Canadian violinist Yolanda Bruno spoke to me about her  new album Dear Jeanne and her  film The Immortal Serafin, which both honour the late Jeanne Lamon, the renowned baroque violinist, and Music Director of Tafelmusik 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 Ciaccona, as well as a taste of a Leclair duo with Julia Wedman, another important mentor for Yolanda, and a work by Beth Silver honouring Jeanne’s Dutch-Jewish heritage. 

Yolanda reflects on what it means to live more sustainably with her partner, the accordionist Michael Bridge, who was previously featured on this podcast. She shared how her her annual project Music for Your Blues has impacted her life, as well as a very memorable experience performing in a high-security penitentiary, which 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, The Wild Swans, featuring 11 women composers, recorded with pianist Isabelle David. You’ll hear short excerpts by Lera Auerbach and  Kelly-Marie Murphy. We end the episode with Yolanda’s insights about  avoiding burnout by achieving balance in her life using the idea of longer cycles of time, which I loved. This transcript is linked to the podcast and video versions of this interview, with complete show notes with other linked episodes.

Transcript to my interview with the brilliant Canadian pianist Katherine Dowling; the podcast and video versions are linked. In this conversation we talked about her album of solo music by Alice Ping Yee Ho, mentors including Gil Kalish and Henk Guittart, and how and why she’s developed her exceptional musical memory. Katherine shared fantastic insights into teaching and learning, the importance of inclusivity and access to arts education, and how she uses the Pomodoro technique in the practice room. She explained how sound production on the piano is about the speed of attack and we discussed  different skill sets and career paths for pianists.  Dr. Dowling shared many inspiring musical memories, and how she developed her ambitious Elegy project to follow her personal path through grief.

Transcript to my interview with Shakura S’Aida and the podcast and video versions are linked here. Shakura S'Aida, acclaimed Americana roots soul singer and songwriter  has thrilled global audiences in 31 countries over many years. 

Donna Grantis who performed with Prince for several years, is Shakura’s longtime co-producer and co-writer. Donna praises the three-time Juno Award nominee  as a "powerhouse vocalist whose artistic vision continually inspires me.”

I trust you’ll find this week’s episode an inspiring and uplifting conversation, in which we’re highlighting Shakura’s new album Hold on to Love. We also talked about her career in acting, and she shared some of her experiences on the set of Schitt’s Creek. Shakura shared many valuable insights in this wide-ranging interview.

Chuck Copenace is a Winnipeg-based Ojibway musician from Animakee Wazhing 37. This is the transcript of my interview with him, and the podcast and video links are linked with the shownotes as well. In this episode, we talk about Chuck’s excellent album Oshki Manitou, which expands his work as a trumpet player, arranger, and composer. He’s woven together ceremonial sweat-lodge melodies with jazz, funk, dance and electronica and this episode features tracks from that album. He’s such a powerfully lyrical trumpet player, and you’ll be deeply touched to hear his inspiring story of moving through trauma and addiction to helping others through counseling and music.