174 – Arjuna “RJ” Contreras: Drumming for The Reverend Horton Heat, Grooving at Fast Tempos, WDP Documenting His First Year in Nashville

Brandon Green is a biomechanics specialist, fitness educator, gym owner and drummer. Brandon’s online presence, often recognized as “Drum mechanics”, explores educational biomechanics perspective on fitness, drums and life. In this episode, Brandon talks about:    Combining his passions of fitness and drumming    Future plans for more online educational content    Seat hight the works for you and your body type    Exercises that specifically benefits drumming    Active stretching vs passive stretching    Defining post-activation potentiation (PAP) and its benefits https://www.youtube.com/@brandondrummechanics https://www.instagram.com/drummechanics

9 Nov 202358min

Jose “Pepe” Jimenez has played drums professionally since the age of 16 and is known for his versatility in different musical styles. He’s product of the Escuela Libre De Musica (Puerto Rico Performing Arts School), Musicians Institute and the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. Pepe has played with Lady Gaga, Santana, Giovanni Hidalgo, Jerry Gonzales, Mark Anthony, and The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to name a few. Recordings include Ricardo Arjona, Olga Tanon, Armando Manzanero, Elvis Crespo, Ilan Chester, and Glenn Monroig among others. Since movingh to Las Vegas in 2002, he has worked in various production shows and bands including Storm, Mamma Mia, Cirque du Soleil Zumanity, Criss Angel Believe, The Lion King, Latin Grammys, Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, Pop Evolution Orchestra and his solo project The Groove Culture.  In this episode, Pepe talks about: Getting handpicked by Lady Gaga to be part of her Vegas orchestra, and what that show entails How to make the click your friend Playing with the Raiders Band - a different kind of stadium gig The developing scene for jazz, Latin, and independent music in Vegas Instilling good technical foundation in all his students Defining his drum identity not by genre or style of playing, but his respect and love for the role

2 Nov 20231h 22min

Paul Eckberg has drummed for Owsley, Danielle Bradbery, Jana Kramer, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Whitney Duncan, Andrew Peterson, and many other Nashville-based artists. He spends most of his time recording in Nashville. In this episode, Paul talks about:    Growing up in Minneapolis MN    The realities of the music business    Human interaction, not “networking”    Skills to being a great sideman    Having a strong count-off game    Life decisions being informed by his faith

26 Okt 20231h 54min

In this episode, Mark talks about: What he finds rewarding about musical theatre  Other Vegas-specific gigs he’s done over the years Touring heavily at age 55 and staying connected to home life  Using gear that suits you as a player but also fulfills the needs of the show you’re on  Staying engaged by being detail oriented  Having your boss’s trust The virtue of contentment

19 Okt 20231h 19min

Martin Lynds is a musician and editor who tours most often with Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll boys but has stayed busy performing and/or recording with many others, including Cheap Trick’s Tom Petersson, Kevin Gordon, Marah, Bobby Bare, Rodney Crowell and Marty Stuart. In this episode, Martin talks about:    Exploring styles outside your comfort zone    Finding your people without being concerned with the hustle    His experiences living in Washington D.C.    Finding a “clubhouse” to meet other musicians and create experiences    His gig with Chuck Mead    Backline nightmares    The hidden beauty of traditional country drumming

12 Okt 20231h 41min

Danny is originally from the Boston area but has called Memphis home for the last decade, where his main gig is touring with Nicole Atkins. He has toured with John Paul Keith and John Nemeth, and is active in Memphis’s many recording studios. In this episode, Danny talks about: Being an opening act for major headliners How Memphis provides ample opportunities to record in proper studios, so Danny hasn't set up a home rig How he was able to keep gigging remotely during Covid Mentoring under Howard Grimes and his contribution to the Memphis sound His appearance on Letterman as an 11-year-old prodigy

5 Okt 20231h 4min

Brian Tichy is one of the most in demand performers today. Brian studied music at, and has a degree from, the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Brian has performed and recorded with artists: Billy Idol, Foreigner, Whitesnake, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Ozzy Osbourne, WASP, Don Felder, B'Z, Lynch Mob, Vinnie Moore, Michael Schenker, Seether, Velvet Revolver, Zakk Wylde's Pride & Glory, The Dead Daisies, Glenn Hughes, Slash's Snakepit and is also the founder of the popular celebration events, Bonzo Bash and Randy Rhoads Remembered. In this episode, Brian talks about:    Drummers that connect with the people    Touring with the Dead Daisies    Being able to adapt on sessions    Different tours/sessions and managing it all    Playing with Don Felder    Recording the album Pride and Glory w/ Zakk Wylde    Great playing over good networking    Hand and feet exercise for desks and floors only : 0

28 Sep 20231h 44min

Allison Miller is a New York-based drummer, bandleader, educator, and producer. She studied with Michael Carvin and Lenny White and went on to play with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ani DiFanco, Brandi Carlisle, and many others. She's active as an educator in many capacities including at The New School in New York, and her new album, Rivers In Our Veins is out now. In this episode, Allison talks about: Getting started with big bands in DC, and studying classical percussion in college The role that traditional bepop vocabulary plays in developing a modern jazz drumming voice The importance of experiencing jazz in a live setting Her new record and raising awareness about the role and health of America's rivers How her jazz credentials and experience led to pop opportunities Playing with Dr. Lonnie Smith

21 Sep 20231h 14min