“SongSourcing, or the act of spontaneous song creation... requires a surrender to the present moment, allowing a song to be born out of all elements present.”
- Michael Stillwater, author of "SongSourcing: Spontaneous Songmaking For Health, Harmony, And Happiness"

WOLFGANG BOSSINGER is an author, conductor, music therapist, and singing researcher from Ulm, Germany. His German book "The Healing Power Of Singing (Die Heilende Kraft Des Singens)" (2006) is available from Traumzeit-Verlag, Battenweiler, Germany. Wolfgang also conducts singing events and spiritual nights of singing throughout Europe and other countries, and his passion is exploring the spiritual, social, and health aspects of singing and music. Wolfgang Bossinger is Director of the international network Singing Hospitals, Board Member of the German Foundation For Singing, and Il Canto Del Mondo. Websites: www.healingsongs.de and www.singing-hospitals.com
Interview: July 4th 2009 Ulm, Germany
Photo: Wolfgang Bossinger / HealingSongs.de

“Music and singing helps us to discover the deeper meaning of our life here on earth again and again.” - Wolfgang Bossinger, author of "The Healing Power Of Singing"

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SIMON HEATHER is an author, sound healer, and workshop leader from Montgomery, Wales. His books "The Healing Power Of Musical Intervals", "The Healing Power Of Sound: How To Enrich Your Life With Sound And Music", "Sound Healing Practice", "God Am I: The Journey Of Self Realisation", "Healing Of Emotion: Reconnecting With The Positive", and "Reclaiming Your Sacred Spirit: The Essential Guide To Healing The Chakras" are all available from SimonHeather.co.uk. His CDs "Sound Healing Workshop", "Sanskrit Mantra Workshop", "The Healing Power Of Musical Intervals", "Sacred Chants", "Voice Workshop", and "Sounds Of The Chakras" are all available from SimonHeather.co.uk. Simon Heather is one of the leading teachers of sound healing, and is Founder of the College of Sound Healing, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sound healing in the United Kingdom. Websites: www.simonheather.co.uk and www.collegeofsoundhealing.co.uk
Interview: June 27th 2009 Montgomery, Wales, United Kingdom
Photo: Simon Heather / SimonHeather.co.uk

“Music contains the mathematical ratios that make up the whole cosmos. Listening to music puts us in harmony with creation.” - Simon Heather, author of "The Healing Power Of Sound: How To Enrich Your Life With Sound And Music"

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KATHERINE SCOTT is an author, coach, and singer-songwriter from Vancouver, Canada. Her albums "A Way Of Knowing" (2002), and "Seven Stories High: Songs And Stories In The Key Of Life" (2008) are both independently released and available from Voice of Destiny Music. Katherine Scott also regularly writes for her blogs Voice of Destiny Music and Creativity Shifts, and is a contributing author for a recently published anthology called Audacious Creativity. Websites: www.katherinescott.com, www.voiceofdestinymusic.com, www.creativityshifts.com, and www.tickleyourmuse.com
Interview: May 25th 2009 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Photo: Katherine Scott / VoiceofDestinyMusic.com

“Sharing the universal language of music moves bodies, joins the beating of our hearts, melts boundaries, and gently nudges our awareness of Oneness.” - Katherine Scott, author and singer-songwriter

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MICHAEL STILLWATER is an author, inspirational consultant, keynote performer, educator, and award-winning songwriter currently residing in Zurich, Switzerland. His spoken word and music albums "Graceful Passages: A Companion For Living And Dying [Book & 2CD set]" (2000), and "Care For The Journey: Messages And Music For Sustaining The Heart Of Healthcare" (2005) were co-created with Emmy Award-winning film composer Gary Malkin. These recordings, along with his chant and spontaneous song CDs, "JourneySongs: Music From The Threshold" (1998), "ChantWave At Grace Cathedral: Universal Chants Of Spirit" (2006), "O Great Spirit: Contemporary Chants And Healing Songs" (2008), and "The Honoring: Songs For Healing, Empowerment And Awakening" (2008), together with his forthcoming book, "SongSourcing: Spontaneous Songmaking For Health, Harmony, And Happiness" (2009) are all available from InnerHarmony.com. Michael Stillwater serves people in America and Europe as a consultant for enhancing creativity, and for sustaining healthcare using music and the arts. He is Founder of Inner Harmony and Song Without Borders, dedicated to awakening the song of the world, offering retreats and trainings focused on the healing power of song. Websites: www.innerharmony.com and www.companionarts.org
Interview: April 28th 2009 Zurich, Switzerland
Photo: Michael Stillwater / InnerHarmony.com

