Growing up in San Juan, Miguel Zenón originally thought he would study engineering, but during his senior year of high school he was drawn to jazz, much to his family’s surprise. With no musicians in his family, the transition was stressful, and he describes it as a leap of faith. Today Miguel is a Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator, recognized as a true alto saxophone legend. He is releasing his eighteenth album, and his first live recording, Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at The Village Vanguard.

Described as “one of the most esteemed and singular-voiced alto saxophonists in jazz,” it is an honor to interview Miguel. We discuss his Tiny Desk Concert, his path from classical to jazz saxophone and back again, the culture shock of leaving Puerto Rico to study at the Berklee College of Music, and how he has kept his quartet together creating music for more than 20 years.

His new album, released the same day this podcast airs, captures what it feels like to perform on the sacred ground of the Village Vanguard. It is more than a tribute to the Vanguard. It honors the foundation of music itself, the people who paved the way for Miguel to be where he is today, and the groundwork he is now laying for those who will follow.

Jon’s story begins in the Windy City, a place that shaped and molded his unique, evolving expression on the alto saxophone. His parents had emigrated from the Philippines in search of a place where they could find work, start a family, and feel accepted in a new country. Irabagon’s sweeping career is like hearing the American Dream set to the brassy, warm tones of the alto sax.

With his newest album, Someone to Someone, from his label Irabbagast Records debuting today August 15 we sit down to discuss how he went from being a little kid too small to carry a saxophone to the bus stop to become one of Time Out’s “25 Essential New York City Jazz Icons” and one of my personal favorite alto sax players.

In this episode, we discuss why he started his own label and his theory on releasing albums authentically, his insights from private lessons with Dick Oatts and Dave Liebman, his teaching philosophies and techniques (covering everything from goal setting to social media), how he landed a gig with Billy Joel simply by asking the right question, and his dream of one day releasing an album featuring all nine saxophones he owns and plays.

Jon’s passion for music and his ability to cut straight to the heart of what it means to be a working musician will leave you inspired and ready to stream his music.

In this episode, Gilchrist shares his story of growing up in Washington, DC, and what led him at age 17 to finally sit down at a piano and begin teaching himself to play and compose. He describes how his early love of hip-hop, funk, and go-go evolved into a passion for jazz, sparked by Chuck Brown’s riffs and inflections woven into the popular music of the time. After earning a degree in economics, Gilchrist left college to begin his professional life but also launched his band, spending hours in music stores selecting jazz albums purely by their cover art.

His is a story of individualism and discovery, a reminder that there is no single path to virtuosity or success in music. Like many professional musicians, he understands the many roles required to build a career and his journey offers inspiration to musicians of all ages.

Where many might have shied away from the pursuit, Roberto carved his own path. His journey to becoming a composer and conductor, with a biography that reads like a travel guide through the Midwest, is marked by bold opportunity-taking and the determination to create new milestones within an institution often viewed as rigid in its traditions.

Roberto moves with lightness, joy, and genuine encouragement for his peers and fellow artists. This episode will leave you eager to spend an evening on The Hill at Britt, sipping wine and enjoying the beautiful life journey that brought Roberto Kalb from a kid in Mexico to Southern Oregon’s verdant Applegate Valley, baton in hand.

Tibi is the founder, and Artistic Director of the Israeli Chamber Project. It’s been 16 years since their group first debuted, and we sit down to talk about how it came to be. We discuss his love of programming, how he manages a traveling chamber orchestra, including where the harp comes from, “a harp in every port”. It wasn’t always that way, how wanting to include a new composition by a new Israeli composer in each program is a great idea that proved challenging. Of course, speaking with another reed player, we dive into and “nerd out”, on reeds. Tibi’s dreaming spirit, self-starter work ethic and idealism is sure to inspire. 

During our conversation, we explore the definition of a Concertmaster and delve into this fascinating and vital role within an orchestra. Carla shares her experience working with Martin Majkut, Music Director of the Rogue Valley Symphony and a friend of the podcast. She explains how the collaboration between the Conductor and Concertmaster is essential for creating an efficient and effective orchestral environment—one that, when successful, elevates the music to extraordinary levels.

