Claudia Mussen
has been a Little Band That Could member for nearly 16 years! When she’s not playing with the Little Band That Could, Claudia is running a private psychotherapy practice and spoiling her Boston Terrier rescue, Ziggy.
Q: What is your favorite track on Revvin' Up the Reindeer?
A: I lo-o-o-ove the title track because I'm a sucker for a big rollicking rock and roll number and the back up vocals were a blast to sing! "Rainbow Candles" is my second favorite because it's a gorgeous Hanukkah song that makes me tear up every time I listen to it. I've worked with Brady for nearly 16 years and the depth of how prolific a writer he is, never ceases to amaze and inspire me.
Q: What is your favorite Holiday tradition?
A: Thanksgiving with my cousins, aunts and our children! So much laughter! I also love spending Christmas with my oldest dearest friend MB, at her place in Brooklyn. She's the best cook on the planet next to Bridget Rymer!
What's your best memory with the Little Band?
I think touring the country years ago and stopping at a jerky shop in Texas and eating it in the van on our way to Dallas. Also, the moment Steven Tyler crashed our live show at Sirius XM. That was a dream come true!
Another cool memory: Claudia & Brady with the City Gym Boys at the White House Easter Egg Roll, 2014.
Q: What made you want to start playing the accordion?
I thought it would be silly and fun. I've grown to really love it so much.
Q: Who are your musical inspirations?
A: My big brother Matt Glaser (he's the artistic director of the American Roots music program at Berklee in Boston). Also, my mother who I would sing show tunes with and I love me the show tunes!
Matt Glaser with his band "The Wayfaring Strangers" with special guests!
Can you tell me about your dog, Ziggy?
I don't like talking about Ziggy. Kidding!! I could talk about him all day! My close friend, the writer Julie Klam, does Boston Terrier rescue and fostering. She said one day," I think you need to meet this one. Come over." It was like an old time movie. Slow motion rushing into each other's arms/paws. He's the nicest beast I've ever met and he smells like you think he might.
Q: When you're not jamming with the Little Band That Could, what else do you do/like to do?
A: I love the gym, hanging out with my spectacular friends, having deep conversations with my son, and trying to be the best human I can be! Connecting with people is my very favorite thing. Life can be hard sometimes, our love for one another is crucial.
What is a fun or surprising fact about you?
That I'm actually pretty shy. It has taken me a long time to feel comfortable in my own skin despite the fact that I'm a jokester. I'm a psychotherapist in private practice and some people don't know that about me. Is that surprising? Maybe!
Photobomb!
Ziggy hugs!
