The Earfull

This quick update was recorded and released on July 1st, 2015. The cover art for the Earfull was made by Hallie Bean. I’d like to thank all my listeners for taking the time to listen and support the podcast in my absence. As always, you can find the Earfull on the iTunes music store, and also on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

Fred Ho passed away on the morning of Saturday, April 12, 2014 in his home in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, ending an eight year battle with metastatic colorectal cancer.

I interviewed Fred Ho last summer for the Earfull, but my relationship with him stemmed much longer than that. I am one of many people who can say I would not be who I am if it weren’t for Fred Ho. Fred, a very close friend of my father’s, served as a kind of musical godfather to me; giving me my first singing gig in his jazz opera “Warrior Sisters” when I was five years old. In the production, I represented a new generation of strength, resilience, and bravery that can be found in women across cultures. His decision to put me in the role, both creatively and ideologically, is something I revisit nearly everyday and was nothing less than profoundly formative to me. I am very grateful to have known him and send my condolences to his vast family of artists, radicals, visionaries, and admirers.

A memorial is being organized for a later date and will be held at BAM Cafe in Brooklyn. A celebration concert with the Eco-Music Big Band will be held later this month on April 23, 2014 with concerts at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm at Ginny’s Supper Club at Red Rooster Harlem. If you didn’t catch my interview with him, please see the link below:

http://altheasullycole.com/2013/10/16/the-earfull-episode-5-fred-ho/

In this episode, brazilian percussionist, band leader and music educator Adriano Santos discusses growing up in Sao Paulo, studying with Ron Carter, and the importance of versatility and musicianship. Listen on itunes!

Adriano Santos was born in São Paulo, Brasil in 1966. Part of a new generation of Brazilian drummers, he began his drum studies at the age of twelve at Zimbo Trio Music School ( CLAM) in his hometown. In 1988 he moved to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music where he acquired his B.A. in Film Scoring. Moving to New York in 1995, Adriano started his Masters Degree at City College of New York where he had the chance to enjoy ensemble lessons with the great jazz legend Ron Carter. As a professional he has performed with top international artists such as Astrud Gilberto, Gal Costa, Leny Andrade, Luciana Souza, Romero Lubambo, Helio Alves, Claudio Roditi, Nelson Faria, Leo Gandelman, Paulo Moura, Jovino Santos Neto, Nilson Matta, Jared Gold, Yotam Silberstein, Ray Vega, David Binney, John Pizzarelli, Slide Hampton, Harry Allen, Bill Charlap, Cliff Korman, Santi Debriano, Hendrik Meurkens, Dave Pietro, Vana Gierig, Eileen Ivers, Paul Winter and the Boston Pops, to name a few. Adriano is currently performing with the Vinicius Cantuária Group, Matt Geraghty Project and the Afro- Brazilian band Hãhãhães. He has also recorded “Pretty World”, a project produced and arranged by the great Eumir Deodato with Japanese sensation Lisa Ono. Mr. Santos has produced publications in specialized drum magazines and has released a new book through Drummers Collective NYC (where he is part of the faculty) called, “Afro-Caribbean & Brazilian Rhythms for Drum set”. Adriano is endorsed by Vic Firth Sticks, Remo drum heads, Odery Drums and Istanbul Agop Cymbals.

For more information on Adriano, please click here.

Recordings featured in this episode in order of apperance:

“Contemplacao” from Adriano Santos’s album “In Session”

“A Banda” performed by Chico Buarque

Samba Dance Carnaval 2011

“The Chess Players” performed by Art Blakey (Adriano’s teacher John Ramsay worked with Art Blakey for many years

“The Shadow of Your Smile” performed by Ron Carter

“Aviao” performed by Leny Andrade

“From the Lonely Afternoons” from Adriano Santos’s album “In Session”

“Coisa Linda” performed by Vinicius Cantuaria

“Samba da Bencao” performed by Bebel Gilberto

“Brincando com Theo” performed by Vento em Madeira

“Mexe Mexe” performed by Fantcha

“Immigrant Soul” performed by Eileen Ivers

This episode of the Earfull was originally recorded on August 9th, 2013 and released on January 18th, 2014. The cover art for the Earfull was made by Hallie Bean. I’d like to thank Adriano Santos for sitting down with me and you for listening. For more information on Adriano, please visit his website at adrianosantos.com.  As always, you can find the Earfull on the iTunes music store, and also on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

In this episode composer, trombonist, tuba and euphonium player Joseph Daley reflects on his origins in the island of Montserrat, on his experiences as both a classical and jazz musician, and on the composition process. Listen on itunes!

