081 – Wes Little: Backing Super Stars Like Sting, Stevie Wonder and Beyonce at Obama’s Inaugural Ball, Touring and Recording with Robben Ford, Building a Session Resume

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

David Garibaldi has became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming. As a writer and performer David has worked with such artists as Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Mickey Hart's Planet Drum, Boz Scaggs, The BBC Orchestra, Gino Vannelli, Talking Drums, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Wishful Thinking, and many others. David is once again performing and recording with the Tower of Power. David was Modern Drummer Magazine - readers Poll Winner "R&B/Funk" category six times. Five consecutive years from 1980-1985, and again in 2003. His name now permanently resides in that polls honor roll category for his lasting contributions to the percussive arts. David's first book, "Future Sounds", was rated one of the 10 greatest drum books by Modern Drummer Magazine (August 1993) In this episode, David talks about:    The importance of good overall health    The early days of recording with Tower of Power    Creating art and being yourself    Adjusting his approach over time    Getting hit by a train and the recovery    His latest book: DG’s Notebook

14 Sep 20231h 13min

This week we’re joined by Christina Albetta (Zack's wife), Liz Shadbolt (Matt's wife) and Kevin Leon, drummer for St. Paul & The Broken Bones and his wife Erin Johnson. Over the years Matt and Zack and many guests have talked about life partners and balancing relationships with our music careers, and we thought it was high time to hear from the other side of this equation about what it’s like to do life with a drummer. A long term committed relationship with a musician or any type of creative presents some unique challenges in terms of money, time, kids, trust, and so much more, and Christina, Liz and Erin offer some valuable perspective on all of it. In this episode, the couples talk about: How finances and other responsibilities in a relationship are never 50/50 Being willing to do whatever you have to do to support kids Creating your own traditions and celebrations on your own schedule How you can support your drummer without feeling obligated to come to every single gig Trusting your partner during time apart Normalizing therapy/counseling for individuals and couples

7 Sep 20231h 16min

Danny Douchette is one of the rare Nashville Tennessee natives living and working in his home town as a musician. He has been working at Fork’s Drum Closet since 2005 and currently manages the legendary drum shop. Known as a skilled metal drummer, Danny can be seen around music city performing at one of the many community supported events like “Rare Hair”, “Industrial Night” and “The Rock and Roll Residency” just to name a few.  In this episode, Danny talks about:    Local events that connect musicians with each other    Growing up with a parent who was a professional musician    The underground nature of metal    Managing Forks Drum Closet in Nashville, TN    The challenges of maintaining an original band

31 Aug 20231h 44min

Mike Dillon's decades-long career as a vibraphonist, percussionist, and drummer has included work with Ani DiFranco, Les Claypool, Stanton Moore, Rikki Lee Jones, and many others. He has also led bands in his own right, the latest of which is Punkadelick, with Brian Haas on keys and Nikki Glaspie on drums. Their new record is called Inflorescence. When not on the road, Mike splits his time between New Orleans and Kansas City. In this episode, Mike talks about: His new trio, Punkadelick with Brian Haas on kers and Nikki Glaspie on drums Finding his place at North Texas as a percussionist rather than a drumset player Committing to mastering the blues and jazz harmony in the improvisatory context The influence of Johnny Vidacovich as an improvisor How the scenes of Kansas City and New Orleans have shaped him How his wife, visual artist Peregrine Honig, has influenced his art and creative process

24 Aug 20231h 16min

Originally from South East London and currently residing in Nashville, TN, Jonathan 'Ginger' Hamilton developed his love for music growing up in church. By age fourteen was holding it down for the UK's leading worship leaders and groups. A few years later, he made his Pop music debut and has gone on to work with artists like, Jessie J, Olly Murs, Lianne La Havas, N Dubz, JLS and Westlife. Since 2017, he has been the touring drummer for Sam Smith. *** Use code: JGHDRUMS15 for 10% off at hyperice.com In this episode, Jon talks about:    Managing drumming and repetitive stress injuries    Acclimating to Nashville, TN from London    Influence of Caribbean and African music in gospel music in the UK    Bringing positivity to every situation and gig    Preparing for the gig you want    Drumming for Sam Smith    The touring rig for the 21st century    Mentorship    His clothing line, Drum and Drummer

17 Aug 20231h 7min