Featured Artist Interviews Archives

Where are you based?

Woodbridge, NJ

Which instruments do you play? Do you sing?

I sing, and I play violin, viola, piano, and some hand percussion. I also use loopers!

Tell us a bit about your musical background.

I have a Masters In Classical Violin and studied every genre of music I could get my hands on. I have performed hundreds of weddings. I have a crossover string quartet, a pop string trio, an eclectic Folk Group and a Jazz Group. I also perform covers of ALL genres and in 7 different languages.

What are your favorite styles to play?

I LOVE IT ALL… Herbie Hancock (among others) said it best, “there are two kinds of music… good, and bad!” BUT, if you MADE me choose three… jazz, blues, old-time folk/country, and then klezmer/gypsy… SEE, i just can’t choose!!!

Are there any recent performances that were extra special for you? Or any venues you particularly love?

I got to lead my own eclectic folk group on the main stage at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.. this was REALLY cool.. You can see a video we did on Youtube… of my song the NERFA Blues

Have you recorded any albums, EPs or singles?

I have two albums available:

No Strings Attached – 2010

The Silver Lining – 2015

COMING SOON!!!! TBA you can sign up for my email list at www.EfratMusic.com to receive updated info right to your inbox!

Do you have any exciting projects or upcoming gigs on the horizon?

A NEW CD (possibly two.. one vocal.. one instrumental) coming very soon!

If you had to pick one each, what would you say are the best and worst things about being a professional musician?

The best thing… the job itself.. creating, studying, performing music is an ethereal moment every time. The worst part.. constantly looking for work and the fear of there being enough of it (especially as a woman over 40!)

What have you been listening to lately?

Abbey Lincoln, Fleetwood Mac, Blossom Dearie, The Black Keys, Mozart, and more!

Where can people follow your work?

Featured Artist Interview – Myriam Phiro

March 25, 2019

Featured Artist Interviews

Cabaret, chanteuse, french jazz

Where are you based?

New York (LIC)

Which instruments do you play? Do you sing?

I’m a singer and an upright bass player in becoming.

Tell us a bit about your musical background.

I first touched a piano when I was 7 years old. It was very special; I was super introverted and the piano was like a friend who really understood me. I always sang but never “seriously” until about 15 years ago when a teacher encouraged and pushed me towards theater. The music and the stage was what made it all come together for me. Fast forward to about 10 years ago when I came to NYC to study “Performing Arts” at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and went on to forming my own bands and performing a bit everywhere.

What are your favorite styles to play?

I love to sing in general but I have an inclination towards french Jazz, songs from the American Songbook, cabaret, latin and classical works.

Are there any recent performances that were extra special for you? Or any venues you particularly love?

I’ve performed with my all-female international band MARIPOSA at City Winery; we honored some female composers & musical artists and that was very special!!

Have you recorded any albums, EPs or singles?

“Voyages”: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/myriamphiro2

“My Reverie…”: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/myriamphiro

Do you have any exciting projects or upcoming gigs on the horizon?

I’ll be performing my Edith Piaf tribute show at Birdland Theater on May 19th 2019 at 7.30pm! Mark your calendar :)

If you had to pick one each, what would you say are the best and worst things about being a professional musician?

The uncertainty of it all are both the best and the worst things about being a professional musician, ha! All joking aside, I love to be able to do what I truly love for a living and never get tired of it but sometimes the lack of appreciation some people have for musicians and the music can be very taxing in certain contexts. Also, the uncertainty is definitely a little stressful sometimes ;)

What have you been listening to lately?

Since I’m prepping for my Piaf show, I’ve been listening to her (Edith Piaf), as well as renders of her songbook such as “Kaas chante Piaf” which is a treat, but also to a lot of Pink Martini (my favorite band), Ella Fitzgerald live in Berlin (one of my favorite albums), Nat King Cole (it’s his birthday today) and always to “Buena Vista Social Club” who accompany my every moment.

Where can people follow your work?

https://www.jazzsingernyc.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MyriamPhiro/

Featured Artist Interview – Ellie Goodman

February 20, 2019

Featured Artist Interviews

Bluegrass, Event Music, Fiddler, Jazz Violin, Western Swing

Where are you based?

Brooklyn, New York

Which instruments do you play? Do you sing?