Born in New York City’s Harlem, Joseph began his musical studies in elementary school and received high honors and recognition throughout his school years (including the renowned High School of Music and Art), and was a member of the most prestigious ensembles in the New York City school system. During his high school years, he began performing on the Latin music scene – well-known as one of the most powerful foundations of higher musical learning – performing alongside such fine musicians as Rene McLean, Monquito Santamaria, Andy Gonzalez, Alex Blake and many others.

A scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music resulted in his Bachelor’s degree in Performance and a Master’s degree in Music Education and led to a career as an educator in the New York and New Jersey school systems from 1976 until his retirement in 2005. Heavily dedicated to the education of young people to the highest values in musical understanding and expression, Joseph balanced his extensive educational commitments with recording and performing in the ensembles of some of the most provocative musicians on the contemporary jazz scene. In addition to those mentioned above, Joseph contributed heavily to groups led by other major artists including Muhal Richard Abrams, Makanda Ken McIntyre, Jason Hwang and Dave Douglas, and was an original member of Howard Johnson’s groundbreaking tuba ensemble, Gravity. He has also been a longtime collaborator with the highly respected composer/ethnomusicologist and master of non-Western instruments, Bill Cole, a relationship that is still intact.

After nearly 40 years of recognition as one of the consummate sidemen on the adventurous music scene – with remarkable artists like Sam Rivers, Carla Bley, Gil Evans, Charlie Haden, Taj Mahal and so many more – Joseph Daley stunned musicians and fans alike with his brilliant CD, The Seven Deadly Sins, released in 2011. The album also received rave reviews and made several Best of 2011 lists. Featuring his Earth Tones Ensemble (a full Jazz orchestra augmented by six additional low-toned horns, and including a seven-member rhythm section and four special guests), this powerfully innovative music mines the same rich vein of musical expression as that of immortals like Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington and George Russell.

Whether performing with his large ensemble; with his evocative Ebony Brass Quintet; or in the sparer solo, duo or trio contexts; sheer musicality, deeply-hewn emotion and jubilant innovation are always at the core of Joseph’s most singular musical expression. Best known for playing the tuba, Joseph also plays euphonium and valve trombone; but these days his growing reputation as a visionary composer is bringing him worldwide acclaim.

Joseph is also currently a member of the highly eclectic ensemble Hazmat Modine, under the direction of musician and visual artist Wade Schuman. It was Schuman’s paintings that helped inspire the creation of Daley’s Seven Deadly Sins project, which was developed at the McDowell Colony in 2001.

In addition to his Earth Tones Ensemble, Ebony Brass Quintet, duo and trio collaborations and his solo performances, Joseph’s focus right now is on his next recording project, The Seven Virtues, featuring a large string ensemble. He has also designed an extensive series of educational projects for the university level and will be embarking on a series of residency and performance-based projects starting in the 2012/2013 season.

Summing up the purpose and commitment of Joseph Daley…. “If the music I compose provides one with a sense of beauty, inner peace and introspection then I am pleased”

For more information on Joe, please click here.

Jo with Bill Cole and the Untempered Ensemble (above) and with Howard Johnson’s Gravity! (below)

Recordings featured in this episode in order of appearance:

“Patience” composed/performed by Joseph Daly and his Earth Tones Ensemble on the album “The Seven Heavenly Virtues”

“Bam-Chik-A-Lay” Traditional folk song from Montserrat

Field Recordings from “Montserrat – Back Then”

“Pilgrims’ Hymn and Bach Chorale” performed by Luther College Nordic Choir

“Jump in the Line” performed by Harry Belafonte

“Outdoor Overture” composed by Copland and performed by Bernstein NYP Live 1962

“Salt Peanuts” composed/performed by Dizzy Gillespie

“Groove-Time” composed/performed by Monguito Santamria

“‘Round Midnight” composed/performed by Howard Johnson and Gravity!

