503 - Ben Hilzinger: Playing With Cannons and Eve 6, His New Book and New Podcast, Harnessing His ADHD For Good

Larry Aberman was handpicked to be the drummer for Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, a show specifically conceived to be featured in a 1,200 seat theatre at New York New York in Las Vegas beginning in 2003. Before that he spent time in LA and New York maintaining a busy touring and recording schedule, primarily with pianist Joe Sample. In 13 years with Zumanity, Larry has been involved in the show’s creative process, working with musical directors, composers and fellow musicians to help create and subsequently update the show. In this podcast, Larry talks about What it means to be a generous player Working with different musical directors on Zumanity, navigating his role in the show, and knowing who is boss is Networking in Las Vegas Teaching at UNLV, and how the Las Vegas scene informs the curriculum there How most auditions are designed to see how you perform under adversity The trade-off of turning down work because of his commitment to Zumanity His long-standing relationship with DW The physical demands of playing ten shows a week in Vegas vs. five shows a week with a band on the road Larry Aberman endorses DW Drums, Remo Drumheads, and Zildjian Cymbals & Drumsticks. This episode is sponsored by Sonor Drums

14 Dec 20161h 7min

Steve Smith‘s drumming, while always decidedly modern, can best be described as a style that embodies the history of U.S. music. His command of jazz, from New Orleans music, swing, bebop, avant-garde to fusion, is applied with his powerful rock drumming sensibilities and allows him to push the boundaries of all styles to new heights.  Originally from Massachusetts, Smith began studying the drums at age nine, in 1963. After high school, Smith studied music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1972-76. There he received valuable instruction from such renowned teachers as Gary Chaffee and Alan Dawson.     Smith’s professional career began in full at 19 years old and began touring and recording right away with jazz artists like violinist Jean-Luc Ponty and rocker Ronnie Montrose. In 1978, Smith was asked to join the popular rock band Journey which brought his playing to the attention of a rock audience. In 1985 Smith left Journey to pursue his original passion, jazz, and to continue his developing career as a session player.    Steve began leading his own fusion band, Vital Information while still a member of Journey. The group recorded their first album in 1983 and continue touring and recording to this day. He has also maintained an extensive touring and recording career, appearing with many jazz luminaries such as Mike Mainieri’s group Steps Ahead. Other high profile jazz touring and/or recording gigs that have filled Steve’s schedule include such artists as Ahmad Jamal, Michael Manring, Stanley Clarke, Randy Brecker, Zakir Hussain, George Brooks’ Summit and the Buddy Rich Big Band.    As a drummer, Steve has worked for, and with, the best. He is consistently pushing the boundaries of creative drumming and constantly expanding his strong musical voice at the top of the international drumming community. As an educator, Smith is both the eternal student and perpetual teacher of the drums with many books and DVD’s to his credit including his latest book/DVD combo: The Pathways of Motion.  In this podcast, Steve talks about: His touring schedule in 2016 and the variety of styles he covers Mixing yourself and creating balance on the kit Using in-ears for the first time with Journey Preparing for the Journey tour Creating a center of balance on the kit His new book “Pathways Of Motion” Defining “Drumset technique” His lessons with Freddie Gruber Learning to play the instrument in the information age His art project: The Fabric of Rhythm – stevesmithdrumart.com Steve endorses: Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Sonor Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, Puresound Snares, Sure Microphones, Cympad, Hudson Music This episode is sponsored by Sonor Drums

