20 - The Healing Power of Music with Gary Muszynski

Tamara speaks with Gary Muszynski, an award-winning percussionist and composer, discussing his journey in music, focusing on the handpan, its origins, and its role in creating meditative experiences. He emphasizes the healing power of music, its ability to unlock memories, and the importance of improvisation in creating emotional connections. Gary also shares insights into his personal journey and the influences that shaped his music, highlighting the cultural significance of global music.  Gary Muszynski is an award-winning percussionist, composer, bandleader, recording artist, and producer. He creates genre-defying, original music that combines world folk traditions, infused with an improvisational sensibility with a healing vibe. He refers to his music as global medicine music. Gary has performed and recorded with some of the great musical luminaries of our times, including Bobby McFerrin, legendary Cuban pianist Omar Sosa, virtuoso cellist and co-founder of the Turtle Island Quartet Mark Summer, Brazilian guitar master Romero Lubambo, world-funk-jazz bassist Kai Eckhardt (John McLaughlin) and pianist Frank Martin (Sting). Bay Area venues include the Freight and Salvage, SF Jazz, the Zellerbach stage for TEDxBerkeley, and Peri Park in Fairfax.  Gary's last album, Roots & Wings (Medicine Music), won the top honor at the prestigious Global Music Awards in 2021 and can be accessed through Gary's website, oneworldmusic.com. Gary's new album, The Journey Home (Songs of Longing & Belonging) is now avilable on all streaming platforms and won the Gold Medal at the Global Music Awards in Sept 2024.   To learn more about Tamara's work: https://tamarawolfson.com