“Fuschia Swing Song” performed by Sam rivers

“Don’t Wait For The Day of Battle Before Getting Your Weapons Ready“, from Proverbs for Sam by Bill Cole’s Untempered Ensemble, Boxholder Records 2008

“Invidia – Envy” composed/performed by Joseph Daly and his Earth Tones Ensemble on the album “The Seven Deadly Sins”

“Wispercussion (Portraits of Warren Smith)” composed/performed by Joseph Daly and his Earth Tones Ensemble on the album “The Seven Heavenly Virtues”

This episode of the Earfull was originally recorded on August 24th, 2013 and released on January 9th, 2014. The cover art for the Earfull was made by Hallie Bean. I’d like to thank Joseph Daley for sitting down with me and you for listening. For more information on Joe, please visit his website at jodamusic.com.  As always, you can find the Earfull on the iTunes music store, and also on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

Happy New Year! In this episode, percussionist, composer and band leader Sunny Jain describes growing up Jain in Rochester, New York, his struggles with the music industry, and his composition process. Listen on iTunes!

Sunny Jain was born in Rochester, on April 22nd, 1975. In 2008, he founded the pioneering Brooklyn Bhangra band, Red Baraat. “One of the best party bands around. Favorite Live Shows of 2011” (NPR). This past year Red Baraat performed over 100 club shows and festivals across the world, including Bonnaroo Music Festival, High Sierra Music Festival and a special performance at the White House and the Paralympics closing ceremony in London. “Banging out their high-octane fusion they’re irresistible: serial party-starters” (The Guardian, UK).

Sunny Jain is recognized as a lead voice in the burgeoning movement of South Asian-American jazz musicians. His 7 albums have all received international acclaim for their “groundbreaking synthesis” (Coda Magazine), as he brings together the ancient sounds of his cultural heritage, America’s greatest original art form and a host of other sounds.

Jain is also the drummer and dhol player for Junoon, the biggest rock band to emerge from South Asia. In 2011, they recorded the single “Open Your Eyes,” featuring Peter Gabriel, to raise awareness and funds for Pakistani flood victims. In 2010, Junoon delivered a Concert for Pakistan at the United Nations in NYC, for the displaced refugees in the Swat Valley. The band closed out 2007 with a milestone performance at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo, Norway, playing for Nobel Laureates Al Gore and Rajendra Paucharia. Jain played dhol/percussion in the first ever Indian Broadway show, Bombay Dreams (2004) and made his Hollywood debut playing dhol in the movie, Accidental Husband, starring Uma Thurman, Colin Firth, and Isabella Rossellini.

Jain has performed/recorded with Kiran Ahluwalia, Asphalt Orchestra, Joey Baron, Kenny Barron, Marc Cary, Samir Chatterjee, DJ Rekha, Kyle Eastwood, Peter Gabriel, Grupo Fantasma, Norah Jones, Junoon, Andres Levin, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Marching Fourth Band, Q-Tip, Soul Rebels, Martha Wainwright, Kenny Wollesen, and many others.

Jain has been a recipient of composition and performance grants from the Aaron Copland Music Fund, Chamber Music America, Meet the Composer, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, globalFEST and received the Arts International Award in both 2005 and 2003 to enable touring India with his jazz group, Sunny Jain Collective. In 2002, Jain was designated a Jazz Ambassador by the U.S. Department of State and The Kennedy Center, for which he toured West Africa. Jain is the author of 2 instructional drum books for Alfred Publishing (The Total Jazz Drummer and Drum Atlas: India).

More about Sunny

Recordings featured in this episode ordered by appearance:

Red Baraat: NPR Tiny Desk Concert

“Meri Bhavan” Jain Bhajan

“Tom Sawyer” performed by Rush

“Round Midnight” performed by the Miles Davis Quintet

“Summertime” performed by Ted Dunbar and Richard Davis

“Shruggy Ji” performed by Red Baraat

Kenny Wollesen & Himalaya at the Willisau Jazz Festival in 2007

“Punjab Wedding Song” performed by Red Baraat

This episode of the Earfull was originally recorded on November 19th, 2013 and released on January 3rd, 2014. The cover art for the Earfull was made by Hallie Bean. I’d like to thank Sunny Jain for sitting down with me and you for listening. For more information on Sunny, please visit his website at sunnyjain.com. For more information on Red Baraat, you can visit their website at redbaraat.com.  As always, you can find the Earfull on the iTunes music store, and also on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

It is such a pleasure to be celebrating the tenth installment with prolific jazz violinst, composer and music educator Sonya Robinson! In this episode, Sonya discusses her newest album, her friendship with Miles Davis, and working on a children’s book. Listen on iTunes!

