Episode 69: Mariel Bildsten - Horn, Heart, Hustle

Mariel Bildsten is a trombonist based in Brooklyn, NY.

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(00:00) Childhood Visits and Dreaming of New York

(04:18) Grandparents, Ridgewood Roots, and an East Berlin Escape

(08:27) California Childhood and Hating Piano Lessons

(12:45) Joining School Band and Accidentally Choosing Trombone

(16:32) First Trombone Hero and the “Blueprint” Moment

(20:58) Moving at 18 and Falling in Love with New York Jazz

(25:21) Jazz as Black Music and the Harlem Renaissance

(29:49) New Orleans Brass vs Contemporary New York Jazz

(34:05) Betting on New York and Welcoming the Ass-Kicking

(38:02) Inside the Physical Demands of Playing Trombone

(41:37) Injuries, Posture Fixes, and Damage Control

(45:03) Dizzy’s Jam Sessions, All-Night Hangs, and Music as Service

(49:11) Teaching in the Bronx and $10 Pasta Gigs

(52:44) Balls Before Ability and Working Through Imposter Syndrome

(55:36) Side Person vs Bandleader and Making a Living

(58:22) Why She Still Chooses New York

(61:09) Favorite NYC Food, Clubs, and Trombone Mount Rushmore

(63:18) Redefining Success, Education, and the Next Chapter