MFM “SPEAKS OUT” Podcast EP 10: Peter Wetzler…

…On Why You Deserve To Be Paid for Your Music.

In this episode Adam Reifsteck interviews Kingston (NY) composer and pianist Peter Wetzler  about the evolution of his music career over the years, how current events are affecting the livelihood of professional musicians, and the importance of coming together as a community to become advocates for change.

The following music featured in this episode is provided courtesy of Peter Wetzler.

Opening track: “Ambient Piano and Voice,” by Peter Wetzler,  featuring Becca Armstrong.

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Arturo O'Farrill and Dr. Cornel West

CD Review “Four Questions” by Arturo O’Farrill feat. Dr. Cornel West

Arturo O'Farrill Artist: Arturo O’Farrill and and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Title: Four Questions
Label: ZOHO Records
Genre: Latin jazz/Spoken word
CD Review by Dawoud Kringle

One of the most important hallmarks of jazz is its focus on social consciousness. Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” Sonny Rollins’ “Freedom Suite,” Charles Mingus’ “Fables of Faubus,” Max Roach’s “We Insist! Freedom Now Suite,” John Coltrane’s “Alabama,” and many others all used jazz to address social injustice, and a call to action.

After releasing Four Questions, Arturo O’Farrill now stands side by side with these giants.

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Mark Deutsch

MFM PODCAST EPISODE 9: Mark Deutsch discusses the artistic and professional processes and aspects of his pursuit of a unique musical vision

In this episode of the MFM Speaks Out, Dawoud Kringle interviews California based musician, improviser, composer, and inventor of the Bazantar Mark Deutsch about his personal evolution from contrabass and sitar virtuoso to designing an unprecedented musical instrument, his artistic and spiritual philosophies on music, and the struggles of being an innovator and iconoclast. Mark started as a “go to guy” on both bass and sitar, before immersing himself in the Bazantar. He produced The Fool, his first recording of the Bazantar, and recently, The Picasso Tunings; a four CD release of music utilizing a set of tuning systems and templates for composition and improvisation that has no historical precedent. In 2019, after releasing The Picasso Tunings, he embarked upon a solo tour of the US, traveling cross country, and introducing his music to a wider audience. He is presently at work upon a new composition based on the I Ching (“The Book of Changes;” a Chinese book of divination dating back to the 10th century b.c.).

CD Review: Mark Deutsch (NY): Virtuoso Musician, Inventor, and Visionary

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Covid 19 – A Moment of Crisis and Opportunity

It’s up to us to steer things in a direction of fairness and balance for all people and an unprecedented evolution of musical and artistic expression. 

By Dawoud Kringle

As I write this beginning paragraph, I just finished watching a documentary about New York City between 1977 and 1981. It hit home with me because I moved to New York City in 1983 and experienced (survived) the latter part of this era.

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MFM Hudsn Valley Chapter

MFM PODCAST EPISODE 7: Stephen Johnson Discusses Issues Facing Musicians Today

In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Dawoud Kringle interviews guitarist Stephen Johnson; Polydor recording artist formerly of Victorian Parents, and Son of John, and presently with Future350), musical director of the Movita Dance Theater, and the co-founder and head of the MFM Hudson Valley Chapter.

Some of the topics discussed will include the changes in the music scene in Johnson’s native Staffordshire UK, Cork County Ireland, and the US, the changing issues facing musicians today (especially in the pandemic), the need for community and solidarity, and the founding of MFM’s first chapter outside New York City.

The following music featured in this episode is provided courtesy of Stephen Johnson. Continue reading →