Jazz violinist, composer and music educator Sonya L. Robinson was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1959. The late great jazz trumpeter Miles Davis said Sonya’s playing is reminiscent of Stuff Smith and Ray Nance, two of jazz’s legendary violinist’s. Robinson is a gutsy player with a beautiful sound and a fluidity that displays her technical finesse. Fans of Sonya have literally jumped out of their seats upon hearing the excitement that Sonya generates with her violin playing. They feel the raw emotion within her music.

Sonya, who has three albums to her name, Fly, Sonya and Sonya Live at Spiral, plays a variety of styles from the baroque, the blues, straight ahead and beyond.

A fluent composer, she writes and performs most of her own music. “Fly” features many old and new compositions.  A for Black is a song that features her trio-violin, drum and bass. It is a rollicking piece that moves with grace and speed and features the violin in its favorite key, a minor. Truth and Honesty is a ballad that displays a level of soulfulness that only her violin and her ideas can project. Eleven is a piece written the day after 911. In some ways a tribute to the survivors and in other ways a musical documentation of what many of us saw and went through on that epic day.

Sonya has been a featured guest performer for the UNCF annual fundraiser, Jazz at Riverside and has performed in festivals such as Summerfest, Jazz Fest Berlin and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. From venues as varied as the Blue Note, NY to Spiral in Tokyo, Japan to Chicago’s Southshore Festival, Sonya always gives a soul stirring-performance guaranteed to make you stand up and say “Where has she been?” She has performed with some of music’s best, such as the late great Aaron Bell-jazz bassist with Duke Ellington, Melvin Rhyne, organist with Wes Montgomery, Bassist Richard Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Aretha Franklin and Liberace.

Sonya has won many honors and nominations. She was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Best New Album, Voted one of America’s Ten Most Beautiful Black Women, and Crowned Miss Black America in 1983.

Sonya sitting down for our interview in November

Old school Sonya

Recordings featured in this episode in order of appearance:

“Circle” by Sonya Robinson from her newest album Whistle

“What’ll You Have?” Pabst Blue Ribbon Commercial

“Flying Home” Illinois Jacquet

“Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell

“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

“Spain” by Chick Correa and Return to Forever

“I Wish I Knew” by Melvin Rhyne

“Afro Blue” by the Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Erykah Badu

“Dream Song” by Sonya Robinson from the album Fly

“I Want To Know” by Sonya Robinson from her newest album Whistle

“Whistle” by Sonya Robinson from her newest album Whistle

“Gymnopedie No. 1 (Satie)” by String Trio of New York

“Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock

“Carib-bean” by Sonya Robinson from her newest album Whistle

This episode of the Earfull was originally recorded on November 8th and released on December 18th, 2013. The cover art for the Earfull was made by Hallie Bean. I’d like to thank Sonya Robison for sitting down with me and you for listening. For mo re information on Sonya, please visit his website at sonyarobinsonmusic.com.  As always, you can find the Earfull on the iTunes music store, and also on Facebook.

Today’s interviewee is New York-based classically trained bass/baritone, Broadway actor and music educator Roosevelt Credit, who grew up in Oakland California. talks about his accidental Broadway career, the spiritual tradition, and his love of conducting. Listen on iTunes!

Roosevelt André Credit’s profound and spirited performances have served to shape his career both nationally and internationally as a bass /baritone.  Roosevelt was featured as a “Fisherman” in the 2012 Tony Award Winning and Grammy Nominated Production of The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess on Broadway. He has performed on and off Broadway, playing several roles in the Tony Award winning and national touring companies of Harold Prince’s Show Boat.  He just received the 2012 Most Distinguished Alumni Fellow Award from Oregon State University. Acknowledged for his humanitarianism and good will, Roosevelt André Credit was awarded the Theron Montgomery Award by the Broadway community twice, recognizing him as a positive role model both on and off stage. Some of his other philanthropic associations are Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Rockland Family Shelter, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Metropolitan Ministries, Saint Joseph Episcopal School, and The Whiteside Theatre of Corvallis.

Roosevelt Credit holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Oregon State University, a Master of Music in Voice and Opera Performance, and a Master of Music in Conducting from Northwestern University. He is also an Eagle Scout from Troop 254 of the Golden Acorn District.

