Contra Pulse

01/12/2022

Remembering Pete Sutherland, who had such a significant role in forming the bands, musicians, and sounds that are a part of contra music today, and was so thoughtful and encouraging, right to the end.

Here's a look back at Julie's interview with him in in December of 2020, exploring all of that.

[Image description: Pete Sutherland, a man with a maroon skull cap, blue plaid shirt, and glasses, playing fiddle.]

This episode, Julie talks with Vermont musical legend Pete Sutherland from Pete’s Posse, The Clayfoot Strutters, and many more. They covered so much that we split the episode into two parts. In part one, they discuss Pete’s musical roots, the contra scene in the early 70s, how he teaches music t...

06/07/2022

You may have noticed we haven't put an episode out in a few weeks now—that's because we've decided to take a little summer vacay! After over 2 years and 43 uninterrupted episodes, we needed a little break to catch our breath, line up some new interviews and get ready for even more Contra Pulse fun. Don't worry, we're far from done! We're planning now and expecting to start releasing new episodes starting in September.

Is there someone you haven't heard on Contra Pulse yet who you think would make a great guest? Drop us a comment or message to let us know!

In the meantime, what a great time to catch up on old episodes!
Maybe you came in halfway through and missed some of our great early episodes with David Cantieni, George Marshall, or Mary Cay Brass.

Some of our recent favorites include great episodes with Ben Smith and Becky Tracy.

We also have another CDSS podcast, From the Mic, interviewing dance callers, so give that a listen if you're all caught up or looking for something different!

We can't wait to continue the conversation this fall!

https://cdss.org/podcasts/contra-pulse/episodes/

In October 2021, Contra Pulse hosted an online panel discussion as a part of the CDSS series common time. In this special event, Julie spoke with four of the contra dance greats – Becky Tracy, Pete Sutherland, Rodney Miller, and Kate Barnes—about who their mentors and inspirations were, and how ...

12/04/2022

We have a special episode for you this week—audio from our panel discussion back in October of 2021, Mentors and Inspirations. In this special event, Julie spoke with four of the contra dance greats – Becky Tracy, Pete Sutherland, Rodney Miller, and Kate Barnes—about who their mentors and inspirations were, and how they’re mentoring and inspiring the next generation of contra musicians. learn how these musicians fell in love with their craft, hear stories from the early days of touring contra bands, and explore what tradition is and how it is (or isn’t) changing today.

[Image description: The Contra Pulse logo—"contra pulse" in white letters on a black background with a teal waveform in the shape of a fiddle]

In October 2021, Contra Pulse hosted an online panel discussion as a part of the CDSS series common time. In this special event, Julie spoke with four of the contra dance greats – Becky Tracy, Pete Sutherland, Rodney Miller, and Kate Barnes—about who their mentors and inspirations were, and how ...

30/03/2022

It's the two year anniversary of our podcast Contra Pulse! During the past two years, we've edited 73 hours of interview transcripts. We use a transcription ...

22/03/2022

This episode, Julie sits down with clarinetist, saxophonist, and arranger Bill Tomczak. Bill plays for contra and English country dancing with The Latter Day Lizards, Campaign for Real Time and Fine Companions. Bill and Julie talk about his time studying clarinet at Northwestern University and how he forged his way as a clarinet player in the world of contra. They explore the technical nuances of his style, in which he studied numerous kinds of dance music to ultimately create a style all his own, and his strategies for playing for Contra dances

[Image description: Bill Tomczak, a man with a white beard wearing a brown hat, glasses, and a light-blue zip-up sits in a chair smiling broadly at the camera.]

https://cdss.org/podcasts/podcast/contra-pulse-episode-42-bill-tomczak/

This episode, Julie sits down with clarinetist, saxophonist, and arranger Bill Tomczak. Bill plays for contra and English country dancing with The Latter Day Lizards, Campaign for Real Time and Fine Companions. Bill and Julie talk about his time studying clarinet at Northwestern University and how h...

18/03/2022

Join us on Monday for our March Common Time, featuring this incomparable panel of dance pianists!
Monday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)

Join Julie Vallimont, host of Contra Pulse, as she talks shop with other contra piano greats Ann Percival, Amy Englesberg, and Bruce Rosen about their craft, technique, history, ideas, approach, and more. Register at cdss.org/common-time.

