In this Episode of Shambhu Sessions, guitarist and composer Shambhu sits down with legendary cellist Eugene Friesen—four-time Grammy Award winner, composer, educator, and one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary acoustic music.
Eugene shares his journey from classical training to a life shaped by improvisation, listening, and nature-inspired music. He reflects on his formative years, discovering his own musical voice, and his decades-long collaboration with the Paul Winter Consort where nature, global traditions, and deep ensemble listening became central to his artistic identity.
The conversation explores:
• Improvisation as both a creative and spiritual practice
• How listening shapes ensemble music and personal voice
• The influence of nature on musical expression
• Eugene's long-standing work at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
• Teaching improvisation and creativity at Berklee College of Music
• The creation of CelloMan and performing for young audiences
• Collaborations across genres—from Dave Brubeck to Dream Theater
• Touring internationally with Paul Simon on A Quiet Celebration
Shambhu also reflects on recording with Eugene on his albums Sacred Love and Dreaming of Now, and the magic that happens when musicians create together in real time.
This is a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about music as presence, service, and connection.
Used with Permission: Revelation by Shambhu composed by Neil Vineberg (Sacred Love Music/BMI).
🎻 Learn more about Eugene Friesen: https://www.eugenefriesenmusic.com
🎶 Listen to Eugene Friesen on Sacred Love by Shambhu
https://www.shambhumusic.com/sacred-love
🎶 Listen to Eugene Friesen on Dreaming of Now by Shambhu
https://www.shambhumusic.com/dreaming-of-now
🎶 Watch Eugene Friesen's recording session for Shambhu's Sacred Love: https://youtu.be/KY-P_cWiNS8?si=Zoldy7yPX79SaHqF
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