His extensive repertoire includes opera, oratorio, jazz, spirituals, pop, and musicals.  He has performed with the Chicago Opera Theatre, Birmingham Opera, New York Contemporary Opera, Chautauqua Opera, and was a featured soloist with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Duke Ellington Orchestra during the Centennial Celebration. Roosevelt made his Carnegie Hall debut singing Schubert conducted by the late Maestro Robert Bass, and his Town Hall debut in Music Is In the Air: A Tribute to Jerome Kern, “brought the cheering audience to their feet.”- Robert L. Daniels, Variety Magazine.

He was a featured performer at the Barack Obama 2009 Pennsylvania Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C., and worship leader for the 2008 United Methodist Women Northeastern Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting. Roosevelt was a guest technician for the North Central American Choral Directors Association Convention in Omaha and guest soloist at theMovements in Peace concert directed by Craig Hella Johnson. He has conducted the Rockland County High School ACDA All City Chorus, South Dakota ACDA Mixed Junior Honor Choir, Orange County Elementary School Music Festival, the Minisink Valley Central School District Chorus, and the well-known Chicago Children’s Choir.

Other featured performances include appearances at the Helen Hayes Theater, Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway concert series, Broadway to Barbados with Leftfield Productions, in concert with the Mississippi Mass Choir, and tours throughout Japan with the New York Ragtime Orchestra. He was featured soloist with the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association, and a featured composer during the American Masterpieces Choral Music Festival, conducted by Gregg Smith.

His operatic roles include Henry in The White House Cantata, Dr. Bartolo in Il barbiere di Sivglia, St. Eustace in Four Saint’s in Three Acts, Jim in Porgy and Bess, and Figaro in Lenozze de Figaro. His world premiers and recordings include Elegies For the Fallen by Joyce Solomon Moorman; For The People by John W. Jones; Sonnets to Sundry Notes of Music by Joshua Rosenblum; Robert Greenleaf’s Under the Arbor, telecast by Public Broadcast Systems; and the new orchestrations for the “Gospel Mass” by Robert Ray, conducted by Anton Armstrong of St. Olaf College with the Long Island Masterworks Choral Festival Institute. Most recently Roosevelt Credit is featured in the 2012 cast recording of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess.

Roosevelt André Credit has performed various works including the Fauré Requiem, Bach’s St. John Passion, Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s B Minor Mass, and Songs of the Slave by Kirke Mechem. He is the bass section leader of the Saint Peter’s Church in New York City, and is well known throughout New York for his various solo, conducting, and composing skill. He has worked with Kids Project of New York as teacher, actor and puppeteer for disability awareness education for children and received a Proclimation from Mayor Bloomberg for his work. He is an ASCAP Award winner for his published solo vocal/choral compositions, and author of an anthology of spirituals titled “Ol’ Time Religion,” one of his greatest joys.

Poster from the 1993 revival of Show Boat

Roosevelt sitting down for our interview in his apartment in Inwood

Roosevelt pointing to his picture on the poster for the 2011 revival of Porgy and Bess

Recordings featured in this episode in order of appearance:

“Heav’n, Heav’n” performed by Roosevelt Andre Credit from his album Ol’ Time Religion

“Sleeping with the Dogs” performed by Bobbie Mercy Oliver

“Ave Maria” performed by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir

“Say a Little Prayer For You” performed by Aretha Franklin

“Non Piu Andrai (Le Nozze di Figaro)” performed by Ferruccio Furlanetto, Susanne Mentzer, Dawn Upshaw, Thomas Allen

“Ol’ Man River” performed by Roosevelt Andre Credit from his album Ol’ Time Religion

Porgy & Bess Medley performed by the original Broadway cast at the 2012 Tony Awards

“Take the ‘A’ Train” performed by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

“Freedom Train” performed by the Chicago’s Childrens Choir

“This Little of Light of Mine” performed live by Roosevelt Andre Credit

“Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance!” performed by Billy Harper on his album Black Saint

“Goin’ Home” performed by Roosevelt Andre Credit from his album Ol’ Time Religion

This episode of the Earfull was originally recorded on September 4th and released on December 11th, 2013. The cover art for the Earfull was made by Hallie Bean. I’d like to thank Ole Mathisen for sitting down with me and you for listening. For more information on Roosevelt, please visit his website at rooseveltcredit.com. As always, you can find the Earfull on the iTunes music store, and also on Facebook.

