200 – Chris McHugh, “Best Of” Roundtable: Seth Rausch, Harry Miree, Travis McNabb & Hubert Payne

Growing up in southern Mississippi, Allen Jones spend his formative years creating his own music career through “DIY touring” and discovering his love of music and drumming. Since his move to Nashville, Tennessee he has played and/or recorded with Americana singer/songwriter Will Hoge and Lilly Hiatt, among others. In this episode, Allen talks about: * Tapping into the underground music scene even from a small town in Mississippi* “DIY Touring”* Growing your music community organically * Horror stories from the road* Moving to Nashville* Being excited about the music you’re playing * Recording the last two Will Hoge records BEIER SNARE AD INFO AND LINKS BELOW Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com Mark Beckett is the drummer featured on the “snare drum of the week” David Northrup is the 2nd drummer in the Beier ad. You can find his solo CD here. Allen endorses Sabian Cymbals and Evans Drumheads

9 Jul 20201h 57min

Otis Brown III is a Grammy-nominated jazz drummer, composer, and recording artist who is a go-to session and touring sideman. He is best-known for his work with Joe Lovano in Us Five, and Esperanza Spalding, though he has been on dozens of sessions and is as noteworthy for backing singers as he is instrumentalists. Brown III was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. His mother was a vocal music teacher and choir director, and his father a school band instructor and noted percussionist who played with Al Green and James Brown. The younger Brown III began his musical studies on alto saxophone at the age of seven under his father’s tutelage, and showed early promise. He played not only in school but in church. After moving to Newark where he attended high school, he played alto in jazz orchestra and snare drum in the marching band, both of which were directed by his dad. Brown III attended Delaware State University where he came under the tutelage and mentorship of jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd, an influence that would prove to be profound. After completing his studies at Delaware State, he earned a scholarship to New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York — his classmates included pianist Robert Glasper, saxophonist John Ellis, vocalist Bilal Oliver, and trumpeter Kenyon Harrold. In New York, Brown III studied with Larry Goldings, Lewis Nash, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Carl Allen, and others.In this episode, Otis talks about Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com In this episode, Otis talks about: * Reconnecting with some of the music that inspired him early on* Growing up the son of musicians and music educators* The accessibility of heroes in New York* His experience at The New School, and his perspective on music education* His thoughts on racial justice in the music world, and how music can and should deliver a message

2 Jul 20201h 26min

Peter Retzlaff is a New York City-based drummer. As a performer, Peter is equally at home in jazz, rock, funk, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, odd meter, and New Orleans drumming styles. Peter has played with Kenny Werner, Greg Osby, Diane Schuur, Ray Vega, Maynard Ferguson, Pete McCann, Kim Bock, Loren Stillman, The BMI Big Band, The Jamie Begian Big Band, and his own group, Steeplechase recording artists Flow.   As an educator, Peter is Director of Curriculum and a full-time instructor at The Collective School Of Music (formerly known as The Drummer’s Collective). In addition, Peter teaches at the New School in New York City.  Peter is the author of two books, Turn It Up And Lay It Down: Baby Steps To Giant Steps and Contemporary Jazz Styles For Drums.  Peter received a B.A. in Jazz and Commercial Music and a B.A. in Business Administration from Capital University. He has also received a M.M. in Jazz Studies from the Manhattan School of Music and is the recipient of three National Endowment for the Arts Grants.  Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com Featured Beier snare recording is Eddie Bayers drumming for Scotty Simpson In this episode, Peter talks about: * Why he moved from Columbus Ohio to New York City* Teaching at The Collective School Of Music* The books he published* The influence and inspiration of growing up in Columbus Ohio* The influence of diverse cultures in music* Teaching in New York in the midst of Covid-19 Peter endorses Innovative Percussion, Zildjian, Remo, and Canopus

25 Jun 20201h 35min

In this episode we have the opportunity to share the unique perspective of a group of talented black musicians who make their living in Nashville, Tennessee. They share stories of resilience and realism in an unpredictable work environment. Our guests include Keio Stroud, Derek Phillips, Jeremy Roberson, Marcus Finnie and Hubert Payne. Their respective artist gigs include Big and Rich, Chase Rice, Hank Williams Jr., Kirk Whalum, Little Big Town as well as other live and studio work that keeps these drummers busy. In this podcast, this round table discusses: * Building relationships upon the common ground of music* Being the only black person at an arena gig* Influencing the culture on and off the kit* Learning how to develop thick skin* Being mistaken as the band’s security* The influence of urban music in country music* Hands = knowledge / Ears = wisdom* Creating a support system Recommended resources: Duncan Trussell Podcast with guest Mehcad Brooks (ep 387) Drummers Resource Podcast with Host Daniel Glass – Black Sounds Matter pt 1 Drummers Resource Podcast with Host Daniel Glass – Black Sounds Matter pt 2 Black Lives Matter

