Max ZT of House of Waters shares insights on improvisation, global music, and creativity in this in-depth interview. He discusses his new album with Manu Delago, his journey studying in Senegal and India, and his approach to the hammered dulcimer. Featuring behind-the-scenes stories, collaborations, and mindfulness practices that shape his unique musical voice.

This transcript is linked to the podcast and video versions with complete show notes.

This interview transcript is linked to the podcast and video versions of this episode: You may know Scott Nygaard from his career as a guitarist in the bluegrass and acoustic scene for more than 30 years, his work as former editor and writer with Acoustic Guitar Magazine, or as one of the co-founders of Peghead Nation. You may not know his novel Evergreen, based on his transformative first year at Evergreen College in 1973. I love a coming of age story, and this is very much a tale musical growth and about the loss of innocence during a time of societal changes . We also explore Scott’s most recent album, Flown South which was recorded after a serious accident, when Scott had to relearn to play guitar.

 You’ll also be hearing music from his wonderful album Rosco with the Swedish guitarist Roger Tollroth, best known as a founding member of Väsen. Another collaboration you’ll be hearing about is Crow Molly, which features mandolinist Joe K. Walsh (a previous guest of this podcast). Scott shared his experiences recording with Chris Thile, touring with Joan Baez, and his move to Chile. I really enjoyed this opportunity to hear Scott’s wise observations on what really matters in a creative and connected life well-lived. 

Gabriel Kahane Interview: Heirloom, Songwriting, and Creative Practice — Composer, songwriter, writer and storyteller Gabriel Kahane joins Leah Roseman on Conversations with Musicians. Hear excerpts from Heirloom, Book of Travelers, and Magnificent Bird, plus insights on songwriting, conducting, theatre training, his upcoming book, and creating socially engaged music. This transcript is linked to the podcast and video version of this interview.

This is the transcript of my interviewwith Lily Henley; the podcast and video versions and show notes are linked.

The wonderful singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and scholar Lily Henley breathes new life into the endangered language Ladino (a fusion of Spanish, Hebrew, Arabic, and Turkish). During this podcast you’ll hear clips from her album Oras Dezaoradas. Blending her roots in American and Celtic music, Lily creates powerful original music that honours centuries of Sephardic women’s voices. These songs tell timeless stories of love, loss, exile, and resilience, sharing her personal connection to this important tradition. 

You’ll also learn about: 

• Sephardic history and contemporary communities

• Lily’s unusual childhood

• how she’s learned to trust her voice