For the Greater Groove: The Future of Strings

Roberto Sierra

Composer Roberto Sierra speaks about the new electric violin concerto he is in the middle of composing for me. It's called "Ficciones" and is inspired by short stories by the Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges. We also talk about writing and playing in the musical vernacular, the popular musical styles of our time. And then I quiz the composer of "Fandangos" about...WWE wrestler Fandango.

Billy Contreras

Billy reflects on the influence of Buddy Spicher, tells some gig stories and breaks down the comprehensive and highly structured routine he uses in practice and on the bandstand. Then we quiz the Western Swing expert about...Western Spring Manufacturing Co.

Sara Caswell

One of the most important jazz violinists on the scene today, Sara brings her classical and jazz background to her students at Berklee College and Manhattan School of Music. She talks about the inspiration she gets from young players and then we quiz Downbeat magazine's perennial "Rising Star" jazz violinist about...Rising Star Casino and RV Park.

Natalie Haas

Natalie Haas has helped define this new role for strings that I keep talking about--the future of string playing, which I believe is all about being a genuine rhythm player, not just a melody/virtuosic player.  Natalie is the consummate rhythm string player, and her 20-year duo with Scottish fiddle master Alasdair Fraser is testament to that. She breaks it down, clearly demonstrates a groove for us, and is a good sport on her segment of Not My Gig, where I quiz the long-time teacher at the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School about...The Valley of the Sun, an early Hollywood western. 

Zach Brock

Zach and I get deep into his improv process, talking about Charlie Parker playing the violin, the improv angel and demon on his shoulders, and how not to swing. (Spoiler alert: be swung instead.) And then we quiz this Snarky Puppy about...kittens.

Andy Reiner

Even though Andy Reiner was born in Fiddle Hell, the long-standing fiddle camp his family has been running for many years, he's become a guardian angel of progressive string playing, embracing all things groovy with his wide-ranging command of everything from bluegrass and celtic playing to metal and funk. A true multiverse musician, we talk about all of the above and then we quiz the host of The River so Suck podcast on the real River Suck in Ireland. Hilarity ensues.

Jared Judge

Jared Judge is the host of The Gigging Musician Podcast and author of Gigging Secrets: The Underground Playbook to Making a Living Performing. He developed BookLive Pro, an online software that facilitates booking and handling of freelance gigs and contracts. But the real test is to see how he does in a game of Not My Gig.

Jacob Szekely

Multi-style cellist, composer, gear maven Jacob Szekely talks about technique, influences, gear and the kind of education contemporary string players really need.Then we see how much the author of The Improvisor's Guide to the Cello knows about...The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Rob Flax

Progressive violinist Rob Flax got his degree in improvisation from the New England Conservatory and brings some of his practical wisdom as well as some fuzz-related gear to Nashville for an in person chat here at the studio. Then I quiz the chess-master on...chess pie!

Earl Maneein

Earl shows us how he does his signature hardcore metal bowing riff. We groove hack Metallica's "Disposable Heroes" and talk about finding your place in a band as a string player. Earl talks about growing up in New York and the impact of his mixed classical/metal background. Then we find out how much the Vitamin String Quartet member knows about...vitamins, of course! Disclaimer--there are a few F-bombs and other similar conversational detritus, so sensitive listeners should be advised.