“SongSourcing, or the act of spontaneous song creation... requires a surrender to the present moment, allowing a song to be born out of all elements present.” - Michael Stillwater, author of "SongSourcing: Spontaneous Songmaking For Health, Harmony, And Happiness"

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YALE STROM is an author, composer, director, filmmaker, musician, photographer, and writer from San Diego, California. His book "The Last Jews Of Eastern Europe" (1986) was available from the Philosophical Library, "A Tree Still Stands: Jewish Youth In Eastern Europe Today" (1990) was available from Philomel Books, "Uncertain Roads: Searching For The Gypsies" (1993) was available from Simon & Schuster, "The Book Of Klezmer: The History, The Music, The Folklore" (2002) is available from Chicago Review Press, "A Wandering Feast: A Journey Through The Jewish Culture Of Eastern Europe" (2004) is available from Jossey-Bass Books, "The Absolutely Complete Klezmer Songbook [CD Included]" (2006) is available from Transcontinental Music Publications, and Yale Strom's first children's book "The Wedding That Saved A Town" (2008) is available from Kar-Ben Publishing and YaleStrom.com. His album "Cholent With Huckleberry" (1988) was available from Global Village Music, "Garden Of Yidn" (2001), and "Klezmer: Cafe Jew Zoo" (2003) are both available from Naxos World, "Bosht With Bread Brothers" (2006) is available from ARC Music Productions, "The Absolutely Complete Introduction To Klezmer Vol. 1" (2006), and "Absolutely Klezmer Vol. 2" (2008) are both available from Transcontinental Music Publications and YaleStrom.com. His films "The Last Klezmer: Leopold Kozlowski: His Life And Music" (1994), and "Carpati: 50 Miles, 50 Years" (1996) were both available from New Yorker Films. Yale has produced extensive music, research, and work among the Jews and Gypsies of Central and Eastern Europe to create his films, original stage plays, and photography exhibitions. Website: www.yalestrom.com
Interview: June 10th 2009 San Diego, California, United States
Photo: Deva Yashevsky / YaleStrom.com

“Music is a part of what makes each and all of us human... I believe all sounds in nature are some kind of music and come from a spiritual place.” - Yale Strom, author of "The Book Of Klezmer: The History, The Music, The Folklore"

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TAKE 6 are an a cappella gospel music group from Huntsville, Alabama. "Take 6 (Self-Titled)" (1988), "So Much 2 Say" (1990), "He Is Christmas" (1991), "Join The Band" (1994), "Best Of Take 6" (1995), "Brothers" (1996), "So Cool" (1998), "Greatest Hits" (1999), "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (1999), "Tonight: Live" (2000), "Best Of Take 6" (2000), and "Beautiful World" (2002) are all available from Warner Brothers Records, "Feels Good" (2006) is available from Take 6 Records, and "The Standard" (2008) is available from Heads Up International. Take 6's contemporary R&B music has received ten Grammy Awards, ten Dove Awards, one Soul Train Award, and two NAACP Image Award nominations. Take 6 has also collaborated with Ray Charles, Don Henley, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones, Queen Latifah, Brian McKnight, and Stevie Wonder. Website: www.take6.com
Interview (Claude McKnight III): April 29th 2009 Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Interview arranged by Mike Wilpizeski, Vice President of Jazz Publicity, Heads Up International
Photo: Anthony Scarlati / Scarlati.net