Carla’s natural grace and leadership make her a perfect fit for the role of Concertmaster. We also discuss the challenges she has faced and overcome in her life, as she has continually sought opportunities and refused to let struggles define her. Her perspective on how music can unite us, even during times of deep division, offers a hopeful and uplifting message for citizens of both the United States and the world.


I sit down with Angela on the day her latest album, “The Best of Both Worlds,” is released by Reel People Music —a collaboration with Opolopo (AKA Peter Major). We discuss the trials and triumphs of being a female producer, her writing process and inspiration, her attraction to high-vibration music, and her new endeavor of writing scores for films. This episode is packed with her unique playfulness, which you'll find infectious.

We geek out over Beethoven's 5th Symphony and the ongoing debate about its proper tempo. Martin shares how fatherhood has transformed him as both a person and a conductor, explaining why becoming a father later in life has been ideal for him. We also delve into the aftermath of the pandemic and how it has positively changed both him and the makeup of his orchestra. This conversation, like all my discussions with Martin, is delightful. You'll come away with wisdom to apply to your own path in life and an intimate look at this wonderful composer.

Join us as we discuss her ambitious project of transposing 31 songs in 30 days, her ability to write music that feels as if it emerged organically from the 1950s, and how she has honed her writing and improvisational skills to stand out as a young jazz vocalist you'll want to keep an eye on. We also talk about her newly released album Hello! How Are You?, where she brings her joyful spirit and playfulness to these new tracks, and what's next for her career.

In our candid conversation, we revisit her early fame, which began with an album that catapulted her to stardom at just seven years old. From being greeted by adoring fans at airports to growing up with musical legends, we explore her journey and what she enjoys listening to when she’s not creating new music. This episode offers an intimate look at an artist with decades of experience in the music industry and the stories to match.

Tune in as we discuss showmanship, the art of guiding an audience, and how to write a song by listening to how it wants to be written. This episode is both profound and exciting, featuring advice and wisdom from an artist we’ve all eagerly awaited for her next big hit.

In this episode, we discuss his mentors and how they have shaped his sound and that of other alto saxophonists. We also explore how his sense of time affects everything, his journey overcoming shyness to make a mark on New York and jazz, and how picking up the alto saxophone pushed him to carve his own path as a jazz leader with incredible power, dramatic sensitivity, and technical prowess.

Sarah and I discuss her early career and how she disrupted her own ideas of musical success to forge a path all of her own. She shares the story of creating her own instrument, MIGSI, explaining what inspired its development, its mechanics, and how it has propelled the trumpet into the future with innovative sensing technology and sound processing. Sarah also reflects on her journey as an innovative musician in her field, building a social media presence, independent research and improvisation, and how she felt like she was “just starting”, once she realized she was not just a performer but so much more, herself. Sarah goes on to announce, for the first time publicly, her newest work, an opera titled “Times Undoing and Progress”.

In this episode Alexandra shares her life’s story, starting from her early days in Brazil, emerging as a musician from a family of chefs, attributing her musical talent to her maternal grandfather, a traditional fado guitarist who she never met. We chat about her early life, starting with piano and composing for the first time at the age of 16, creating a musical storm. Today, she is an extremely accomplished and a rare “collaborative conductor”. We chat about her upcoming Britt performances in Jacksonville Oregon where she is a guest conductor, why classical music is vital, and how she works to successfully produce applaudable performances from the orchestral ensembles she works with.  

Jennifer immerses us in her enthralling violin journey, recounting tales of her childhood violin practice. We delve into what drew her to the Alexander Technique and its exploration, her current teaching path, her “without hands” approach, and her mission to empower students’ to train themselves. Her recent book, Make Great Music with Ease adds depth to our conversation; expect to be inspired by Jennifer's spark and sharp insight. 

Idit is one of those rare musicians who excels in both classical and jazz saxophone. I couldn’t wait to hear about her theories on playing both genres and her tips and tricks for switching between these two demanding styles. We discuss how she gigged to pay for college, her experience meeting her husband when she started grad school, and the newest hot topic of reeds—when she would use synthetic ones and why she prefers not to.

Idit’s enviable drive, dedication, and work ethic are a wonder to behold, yet she still manages to keep things Playful.

