206 – John Bryant: The Dallas Scene, Playing with Ray Charles, Teaching Drums and Production, Musical Partnership with Stewart Copeland

For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great living drummers. His contributions to iconic music, music education, and the gear that drummers use, are many. Modern Drummer magazine has inducted Weckl into their Hall of Fame (2000) and named him “one of the 25 best drummers of all time.” He’s perhaps most well known for his ongoing tenure with the Chick Corea Elektric and Akoustic Bands, as well as side man duties for Michel Camillo, Mike Stern, Oz Noy, and many others. Weckl’s solo career began in 1990 with the release of Master Plan. In 1998, Weckl realized his long-time goal of forming a world-touring band. The Dave Weckl Band released five studio records, including: Rhythm Of The Soul, Synergy, Transition, Perpetual Motion, and Multiplicity. The band also released a hot live album, LIVE (And Very Plugged In) plus a compilation of DWB and instructional videos entitled The Zone. Instructional videos have always played a big role in Weckl’s career. His original product, entitled Contemporary Drummer + 1, was one of the first play-along products ever published for drums. His Back To Basics and The Next Step releases were best-sellers in the ’90s and also continue to sell today. In 2015, Weckl formed an acoustic jazz group with longtime friend/collaborator Tom Kennedy (bass), Gary Meek (sax), and Makoto Ozone (piano/B3). The group was called The Dave Weckl Acoustic Band. To date, the band has released a CD entitled Of The Same Mind and a live DVD filmed at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. More recently, Weckl has returned to touring with the Elektric Band, Mike Stern, and Oz Noy, while completing sessions in his Los Angeles-area home studio. He has also formed an online school with comprehensive lessons, new play along products, and live footage from current tours. In this episode, Dave talks about: * The development and expansion of his online teaching school* Creating and maintaining a drumming brand (at any level)* Playing “with” Chick before actually playing with Chick, and having to find a different, “burning” time feel with the Elektric Band* Bassists: Tom Kennedy, John Pattitucci, Anthony Jackson and others* Changes in his physical approach and their connection to changes in his mental/emotional approach* His passion away from the drums – track racing – and what it has taught him about drumming and himself Dave Weckl endorses Sabian cymbals, Yamaha drums, Vic Firth, Remo heads, LP percussion, Shure mics, QSC monitors, ZOOM cameras, and Carmichael Throne top.

14 Mai 20201h 12min

Originally from Alberta, Canada, drummer Joel Stevenett spent over ten years in Nashville before his eventual move to Salt Lake City where he currently lives and works as a first call session drummer. During his years in Nashville, Joel found himself on the road with such acts as JoDee Messina, The Wilkinsons, and SHeDAISY, among others. His recording credits include the recording of Sony Playstation, X-BOX and Nintendo Wii video game soundtracks, including popular titles like Twisted Metal Head On, Dance Dance Revolution, and Disney’s Ultimate Band. Joel’s inventive and physical flair can be heard on numerous TV theme songs such as the NBA and The Today Show as well as movie soundtracks like Meet Joe Black, August Rush and Along Came Polly. In this episode, Joel talks about: * The work and attraction of Salt Lake City* Being proactive in seeking work* Film score and video game sessions* Finding common ground when networking* Reflecting on Neil Peart’s life and his influence * Preparing for a tribute to Neal Joel endorses: DW drums, Paiste Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, HUMES AND BERG, VIC FIRTH Sticks, Shure Microphones, Porter and Davies

7 Mai 20201h 22min

A native of Houston, Texas, drummer Jordan Rose has performed at festivals and venues throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Asia, and the Middle East. From 2012-2014 Jordan toured extensively with multi-Grammy award winner Joe Louis Walker. He now resides in Brooklyn, New York where he’s had opportunities to collaborate with Charlie Puth, Jeff Coffin, Nona Hendryx, Bakithi Kumalo, Louis Cato, and many others. Recently, he has toured with Theo Katzman and Corey Wong of Vulfpeck, The Blues Brothers, and Caleb Hawley. In this episode, Jordan talks about: * How his style of movement behind the kit developed* Using a lighter touch in a smaller recording space * Learning recording techniques from Aaron Sterling and Dan Bailey* Relying on touch and feeling when he couldn’t trust his hearing* Growing up in Houston, and how the music scene there shaped him* Merging generations and genres in instrumental music, and different band leadership styles between them* His first touring gig after college with blues man Joe Louis Walker, and how it helped set him on a path of roots/groove-based drumming LA Fonda Theatre. Photo: Dara Munnis. @daramunnisLA Fonda Theatre. Photo: Dara Munnis. @daramunnisLA Fonda Theatre. Photo: Dara Munnis. @daramunnis

30 Apr 20201h 6min

Louis Newman was born in London England as the son of famous rock drummer Tony Newman and moved to Nashville at a very early age of two. Louis moved back to London at age fifteen to pursue a career as a session drummer before finally settling back in Nashville in his early 20’s.   Louis is the current touring drummer for country singer Gretchen Wilson. Louis’ wife Gwen Sebastian performed on The Voice which lead to touring work with Blake Shelton and currently Miranda Lambert. Before this time, Louis performed a variety of roles from manager, to drummer.  (side note)****If you have questions about finances during this time, we recommend you get in touch with Michael Mercurio at Michael@SandAWealth.com or request contact through http://www.sandawealth.com In this episode, Louis talks about: * How he’s making the most of the covid-19 shutdown* Taking stock of years of experiences* Studio lessons from Aaron Sterling* Being the son of a famous English rock drummer, Tony Newman* Drumming for Gretchen Wilson* Band leading and drumming for his wife Gwen Sebastion Louis endorses Pearl Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Promark sticks, JH Audio and SKB Cases