“I tend to believe that if I have the ability to touch someone’s life through music, it might as well be done to help promote their health, well-being, and overall spiritual growth.” - Claude McKnight III, Founder and lead tenor in Take 6

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TRIN-I-TEE 5:7 are a gospel trio from New Orleans, Louisiana. "Trin-i-tee 5:7" (1998), "Spiritual Love" (1999), "The Kiss" (2002), and "Holla: The Best Of Trin-i-tee 5:7" (2007) are all available from GospoCentric, and "T57" (2007) is available from Spirit Rising Music. Trin-i-tee 5:7 have sold over 2.5 million albums, with "T57" (2007) charting No. 5 on the Top Christian charts, No. 2 on the Top Gospel Albums, and featuring the No. 1 single "Listen". In 2008, a deluxe edition of "T57" was released which featured three new songs including the lead single "Get Away". The album has now won two Dove Awards and received a nomination for a Grammy Award. Trin-i-tee 5:7 have also been nominated for a 2009 BET Award as Best Gospel Artist. Website: www.trinitee57.com
Interview: May 14th 2009 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Interview arranged by Benita Bellamy, Marketing & Promotions, The Bellamy Group
Photo: Trin-i-tee 5:7 / Music World Entertainment

“The spiritual significance of music is powerful as it speaks directly to our true identity. We are spirit clothed in flesh, music is a spiritual language that our spirits respond to awaking.” - Chanelle Hayes, Angel Taylor, and Adrian Anderson, vocalists in Trin-i-tee 5:7

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BLACK 47 is an Irish-American celtic-rock band from New York City. "Home Of The Brave/Live In London" (1989), "Black 47 (Self-Titled)" (1991), "Black 47 (Self-Titled) [EP]" (1992), "Fire Of Freedom" (1993), "Home Of The Brave" (1994), "Green Suede Shoes" (1996), "Live In New York City" (1999), "Trouble In The Land" (2000), "On Fire [Live]" (2001), "New York Town" (2004), "Elvis Murphys' Green Suede Shoes" (2005), "Bittersweet Sixteen" (2006), and "Iraq" (2008) are all available from EMI Records, Mercury Records, and Shanachie Records. Black 47's name is derived from 1847, the worst year of the Great Irish Famine. Website: www.black47.com
Interview: April 18th 2009 New York, New York, United States
Photo: Larry Kirwan / Black47.com

“It's undeniable that music can promote spirituality... I'm always seeking that moment when I become totally fused with the music.” - Larry Kirwan, guitarist and vocalist in Black 47

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VICTOR CROWL is a choreographer, entrepreneur, filmmaker, mentor, motivational speaker, music producer, singer-songwriter, and writer from Toronto, Canada. His albums "Can't Stay Away" (1989), "The Healing" (1996), "Freedom Odyssey" (2006), and "Transform A Dream" (2008) are all available from Smile Music and SMFP.net. His novella "The Kitarraps" (2006), and feature documentary "What It Takes" (2006), and feature film "Many Seasons" (2006). Victor has also just returned from Africa, where he shot four music videos from "Transform A Dream" (2008) all available from iTunes, Smile Music & Film Productions Ltd, and VictorCrowl.com. Victor Crowl created Smile Music & Film Productions Ltd as a promotional and production conduit for himself and many emerging artists. Over the last twenty years, Victor has cultivated a creative environment for developing his film, music, and writing projects. His music has been synchronized to television and films which have been viewed by millions and continue to be aired in syndication throughout the world. Websites: www.smfp.net and www.victorcrowl.com
Interview: July 1st 2009 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Photo: Victor Crowl / VictorCrowl.com

“Nothing crosses language and culture barriers like music. Therefore, music, above all other arts, has the power to unite humankind more effectively in joy, love, understanding, friendship, rhythm, and spirituality.” - Victor Crowl, singer-songwriter

