Recapping the top 10 interviews of 2015
February 1, 2016

149 – Recapping the best interviews of 2015

In this podcast I reveal the top 10 interviews of 2015 and important snippets that I pulled from each of them. Hear the guest describe, I their own words, their advice on practice, groove, failure, chops, musicality and more.

“In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” – Phil Collins (Tweet this)

Antonio Sanchez.
Session 131 – Antonio Sanchez.

#10 – Antonio Sanchez – How to Speak with the Drums 

In this podcast I talk to the all-time great, Antonio Sanchez. Sanchez, a four-time Grammy winner, frequently collaborates with some of the today’s most prominent jazz musicians like Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Christian McBride, John Patitucci, Donny McCaslin, Danilo Perez, David Sanchez, Paquito D’Rivera, Kenny Werner, Marcus Roberts, Avishai Cohen, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dianne Reeves, Miguel Zenon, Scott Colley, Dave Samuels, Luciana Souza, Billy Childs, and Claudia Acuña just to name a few.

 

Gary Chaffee
Session 131 – Gary Chaffee

#9 – Gary Chaffee: Developing your own Patterns 

In this podcast I talk to master clinician and educator, Gary Chaffee.  Known for his work as an educator and clinician, Gary’s reputation proceeds him with his slew of well regarded students like Vinnie Colaiuta and  Joey Kramer and critical acclaim from Dave Garibaldi, Ed Thigpen, and Jonathan Mover and countless others.  His “Patterns” books (1, 2, 3 & 4) have been a staple in drum lessons throughout the world since the release of volumes 1 and 2 in the 1970’s.  Gary’s book and teachings have been mimicked and copied all over the world (some legally and some illegally) because of the absolute diversity and value that they serve every drummer of every skill level.  Listen in as Gary discusses a wealth of information that he’s gathered over his storied, 40+ year career. This session is JAM-PACKED with useful  insights, advice and more!

 

Nathaniel Townsley
Session 87 – Nathaniel Townsley


#8 – Nathaniel Townsley: Practicing to play VS practicing for chops

In  this podcast I interview Nathaniel Townsley, best known for his work with Joe Zawinul, Corey Clover, Maria Carey, Will Downing and many others.  Nathaniel has laid the foundation for every type of music that you can imagine ranging from hip-hop to jazz and always approaches the music the same way: by serving the music, the song, and melody. Listen in as Nathaniel tells all about his formidable career and learn what really makes him tick.

 

Benny Greb
Session 108 – Benny Greb

#7 – Benny Greb: The Art and Science of Groove

This interview is a little different than normal because 1. I don’t have people on the podcast just because they came out with a new DVD and 2, because we talk about one topic, groove, the entire time.  So, why did I do this?  I watched Benny’s video 3 times while I was flying to and from my honeymoon and I couldn’t get enough of it.  Groove, to me, is the most important part of playing and it’s REALLY hard to teach and learn.  Groove isn’;t song thing that you can learn out of a book or in school.  Since this is such a vague topic it’s often misunderstood.  Benny does an amazing job breaking it down and explaining the art and science of groove and how you can actually practice your groove.  This DVD blew my mind and the concepts in it are invaluable to any drummer at any level and that’s why I wanted to have him back to talk about it.  Listen in as Benny Greb gives you a new approach for improving your groove.

 

JP Bouvet
Session 130 – JP Bouvet

#6 – JP Bouvet: Designing a Life around your Passion

n this podcast I talk to JP Bouvet who began to make a name for himself in 2011 when he won the Guitar Center Drumoff…and he hasn’t stopped since. JP in now a household drumming name as a performer, teacher and international clinician and runs his website (JPBouvetMusic) as a hub for inspiration and information for drummers. There’s definitely something to be said about JP and his approach to drumming and life as a whole, and he tells all about it in this interview. Listen in as JP opens up about feeling inadequate, comparing yourself to others and why the most important thing to remember is that you’re in control of your life.

John Riley
Session 110 – John Riley

#5 – John Riley: The 4 characteristics of a great Player. 

In this podcast I chat with jazz great, John Riley,  Riley has made a name for himself performing with world-class musicians like including Stan Getz, Milt Jackson, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Scofield, Bob Mintzer, Gary Peacock, Mike Stern, Joe Lovano, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, John Patitucci, Bob Berg, and many others.

 

 

 

John Blackwell
Session 95 – John Blackwell

#4 – The Legendary John Blackwell tells all

In this podcast I talk to legendary drummer, John Blackwell who is best known for his powerful grooves behind the conic star, Prince for 12 years.  Blackwell has also performed with Billy Eckstine, Cameo, Pattie LaBelle, Justin Timberlake, Crystal Kay, and P Diddy.  In addition to his work with various artists, John frequently performs at clinics and seminars around the world and has released two DVDs: “John Blackwell – Technique Grooving and Showmanship” and “John Blackwell – Master Series

 

 

Mark Guiliana
Session 97 – Mark Guiliana

#3 Mark Guiliana: Creating Confidence behind the Kit

In this podcast I chat with Jazz drummer Mark Guiliana, who has been on fire as of late releasing two of his own records (on the SAME DAY), touring with his band Mehliana, and landing on the cover of Modern Drummer in November of 2014.  As stated in Modern Drummer, “…he´s the guy to watch if you want to know where the great art of drumming is right now— and where it could be headed.”

 

 

 

Calvin Rodgers
Session 90 – Calvin Rodgers

#2 – Calvin Rodgers: Silencing your Critics 

In this podcast I talk to iconic Gospel drummer, Calvin Rodgers who is best known for his solid foundation behind a who’s who list of Gospel artists like Ricky Dillard, New G., Ramsey Lewis, Urban Knights, and John P.Keee as well as multiple studio projects.  During one of these studio projects Rodgers landed the coveted gig with R&B powerhouse R. Kelly.  After touring for years with R. Kelly, Calvin decided to focus all of his efforts on his Gospel career and is currently touring as the Music Director for Grammy Award-winner Fred Hammond and producing records for numerous artists.

 

Ed Soph
Session 89 – Ed Soph

#1 – Ed Soph: Teaching Drummers how to make a living playing Music.

In this podcast I interview drummer and educator, Ed Soph.  Ed, who is currently a Professor in the Jazz Studies and Performance divisions of the College of Music at the University of North Texas has made his name for serving as the drummer for Clark Terry, Bill Watrous and Woody Herman, as well as the small groups of Bill Evans, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Joe Henderson, Pat LaBarbera, Bill Mays, Cedar Walton, Dave Liebman, Chris Potter, Carl Fontana and Slide Hampton, amongst others. Over the years Ed has taught some of the worlds greatest drummers including: Ari Hoening, Keith Carlock, Rich Redmond, Jason Sutter, Dave Weckl and others.  Although there is no real “secret to getting gigs“, listen in as Ed goes into the details of what he teaches drummers to get themselves to the next level musically and professionally.