7 Dec 20161h 27min

Jamison Ross is doing what no drummer has ever done – drumming, singing, composing (music and lyrics), and bandleading, all from the front and center of the stage. He is the 2012 winner of the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. He won only as a drummer but at his showcase concert, he shocked the jazz world by singing as well. This set him on his current path bringing his unique concept to jazz which combines the influences of his church roots, his jazz drumming heroes, and the great voices of Soul and R&B. Jamison grew up in Jacksonville, FL, graduated from Florida State with a degree in Jazz Studies, and went on to earn a master’s degree at the University of New Orleans. He has made his home in New Orleans since. Before entering the Monk Competition, he was already busy as a sideman with Ellis Marsalis, Carmen Lundy, Marcus Roberts and many others. In this podcast, Jamison talks about: Growing up in Jacksonville and being exposed to many different art forms from an early age How the lineage of the drumset is tied to the lineage of jazz, and how funk, R&B, rock, and other styles can be traced back to jazz drumming The experience of competing in and winning The Thelonious Monk Competition His concept as a jazz artist and bandleader – bringing the blues and songwriting back to jazz The intricacies of playing drums behind vocal jazz The personal and musical factors that went into choosing his band The importance of pre-BeBop jazz and jazz drumming, and of the New Orleans drumming lineage (Baby Dodds, Idris Muhammad, Zigaboo Modeliste, Smokey Johnson, Herlin Riley, etc.) How he can lead his band from the drums in ways that other singers or instrumentalists can’t Jamison Ross endorses Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth Drumsticks This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

1 Dec 20161h 36min

Shortly after high school, Pete Parada moved to the west coast to study at the Musicians Institute (MI) where he took classes with greats like Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey, Chuck Flores and Efrain Toro. One teacher he clicked the most with happened to be Ray Luzier (drummer for Korn, David Lee Roth, Army of Anyone). They ended up being roommates for a few years and good friends. Pete’s first big break came in 1998 when he was asked to join the punk rock group Face To Face. Over the next six years, he traveled the world and recorded four studio albums, three EP’s and a live record with the band. During his tenure with Face To Face, Pete also had a four year run with Saves The Day, a highly influential band from the post-punk and hardcore scene. He spent two years juggling both group’s crazy schedules and at one point played seven shows in three days over one weekend in England. During his time with Saves the Day, Pete recorded two studio albums and an EP. After Pete’s gig with Face To Face ended, a good friend recommended that he meet with The Offspring. In an instant they clicked both musically and personally. Pete says, “My passion for music was reignited and nearly a decade later I’m still just as excited. It has been a privilege to play the biggest stages in the world with them and record with legendary producer Bob Rock on the album “Days Go By” and the #1 rock single “Coming For You.” In addition to being a multi-platinum act, Dexter, Noodles and Greg K are three of the greatest guys I’ve ever known. I’m lucky to call them friends.” Over the years, Pete also had the pleasure of working with a few of his all time favorite artists, including recording sessions with Rob Halford from Judas Priest, and Chris Shifflet from Foo Fighters, as well as tours with Devo, My Chemical Romance and Alkaline Trio. In this podcast, Pete talks about: Moving to Nashville and discovering the drumming community The difference between L.A. and Nashville Pete’s move to L.A. and his experience at M.I. Touring experiences with The Offspring Building his resume after M.I. Getting the Face To Face Juggling two road gigs Dealing with aches and pains on the road Filling in for Josh Freese (SP?) with Devo Getting the gig with The Offspring Working with producer Bob Rock in the studio Pete endorses: Tama Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vater Sticks, Remo Drumheads, Yamaha Electronics, Latin Percussion, Sontronics Microphones This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

23 Nov 20161h 32min

Vibraphonist Nick Mancini has lived in LA for a decade, and a decade in New York before that. Self-diagnosed with “musical A.D.D.,” he has constantly been involved in a huge number and a huge variety of groups. He never had any interest in being a hired gun for pop or commercial music, and has been at the forefront of creative projects on the LA jazz scene both as a leader and a sideman. Nick is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and was voted “Best Jazz Percussionist” by DRUM! Magazine in 2014. He has released nine albums as a leader and had a hand in dozens of others as a producer and sideman. He is also on the jazz faculty at two California State University campuses, Northridge and Long Beach. In this podcast, Nick talks about: His new record, “The Long Game” with Hammond B3 organist Ty Bailie and drummer Tina Raymond His college experiences, from starting out at a small community college in Schenectady, NY, to grad school the Manhattan School of Music What a collegiate music program should do for you, and what you should do for yourself Why he thinks jazz training produces the best musicians How the experience of daily life in New York informed his musical experience there, and why LA’s jazz scene suits him better than New York’s The Jennifer Keith Sextet and how playing jazz for dancers differs from playing for listeners Nick Mancini endorses Majestic Percussion and Innovative Percussion This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