18 Jun 20201h 40min

With a career spanning three decades and almost 20 albums, Charlie Hunter consistently ups his game as an innovative writer and bandleader. He has worked with the likes of Norah Jones , Mos Def, John Mayer, D’Angelo and countless others. He is widely considered the authority on the seven and eight – string guitar, and continues to stun audiences with his ability to simultaneously bust out tasty bass parts, melodic leads and swinging rhythms. Hunter has previously recorded for the venerable Blue Note label, Concord, Ropeadope, GroundUP and others. His recent independent venture is steered by his motivation to release music that most inspires him. Critics have touted his genius technique, but it’s his profound artistic sensibility that propels his original music. Hunter’s signature style of writing and performing has secured his place as one of today’s great guitarists. In this episode, Charlie talks about: * Developing his three-part playing style* The drummers he’s played with over the years, and what they have in common* The key to effective duo playing* Projects with singers Kurt Elling and Lucy Woodward, and why Derrek Phillips is the drummer for both* “The music education industrial complex” and how it is especially a disservice to drummers * Using quarantine to dismantle and reconstruct his playing and approach* How the live music industry could be reimagined from the ground up

11 Jun 20201h 18min

In the short time he’s been in Nashville Grady Saxman has gained a solid reputation in Nashville Tennessee as a Drummer, engineer and producer. From just drum tracks and demo recordings to singles, ep’s and fully produced records, Grady’s credits include many indie artists and writers to higher profile artists like Luke Combs and Uncle Kracker. In this episode, Grady talks about:  * His path to engineering and producing* The distinction between phase and polarity * Recording techniques for small rooms* The importance of mixing yourself when tracking * Playing drums on a Luke Combs single * Moving into the role of producer* The importance of being tech savvy in the modern scene * Studio etiquette

4 Jun 20201h 29min

Raised in London to Brazilian parents, and described as having the perfect mix of Brazilian passion and British sensibility, Fabio’s natural feel and broad understanding of various musical styes makes him one of London’s most versatile and in demand drummer/percussionists. In 2011 Fabio graduated with a First Class Honors Degree in Music Performance and Production from the London Centre Of Contemporary Music. In 2014 Fabio landed the job as stickman for number one selling artist George Ezra, giving him the opportunity to tour extensivley performing on some of the world’s biggest stages including Glastonbury Pyramid Stage, Madison Square Gardens, Montreux Jazz Festival, Coachella Music Festival and The Brits. Fabio has also backed George Ezra on TV shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, The Late Show with James Corden, The Graham Norton Show, Alan Carr Chatty Man and Top Of The Pops. In this episode, Fabio talks about * What he’s been working on during lockdown* Translating non-drumset sounds to the drumset* His Brazilian heritage, and growing up as part of London’s Brazilian community* The positive and constructive environment of the London Centre of Contemporary Music* How making friends and getting gigs are one and the same* The importance of a supportive partner* Ways he’s going to adjust his professional priorities and life balance moving forward  Fabio endorses Istanbul Agop Cymbals, Vic Firth, Remo, Protection Racket, Porter & Davies, and Roland.

28 Mai 20201h 16min

But every once in a while there’s an opportunity to discuss the business of creating the tools that we all love. And, the lessons that we all can take away from such a discussion. James Beier talks about his process, work flow and what motivated him to build a snare drum that fit his vision of what a snare could be for the working drummer. With confidence, I’d say he’s done that and more. In addition to building a “workhorse” durable snare, he has single handedly reintroduced the 15” snare back into the drumming world. In this episode, James talks about: * James’ personal approach to introducing his drums to people * How he started Beier drums* Detailed description of what he offers* His amazing 4×15” snare* Creating a business and a work load that works for him* The importance of listening to others “One of the few traditionally manufactured instruments left in the industry today” “Beier Drums introduces a very alternative snare drum, something that may sign the time. As we all know-13, 12 and 10 inch snare drums have established the majority type of the used snares as current alternatives to the classical 14 inch standard over the years. Now, thanks to Beier, the 15 inch snare will be a valid alternative too” “A Timeless, Traditional, Classic, Original & Unchanging Series Of Snare Drums” “The only drum company ever to specialize in Steel for snare drums, and dedicate itself to the revitalization of it in the world of drums…”

21 Mai 20201h 8min