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PETER DAVISON is a composer, musician, and producer from Santa Monica, California. He has composed the music scores for over forty-five of the GAIAM best-selling Yoga, Meditation, Relaxation and Life-Style DVDs. GAIAM has also released ten of his music CDs, including "Presence", "Exhale", and "Yoga". He has also orchestrated music for several television series including Batman: The Animated Series, Chicago Hope, and SeaQuest DSV among many others. Peter Davison has composed music for A&E, Biography, Bravo, Disney, PBS, The History Channel, Warner Bros. Website: www.peterdavison.com
Interview: April 17th 2009 Santa Monica, California, United States
Photo: Peter Davison / PeterDavison.com

“When truly listening to music we vibrate and get in touch with the frequencies of all time.” - Peter Davison, composer, musician, and producer

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STEPHEN DERUBY is a composer, flautist, and flute artisan from Oakhurst, California. "Passion Flute" (1994), "Mystic Flute" (1997), "Rhythms To Accompany The Native Flute" (2001) are all independently released and available from DeRuby.com, and "Sacred Spaces: Acoustic Revelations" (2004) is available from Domo Records. In 1989, Stephen DeRuby established his flute artisan business Native Love Flutes, and has devoted his life to "Music, Crafts and Healing for Spiritual Expression, Service and Right Livelihood". He has over forty years experience as a craftsman and musician with a life-purpose "to uplift, inspire and feed our Souls through Music". Stephen has also produced a series of articles exploring the music and spirituality of the Native American flute, all freely available online via EZineArticles.com. Website: www.deruby.com
Interview: April 16th 2009 Oakhurst, California, United States
Photo: Stephen DeRuby / DeRuby.com

“Music is in us and waiting to be expressed. Every cell vibrates, grows, and evolves with sound. The rhythms of our heart, our breath, and entire being is harmonized through the power of music.” - Stephen DeRuby, composer and flautist

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EMCEE LYNX is an anarchist hip-hop artist from Oakland, California. His solo releases include "Soundtrack For Insurrection I" (2001), "Soundtrack For Insurrection II" (2002), "The Black Dog EP" (2003), "The UnAmerican LP" (2004), and "Living In The Shadow" (2005). He has also released two studio albums and one live album with his band, Beltaine's Fire; "Beltaine's Fire: The Weapon Of The Future" (2007), "Beltaine's Fire: Liberty" (2008), and "Beltaine's Fire: Live At Puck's" (2009); as well as more than a dozen compilations released as benefits for local activist groups around the world. Lynx holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and views his music as both an avenue for self-expression and a weapon in the revolutionary struggle for a better future. He has performed at dozens of anti-war demonstrations, along with fund raisers and community benefits for radical causes all over North America. He has also recorded songs in support of various groups, including the Anarchist Black Cross and Iraq Veterans Against the War. All of Emcee Lynx's music is independently released and is available from his Websites: www.emceelynx.com and www.beltainesfire.com
Interview: April 16th 2009 Oakland, California, United States
Photo: Emcee Lynx / EmceeLynx.com

“The fact that music brings us together and strengthens those common bonds has made it an indispensable element of virtually every faith in human history.” - Emcee Lynx, hip-hop artist

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ARLENE FAITH is a composer and violinist from Hendersonville, Tennessee. "Spirit Of The Celtic Violin" (2000), "River Of Dreams" (2002), "Suite Moments" (2003), "Luna Wings" (2007), and "Heart's Desire" (2008) are all independently released and available from Wooden Stone Music. Her New Celtic music combines country and western songwriting together with a blend of Celtic violin and New Age music. Arlene Faith's music has been featured in the PBS series "The Appalachians", her songs have been recorded by George Jones and Charley Pride, and she has enjoyed time in the country music industry in addition to writing Celtic compositions for the violin. Website: www.woodenstonemusic.com
Interview: April 21st 2009 Hendersonville, Tennessee, United States
Photo: Arlene Faith / WoodenStoneMusic.com

“Music is a powerful and beautiful thing, one of the precious gifts that life has to offer us.” - Arlene Faith, composer and violinist