16 Nov 20161h 27min

Michael Robinson is the Vice President of Marketing for KHS America. He leads the Branding, Marketing Communications, Product Management, Marketing Communications, and Creative teams at KHS America. Michael makes significant contributions to the success of KHS America in the areas of leadership and team development, and in the establishment of customer-centric marketing principles that continue to differentiate the KHS family of brands within the market. These brands include: Jupiter Wind Instruments, Mapex Drums, Sonor Drums, NFUZD Audio, Hohner Harmonicas, Hohner Accordions, Hohner Airboard, Hohner Melodicas and Recorders, Sonor Orff Instruments, H. Jimenez, Lanikai and Kohala Ukuleles, A+ Guitars and Bluegrass Instruments, Hohner Kids and Greentones (both musical toy brands), Hercules and Nomad Stands, Majestic Concert Percussion, XO Brass, and Altus and Azumi Flutes. In this podcast, Michael talks about: The roll that KHS America plays from the manufacturer to the customer? Marketing to different personality trates – “Brand Essence” The difference in Mapex and Sonor from a marketing stand point The origin and philosophy of KHS Michael’s musical and drumming background Michael’s introduction to the music industry Rising through the ranks at D’Addario from the production line to R & D to marketing. Advice for those who are interested in the music industry Responsibilities as Vice President of Marketing for KHS America This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

11 Nov 201653min

Kent Aberle has been touring and recording with Kristian Bush for two years. He attended Eastern Illinois University as a Special Education major and began playing in cover bands on the weekends. He has made his home in Atlanta since 2001. After working his way through several cover bands and retail gigs, he got the opportunity to audition for Kristian Bush and won the gig. He also gained a unique perspective on the drum business and the Atlanta drumming community during his time as part owner of the ATL Drum Collective. In this podcast, Kent talks about: How losing weight in his 20’s caused a physical and mental shift from survival mode to productive/creative mode His college experience as a non-music major, and how it differed from his music major peers The welcoming nature of the Atlanta music scene How cover bands serve as a crucial training ground, help you build trust among your colleagues, develop your “song learning muscle,” and set you up to be part of original projects How he got in with Kristian Bush, and his process for learning Kristian’s songs quickly The time he spent as part owner of The ATL Drum Collective Kent Aberle endorses Gretsch Drums, Dream Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Gibraltar Hardware, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Latin Percussion, Gator Cases, Audio-Technica, Porter and Davies, Big Fat Snare Drum, KBrakes, Gig Gear LLC, and Booty Shakers. This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums.

2 Nov 20161h 19min

Russ Whitman began playing drums at the early age of 6 years old. From then on he always knew what he wanted to do with his life. Following in his father’s footsteps, he started off playing by ear in his grandfathers church. Russ continued his musical education thru his middle and high school years consistently placing first chair in almost every all-state ensemble from concert to jazz. After high school he continued his education on the collegiate level and in the US Navy. Since then Russ was a member of Carolina Crown, Tarheel Sun, and Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps. After many years marching and instructing numerous award winning high school and collegiate drum lines Russ turned his attention back to the kit. Russ has had the honor of working with some of the finest musicians around including Steve Gatlin, The Lawrence Welk Show, The Swingtime Orchestra, Soul Power Posse, Painted Man, Eason, and with jazz group J360 where he shared the stage with Spyro Gyra, the Yellowjackets, Gato Barbieri, Kim Waters, and the late Jimmy Smith. Before his move to Nashville, Russ toured with Craig Woolard and the Journey tribute band Frontiers. Since 2010, Russ has been drumming for Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan. In this podcast, Russ talks about: Working with a Journey tribute band – Frontiers East Coast Beach Music Working for Craig Morgan Russ’s love of drum corp Teaching drum corp to the YouTube generation Using live recordings to understand groove The audition process for the Navy Not letting the drums alone define who he is Touring in Afghanistan with Craig Morgan Craig endorses: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans drumheads, Innovative Percussion This episode is sponsored by Mapex Drums

26 Okt 20161h 15min