In this episode, Jazz saxophonist, clarinetist and composer Ole Mathisen talks about growing up playing music in Norway, being a studio musician in South Korea, and composing in New York. Jazz trombonist, composer, and educator Chris Washburne is often mentioned in this interview. For more on him, please see episode 2 of this podcast. Listen on iTunes!

Ole Mathisen was born in Sundfor, Norway in 1965. received his Bachelor Degree in Professional Music from Beklee College, graduating summa cum laude in 1988, and earned a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music in 1995. His teachers include renowned saxophone guru Joe Viola, woodwind master Bob Mintzer, Maria Schneider (arranging), and Ed Green (composing/ film scoring). He is the brother of Jazz musicians Per Mathisen (bass), Hans Mathisen (guitar) and Nils Mathisen (keyboards, guitar and bass) and has been a member of the Jazz Studies Faculty at Columbia University since 2005.

Over his 18 years in the New York Jazz and studio scene, Ole Mathisen has been involved with classical, jazz, electronic, ethnic, and experimental music, and established himself as someone with a unique voice both as an instrumentalist and as a composer, relentlessly experimenting and pursuing new standards for himself through playing and writing. Jerry D’Souza of All About Jazz writes: “His saxophone wanders into seductive odd time signatures,… riding an angular trail, adding fast jabs and a tumble of notes that blow across in an intense whirl.” Charles Farrell of eMusic writes: “Mathisen has already moved away from any forebears into his own territory.” Ole continues to tour worldwide, teach, and contribute to numerous recordings every year. With the group FFEAR, he was awarded the Chamber Music America “New Jazz Works” grant of 2009. The premiere of his CMA composition, “Mirage,” was featured on JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater. Ole has worked on over 100 CD releases, composed several movie and television scores, and has participated on innumerable commercials. In 2007 he released “CHINESE HOROSCOPE,” (Jazzheads) his first album as a leader to critical acclaim. The follow up album “PERIODIC TABLE,’ (Jazzheads) was released in April of 2010. The trio album, “ELASTICS,” (Losen) with Per Mathisen and Paolo Vinaccia, was released in the spring of 2011 to rave reviews. He is the leader of Ole Mathisen ZERO-SUM, co-leader of FFEAR, and a member of Chris Washburne’s SYOTOS, Alex Garcia’s Afromantra, Amir ElSaffar’s Two Rivers Ensemble, and Mamak Khadem Ensemble.

Ole Mathisen and Chris Washburne

Recordings featured in this episode in order of appearance:

“Standing Waves” performed by FFear from the 2012 album Mirage

“Eg rode meg ut (I rode out)” performed by Pelle Joner in 1958 from the Smithsonian collection of Norwegian Folk songs

“The Great Gig in the Sky” performed by Pink Floyd on their 1973 album “Dark Side of the Moon”

“Clarinet Piece” performed by Thelma Yellin Big Band

“Some Skunk Funk” performed by the Brecker Brothers live in Barcelona

Drum Solo performed by Bob Moses

“Papa Lips” performed by Bob Mintzer from the album Canyon Cove

“동네” performed by Hyun Chul Kim

“Methane Mambo” performed by the SYOTOS Band live in Washington DC, August 8th, 2010. Composed by John Walsh.

“Voyage into the Golden Screen” performed by NYNDK live in New York City, 2010

“Lyric Suite Part 1 Allegretto Giovale” composed by Alban Berg

“A Love Supreme, Part 1 – Acknowledgement” performed by John Coltrane on the 1965 album

“Other Side of Night” performed by FFear live in Norway this year

This episode of the Earfull was originally recorded on September 30th and released on December 4th, 2013. The cover art for the Earfull was made by Hallie Bean. I’d like to thank Ole Mathisen for sitting down with me and you for listening. For more information on Ole, just google him. As always, you can find the Earfull on the iTunes music store, and also on Facebook.

In this episode, pianist, composer, conductor and educator Ramin Arjomand discusses his early life in Tehran, the secrets of counterpoint and truth and trust in performance. Listen on Itunes!

