Deeper Yata - Yata's 2nd Song of the Soul

Thanks, Mark, for an excellent, insightful interview with my old friend and collaborator Yata. I think I first met him in about 1978. Shortly afterwards I saw him at a party at a friend's house and sang him a song I'd just written called "Windmill Baby." His eyes got real big and he said, "Can you write that down?"  A couple of weeks later he called me up and invited me to join him and a band of neighbors in singing that song, and others, for the Stockholm Art Fair. This was the beginning of nearly four decades of (off-and-on) songwriting collaboration.  I have learned such an incredible amount from Yata about music theory, song structure, performance, harmonizing, recording... not to mention living a life of service, artistry, and friendship. I am eternally grateful that I've had the joy and privilege of making music and writing songs with this kind, generous, talented soul.

Mark,

I truly enjoyed your interview with Yata!
I first met Yata in November 2005 when he sang for my Aunt’s funeral at a small country church in the Coulee. Several years later we formed Yata, Sinz & Orfield and started playing together. Yata is a gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter. He is also one of the nicest people I know. Thanks for the great program! 

I enjoyed the interview and discussion.  It gave me an insight into Yata's music and creative process. 

Thanks, Mark, for a most inspiring and professional soul-to-soul interview with my new, old friend Yata Peinovich, with whom I’ve recently crossed paths and made some wonderful music. Take a musician’s word for it, Yata sets a high artistic bar for those of us so fortunate to play and sing along with him. I commend you for bringing out in your interview Yata’s infectious enthusiasm for life and, by example of several of his finest songs, his soulful approach to musical storytelling and interpretation. I consider your program with Yata a success in large part due to your considerable interviewing skills - your relaxed yet steady pacing, intelligent questioning and sensitive segues. I am grateful to have found your program online and I thank you for rewarding me with a deeper insight into the heart and soul of a new, old friend.

I met Yata in the 1970's and was fortunate to collaborate with him musically for a few years. It was always a joy for me to hear Yata bring that special magic of his, brimming over with innocence and sensitivity, warmth and charm. I was truly enchanted.

But that was a long time ago and I figured that nothing so pure could endure. Then I listened to Mark's interview and was amazed. Everything I remembered was still there - that sense of wonder, reverence and discovery that has always been at the core of Yata's music.

Yata's music is at once comforting. amusing, entertaining, thought provoking, inspiring and humbling. Like the man himself it remains authentic, original, heartfelt and imbued with optimism. It still brings me joy. Thank you Yata! And thank you Mark for a great interview that went in so many interesting directions. Now I know how Yata got his nickname! And I could not agree with you more Mark, immersing in Yata's music simply make life better.

Jeff Rubin

We’ve had over forty years of music and art adventure. I found my soulmate in Yata. Thank you Mark for sharing Yata’s big creative soul with the world. 

Mark!  What a great interview and set of songs from Yata!  I'm honored to work with him - and you've captured his smart, funny, kind and insightful heart here in this interview.  Thank you!!

It's been a pleasure to record Yata's latest project here at STUDIO 330 in Sturgeon Bay, WI. We just clicked right away, and Yata pured forth his musical genius with such ease, it was delightful. It made it easy for me to add cello and fretless bass tracks and to finish the production with musical mixes all around. I wish Yata and I would live closer together so that we could play concerts, too! He is such a great musician.

Thank you for the return of Yata to the show after fifteen years. Not only is Yata a talented musician and composer, but one of the finest people anyone could hope to know. Our circles have crossed numerous times over the years. Initially through our mutual social work profession, at numerous performances, through friends in common, and now as neighbors. We live about a half hour apart, but here in the north woods that qualified as neighbors. My wife Vicky and I truly value Yata and his wife Jean's frienship. Thanks again for showcasing Yata and his diverse musical talent and introducing him to your audience. It is always a treat to hear his music.

Hi Mark Helpsmeet,  Thank you for our in-depth and meaningful discussion on songwriting and inspiration.  I really enjoyed it and keep on keepin’ on!  Peace and Music, Yata

Thank you for featuring Yata's music and for recognizing the spirit connection in his work.  Yata is a consummate artist whose extensive catalog of original music is filled with irony, meaning and beauty drawn from his life journey.  Interestingly, he also has the rare ability to contribute melodies and arrangements to the work of other artists, such as Yeats, whose poetry is experienced in a novel and profound way on the "Mad As the Mist and Snow" collection.

As a life-long fan of Yata's, I would like to thank the Northern Spirit Radio for featuring his work and for recognizing the spirit connection in his music and lyrics.  Yata is not a superficial artist, but one who is driven to express the meaning, irony and beauty of his life journey.  Along with his extensive catalog of original material, Yata also has a rare ability of being able to capture the insights of other artists, such as Yeats, with meaningful melodies and arrangements that enhance the experience of that great poetry.

Dave Ja Vue

I've known Yata since her was a student and decorated football player at St. Olaf College in the early 1970's. I arrived there to teach in 1970, so he was fresh in my career. He had the capacity to focus on whatever he was doing and was always willing to try new things and to listen to suggestions. Thirty years later he performed his music at the opening of my sculpture exhibit at the Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie WI. It's best to say that he was, to my delight, the main attraction. I've attended several of his outdoor concerts, but the crowning piece for me was when he composed music for my poetry, Every Life Matters, written to honor 100 St. Olaf students who died before graduation. There is a 60 ft high tower on campus that holds a chine with each student's name on it. The breeze creates music. He sang his version at my 80th birthday party. It was heavenly. Each year he comes to the St. Olaf campus to see a football game and he arranges to visit me at my home nearby...I'm now 88 years old. He is my inspiration...mac