508 - Robert Blair: Being Your Authentic Self, Subbing with Wang Chung & Martina McBride, Learning from Nashville’s Legends

Quinton Robinson moved to Atlanta from Miami in 2010, and has established himself as a busy touring and session drummer for acts including Kenny Lattimore, Avery Sunshine, Algebra Blessett, and the newly released New-York-based musical “Born For This.” Jonathan Joseph served as his primary mentor on the drums, and Q has also made himself valuable as an expert Ableton practitioner and STEM producer. In addition to many roles as drummer, Quinton is also the musical director for Anthony David. In this podcast, Q talks about: The different type of fulfillment he gets from playing in musical theatre How trust between a musical’s M.D. and drummer drives (and sometimes saves) the show. What it means to be more than your job title Navigating the culture clash that happens among people from different backgrounds on a musical The enormous potential in musicals for drumming to contribute to emotional content Honing your gift vs. honing the “vessel” that carries and delivers the gift Being a good player vs. “living in musical excellence” How being willing to do a little extra thing for free can lead to an income source Using social media to make authentic connections and create genuine community Quinton Robinson endorses Pearl drums, Vater sticks, Sabian cymbals, Humes & Berg cases, Reunion Blues gigbags, Audix microphones, Empire ears, Pighog cables, Ableton, Kickport, Drumdots, and Big Fat Snare Drum.

30 Aug 20181h 30min

Christian Matthew Cullen started his professional career as a session musician and sideman for Jim Peterik (Ides Of March, Survivor) in his Wold Stage band where he gained the opportunity to play with notable rock artists such as Alan Parsons, Don Barnes (.38 Special), Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon), Kip Winger, Joe Lynn Turner ( Deep Purple, Rainbow), Mickey Thomas (Starship), and Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger). Christian took over the keyboard chair in Night Ranger in early 2007. Joining up with original members Jack Blades and Brad Gillis, Reb Beach (Winger) and later, Joel Hoekstra (TSO, Rock Of Ages) , he toured the world supporting rock giants Journey, Styx, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Peter Frampton, Heart, Alice Cooper, Steve Miller and Eddie Money. Christian launched a sample company called Sound Famous. It’s for Apple MainStage and features iconic synth sounds from classic records like Prince’s 1999 using analog and virtual synths captured through analog gear and processed to sound exactly like the records they came from. Currently, he composes music and creates sound design for video games, animation and advertising. He has produced music for acclaimed clients such as Smirnoff, Party City, Hollywood Casino, The Kentucky Derby, Jeep, and the Florida Gators and award winning music for children’s media and toys for Tomy, Alex, Infantino, Fisher-Price, Radio Flyer, and Learning Curve.  In the episode, Christian talks about: Recording with Abe Laboriel Jr Being open to ideas in when recording  The benefits of “live tracking” Defining the difference between composing and sound design  Finding out what your truly passionate about  Transitioning from live work to sessions and “in town” work  The influence of technology in the way we work and produce  The power of a peer to peer network to create work Discovering new opportunities when you reach outside your comfort zone

23 Aug 20181h 33min

Quinton Robinson moved to Atlanta from Miami in 2010, and has established himself as a busy touring and session drummer for acts including Kenny Lattimore, Avery Sunshine, Algebra Blessett, and the newly released New-York-based musical “Born For This.” Jonathan Joseph served as his primary mentor on the drums, and Q has also made himself valuable as an expert Ableton practitioner and STEM producer. In addition to many roles as drummer, Quinton is also the musical director for Anthony David. In this podcast, Q talks about: The advent of JammCard in LA, Atlanta, and Nashville The mentorship of Jonathan Joseph and Will Kennedy Making the jump from his gospel upbringing to the broader music world The mixed reputation of the term “gospel drummer” How church drumming makes you “road ready” Why at least some Ableton literacy is almost necessary How programming can be used as an enhancement or a crutch. Quinton Robinson endorses Pearl drums, Vater sticks, Sabian cymbals, Humes & Berg cases, Reunion Blues gigbags, Audix microphones, Empire ears, Pighog cables, Ableton, Kickport, Drumdots, and Big Fat Snare Drum.

16 Aug 20181h 34min

Billy Thomas moved to Nashville from Los Angeles in 1987 and immediately began working with award winning singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Vince Gill. He has been a member of Gill’s touring band ever since and regularly sings and plays on Gill’s records. Billy is also a member of the multi Grammy nominated western swing band, The Time Jumpers.  Billy has recorded and/or toured with Patty Loveless, Emmylou Harris, Steve Wariner, Marty Stuart, Ricky Nelson, Don Williams, Earl Scruggs and Dolly Parton. During the early ‘90s, Thomas was a founding member of the MCA Records trio, McBride & The Ride. The band’s Top 10 singles included “Sacred Ground,” “Going Out Of My Mind,” “Just One Night” and “Love On The Loose, Heart On The Run.” Thomas’ songs have been recorded by McBride & The Ride, Gill, Dottie West, Little River Band, Ricochet, the Oak Ridge Boys and Andy Griggs, among others. In this episode, Billy talks about:  * The current changes Nashville is experiencing  * The important role of the drummer  * Using technique as a vehicle for achieving a great feel  * Continuing to find joy in music after many years and experiences * The importance of good health * The willingness to be part of a team * Touring and recording with Vince Gill for the better part of thirty years * The Time Jumpers * Singing and drumming Billy endorses: Ludwig Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Pro-Mark Sticks, Evans Drumheads

