"Music Master" Linda Fakundiny-Lee Interview
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Interview by Roger Zee (04/14/23)
Special thanks to Helen Bertona
Roger Zee: Who inspired you to take up the guitar? Do you sing or play any other instruments?
Linda Fakundiny-Lee: My mother, my brother Hans, and sister Hanne all played and sang together. I taught myself to play the organ at four and a half and play guitar at five. I learned just from watching their hands as they played. I couldn’t wait to strum the guitar myself, as I grew weary of just being "the strummer." I so impressed my older brother with my instant ability to play that he bought me only the very best instruments.
I learned harmonies singing the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, etc. with my family. They were the best with harmonies, and for me, that was family love. A daily occurrence, best part of each day. I also play bass guitar, piano, banjo, ukulele, and mandolin.
RZ: Tell me about some of the musicians and groups you gigged and recorded with.
LF: I started my own band in middle school. We performed at school dances. As a teenager I worked with numerous musicians in my area. Then in the early 80's, I played keyboards with Lorenzo Dion Lee, who later became my husband, in an original band called "Desire."
After that, I became part of Billy Genuario and Destiny stayed with them for the past 34 years. I have also played with a few other wonderful bands more recently as well -- Third Rail (Steve Ferentzy, Mike Testa and Todd Forcellina), The Bar Car Band (Russ and Nina Hammerling-Smith), and a duo called Me & D (Susan Carson & David Delallo).
My husband Lorenzo and I wrote and recorded our own music starting in 2012 after we got married. This music reflects our love for each other as well as our love of family and foremost, God. You can find much of this music on YouTube (see below).
RZ: What's your favorite instrument and why?
LF: My favorite instrument will probably always stay the guitar. It's an old friend that brings comfort and joy to me whenever I pick it up. There's a song for every emotion and the guitar paints the perfect background for thought. Music can take you places in your memory that you may have forgotten. The right song can spark a memory from long ago.
RZ: Talk about your home studio.
LF: I work with an older, simple version of The Pre Sonus One. I use midi with my keyboard to create different instruments/drum clips etc. that I do not possess at home. Sometimes I make a nice lasagna to entice other musicians to record with me where needed.
RZ: How often do you practice?
LF: Daily. A Martin Backpacker hangs on the wall for quick access. Also a piano sits in the living room.
RZ: Do you teach music privately?
LF: Through the years, I've taught people what I know. I would love to teach children one day.
RZ: How has the Pandemic affected you? What's on the horizon?
LF: I found that the Pandemic brought many musicians together. At first, I used the Acapella app to share music videos before live music came back. I found that not playing made me really sad. I needed to express myself musically any
way that I could.
One person in particular played a big part in keeping the live music going -- Veronica Sandolo. She kept the outdoor music happening in our town, safely, and with a great family feeling. With Covid going around, many musicians that normally had not played with others, filled in for each other to keep the live music coming. Such a great thing with great collaborations and different sounds/flavors to make the music even better. Thankful for this one good thing during the Pandemic...
RZ: Describe your most special and/or unusual gig.
LF: I performed at a fundraiser where I played with Dave Mason and Eddie Money. But I must say, I find every gig special and fulfilling. There's no better place to be. I am thankful that I still perform after all these years. I love what I do. I love to bring happiness to others -- to touch someone with the effects that only music can bring.
RZ: How do you see the future of the music business?
LF: As I have eclectic tastes in music, I must say there's not a great deal of music at the present that truly touches my soul. Good music of any genre will always reach your soul. Growing up in the late 60’s/70’s, I experienced an explosion of great music in every genre. I hope that real musicians will continue to create memorable songs that hold the test of time. Praying that live music will continue long into the future for our children.
RZ: What advice do you give up-and-coming musicians?
LF: Be true to yourself. Listen to all types of music. Incorporate those songs into your playing and you will see that they all work together. Practice as often as you can, and play with feeling from your heart. When you love what you do, it's not work -- it's pure joy.
RZ: Do you live with any animals?
LF: Yes, my puppy Mali, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She loves when I play guitar for her.
RZ: Anything else you'd like to add?
LF: Music wipes away the dust from your soul. Enjoy it daily and as often as possible. Peace & Love.
YouTube - "Til the End of Time" - Linda Fakundiny
YouTube - "Play in the Sunshine" - Lorenzo Dion Lee and Linda Fakundiny-Lee
©2023 Roger Zee
