</p><p>(24:39) the process of buying the Serafin, Jaak Liivoya, Bill Monical</p><p>(30:56) how Yolanda started playing baroque violin, meeting Jeanne</p><p>(34:41) clip of Jean-Marie Leclair Sonata for Two Violins in D Major, Op. 3, No. 3, ii. Allegro, lessons with Julia Wedman</p><p>(38:00) other linked episodes and ways to support this series</p><p>(38:50) Leclair, Beth Silver, Jeanne Lamon’s Dutch-Jewish heritage </p><p>(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)</p><p>(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</p><p>(55:22) Music for Your Blues, reading, memorable concerts</p><p>(01:02:37) performing for incarcerated audience in a penitentiary, Jean Rohe, Diane Schoemperlen</p><p>(01:07:04) studying in England, balancing life in annual cycles </p>
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71 MIN
 How We Cancel the Noise: Mack Hagood on Sound, Tech, and Attention
NOV 15, 2025
How We Cancel the Noise: Mack Hagood on Sound, Tech, and Attention
<p>I really enjoyed this opportunity to speak with <strong>Mack Hagood</strong>, author of <em>Hush: Media and Sonic Self-Control</em>, to explore how we use sound to manage our minds, moods, and modern lives. From <strong>white noise apps and noise-cancelling headphones to tinnitus and sound therapy,</strong> 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 <em>Environments</em> recordings, to Dr. Amar Gopal Bose’s 1978 flight epiphany that led to noise-cancelling headphones. Mack reflected on teaching <strong>“The Smartphone in Society,”</strong> and concerns with both social media and streaming platforms. Towards the end of this conversation he explained why started his <strong>podcast Phantom Power</strong> and how his childhood in New Orleans eventually led him to the new field of sound scholarship. </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/mack-hagood"><strong>Complete Show Notes with all the links! </strong></a></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>(00:00) Intro</p><p>(02:34) life as a guitarist, Pinetop </p><p>(05:47) tinnitus</p><p>(15:32) first white noise machine Sleep Mate</p><p>(22:54) <em>Hush: Sonic Media and Sonic Self-Control, </em>Irv Teibel<em> environments</em> series</p><p>(30:36) Bose noise-cancelling headphones </p><p>(35:30) Edison Realism test, how our listening is culturally conditioned </p><p>(41:03) other linked episodes and ways to support this series</p><p>(41:47) soundscapes, R. Murray Schafer, field recordings</p><p>(45:14) podcast Phantom Power</p><p>(49:02) Walkmans, consumption of music, white noise apps</p><p>(52:14) The Smartphone in Society, social media</p><p>(59:08) why Mack got into podcasting as a sound scholar, Liz Pelley, problems with Spotify</p><p>(01:08:07) how he became a sound scholar</p>
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75 MIN
Michael Stephen Brown: Composer and Pianist with Album Preview Twelve Blocks
NOV 9, 2025
Michael Stephen Brown: Composer and Pianist with Album Preview Twelve Blocks
<p><strong>Michael Stephen Brown</strong> is both a fantastic <strong>pianist and composer,</strong> and in this episode you’ll be hearing some<strong> excerpts from his upcoming album Twelve Blocks</strong>, 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<strong> inspiring arts residencies</strong> 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 <strong>mental health </strong>support to those in the performing arts through his support of Creative Care. and his longstanding collaboration with<strong> cellist and comedian Nick Canellakis</strong>; 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/michael-stephen-brown"><strong>show notes for all the links.</strong></a></p><p>Photo: Sofian Kahn</p><p>(00:00) Intro</p><p>(02:31)learning composition and piano from age of 5, teachers Rothgarber, Julliard, Lowenthal, Adler</p><p>(06:16) 12 Blocks with clip, Ursula Oppens, Jerome Lowenthal</p><p>(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</p><p>(18:35) inspiration from poetry and personal relationships, clip Breakup Etude for Right Hand Alone</p><p>(21:45) McDowell artist retreat, Carnival of Endangered Wonders</p><p>(29:23) Andràs Schiff mentorship</p><p>(31:05) Delphine von Schauroth and Felix Mendelssohn</p><p>(34:55) other linked episodes and how to support this series</p><p>(35:50) Aaron Copland residency</p>
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66 MIN