9 Aug 20181h 36min

Dylan Wissing has been quietly amassing a resume of A-list recording credits including Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and John Legend. He grew up in Bloomington, IN, studied with Kenny Aronoff and Shawn Pelton, and toured for 13 years with the band Johnny Socko. When the band had run its course, Dylan ended up in the New York area in 2003 and began touring and recording with a huge variety of artists. He had worked with producer Ken Lewis on Johnny Socko’s last record, and Lewis began hiring him for new projects. This relationship has been central to Dylan’s career and continues to this day. In 2008, Dylan opened Triple Colossal Studios in Hoboken, NJ where he has been a go-to for just about any drum groove or sound anyone can think of. In this podcast, Dylan talks about * The early influence of Shawn Pelton and Kenny Aronoff * The 13 years he spent on the road with Johnny Socko * Making the transition from touring to doing more session work * How studio carpentry and selling drums on Ebay put him in the drum and music world, and how he developed skills that he uses as a session drummer and studio owner * Listening to drums with your ears, not your eyes * The three pillars of his business: An arsenal of drums, a huge set of technological skills, and a lifetime of listening to and absorbing music * A few of the essential drum breaks in the hip hop lexicon * The importance of knowing how to achieve a wide variety of snare sounds * Trends in tone * “Gear with a vibe” * His marketing strategy – delegating to experts when it comes to graphic design, mixing, etc. Dylan Wissing endorses GMS Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Promark Sticks, Aquarian Drumheads, and TnR Products.

2 Aug 20181h 18min

Jake Gammon is the touring drummer for accomplished singer/songwriter Phil Vassar. When not on the road with Phil, Jake keeps a full schedule performing many shows a week on Nashville’s legendary lower Broadway music scene. Originally from Lexington Kentucky, Jake was learning the business side of music at an early age and by fourteen, he was a drummer for hire. His high school years were spent drumming for many Lexington based bands. In October 2009, Jake made the long anticipated move to Nashville to continue his pursuit of a career in music. Jake has worked for Chase Bryant, Josh Gracin, Josh Adams, Lyndsey Highlander just to name a few. In the Summer of 2011 Jake completed an 11 city tour of Japan as the drummer for “Far from Idol”, that featured former American Idol finalists. The tour was part of an effort to support our Nations men and women serving in the military abroad. In this episode, Jake talks about:  * Working with Phil Vassar * Unique experience gained from working on lower Broadway in Nashville * Recognizing the contributions of iconic Nashville drummers  * Balancing work and life * Meeting Chad Cromwell as a 12 year old kid * Spotify playlist: The Golden Age of Nashville * Playing with confidence as an asset to those who employ you * Finding inspiration in other players Jake endorses Vater Sticks

26 Juli 20181h 21min

Isabelle De Leon grew up in the Washington, DC area in a musical family. Her father instilled a love of music in all his daughters and for awhile, Isabelle and her siblings comprised the band Ivy Rose, which made an appearance on America’s Got Talent. She attended The University of Maryland where she delved into jazz for the first time, gravitating to the playing and energy of Tony Williams and his most famous protege, Cindy Blackman. Although she began her freshman year with no jazz training or knowledge whatsoever, she quickly rose through the ranks of the jazz department, and earned a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies. Her main gigs currently are with two synth-pop bands, Prinze George and Paperwhite, and with the DC-base funk/soul band Lionize. She also hosts a Sunday jam session at Pearl Street Warehouse in the popular District Wharf area of Washington. In this podcast, Isabelle talks about: * Her recent performance with an all-female drumline for “A Capitol Fourth“ * Ivy Rose’s appearance on America’s Got Talent, and the difficult criticisms that came from it * DC’s music scene, “a working musician’s city,” and its musical identity and history from punk to go-go * The central part music played in her family and Filipino culture * Being the only female in a college jazz department, and the only one with no jazz training * Finding her passion for jazz through passion for specific players * The male-derived climate that women in music must negotiate, regardless of whether or not they are explicitly victimized * Different musical circles’ attitudes towards women and competition

19 Juli 20181h 6min

Joe Crabtree played his first professional gig at 14 and was teaching by age 15. After studying Physics at Durham University (where he spent the majority of his time playing with function bands, small jazz bands and the university big band) he returned to teaching and playing in the North of England for a few years before moving to London to embark on a career as a professional musician. He played and recorded with a number of original bands before joining the David Cross (King Crimson) band in 2004. He played shows with David Cross in Japan, Italy, and the UK before leaving to join Pendragon. After a couple of European tours with Pendragon including 2 DVD releases he joined classic rock legends Wishbone Ash in 2007 and remains their drummer to the present day. His sense of rhythm and melody led to production and and co-writing credits with Elena, the David Cross Band, and Wishbone Ash. Joe co-wrote songs on Wishbone Ash’s “Elegant Stealth” and “Blue Horizon”which he also co-produced. In his down time from touring Joe created an online music school – JoeCrabtree.com, as well as an extremely versatile and useful metronome app called the PolyNome.  He has also helped to redefine how we learn and understand complex odd time signatures with a revolutionary method called the Key Counting Method.  Discounts available for WDP listeners for Joe’s website and the Key Counting Method To receive 10% off, enter the affiliate/discount code for KeyCounting.com : http://keycounting.com/workingdrummer At http://www.JoeCrabtree.com/join, you can get 20% off an annual Gold Pass, or the lifetime Platinum Pass with the coupon code WORKINGDRUMMER In this podcast, Joe talks about:  * Learning how to write code and developing the PolyNome app * Facing and overcoming your fears  * The many useful features of the PolyNome * Drumming for Wishbone Ash * Creating content that you enjoy  * The “Key Counting Method” as a tool to understanding odd time signatures * Drumming “vocabulary” as key * Cultivating other interests outside of drumming Joe endorses: Sonor Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, Zildjian Cymbals and Evans Drumheads

12 Juli 20181h 31min