MAX WAREHAM - TAKING MUSICAL CHANCES

Ep. 400

Discover the fascinating journey of musician Max Wareham as he transitions from jazz to bluegrass, uncovering a serendipitous family connection with legendary bluegrass artist Peter Rowan. Max’s tale is not just about finding lineage but also about the dedication and persistence required to learn from a master. We explore how Max's musical understanding transformed under Peter's mentorship, and why live performances became an essential element of his growth, teaching him the true essence of music.

Max shares his unique relationship with the banjo and how an unexpected gift of this instrument led him to embrace its ethereal sound. Through a summer filled with bluegrass festivals and communal music-making, he experienced the joy of playing not to impress, but to share and connect with others. His story paints a vivid picture of the vibrant bluegrass community and the profound impact it had on his creativity and musical direction.

Max has assembled a team of top-tier musicians for his debut album, 'Daggommit', due out February 21st. Uncover the exhilaration and challenges of recording fresh takes, and the excitement of documenting the contributions of lesser-known bluegrass musicians like Rudy Lyle. Max also talks about the beauty of imperfection and authenticity in live performances, a lesson crystallized by a compliment from banjo legend Béla Fleck. Throughout our conversation, we celebrate the unscripted magic of music and life, and the invaluable support from mentors and family that Max describes so vividly.

Head over to https://www.maxwareham.com/ for tour info, lessons, and more!

John Mailander - Life Changing Melodies

Ep. 399

What if the essence of music could transcend time and space, connecting artists and audiences in a magical symphony of shared experiences? Join us as we explore the intricate world of fiddle playing with the incredibly talented John Mailander.

John opens up about the profound influence of music festivals like Yosemite's Strawberry Music Festival and iconic figures such as Daryl Anger, which have shaped his musical journey and passion for the fiddle, as well as playing with some of today's greats .

John shares how the communal landscape of bluegrass and acoustic music has fueled his creative spirit. We discuss the joy of spontaneous performances, the thrill of collaborating with artists like Bruce Hornsby, Billy Strings, and the Sam Grisman Project as well as the transformative power of music camps that make musical heroes feel within reach. From the enduring influence of Robert Hunter to the serendipity of music careers, John's stories highlight the beauty of creating music that resonates with people on a deeply personal level.

Throughout our chat, we reflect on the serendipitous moments that have defined John's career, including his move to Nashville and that pivotal call to play with Bruce Hornsby. We celebrate the mystical aspects of music creation, emphasizing the freedom and emotional connection it offers both artists and audiences. As we wrap up, John shares a few heartwarming holiday traditions and offers a look ahead to his upcoming album release, John Mailander's Forecast: 'Let The World In' inviting listeners to support artists directly through platforms like Bandcamp. Tune in for an episode filled with musical magic, community, and the enduring gratitude that fuels every note.

Head over to www.johnmailander.com for tour info, music, and more and make sure to follow John over on IG @johnmailander