This program will be recorded and available to watch on demand later next week.

Amy Englesberg photo by John Sullivan. Julie Vallimont photo by Garrett Fondoules.

[Image description: headshots of the four speakers arranged in a square on a white background. Text reads, "Contra Pulse: Laying Down the Rhythm. A Conversation with Contra Piano Greats." Date/time details (same as above) are below the photos.]

08/02/2022

This episode, Dave tells us all about his early years and how his journey as a fiddle player began on a spur of the moment whim. We explore his identity as a New England Style Fiddler, and get to hear Dave demonstrate his unique fiddle strum, and a few beautiful tunes on the guitar. Dave leaves us with a cliffhanger about new developments coming out with his band, Stomp Rocket, so we’ll just have to wait at the edge of our seats to find out. In the meantime, enjoy!

[Image description: Dave Langford, a man blond facial hair wearing glasses, a dark patterned button-down shirt, and dark jeans sits on stage playing fiddle.]

This episode, Dave tells us all about his early years and how his journey as a fiddle player began on a spur of the moment whim. We explore his identity as a New England Style Fiddler, and get to hear Dave demonstrate his unique fiddle strum, and a few beautiful tunes on the guitar. Dave leaves us w...

19/01/2022

18/01/2022

This episode of Contra Pulse from CDSS, Julie sits down with fiddler Becky Tracy. Becky has been a defining presence in some of the most popular and innovative contra dance from New England —Wild Asparagus, and Nightingale. They discuss her trajectory from math teacher to full-time traditional musician, her approach to musical creativity, her musical partnership with Keith, the ways that community builds upon itself through tunes, and much more. Check out the Country Dance & Song Society for more great content and resources!

[Image description: Becky Tracy, a woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a red and black top and dangly earrings looks off-camera with a half-smile, holding her fiddle slightly off her chin.]

This episode, Julie sits down with fiddler Becky Tracy. Becky has been a defining presence in some of the most popular and innovative contra dance from New England —Wild Asparagus, and Nightingale. They discuss her trajectory from math teacher to full-time traditional musician, her approach to mus...

28/12/2021

This episode Julie sits down with Seattle musician Dave Bartley. They explore the myriad influences that have woven their way into Dave’s musical style and repertoire, and in his numerous bands – KGB, Contra Sutra and Bag o'Tricks, and ECD groups Tricky Brits and Roguery. He shares his perspective on the Pacific Northwest dance and music community and even shares a few of the secrets behind the magic of KGB. Enjoy!

[Image description: Dave Bartley, a man wearing a black tophat, black short-sleeve button-down shirt, and black tie, sits in front of a brick wall and plays bouzouki looking at the camera.]

http://www.cdss.org/contrapulse/podcast/episode-38-dave-bartley/

This episode Julie sits down with Seattle musician Dave Bartley. They explore the myriad influences that have woven their way into Dave’s musical style and repertoire, and in his numerous bands – KGB, Contra Sutra and Bag o’Tricks, and ECD groups Tricky Brits and Roguery. He shares his perspec...

07/12/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with fiddler, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Ben Smith from the Mean Lids, and his musical alter-ego D.R. Shadow. Ben and Julie’s conversation touches on his early musical experiences in upstate New York with classical violin and the magical moment when he first played for a contra dance. And for the first time on Contra Pulse, Julie gets to take a deep dive into the world of techno contra, exploring with Ben the intricacies of incorporating electronic dance music and other alternative musical forms into the realm of contra dance.

[Image description: A black and white photo of Ben Smith, a man with a moustache and goatee, smiling slightly and looking directly at the camera, wearing a dark t-shirt.]

This episode, Julie sits down with fiddler, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Ben Smith from the Mean Lids, and his musical alter-ego D.R. Shadow. Ben and Julie’s conversation touches on his early musical experiences in upstate New York with classical violin and the magical moment when he first ...