One of only a few in person interviews I have done, I was excited to join Garrett in his home in Portland to talk music. We chat about practice patterns and tips, what we do before we even pick up our instruments to learn new pieces, and who he is currently playing with, in the Pacific NorthWest and beyond, including his first gig in New York City at Dizzy’s Club. 

Garrett is a consummate student of music. Listen as he shares some of the best advice and most memorable lessons he’s learned along the way. 

Russell and I get nostalgic and walk down memory lane in this episode. Tune in and reminisce with us about choosing our first instruments in school and making the trek home with our cumbersome choices. While swapping stories from the jazz band, we discuss the changing landscape of jazz education, and what Russell learned by playing along with borrowed records from the public library. Russell shares the trials and joys of writing for jazz musicians, who each have their own voice and we debate whether a composition is there to serve the needs of the musician or the soloist is there to serve the piece.

We sat down right before her newest album, now released, All in Time dropped. This latest is a collection of songs, with “no particular theme, but an overarching sense of purpose”. About allowing herself to be more patient, “it’s all at once about nothing and everything”. The second track, Killer Whale, will pull your skin away from your bones, calling you like a siren, to the sea. 

Music in her family has been more than a career, it was a means of survival. She tells the harrowing story of her grandmother, a survivor of Auschwitz. As a young teen she preserved her life by playing the cello in the orchestra at the camp. “If it weren’t for music, none of us would exist.”

A lively listen as we discuss endurance, in sport, in music, motherhood, and life.  

Purchase Joanna’s book The Great Song Cycle

Watch Joanna’s documentary The Great Song Cycle, Down Under

Kat shares how with her first exposure to blues and soul, at the age of ten, she knew she wanted to create the visceral, full body experience she felt in the music.  As a very shy kid, Eaton created an alter ego to embody the confidence she needed, to become the performer she is today. From winning a Battle of the Bands, to playing pubs, Kat and I discuss how the ability to remain objective about her performance and talent, opened doors to a full life of songwriting, performance, and composition. Her new album, Honestly dropped Friday last, March 22nd. 

Our host Steve Davidson will chat with musicians of every ilk; diving into the background, practice rituals, and origin stories of each guest. Discover talented, inspiring artists as you are introduced to them for the first time or hear stories regaled from your favorite performers and legends of our era.

With Davidson’s captivating interview style he deftly pulls out intimate stories and candid moments you’ll not hear anywhere else.  

So sit back and tune in as you deep dive into the personal world of professional musicians and what makes them tick.

Otis was a student of Classical Saxophone icon Eugene Rousseau and received a Fulbright Fellowship to study in France with  french saxophonist Jean-Yves Fourmeau.

In our conversation we spoke about his trajectory towards becoming a professional musician. How he got started on the saxophone,  what a big influence his father was and the sacrifices his family made so he could, as a teenager, travel to Athens Georgia to study with Dr. Kenneth Fischer at the University of Georgia. Otis also shared what it was like as a freshman at Georgia to be playing with Doctoral Students in a saxophone quartet, which included fellow Playful Musician guest Rhett Bender. 

Otis also talked about what is was like teaching former classmates, his teaching style, the importance of music in his family. His wife and 6 children all are musicians! He shares about the importance of tone and intonation, how he and his students practice the five T’s and the challenge of switching between playing A440 in the US and A442 in other countries.

Brett Shares about his start with songwriting at age six, how he approaches creativity, what it's like to score for a major motion picture and you'll get to hear a bit of his just released single Playback 99, off the EP, Still The Same Kids Part I!

He joins us in this episode to talk about his epiphany moment with jazz, his music education and influences, his early cruise ship gigs, his years touring with the Maynard Ferguson band and Jason Mraz, his practice routine, and the honor of playing at Aretha Franklin’s funeral. 

Alice DiMicele talks about her new upcoming album Every Seed We Plant along with her experience writing and producing during the pandemic. Hear incredible snippets from Every Seed We Plant, which effortlessly communicates emotions and captures the listener’s imagination with thought-provoking lyrics. We also touch on some special high points throughout Alice’s three-decade career, including her performance on stage with Bonnie Raitt, touring, and everything in-between.

