Even though listening to and collecting music are wonderful pastimes, it is when you’re able to actually share in the creative process of performing, creating, and playing music with someone else that true bonds are forged.
Avi Wisnia and I met while both performing at the now defunct New Jersey Songwriters Conference which took place, for many years, in beautiful Cape May, NJ. Avi would perform his set, I would perform mine, and many other talented songwriters would perform their sets as well. We all cheered each other on, networked, and learned more about each other, but also about the commonalities that many of us faced in the often difficult career path of songwriting and performing.
Like any good communal experience, not all of the relationships made during those conferences survived, but the very meaningful ones did. I’m pleased that Avi is one of the few performers with whom I’ve kept in touch and I was excited to learn that he’s released a new album titled, Catching Leaves. The album is a mature and adult contemporary affair that straddles the line between jazz, pop, and samba, commonly illustrating Avi’s musical individuality.
So, join me as I introduce to you this wonderful Philadelphia-based songwriter. We discuss the crafting of his new record, how it’s a real Philly experience, his historic musical lineage and much more. Most importantly, however, you’ll hear two musicians chew the fat about the hours we’ve both spent behind the piano keys and who have a deep mutual—and musical—respect for one another. You’ll hear us connect as colleagues and as friends, but also as something much more rare and treasured: as songwriters.
Evan Toth is a songwriter, professional musician, educator, radio host, avid record collector, and hi-fi aficionado. Toth hosts and produces The Evan Toth Show and TVD Radar on WFDU, 89.1 FM. Follow him at the usual social media places and visit his website.