16/11/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with West Coast dance pianist Anita Anderson from numerous bands including Bag o' Tricks, and Roguery. They revisit Anita’s early musical experiences learning the chord organ where she grew up in Long Beach, California, through her first exposure to contra and ECD in Los Angeles. They discuss the myriad musical collaborations she’s involved in and with the help of some short excerpts from contra dance pianists selected by Anita, they explore the many influences and styles that have led to Anita’s unique sound.

[Image description: Anita Anderson sitting and playing piano, wearing a coral-colored shirt and lighter pint skirt with dark patterning. In the background are dancers in motion and an accordion player.]

This episode, Julie sits down with West Coast dance pianist Anita Anderson They revisit Anita’s early musical experiences learning the chord organ where she grew up in Long Beach, California, through her first exposure to contra and ECD in Los Angeles. They discuss the myriad musical collaboration...

09/11/2021

No episode today, folks! We'll be releasing our interview with the wonderful Anita Anderson - pianist of Bag o' Tricks, Roguery, among many other wonderful groups - in the next week or so, so keep an eye on your podcast feeds!

19/10/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with fellow contra dance pianist and CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award recipient Sue Songer. In addition to playing piano Sue also plays fiddle, coordinates and directs the Portland Megaband, and with her collaborator Clyde Curley compiled the 3 volumes of The Portland Collection.

In the interview Sue describes her journey from Suzuki violin lessons to support her daughter to becoming a fully fledged contra dance musician and organizer extraordinaire. They discuss the dance and music scene in the Pacific Northwest, the evolution of Sue’s piano style, her knack for notating tunes, which lead to the origin of the Portland Collection, and the secret sauce behind the epic sound of the Portland Megaband. Sue also talks about her most recent publication, a book commemorating and celebrating the life and work of David Kaynor, her friend and frequent music partner.

[Image description: Sue Songer, a woman with wavy, shoulder-length grey hair and glasses smiles broadly sitting in front of a piano]

http://www.cdss.org/contrapulse/podcast/episode-35-sue-songer/

This episode, Julie sits down with fellow contra dance pianist and CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award recipient Sue Songer. In addition to playing piano Sue also plays fiddle, coordinates and directs the Portland Megaband, and with her collaborator Clyde Curley complied the 3 volumes of The Portland C...

13/10/2021

Get ready for this awesome event next Monday, the 18th - should be a blast!

On Monday, the Contra Pulse podcast takes over our Common Time online gathering, as host Julie Vallimont interviews Becky Tracy, Pete Sutherland, Rodney Miller, and Kate Barnes.

We’ll hear stories from the early days of touring contra bands, learn how these musicians fell in love with their craft, and explore what tradition is and how it is (or isn’t) changing today.

Join us at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT). Register in advance at cdss.org/common-time.
[Image description: a graphic featuring text and a small photos. The top is the Common Time logo on a white background. The middle is text about this week's event, "October 18—Contra Pulse: Mentors and Inspirations. A panel discussion hosted by Julie Vallimont, with Becky Tracy, Pete Sutherland, Rodney Miller, and Kate Barnes. The bottom is five photos of those people in that order, all cropped into circle shapes.]

29/09/2021

Check out this great interview with fiddler Amy Larkin - a quintessential part of the New England contra dance scene - playing in too many bands and musical groups to count: Uncle Gizmo, Heyday, LocoMojo, Mr. Spanky, to name a few, as well as a Cajun Zydeco band with her husband, Jonathan Larkin.

Amy talks about her formative experiences growing up in Lincoln, MA and dancing to callers such as Ted Sannella and Dudley Laufman. And we revisit her days touring with Larry Unger and other bands, talk about her current musical projects, and delve into her thoughts on working with callers and playing for dances. She also shares stories about the Boston-area dances, which have played such a huge role in her life as a musician. Enjoy!

This episode, Julie sits down with fiddler Amy Larkin of Falmouth, MA – a quintessential part of the New England contra dance scene playing in too many bands and musical groups to count: Uncle Gizmo, Heyday, LocoMojo, Mr. Spanky, to name a few and a Cajun Zydeco band with her husband, Jonathan Lar...