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JOHN FLOMER is a composer and musician from Minneapolis, Minnesota. "ONE" (1991) was independently released, "Mysterious Motions Of Memory" (1997), "Night In The Vapor Jungle" (1999), and "Of A Stranger Light" (2002) are all available from JohnFlomer.com and Spotted Peccary Music. John Flomer has played guitar and toured with Archangel for almost a decade, before enrolling in a design program at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design where he explored his passion for film music as a visual experience. John Flomer writes music "to satisfy a constant need for the sublime, mysterious and exotic experiences that lie just beyond human comprehension". Website: www.johnflomer.com
Interview: May 12th 2009 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Photo: John Flomer / JohnFlomer.com

“For me, music is prayer, it is a portal, a destination never arrived at, an attempt to answer unclear or impossible questions, to re-connect with connections long broken...” - John Flomer, composer and musician

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HEATHER FRAHN is an instrument inventor, multi-instrumentalist, musician, music teacher, singer-songwriter, and workshop facilitator from Adelaide, Australia. "Debut [EP]" (1998), "Heather Frahn (Self-Titled)" (1999), "Solo & Live [EP]" (2001), "Earthen Heart" (2002), "Acoustic Energy [EP]" (2004), "Acoustic Groove Live [EP]" (2005), "We Are One" (2006), Heather Frahn Trio's "Synergy [EP]" (2007), "Elements In Rhythm" (2008), and "Harmonic Rainbow" (2008) are all independently released and available from HeatherFrahn.com. Heather has pursued several creative outlets including performing solo and with her trio, sound design for theatre and film, ambient music for healing, leading workshops in singing, percussion, songwriting, recording, sound healing, and playing unusual instruments like the "steel drum harp" and the "hybrid guitar bass". Website: www.heatherfrahn.com
Interview: June 8th 2009 Adelaide, Australia
Photo: Vassi / digiTAL EARTH

“All music and sound is made up of countless harmonics. It's an array of infinite combinations of sound and silence, which are always absolutely unique.” - Heather Frahn, singer-songwriter

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DEAN MAGRAW is an arranger, composer, guitarist, and music producer from St. Paul, Minnesota. "Broken Silence" (1994), and "Seventh One" (1998) are both available from Red House Records, "Heavy Meadow" (2004) is available from Acoustic Music, Lifescapes' "Murphy's Irish Pub" (2005), "Dreaming Of Ireland" (2005), "Celtic Hymns" (2006), and "Celtic Passion" (2006) are all available from the Target Lifescapes Series, Dean Magraw and John Williams' "Raven" (2006) is available from Compass Records, Dean Magraw Trio's "Unseen Rain" (2007) is available from Candyrat Records, Silver's "Boiled In Lead" (2008) is available from Omnium, Lifescapes' "Music For Healing" (2008) is available from the Target Lifescapes Series, Francois Corneloup's "NExT" (2008) is available from Hope Street, and Dean Magraw's "Foxfire" (2008) is available from Candyrat Records. Dean Magraw has collaborated with many musicians including Japanese shamisen prodigy Nitta Masahiro, classical violinist Nigel Kennedy, South Indian vocalist and vina virtuoso Nirmala Rajasheker, epic songstress and storyteller Ruth MacKenzie, Irish supergroup Altan, jazz bassist Anthony Cox, among many others. Website: www.deanmagraw.com
Interview: June 18th 2009 St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Photo: Manfred Pollert / DeanMagraw.com

“Vibrations connect us all. When we gather, in whatever shape or form, to immerse ourselves in music, we feel our souls unfold and our emotions melt together.” - Dean Magraw, composer and guitarist

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ROBERT RICH is a composer and musician from Mountain View, California. "Inner Landscapes [Live]" (1987), "Numena" (1987), "Rainforest" (1989), "Gaudi" (1991), "Geometry" (1991), "Propagation" (1994), "A Troubled Resting Place" (1996), "Below Zero" (1998), "Seven Veils" (1998), "Humidity [3CD Live]" (2000), "Somnium [DVD]" (2001), "Bestiary" (2001), "Temple Of The Invisible" (2003), "Calling Down The Sky" (2003), "Open Window" (2004), "Echo Of Small Things" (2005), "Electric Ladder" (2006), "Music From Atlas Dei" (2007), and "Illumination" (2007). Robert Rich's discography spans over twenty years, and his music serves as a important influence on today's ambient, electronica, and intelligent dance music. Robert Rich also maintains FlavorNotes.com, an online archive and directory for recipes and restaurants. Website: www.robertrich.com and www.flavornotes.com
Interview: April 17th 2009 Mountain View, California, United States
Photo: Dixie Chan / RobertRich.com