In this episode, we chat about Barney’s new album, Precious Energy, the influence of the Cuban musical and ritual has had on him,
Barney’s musical process and writing routine, what audiation is and teaching audiation, his stint touring with Sia as her music director, Anti-pop, the power of objectivity and unwittingly taking part in Laurie Anderson’s 15-year old art exhibition (yes, really)

Baruch shares details about growing up in Israel and how he began playing the piano. 

We chat about his love of teaching and how he uses relaxation with the piano. Baruch discusses the nuances of competitions, including what led him to start his own competition in 2006. We chat about new music, memorization versus reading music, and Baruch’s upcoming artistic plans. 

Theo shares how his curiosity for sound began at a young age. We chat about how his music is based in jazz, how he maintains his instrument, and his “messy” practice routine. Theo shares about his move from Germany to New York City. We discuss his time working with Laurie Anderson and Meredith Monk, his favorite vocalists, and even indulge in some coffee talk. 

Vijay is performing Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto with the Rogue Valley Symphony this month. He shares how he is preparing for this performance and also how he channels his life’s experiences into each piece. We discuss his early upbringing studying the Suzuki method, his favorite composers, and the challenges and benefits of transitioning to online teaching. We chat about the Vieness Piano Duo, Vijay’s collaboration with his wife. And Vijay shares his practice essentials and tips and tricks for combating performance nerves.

Tara and I chat about her time off during the pandemic and how that helped her reimagine her relationship with music. We discuss her social activism and equity work. Tara shares how her teaching methods have changed, specifically with how she approaches criticism. We chat about the subtleties of the definition of jazz, practice routines, and Tara’s plans for the coming year.

Robert joins the Playful Musician to discuss his musical path to the clarinet and his journey into teaching. He shares the unique practice tips he learned from his time with John Mohler. We chat about the nuances of tongue technique, including how he learned double tonguing. Robert reminisces about seeing Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin in concert and we discuss his current projects and future plans.

Jared is the definition of innovative. He joins The Playful Musician to discuss how he launched Dream City Music and the origins of BookLive.com. We chat about how he started playing the violin, his first teaching gig with a high school band, and how he got into performing at weddings. Jared shares the biggest mistake gig musicians make and how he ended up performing for a former President’s dog. 

As a special gift for listeners, Jared is giving away free (just pay shipping and handling) copies of his book Gigging Secrets - The Underground Playbook To Make a Living Performing. Visit giggingsecrets.com/playfulmusician to secure your copy. 

Won joins The Playful Musician to chat about his musical beginnings, from Korea to Paris to the United States. We discuss the nuances of clarinet teaching, including how to pace expectations. Wonkak shares how he approaches memorization and tips for musicians still honing the process. We chat about his interests outside of music, the basset clarinet, and about his many upcoming projects, including performing with the Rogue Valley Symphony. 

Geoffrey joins The Playful Musician to chat about his unique and acclaimed career as a jazz pianist. We discuss his transcribing process, including the very first solo he transcribed. He shares how he collaborates with other artists, including pianists. Geoffrey reminisces about his time playing with Art Blakey and Sting, and the advice he received from Miles Davis. He shares about his practice routine, writing process, and the advice he has for young musicians. 

Kate and Keith join The Playful Musician to discuss their new record, eleven years in the making, What to Wear in the Dark. We chat about their writing process and the inspiration behind various tracks on the album. Kate and Keith reminisce about when they first met and first started playing together. We discuss the intricacies of several songs and how they approach each recording with intention. 

James joins the Playful Musician to chat about taking a break from touring and performing during the pandemic. He tells stories about playing with many iconic jazz musicians, including Roy Haynes and Herbie Hancock. James shares his advice for working on time plus how he approaches playing both acoustic and electric bass. We chat about playing with Jeff Watts and the Saturday Night Live Band, and James shares how he prepares for a big gig.

John joins The Playful Musician to discuss how he first got into playing the saxophone and his early influences. We geek out about saxophone techniques and talk about how he released multiple records during a pandemic. John shares about playing with Charlie Hunter and how a mentor and former teacher “snuck” him onto a Sting record. We chat about his time studying and playing gigs with Ellis Marsalis and what projects he currently has in the works.