07/09/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with musician, composer, cartoonist, and stuntologist Sam Bartlett. As a musician Sam plays in the Irish and old-time American traditions on the tenor banjo, mandolin, and jaw harp and he has been a huge part of reshaping the face of modern contra dance music.

In their interview Julie and Sam discuss his many musical influences, revisit memories of his very first contra dance, expound on the joys of the jaw harp and so much more. Julie also learns the secret behind Sam’s favorite practice routine (note: do not try this at home!) Let’s dive in.

[Image description: Sam Bartlett, a man with salt and pepper hair, sits looking at the camera wearing a blue and brown plaid shirt. The neck and head of a six-string Martin guitar he is holding are visible.]

http://www.cdss.org/contrapulse/podcast/episode-33-sam-bartlett/

This episode, Julie sits down with musician, composer, cartoonist, and stuntologist Sam Bartlett. As a musician Sam plays in the Irish and old-time American traditions on the tenor banjo, mandolin, and jaw harp and he has been a huge part of reshaping the face of modern contra dance music. He got hi...

17/08/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with multi-instrumentalist and composer Larry Unger. You might have heard his guitar, banjo, or bass playing in bands like Notorious, Big Table, The Reckless Ramblers, and Uncle Gizmo. Larry has also composed more than 5000 tunes, many of which have been recorded by his bands or by other groups.

We also have some great video of Larry demonstrating various aspects of his guitar technique - check it out!

[Image description: Larry Unger, a man with salt and pepper hair and a broad smile wearing a blue-grey button down shirt stands grasping a banjo with two hands and looking at the camera.]

This episode, Julie sits down with multi-instrumentalist and composer Larry Unger. Larry has been a full-time musician since 1984, and he has presented a diverse range of music at contra, Scottish and English dances, music camps, festivals, coffee houses and concerts all across North America and abr...

27/07/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with fiddler, teacher, composer, and explorer Karina Wilson.

In their interview over Zoom Julie and Karina discuss the New Mexico folk dance and music scene that has been so central in her life, her style as a dance musician, and the musical wanderlust, which has led her across 3 continents and 23 countries/territories in search of the complete and true context that surrounds traditional music within each unique culture.

[Image description: Karina Wilson, a woman wearing a cowboy hat and feather earrings with a striped top and belt plays fiddle against a backdrop that reads "Santa Fe bandstand"]

http://www.cdss.org/contrapulse/podcast/episode-31-karina-wilson/

06/07/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with pianist, caller, dance choreographer, and west-coaster Jeff Spero. Jeff has been playing piano and singing since he was five years old. At a young age he discovered an affinity for popular music and later brought his rhythmic style to American and Celtic folk and dance music. Now he plays dances, concerts and festivals with bands such as Syncopaths and Rhythm Raptors.

Jeff and Julie discuss his early influences, the nuances of the west coast contra dance scene, the evolution of his signature style, and how he thinks about playing music for dancers. He did the interview over Zoom sitting at his home piano in Culver City, California and the conversation is embellished with tunes and musical interludes.

[Image description: Jeff Spero, a man with short salt and pepper hair wearing a black and white patterned shirt sits in front of a brick wall resting his head against one hand and smiling]

This episode, Julie sits down with pianist, caller, dance choreographer, and west coaster Jeff Spero. Jeff has been playing piano and singing since he was five years old. At a young age he discovered an affinity for popular music and later brought his rhythmic style to American and Celtic folk and d...

15/06/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with multi-instrumentalist and long-time director of Maine Fiddle Camp Doug Protsik. Doug likes to play the “old-time piano” for dances, melodramas, h***y-tonk saloons, and silent movies. He’s a founding member of the band Old Grey Goose and has toured the world as a musical ambassador for the US State Department.

In their conversation over Zoom Julie and Doug explore the culture and history of Maine’s traditional music and dance scene. Doug shares his insights on the “secret sauce” that makes Maine Fiddle Camp such a unique and vibrant community and his thoughts on how dance and music styles have changed and shifted over the years. And of course, he treats us to some tunes on the piano and button accordion!

[Image description: Doug Protsik, a man with grey hair, moustache, and glasses wearing a red plaid shirt and vest stands outside in front of trees and snow-covered ground playing fiddle.]

