Max ZT is a superb Grammy-nominated hammered dulcimer player. I am really inspired by his broad and deep musical approach, improvisation skills, and virtuosity. You’ll be hearing inspirations and clips from his recent album with the handpan virtuoso Manu Delago, and in fact this was recorded during their album release tour of the U.K. and Europe. Max explained fascinating details about his approach to building hammered duclimers with the guidance of David Lindsey. If you’re a fan of Manu’s handpan playing you’ll also be gaining more understanding into his creative approach to performing.
You’ll hear the inspiring stories of how Max came to be a student of both the Cissoko Griot Family in Senegal, and the late Pandit Shivkumar Sharma in India.
Max has also with us shared clips of House of Waters grammy-nominated album “On Becoming” as well as some great behind the scenes moments in the recording studio. Among Max’s collaborators, you’ll hear about the brilliant Moto Fukushima, the 6 string electric bass player in House of Waters, and Max’s wife the wonderful singer and athlete Priya Darshini.
I feel that Max’s insights into mindfulness and creativity apply broadly to all of us.
Complete Show Notes with all the Links!
(00:00) Intro
(02:59) “Deuce” with Manu Delago, clip of track 5 Inhale
(05:16) Manu Delago, recording album “Deuce”, touring
(15:36) different techniques on dulcimer and handpan, with clip of track 4 “Break” from “Deuce”
(23:41) the innovations in tuning the dulcimer
(27:00) building and designing dulcimers with David Lindsey
(33:18) life-changing encounter, clip of track 6 “Rally” from “Deuce”, India, student of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma “Shivji”
(37:50) other linked episodes and ways to support this podcast
(38:47) India, student of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma
(46:04) House of Waters, album “On Becoming” clip of track 1 “Folding Cranes”
(47:07) Moto Fukushima, Avaloch Farm Music Institute with clip of track 2 Avaloch, album “On Becoming”
(53:18) creative process, importance of improvisation House of Waters, clip of track 8 Improv 13, On Becoming: the Improv Sessions
(01:00:41) rewards of improvisation, Mike Stern, with clip of track 4, Hang in the Air, On Becoming House of Waters
(01:04:39) Priya Darshini, with clip of track 8, The Wall, On Becoming, House of Waters
(01:07:57) Senegal Cissoko Griot family, kora
(01:11:48) celebrating the uniqueness of the dulcimer, Bard
(01:14:56) upcoming shows
photo: David Sosnow