23 Apr 20201h 30min

Over his multi-chapter career, Steve Hass has found success on both coasts playing with Ravi Coltrane, Richard Bona, and John Scofield, and The Manhattan Transfer among others. He has recently launched a new Patreon endeavor which combines some playing-based lessons with “behind the scenes” info from gigs he’s been on over the years. In this episode, Steve talks about * How being versatile can make it hard to find your own identity* Finding your “local flow”* The LA scene being a bit less welcoming to new voices than New York, although that’s changing* How to behave when bandleaders don’t set you up to succeed* Physical issues (pain, numbness, etc.) that are tied to set-up issues, which are sometimes tied to vanity* How finding your motion will help you find your sound* Making a couple easy choices go a long way in capturing multiple vibes on a single gig Steve Hass endorses Yamaha drums, Sabian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, and GonBops

16 Apr 20201h 16min

Kari Paavola is a freelance drummer who started his career in the club scene in Helsinki, Finland. Kari studied at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles before moving to London. After two years in London, Kari joined the band Cinerama, an international touring act, and toured across US four times as well as shorter tours of Europe and UK. In addition, he did the Womack and Womack UK tours in 2006 and 2008. In 2009 he toured with Womack and Womack again as the drummer and Musical Director. During his time in London, Kari recorded albums and demos and appears on 17 internationally available albums including a Top-40 hit in the UK when The Wedding Present song I am from further north than you entered the charts. Kari currently lives and works in his home town of Helsinki, Finland and offers a masterclass / seminar on important aspects of working as a freelance musician. ******If you have questions about finances during this time, we recommend you get in touch with Michael Mercurio at Michael@SandAWealth.com or request contact through http://www.sandawealth.com In this episode, Kari talks about: * Dealing with the Covid-19 situation* His time working in London* Living and working in Vienna, Budapest, and Stockholm* Lessons learned after losing a gig * Kari’s masterclass on freelancing * Organizing tours and bands for American artists

9 Apr 20201h 26min

Our annual chat with Nick Ruffini of Drummer’s Resource happens to coincide with pretty much the weirdest and most challenging time most of us will go through. We discuss some ways freelancers can get help, the pandemic’s implications for the future of the music industry, and what we’re all using this time to focus on. HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS: https://www.grammy.com/musicares https://www.sweetrelief.org/ https://www.usa.gov/unemployment https://cityofbostonartsandculture.submittable.com/submit/162763/boston-artist-relief-fund https://www.unitedwaynashville.org/ COVID-19 Emergency Funding and Artist Resources https://musicunitesus.bandzoogle.com/home?fbclid=IwAR2yQ57t3hm69Yw0GCbbIijA6uzlZhKdu89A5-i4zNeQm71br5TmzJNO1Ik#financial-assistance In this episode, Matt, Zack, and Nick talk about * Organizations musicians can turn to for help* Nick’s reignited passion for drumming after years of focusing on producing podcasts* Getting in touch with how you really want to sound – whatever you play, MEAN IT. * Ways drummers can set themselves apart in the remote tracking market * What we’re watching on TV

2 Apr 20201h 18min

Jimmy Paxson has toured, performed and/or recorded with Stevie Nicks, The Dixie Chicks, Alanis Morissette, Idina Menzel, Ben Harper, Ellen Harper, Charlie Musselwhite, Eikichi Yazawa, Edgar Winter, Ronnie Montrose, Stanley Clarke, Rod Stewart, Joe Sample, Randy Crawford, Robben Ford, Philip Sayce, Waddy Wachtel, Keiko Matsui, Sophie B. Hawkins, Sub.bionic, Lady Antebellum, Don Henley, Steve Vai, Sheryl Crow, Roy Gaines, Rick Derringer, Ravi Coltraine, Jerry Goodman, Dave Stewart, Mike Campbell, Johnny Rivers, A Fine Frenzy, Anna Nalick, Adam Levine, Vanessa Carlton, Lili Haydn, Annie Clark (of St. Vincent), Larkin Poe, Ladies of the Canyon, Abandon Jalopy with Brad Smith of Blind Melon, Shy Carter, Batture Boys with Tommy Malone and Ray Ganucheau, Jenni Alpert, Andra Day, Sunnie Paxson, Cagnet, Barbara Morrison, Bernard Fowler, Julian Coryell, Rachael Spector, Elizavetta, Ray-J. and Giorgia. His organ trio “The Casualties of Jazz” (with bassist Chris Golden and Matt Rohde on B3 Hammond Organ) recorded a critically acclaimed record of Black Sabbath songs performed as organ jazz called Kind of Black.  He is the son of Philadelphia Jazz musicians – Drummer Jimmy Paxson Sr. and Pianist Sunnie Paxson. In this episode, Jimmy talks about: * How the music community is dealing with the health emergency* Drumming for the Dixie Chicks* Lessons learned from Waddy Wachtel during his Stevie Nicks gig* What Jimmy learned from his parents who were pro musicians * Being creative in the studio with everything from trashcans and suitcases * Studying with Murray Spivack in L.A.* Sheet music software Aero Drums Jimmy endorses: C&C Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Earthworks, Dunnett Snares, DW Hardware and Innovative Percussion Sticks

26 Mar 20201h 50min