Episode 5: Paul Meredith (2015 Repost)

“Sharing it in a good way with the world.”

For this episode of the China Arts Podcast, I met up with musician, former UN relief worker, Paul Meredith in his beautiful old home in Shanghai. He’s been a songster since he “started trying to get over all [his] broken hearts, and tried to write good songs.” It’s good he did, because he now has a ton of great songs, some of which you can hear live in his living room on this episode (he even let me use his tenor guitar!).

You can check out more of Paul’s music here, and his wife Caroline Cheng’s amazing pottery here.

Episode 3: Risa Dickens (2015 Repost)

Canadienne songstress and community organizer, Risa dickens, takes a breather from her China travels and joins us in this episode of the China Arts Podcast. Also joining me is actor, teacher and square dance caller, Nathan Paul.

Featuring my live bootleg recordings from her show at Jianghu Bar—part of JUE’s music offerings. Risa talks to us about working for Yelp Montreal, dances in church basements, and teaches me her original song, “ Dangerous Game.”

Be sure to check out her music at thesugarhousewelcome.bandcamp.com.

Other Links from this podcast:

Yelp Montreal

Pop Montreal

Splitworks, JUE

Episode 2: John Flower (2015 Repost)

In the public square of the beautiful Bai town of Xizhou, Yunnan, we caught up with China historian, ethnomusicologist, and upright bass player, John Flower. Also joining us is my bandmate, and jack-of-all-trades, Chris Hawke.

Live music excerpts are from a post-performance jam, in the back dining room at the Linden Center. Many thanks to John for taking the time out of his busy schedule to meet with us. We’re also very grateful to the Linden Centre for receiving and taking care of us wayward musician folk.

Be sure to check out John’s website, where you can learn about the village where he and his wife lived in Sichuan.