Ramin Arjomand is a New York-based composer, pianist, conductor, and educator born in Tehran, Iran. His composition teachers have included Stephen Jaffe, Gheorghe Costinescu, Fred Lerdahl, Jonathan Kramer, and Tristan Murail. His concert music has been performed by the New York Virtuoso Singers, Speculum Musicae, the Cassatt Quartet, So Percussion Ensemble, the Columbia Collegium Musicum, and numerous independent ensembles and soloists in New York City venues.

As a pianist, Arjomand has performed widely as a soloist and in ensembles presenting his own works. His approach cultivates spontaneity and thrives on questioning the need for pre-conceived formal structures in composition and performance. In recent appearances as a piano soloist, his activity has focused on total improvisation. His electroacoustic music, based in a ProTools digital editing environment, works primarily with recorded improvised sound material.

From 1999-2001, while a doctoral fellow at Columbia University, Arjomand was the director and conductor of the University’s early music choir, Collegium Musicum. During this time he began to research the polyphonic technique of 15th century Flemish composers, whose music became the main focus of his concert repertoire with the Collegium. His doctoral dissertation essay, “On Contrapuntal Practice”, is based largely on his research into this music. His interest in vocal music and in speech as music has led to a wide variety of concert, electroacoustic and music theater works that experiment with the human voice in different ways. In 2007, his work Alma Redemptoris mater for 12-part a cappella choir was awarded First Prize in the New York Virtuoso Singers Choral Composition Competition and was premiered in New York City with Harold Rosenbaum conducting.

Arjomand has worked extensively as a composer, pianist, lecturer, and musical adviser with the Barnard College Department of Dance. His approach to dance theater composition emphasizes contrapuntal relationships between sound and movement. He has worked to develop collaborative models in which composer and choreographer can trust one another to work freely and independently toward a common goal. His collaboration with choreographer Laveen Naidu,like arrows in the hand of a warrior, daybreak, was commissioned by the Barnard Dance Department and presented in Miller Theatre in New York City.

Arjomand completed his doctoral work in Music Composition at Columbia University in 2006. A much sought-after teacher, he has taught Harmony and Counterpoint, Composition, Piano, Chamber Music Coaching, Ear Training, and Masterpieces of Western Music. He is currently on the faculty at Columbia University and the Steinhardt School at New York University.

Recordings featured in this episode in order of appearance:

“Ethans” performed by Ramin Arjomand

“You Should Be Dancing” performed by the Bee Gees

“Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2” composed by Chopin and performed by Arthur Rubinstein

“Mama” from Genesis’s self-titled 1983 album

“Canon at 12th, Counterpoint at 5th” composed by Bach performed by Cory Hall in “The Art of Fugue”

“21st Century Schizoid Man” by King Crimson

“String Quartet No 9 Op 59 No 3 C major” composed by Beethoven and performed by Alban Berg Quartet

“Partidas 1-3(BWV825-827)” composed by Bach and performed by Glenn Gould

“Requiem Aeternam” composed by Ramin Arjomand and performed by Collegium Musicum of Columbia University, Spring 2013 Concert: “Songs of People” (Tenor: Nicole Curatola, Baritone 1: Eddie Rubeiz, Baritone 2: Matthew Ricketts, Bass: Thomas Wang)

“Missa Fortuna Desperata – I Kyrie” composed by Jacob Obrecht

“Mobarakbad” performed by Mohammad Reza Mortazavi on Tombak, live from the Passionskirche, Berlin, the 19th of December 2008.

“Free Improvisation #3” performed by Cecil Taylor in Ron Mann’s 1981 free jazz documentary “Imagine the Sound”

“Lights of Lake George” by William Parker from the 2008 album “Double Sunrise Over Neptune”

“Like Arrows in the Hand of a Warrior” by Ramin Arjomand

This episode of the Earfull was originally recorded on October 13th and released on November 13th, 2013. The cover art for the Earfull was made by Hallie Bean. I’d like to thank Ramin Arjomand for sitting down with me and you for listening. For more information on Ramin Arjmand, please visit his website at raminamirarjomand.com. You can find the Earfull on the iTunes music store, soundcloud, and Facebook.

Due to player issues on the website, The Earfull’s soundcloud account has been deleted. However, each episode’s in-site players have now being replaced with official Earfull players that should all be working! Although we are not on soundcloud anymore there are still lots of ways to follow The Earfull: on this website, on facebook, on twitter, on tumblr, and on iTunes. Thanks for listening!