This episode, Julie sits down with multi-instrumentalist and long-time director of Maine Fiddle Camp Doug Protsik. Doug likes to play the “old-time piano” for dances, melodramas, h***y tonk saloons, and silent movies. He’s a founding member of the band Old Grey Goose and has toured the world a...

26/05/2021

This episode Julie sits down with accordionist Sylvia Miskoe. A New Hampshire native, Sylvia first learned to dance at age 12 in 1947 and has been playing her accordion for decades, ever since college where she began playing for square and contra dancing. Today she plays for contra dancing and also Scottish and English country dance.

In their conversation over Zoom Julie and Sylvia discuss the legendary New Hampshire dance scene where Sylvia first began dancing and eventually crossed paths with Dudley Laufman, who inspired her to pick up the accordion. They explore classic New England tunes, some of the old, traditional couple dances that have been disappearing, compare notes on accordions, and talk about the hey-day of the dance orchestras of Ralph Page and Dudley Laufman. We also enjoy a visit from Sylvia’s charming cat, McQuillen.

[Image description: Sylvia Miskoe, a woman with white hair and bright blue eyes wearing a black shirt smiles at the camera playing a large white accordion with red bellows.]

This episode Julie sits down with accordionist Sylvia Miskoe. A New Hampshire native, Sylvia first learned to dance at age 12 in 1947 and has been playing her accordion for decades, ever since college where she began playing for square and contra dancing. Today she plays for contra dancing and also....

04/05/2021

This episode Julie sits down with Pacific Northwest fiddler, teacher, and music editor Betsy Branch. Betsy is a versatile musician who loves to explore multiple genres of music. She got her start at age 5 in classical music, and then in her 20’s fell in love with fiddle music. She plays for contra and English Country Dances, and is currently the music editor for The Portland Collection.

Julie and Betsy explore her path from Suzuki violin to square dances at the Tractor Tavern to playing chestnuts at midnight in Montague, Massachusetts. Betsy shares why she loves playing dance music, her philosophy on choosing tunes and her longtime collaboration with David Kaynor. She and Julie also swap stories of memorable on stage snafus and favorite band games to play while the caller teachers the dance.

[Image description: Betsy Branch, a woman with glasses, long brown hair, and a wide smile wearing a black top and colorful scarf holds a fiddle and looks at the camera. Behind her is a blue wall covered with colorful ornaments and instruments.]

This episode Julie sits down with Pacific Northwest fiddler, teacher, and music editor Betsy Branch. Betsy is a versatile musician who loves to explore multiple genres of music. She got her start at age 5 in classical music, and then in her 20’s fell in love with fiddle music. She plays for contra...

13/04/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with guitarist Owen Morrison known for his driving rhythm and virtuosic flat-picking in well-loved bands such as Elixir, The Figments, and the Morrison Brothers. They dive into Owen’s musical background growing up immersed in a musical family in the midst of a rich music and dance scene of Charlottesville, Virginia. They explore his tune-writing process, his philosophy as a rhythm player, and his astute taste in fashion and beer.

[Image description: Owen Morrison, a man with curly brown hair is wearing a grey tee-shirt and smiling. He is sitting and playing a dark-colored guitar.]

This episode, Julie sits down with guitarist Owen Morrison known for his driving rhythm and virtuosic flat-picking in well-loved bands such as Elixir, The Figments, and the Morrison Brothers. They dive into Owen’s musical background growing up immersed in a musical family in the midst of a rich mu...

23/03/2021

Check out Julie's wonderful interview with the great accordionist, pianist, and composer Jeremiah McLane. Known for his work with groundbreaking contra dance bands The Clayfoot Strutters and Nightingale, they talk about his family roots, his early background in jazz and various styles of world music before discovering Celtic. They also explore his tune writing, and composition, stories from his bands over the years, and what it means to innovate while drawing from tradition, but not being held back by it. Enjoy!

[Image description: Jerimiah McLane, a man wearing a light blue shirt, stands playing a large accordion, which obscures most of his upper body. The fingers on his right hand play the piano keys as the other half of the instrument spreads out of frame.]