My main instrument is violin, but I also play a bit of viola and of tenor guitar/banjo. I do sing a lot of background harmonies these days, but if I’m leading a tune it tends to be instrumental.

Tell us a bit about your musical background.

I was born in California, and started at 10 right after moving to a Florida. I began by learning fiddle tunes by ear, and gradually took it from there. My childhood teacher was Gabe Lewis for my primary foundation training, which is where I learned to sight read. When I was 14 I began studying Texas Contest Style fiddle with Luke Bulla. At this point I had begun living in Oklahoma and he would either come to my home and stay for a weekend of lessons each month or I would visit him in Nashville. I began attending a lot of the well known fiddle contests such as The Grand Masters, Winfield and Weiser. When I was 16 I placed second at Winfield and have had a lot of various finalist placings with a handful of first placings at state competitions. At this time I was also going to a host of fiddle camps- namely Mark O’Connor’s and Randy Elmore’s. I was also lightly studying some classical music at the time and beginning to wrap my head around jazz and swing improvisation. In 2008, I was accepted at Berklee College of Music where I primarily studied jazz and contemporary folk music with Rob Thomas, Christian Howes, and Darol Anger. I’d like to make a special mention of the late a John McGann who was an absolute joy to work with and was instrumental in helping my understanding of music theory. In 2010, I moved to New York where I currently live and work. l believe my first venue performance was when I was 16, was showcased a guest musician with the house band at The Oklahoma Opry. These days I play everywhere from clubs, to restaurants, private events and the occasional pirate ship (believe me, not the strangest context.) I also really enjoy session work and have gradually moved into spending more time in the studio. Every now and then I end up on the road for a couple of weeks as well, which is always fun. Good story fuel, at the least.

What are your favorite styles to play?

At the moment I’m playing a lot of contemporary bluegrass and western swing, but also like the challenge of reading down classically oriented charts. Both are stimulating, just in very different ways. I go through a lot of phases with these things.

Are there any recent performances that were extra special for you? Or any venues you particularly love?

In 2016 I had the privilege of working at NBC for four months as a member of the house big-band on the Maya and Marty Show. That was incredible. I think that likely tops both the venue and the performance list and I would love to do more similarly oriented work.

Have you recorded any albums, EPs or singles?

I have! I’m on a number of fellow musicians’ records and recorded a portfolio-style EP a while back. It’s currently available on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify and entitled “Overdue Quickstep”. I plan to release a lengthier album with more creative exploration in the near future. I also perform regularly with the 8bit Big Band (@the8bitbigband led by Charlie Rosen.)

Do you have any exciting projects or upcoming gigs on the horizon?

On February 27th, 2019 I am leading a great western swing ensemble at The Manderlay at The Mckittrick Hotel (host of Sleep No More). Doors at 10:00PM, show from 10:30-11:30PM. There is no cover for entry to the show itself, though seats are limited. Reservations can be made via their website should you want to guarantee a table. In May my friends Joanie Leeds and Mathew Check are also releasing a killer bluegrass album that I’m playing on. there is an album release show on May 30th at 7PM at The Bitter End. You can follow their work via Instagram at @joanieandmatt

If you had to pick one each, what would you say are the best and worst things about being a professional musician?

The best is, naturally, being able to connect and play with such a huge variety of different musicians that are all at such a high caliber. I feel humbled to be within the community here in New York and it really pushes me to stay sharp and (ideally) open to growth on multiple levels. I have so much love for my friends and band mates. I’m continuously impress by the amount of mutual support that exists in a sometimes very high tension atmosphere.

The worst is likely just dealing with off-handed comments from non-musicians that deny the possibility that doing this for a living is worthy of the same credit as someone with a 9-5. We’re on the clock constantly, it just takes a different shape and you don’t see most of it in public (ideally…). I also don’t care for being set apart in ways related to my gender- whether it’s positive or negative, I typically find it either boring or patronizing. I’m just a musician.

What have you been listening to lately?

I listen to so much music. I feel like I rarely go out without headphones in. Lately it’s been a lot of Louvin Brothers deep cuts, Greg Liszt’s “Five String Banjo” record, and Devotchka (throwback to high school).