Steve is the original playful musician and was a big inspiration for this podcast. He joins The Playful Musician to chat about how music has been his playground his entire life. Steve shares about how he loves practicing and how he recently took a huge hiatus from playing the saxophone. We discuss his practice routine, writing process, and the evolution of jazz pedagogy. Steve shares his current favorite tunes, who inspires him, and about his plans for the future.

Donny joins The Playful Musician to chat about his recent tour in Europe and how good it felt to play live again. He shares what it was like recording with David Bowie and how that had a tremendous impact on his artistic growth. We chat about jazz influences, learning solos by ear versus transcription, and practice routines. Donny shares the lessons he’s learned during the pandemic, including how to slow down and enjoy every moment on the stage and in life. 

Tierney joins The Playful Musician to discuss her pandemic projects, which include creating a series of by-request videos and working on two new albums. Tierney shares about being a Bahá’í and her recent racial justice work. We chat about the making of the ScreenPlay album  and how her and her band pick music for their albums. Tierney shares about working with her hero, Al Jarreau, how she prepares for performance, and what she’s most looking forward to over the next few months.

Gian discusses how the pandemic prompted her to learn new technology and she shares the challenges she had learning to record herself. From her writing process to composing, we dive into the five year journey of recording her latest album, Grey is Ground. Gian shares about studying jazz in high school, her passion for teaching vocalists, and why she created the vocal ensemble, Invenio Singers. We chat about the evolution of her albums and trusting curiosity. Gian shares her advice for young composers, what she’s currently listening to, and her future performance plans. 

Amanda joins The Playful Musician to chat about starting her online education business, Music Arts Collective, during the pandemic. She shares about her early musical influences and experiences, including studying with Ross Taggart. We discuss the composing process for her most recent album, Earth Voices, and how she structures her practice time. Amanda shares her approach to learning a new song, what she’s currently listening to, and from where she draws inspiration.

Ike joins The Playful Musician to discuss his educational ensemble at Saint Peter’s Church, Jazz 4 All. We talk about how jazz music is a good fit for churches and Ike shares what it was like growing up with a music icon as a father. We chat how he found his way to the bass, his mentors and musical influences, and how the outdoors influence his music. Ike shares how his playing and writing go hand in hand and how the pandemic has changed his writing process.

Sara joins The Playful Musician to discuss her teaching techniques, including how she teaches classically trained violinists to improvise. We chat about her love of the transcription process and how she got back into it during COVID-19. Sara shares her musical influences, how they’ve shaped her as an artist, and about her time playing with Bruce Springsteen. We discuss her new found pandemic hobbies, pottery and baking. Sara shares her practice tools, what she’s currently listening to, and her plans for the future, including the release of a new album. 

Jazz became Allison’s lab for self-expression, exploration, and musical experimentation. Her work weaves a mosaic of influences into a seamless and soulful sound, a concoction steeped in the tradition of Jazz but skillfully laced with elements of Classical, Pop, R&B/hip hop, Latin, and world music.

Allison joins The Playful Musician to discuss the making of her Juno-award winning album, Forest Grove. We chat about leading a jazz quartet and her journey from playing on cruise ships to full time musician. She reveals how she practices her tone and how she shaped her sound to be dynamic and flexible. Allison shares about her writing process, how she times her practice sessions, and from where she finds inspiration.

Janis joins The Playful Musician to discuss her quarantine project, Vocal Gumbo, an online vocal group that includes a talk show and music events. She shares about first meeting Ella Fitzgerald, her musical influences, and the ups and downs of starting the Manhattan Transfer. We chat about recording the exceptional Manhattan Transfer album, Vocalese, and some of Janis’s new work including a Yiddish jazz album. Janis shares her teaching techniques, who’d she still love to collaborate with, and the words of wisdom she has for aspiring musicians.

Laila joins The Playful Musician to discuss the ups and downs of being a musician during the pandemic and the tough decision to release an album on March 27th, 2020. We chat about her “quarantunes” video project and how she approaches songwriting. Laila tells stories about recording a DVD and touring with Sting. She shares about the Juno Award nomination process, her essentials for composing and the advice she has for young musicians.