This episode, Julie sits down with accordionist, pianist, and composer Jeremiah McLane. He is known for his work with such groundbreaking contra dance bands as The Clayfoot Strutters and Nightingale, as well as his role as a leader and instructor, especially through his Floating Bridge Music School,...

02/03/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with legendary fiddler, violin maker and tunesmith Rodney Miller. Rodney is recognized as a “Master Fiddler” by the National Endowment for the Arts and his career of performing, teaching and recording traditional and genre-defining fiddle music spans across decades and continents. Julie speaks with Rodney about his early musical influences, his recording and tune-writing process, his finely honed fiddle style and bow hold, and his latest pandemic project: a new tune-book containing 270 original compositions.

Check out a special video clip on the website where Rodney breaks down his unique bowing style!

[Image description: Rodney Miller, a man with white hair and glasses wearing a dark baseball cap and light blue plaid shirt plays fiddle outdoors]

This episode, Julie sits down with legendary fiddler, violin maker and tunesmith Rodney Miller. Rodney is recognized as a “Master Fiddler” by the National Endowment for the Arts and his career of performing, teaching and recording traditional and genre-defining fiddle music spans across decades ...

10/02/2021

This episode, Julie talks with the prolific caller, pianist, and producer Tony Parkes. Tony is known internationally as an exceptional caller for beginners and experts alike, and this conversation delves into the detailed history of his roots in square dancing, learning alongside greats like Ted Sanella, as well as the heyday of the Yankee Ingenuity dance in Boston, and the joy of playing and calling for community dances everywhere.

Photo by Doug Plummer

[Image description: Tony Parkes, a man with grey hair and glasses calls enthusiastically into a microphone.]

This episode, Julie talks with the prolific caller, pianist, and producer Tony Parkes. Tony is known internationally as an exceptional caller for beginners and experts alike, and this conversation delves into the detailed history of his roots in square dancing, learning alongside greats like Ted San...

19/01/2021

This episode, Julie sits down with true contra renaissance man Nils Fredland – trombone player for Elixir and other bands, Revels North artistic director, as well as a singer, Waldorf teacher, and caller extraordinaire. They discuss his background in classical trombone, how he ended up in the contra scene after a ca****la and ska music, some great memories from stage, and reminisce about the legendary Ralph Sweet. Enjoy!

[Image description: Nils Fredland, a man with dark hair wearing a light, button-down shirt stands in front of a brick background, with a wide laugh on his face.]

This episode, Julie sits down with true contra renaissance man Nils Fredland – trombone player for Elixir and other bands, Revels North artistic director, as well as a singer, Waldorf teacher, and caller extraordinaire. They discuss his background in classical trombone, how he ended up in the cont...

29/12/2020

Check out Julie's interview with the wonderful violinist and violist Mary Lea from the legendary bands Yankee Ingenuity and Bare Necessities. They discuss Mary’s roots in the Boston contra scene, her approach as a fiddler and how she works with improvisation and variation. They also get into some of the nuts and bolts of playing for dance, some of the many other styles she plays for, and her perspective as a longtime booker of bands for the Brattleboro Dawn Dance. Enjoy!

[Image description: Mary Lea, a woman with brown hair and glasses, wearing a purple and black shirt with a purple scarf sits in front of a window, playing fiddle.]

This episode, Julie interviews the wonderful violinist and violist Mary Lea from the legendary bands Yankee Ingenuity and Bare Necessities. They discuss Mary’s roots in the Boston contra scene, her approach as a fiddler and how she works with improvisation and variation. They also get into some of...

22/12/2020

In the second part of Julie’s conversation with Vermont musical legend Pete Sutherland, they talk about what makes good dance music, how drums changed his approach to dance playing, the difference between playing in large bands and small bands, and we explored what it means to respect tradition without being a strict traditionalist.

[Image description: Pete Sutherland, a man with round glasses and a short, white beard wearing a blue plaid shirt and red cap plays fiddle.]

In the second part of Julie’s conversation with Vermont musical legend Pete Sutherland, they talk about what makes good dance music, how drums changed his approach to dance playing, the difference between playing in large bands and small bands, and we explored what it means to respect tradition wi...