Karolina Strassmayer Interview by Monk Rowe - 5/25/23 - Zoom

Karolina Strassmayer has found success in both America and Europe as a saxophonist and composer. She is currently a member of the WDR Big Band based in Cologne, Germany, and creates progressive music with her husband, drummer Drori Mondlak.
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[@khboehm1]

Welch eine vorbildliche Persönlichkeit, nicht nur in Sachen Musik. Tiefer Respekt!

[@boulejazz]

Great interview. I appreciate Karolina's honesty; especially regarding doubling and learning to improvise.

[@sitarnut]

I'll say "It" came back.... listen to anything she plays, especially her solo with WDR when Eddie Daniels was guest artist... on fire... what a Jewel Karolina is.. constant inspiration.... World Class Artist. She's so grounded in common sense, is articulate and has chops to burn. Impossible to say enough about Mike Abene.. he whips up those killer 1960's voicings for his arrangements.... that's what we heard whilst attending NTSU in Denton, TX. in the 60's... home of the famous Lab Bands.

[@olivierherment1188]

Thank You

[@TheJohnnyBE]

Just discovered Karolina yesterday and been listening to her work with WDR. And then I was offered this! Terrific interview. Thanks again, Monk.

[@onceovereasy1529]

Great conversation. WDR is at the top of my list and Karolina is a boss player. Thank you for the post. Happy Holidays Monk!

[@filliusjazzarchive]

Thanks, same to you! Monk

[@tetsuonamba8092]

I’m a big fan of WDR big band.Karolina always shines when she takes a solo. Thanks for the excellent interview.

[@joecaroselli5858]

Monk is such a superb interviewer. He has an acute sensitivity, and it is apparent that he is an enlightened individual. I like his inquisitive questions to Karolina. It was wonderful how she first discovered jazz listening to those cassettes that her friend unloaded on her!!! What I most liked about her is that there is no affectation or "studied" assuming quality about her. You could tell that Karolina really liked Monk and enjoyed this conversation with him. Yayyyy to both here.

[@chriswilkes4350]

Yes, he is good. He asks brief questions and lets her talk. He has a small ego.

[@fernandocarneiro7797]

She is an amazing musician from WDR Big Band. And also a great composer too. Deep respect!

[@zangsax]

This is wonderful. She is fabulous in multiple ways.

[@Blijdenstein]

Wonderful interview with one of my favorite musicians, what a great player and a great person Karolina is!

[@24acresofparadise]

The most beautiful jazz saxophonist who plays better than most musicians out there.

[@zinwah]

Great interview. The time flew by as I listened to this warm conversation, notable for Karolina's insightful answers about her personal journey and the things--and people-- that have influenced and motivated her through the years. Thank you to both.

[@filliusjazzarchive]

Glad you enjoyed it! Monk

[@chriswilkes4350]

Melodic is a word that works.

[@lessonwithcraig]

Thanks, Monk & Karolina Wonderful interview… Karolina is of course a favorite of mine Wishing her all the best, always… Play On… 😎🎷❤

[@AficionadoKO]

Karolina Strassmayer has created musical beauty and is herself beautiful. Though she is a lady, she has some nasty chops on that horn, a NY honed jazzman, she can hang with the best of them. Her balads and her bebop improv are my favorites. The echo of Adderly is certainly present. 🙏❤

[@michaelpedicinjr]

An absolutely wonderful and informative interview!

[@beachnut1043]

I really enjoyed this interview! As a women saxophonist, I can relate to a lot of what Karolina spoke about.

[@charlesbarry971]

Great interview. First time I am hearong her speak.

[@michaelgarding516]

I'm glad I found this interview! Thanks so much!

[@stuartgraham7576]

Terrific.

[@mkaiserme]

One of the most compelling interviews I've ever heard. Great job by you both. Very thoughtful, articulate and impressive. Thank you very much. As an aside, I realized well into the conversation that I wondered where Karolina was. The view outside the windows never changed. The leaves weren't moving and no one walked down the street. This caused me to suspect what appeared to be windows was actually photographs, but the lighting suggests otherwise. The room looks kind of like a library. Just empty. :)

[@filliusjazzarchive]

Thanks for the comment, I also was impressed with her insightful comments and perspectives. I believe the video background was a Zoom option where you can choose what is behind you. It surely made for a pleasant look that matched her personality. Monk

[@joecaroselli5858]

@@filliusjazzarchive Excellent answer, Monk.

[@joecaroselli5858]

Great observation.

[@mkaiserme]

@@filliusjazzarchive Thank you, Monk. I can rest easy. :)

[@HB-ve4wi]

A wonderful interview with a wonderful musician. The sequence Mozart-Schwarzenegger-Strassmayer needs urgent rearranging!

[@JohnEpto-ng6ml]

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