012 I AM The Band with Jeff Babko

Welcome to season 2 of the I AM Podcast. We are back with a fantastic line up of guests. These incredible artists are the musicians and musical directors behind the music, performances and artists that we all know and love. Listen, learn and grow with us as these humble geniuses share some incredible stories, wisdom and laughter with us.

Description

http://www.jeffbabko.com/

Jeff Babko's resume is one that every young musician dreams of. Having strong musical instincts and influences from a young age, Jeff recognized early on that a career in music was his calling. Jeff's access to the musical world via his parents being musicians and teachers contributed greatly to his early musical development. Along with his love of music, Jeff was always drawn to comedy. Spending countless hours immersed in records and vhs tapes, he was completely unaware how his love of these two art forms would manifest themselves in his life and career path. Jeff has toured and played with an extensive and impressive lists of artists including Julio Iglesias, Cheryl Crow, Shelby Lynn, TOTO, James Taylor, Jason Mraz, Frank Ocean, Smokey Robinson, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford and many. many more. His film credits are just as extensive and continuing to grow. Jeff has been the touring musical director and accompanist for Martin Short since 2002, and also performs with Mr. Short & Steve Martin, also joined by the Grammy award winning bluegrass group Steep Canyon Rangers. Babko can be seen on Steve Martin & Martin Short's Emmy nominated and wildly popular Netflix special, released in May 2018. Babko has five solo albums out under his own name, including 2012’s critically acclaimed “Crux” for Tonequake Records, featuring Mark Isham, Tim Lefebvre and Matt Chamberlain, and his most recent vinyl release, “El Musico” (2019). His 2007 release “Mondo Trio” w/ Jeff Coffin and Vinnie Colaiuta is considered a classic "drum fusion" record. The collective supergroup "Band Of Other Brothers" with Will Lee, Dave Matthews Band's Jeff Coffin, Nir Felder and Steely Dan's Keith Carlock was a critical favorite and the band headlined the Iridium in NYC in 2017. In his spare time, Jeff keeps busy running and recording in his own studio, TudorTones, where he also records and collaborates with his wife, studio violinist Songa Lee.

What you will hear

• Jeff's early musical influences and importance of his parents parenting and support.
• Jeff's first jobs and opportunities that gave him insight into the music industry.
• Post college experiences, strategy and the hard work it took to break into the music scene in Los Angeles.
• Jeff's love of, interest in and natural knack for comedy.
• Working with Martin Short and the evolution of Jeff's career in comedy.
• The importance and fine line of keeping a childlike wonder and passion as we grow and learn.
• Advice on how to balance work and personal life. Important components including awareness, sleep, failure, mindfulness and listening.

Mentioned

Netflix Special

Steep Canyon Rangers

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