Where can people follow your work?

www.goodmanviolin.com

goodmanviolin.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/goodmanviolin

Featured Artist Interview – Laura Dreyer

January 14, 2019

Featured Artist Interviews

book Brazilian jazz, Brazilian Jazz, Laura Dryer, MusicDept

Where are you based?

I live in Manhattan

Which instruments do you / your band play? Do you sing?

I play saxophone, flute, clarinet and piano. I occasionally sing back-up

Tell us a bit about your musical background.

I grew up in the SF Bay Area where I started piano at age 6. In school, I started studying flute at age 9, and then saxophone at age 12. I became interested in jazz in high school, as we had a great jazz program at our school. I was also active in a community theater, and loved visual art as well. I initially taught myself how to improvise, and subsequently received a scholarship to a Jamey Aebersold jazz camp where I met my first teacher, Hal Stein. After high school, I attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and later moved to NYC, where I became really involved in the jazz scene. My first love is jazz, but I have had a multitude of experiences working in many different musical idioms including Brazilian, Latin, Musical Theater, funk, pop, big band, swing, and fusion, to name a few.

What are your favorite styles to play or sing?

My passion is Brazilian Jazz. I have lead a Brazilian Jazz group since the early 1990’s.

Are there any recent performances that were extra special for you? Or any venues you particularly love?

I did a tour last Summer in California, where I played at some amazing house concerts with my Brazilian group. The audiences were incredible, and it gave me hope and inspiration that so many people were so appreciative of the music we played.

Have you recorded any albums, EPs or singles?

I have 4 CDs as a leader:

Mysterious Encounter https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/lauradreyer

Sax in the City https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/saxinthecity

Free Flying Bird https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/lauradreyer1

Vida. Arte. Amor. https://itunes.apple.com/be/album/vida.-arte.-amor/id915723937

Do you have any exciting projects or upcoming gigs on the horizon?

I have a gig on March 21st at Blue Note Napa with my band, Laura Dreyer & the Manhattan/Rio Connection

If you had to pick one each, what would you say are the best and worst things about being a professional musician?

Best: Getting to make music every day in one capacity or another

Worst: The uncertainty of the business

What have you been listening to lately?

I have gotten into making playlists of my favorite tracks on many different quintessential Brazilian recordings. Currently on my playlists are Eumir Deodato, Maria Rita, Elis Regina, Jobim, João Donato, Marco Pereira, Lisa Ono, Flora & Airto, Kenia, Dom Salvador, and more

Where can people follow your work?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauradreyerjazz/

Instagram @laurajdreyer

YouTube lauradreyerjazz

Twitter @LauraDreyerJazz

Featured Artist Interview – Mark Aaron James

August 29, 2018

Featured Artist Interviews

Where are you based?

New York City/Jersey City

Which instruments do you / your band play? Do you sing?

I’m a singer. I usually perform with an acoustic guitar, along with a unique “looping peddle.” I can also play the piano.

Tell us a bit about your musical background.

My father started teaching me to play guitar when I was 10 years old. Being a HUGE Billy Joel fan, however, I leaned towards the piano throughout my teens. After going to college at Vanderbilt, in Nashville, TN, the guitar took on a new importance in my writing, and became my main instrument. I started running writer’s nights and touring on the folk circuit soon after I graduated. Gradually, my love of pop, rock, and folk, all merged together, leading to my long list of cover songs, and 9 albums of original material.

What are your favorite styles to play or sing?

I’m a big fan of singer/songwriter, clever writing, mixed with more soulful, unique vocalists. It’s a tough genre to put a label on, but it includes artists like Hall & Oats, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker, Al Green, James Taylor, and Carol King, amongst others.

Are there any recent performances that were extra special for you? Or any venues you particularly love?

I was very honored to be invited to play a full concert in the White House in 2012. I have also appeared at the Vaudeville Theatre on London’s West End, and multiple times at the famed Bluebird Café, in Nashville, TN. My favorite local venue is the Rockwood Music Hall. It truly is a special place for acoustic music in New York City.

Have you recorded any albums, EPs or singles?

I have recorded 9 studio albums of original material, along with 2 live albums; one, a Holiday album recorded at the White House, and the other recorded live in London. My latest release, “My Mighty MAJic Stick” was the first nationally distributed album released on a USB stick. Most of my recordings are available via iTunes, Amazon, BandCamp, Spotify, Pandora and other music vending and streaming platforms. They can be found simply by searching for “Mark Aaron James.”