Clarence joins The Playful Musician to discuss his transition from touring to going back to school to get his Master’s Degree. We chat about the impact Ellis and Wynton Marsalis had on his music career and playing his first gig with Ellis. Clarence shares his transcribing process and the advice he has for young musicians. He tells stories from touring with Michael Brecker and his experience preparing for gigs in just a few hours. Clarence shares where he’s currently finding inspiration and what he likes to do when he’s not playing music. 

Joel joins The Playful Musician to discuss how the pandemic has shifted his career, including sparking his newest endeavor, writing a book. We chat about the recent passing of legendary jazz artists, Chick Corea and Freddy Cole. Joel shares about transcribing his first Johnny Griffin solo, how he developed his signature sound, and how playing the blues influenced him as a jazz artist. We discuss playing in a duo, recording with your heroes, and learning jazz standards. Joel shares his practice routine and how he draws inspiration from books, art and of course, other musicians. 

Sara joins The Playful Musician to discuss the Grammy® nomination process and what it’s like to be nominated and attend music’s biggest event. We chat about the loss of legendary jazz musician Chick Corea. Sara shares about finding success at an early age, improvising beyond melodies, and the value of going on the road. We discuss teaching practices and how she empowers and challenges her students. Sara also shares her approach to songwriting and how she’s finding inspiration with her new vocal group, säje.

Rhett joins The Playful Musician to discuss pandemic challenges, including teaching remotely and how performing has changed. He shares about his time as a student of Dr. Kenneth Fischer, and how Fischer taught him to practice efficiently. Rhett talks about his journey to become a saxophonist and university professor. We chat about the difference between playing and practicing and Rhett shares where he finds creative inspiration. 

Deanna shares how she teaches students to improvise musically, and in life, and how she encourages them to pursue and diversify their goals. We discuss our brass heroes, Deanna’s journey from clarinet to tuba and how she encourages playfulness in the practice routine. Deanna shares about her time with Dallas Brass, the challenges and opportunities of teaching during a pandemic and what’s currently inspiring her. 

He is a passionate musician with a fascinating life story. At the age of six, Alexander moved away from his family to study music in Moscow. We chat about studying music at a young age, influential teachers and how the trombone saved him from fighting with the Soviet Union military in Afghanistan. Alexander shares about his rehearsal process, what inspires him and how he plays in service of the music.

Susan is absolutely one of the most playful people I know. She has an upbeat, innovative energy she brings to every aspect of her music and teaching. We chat about her experience teaching workshops at a maximum security prison, how to embrace musical opportunity during this unconventional time and the challenges of teaching online. Susan shares her practice routine, her advice for young musicians and why singing matters. 

Vicki is honest, thoughtful and soulful. We chat how the Covid-19 pandemic and huge life events have challenged her to slow down and get creative with making music. Vicki shares about her songwriting process, playing covers, battling self doubt and her journey to grow musically over the years.

Jeff Pevar is a guitarist, composer, producer, performer and multi-instrumentalist. He's brought his unique musical style to movie scores, television shows, advertisements and composes original music for his own releases. 

Jeff is entertaining, passionate, extremely talented and a true community builder, inside and out of music. From the infamous audition to touring the world, he shares about his time performing with musical legend Ray Charles. Jeff talks about pursuing your passion, taking chances, letting the music speak through you and so much more.

Matthew shares all about his time as a “Blue Man” plus how he hyper prepares for a gig and the value of recording practices and performances. We chat about artistic influences and how to find joy in every beat. 

In this episode, Tessa shares her inventive and holistic approach to practice, performance, and moving through life. We chat about everything from music in the theatre to influences to how music teaches grace and truth. 

From the trumpet to the buchla, Todd shares his musical background plus we chat what it means to “play the space,” the unconventional beauty of the buchla, composing with uncertainty and his advice for the next generation of musicians.

Theresa exudes playfulness and has a zest for life and music. She shares her journey as a musician, tips for sight reading and how to find joy in all aspects of the musical process. 

All recordings by Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, including: Beethoven Symphony no. 9 in D minor, Op.125, movement 4, "O Fruende nicht diese Töne(Ode to Joy)"; Wagner: Tristan un Isolde:Prelude; Tchaikovsky Symphony no. 4 in F minor, Op. 36, movement 2: Andantino modo di canzona.