“Music can directly evoke ecstatic experience, hypnotic trance, and dissolution of ego.” - Robert Rich, composer and musician

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MARILYN ROSE is an inspirational speaker, singer-songwriter, and storyteller from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Her debut album "Spirit Whispers" (2004) was independently released and is available from MarilynRose.ca. Marilyn Rose's music combines a variety of musical styles from traditional and uptempo country to traditional and contemporary spiritual music. She has performed at aboriginal gatherings, concerts, festivals, and spiritual centres throughout Canada. Marilyn hopes to inspire others to explore their roots and discover their gifts and talents. She believes we are all blessed with special gifts and that it is our purpose in life to discover those gifts, and to share them with others. Marilyn is committed to doing her part, by sharing her music with as many people as she possibly can. Website: www.marilynrose.ca
Interview: June 28th 2009 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Photo: Marilyn Rose / MarilynRose.ca

“Music is the language of angels and one of God's ways to communicate with us and us with each other.” - Marilyn Rose, singer-songwriter

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BRUNO SANFILIPPO is an arranger, composer, performer, and producer from Barcelona, Spain. "Sons Of The Light" (1991), "The New Kingdom" (1995), "Solemnis" (1998), and "Suite Patagonia" (2000) are all available from ad21music, "Visualia" (2003) is available from Neuronium Records, "Indalo" (2004), and "Ad Libitum" (2004) are both available from ad21music, "Anthology 91-04" (2005) is available from Neuronium Records, "InTRO" (2006), "Piano Textures" (2007), "Ambessence Piano & Drones" (2008), and "Auralspace" (2009) are all available from ad21music. Bruno Sanfilippo has contributed to several compilations, and collaborated on music projects with Max Corbacho, Mathias Grassow, Byron Metcalf, and Stefano Musso. Bruno's music has also been broadcast on radio shows such as Hearts of Space, Star's End, Echoes, Soma, Ultima Thule Ambient Music, and StillStream. Website: www.bruno-sanfilippo.com
Interview: April 20th 2009 Barcelona, Spain
Photo: Bruno Sanfilippo / ad21music

“I believe that music can lead the soul into a state of sacred intimacy... Music has physical, mental, and spiritual reach.” - Bruno Sanfilippo, composer, performer, and producer

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SHIRIM are a classical-Klezmer group from Boston, Massachusetts. Shirim Klezmer Orchestra's "Of Angels And Horseradish" (1990), and "Naftule's Dream" (1993) were both available from Northeastern Records, "Klezmer Nutcracker" (1998) was available from Newport Classic, "The Golden Dreydle " (2001) is available from Rykodisc, "Mayse/Tales" (2003) is available from Naftule's Dream Recordings, and "Pincus And The Pig: A Klezmer Tale" (2004) is available from Tzadik Records. Shirim Klezmer Orchestra perform klezmerized arrangements of classical compositions. Eric Rosenthal has collaborated with many jazz and blues musicians including Anthony Braxton, David Maxwell, Bhob Rainey, Roswell Rudd, John Voigt, and Jack Wright among others. He is also a band member in the Charlie Kolhase Quintet, the Dave Bryant Quartet, and avant-klezmer groups Naftule's Dream and Paul Brody's Sadawi. Website: www.shirim.com
Interview: April 22nd 2009 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Photo: Eric Rosenthal / Shirim.com

“Simply put, "You play what you live"... I like music because, as an observer, you can tell a lot about a person just by watching him or her play their instrument.” - Eric Rosenthal, drummer in Shirim

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