Do you have any exciting projects or upcoming gigs on the horizon?

I am in the midst of writing my first musical theater piece, called HERO. I am hoping to have the first readings of the project in the Spring of 2019.

If you had to pick one each, what would you say are the best and worst things about being a professional musician?

Music is a powerful force. Being able to make people happy, by doing something that makes me so happy, is a true joy. That said, just in the time that I have been a professional musician, the way artists make a living has changed DRASTICALLY. The devaluation of songwriting, the reduction in CD players, and the advent of free streaming, has made it very difficult to make a living as an original artist.

What have you been listening to lately?

I listen to a vast variety of music. Most recently, I’ve become a big fan of Janelle Monáe, Ed Sheeran, Adele, and the Alabama Shakes. More often than not, however, I’m listening to ‘70s-2000s singer/songwriters, pop and rock.

Where can people follow your work?

Please stop by, have a listen, and say “Hello.”

www.facebook.com/markaaronjamesmusic

www.YouTube.com/markaaronjames

Featured Artist Interview – Erica Mancini

August 26, 2018

Featured Artist Interviews

Where are you based?

Little Italy, NYC

Which instruments do you / your band play? Do you sing?

Accordion, voice, percussion

Tell us a bit about your musical background.

My dad is a drummer, he played in the Buenos Aires Opera House, and he inspired my passion for music. I grew up leading the high school drum section in marching band while also playing bass in punk bands. When I came to New York to study a self-designed music and ethnography program at NYU, I discovered the accordion and fell in love. I studied privately with accordion guru/mastermind Bill Schimmel, and also found a new expression with singing. The accordion quickly took me to many exciting places, whether it was having an on-stage role in an opera, playing sea shanties on a boat, or french gypsy jazz for Hermès of Paris and Vueve Cliquot, marching in a New Orleans style jazz band, or playing Bavarian music for Oktoberfest.

What are your favorite styles to play or sing?

I really love playing cumbia, I can’t help but dance and smile when I do.

Are there any recent performances that were extra special for you? Or any venues you particularly love?

I collaborated with a group of belly dancers recently. We performed a whole evening of music and choreographed belly dancing in the Kings County Distillery Gatehouses. It was magical.

Have you recorded any albums, EPs or singles?

https://soundcloud.com/erica-mancini

Do you have any exciting projects or upcoming gigs on the horizon?

August 4th, I’ll be performing with my band, The Bee’s Knees, on a vintage train on an open-air flat-bed car while we ride through the Catskill Mountians.

If you had to pick one each, what would you say are the best and worst things about being a professional musician?

Best part is being able to do what I love for a living, as well as the traveling. And not working in an office is so great. The worst part is schlepping tons of gear through the subway system and up and down stairs.

What have you been listening to lately?

Clifton Chenier, Brave Combo, Gus Viseur, Marc Ribot, Chicha Libre.

Where can people follow your work?

Instagram: @ericamariemancini Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ericamariemancini

Featured Artist Interview – Peter Lin

June 25, 2018

Featured Artist Interviews

Where are you based?

Bloomfield, NJ

Which instruments do you / your band play? Do you sing?

Trombone

Tell us a bit about your musical background.

Started on violin (Suzuki method), played trombone in elementary school, went to school (WP & Rutgers), then just started doing gigs around town.

What are your favorite styles to play or sing?

Jazz

Are there any recent performances that were extra special for you? Or any venues you particularly love?

Just played a Taiwanese Festival called “Passport to Taiwan”.

Have you recorded any albums, EPs or singles?

New one next month: https://peterlin.bandcamp.com/album/with-respect

Do you have any exciting projects or upcoming gigs on the horizon?

Releasing the album, been trying this trombone & tenor sax quartet thing with JD Allen (TnT Quartet)

If you had to pick one each, what would you say are the best and worst things about being a professional musician?

Featured Artist Interviews

Featured Artist Interview – EFRAT

Featured Artist Interview – Myriam Phiro

Featured Artist Interview – Ellie Goodman

Featured Artist Interview – Laura Dreyer

Featured Artist Interview – Mark Aaron James

Featured Artist Interview – Erica Mancini

Featured Artist Interview – Peter Lin