Tag Archives: band

Drums, NYC Music Scene (with Graham Doby) Ep044

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:11:02 — 65.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray bring in drummer Graham Doby to discuss drums and the music scene in New York City.
Graham tells the guys about his musical journey, including playing jazz in high school and studying jazz drumming at George Mason University before moving to NYC to work as a full-time musician.  Graham remembers playing at different venues in Washington, DC while he was in music school, and Joe and Graham reminisce about ear-training classes at George Mason with Dr. Anthony Maiello.  The guys also contemplate the value of Berklee College of Music as it compares to other music programs/options.
Graham talks about the complexities of the NYC music scene: it’s competitive nature, it’s different circles of musicians (from professional jazz players to wedding bands to professional players of other genres), and it’s often low-paying or pay-to-play gigs.  Despite any difficulties, Graham loves being part of NYC’s scene.  There are great players, exciting opportunities, and cool people.
Aaron gets Graham to tell us about his experience opening for Parliament and the stories of his interactions with George Clinton.
Graham has built a recording studio in NYC to record other bands and to produce his own music.  The guys ask him to explain how he manages the noise and his neighbors in an apartment building.
Aaron, Joe, and Graham discuss how to book gigs for a self-managed tour.  Graham talks about his work with a non-profit group that provides music education for youth, senior citizens, and students with disabilities, which reminds Joe of Fret Buzz Episode 38 with Joe Hamm of El Sistema.
The guys talk about the business skills it takes to make a living playing music, from doing taxes to wearing multiple hats (teaching during the day and performing at night).  Graham answers the burning question about how NYC musicians deal with getting show equipment to their gigs considering the obvious transportation difficulties.  The answer: they often don’t have to worry about it because so many venues have house drum kits and amps.
Graham tells us about his plans for the future, including recording projects, more teaching, and staying in NYC for at least five more years.
Late Sea
https://www.lateseamusic.com/

Drums and Public School Music Teachers Part 2 of 2 (with Guest Host, Shaun Rodgers) Ep041

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:47 — 57.7MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

In the 2nd half of our interview, we continue our conversation with Shaun Rodgers.  In part 1 we talked a lot about Shauns current projects and teaching music in the Virginia public school system, and in part 2 we talk about the University of Maryland’s music department and about drum kits.  Shaun is a former colleague and bandmate of hosts Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray, playing drums in their original band, the Kairos Quintet.
Shaun graduated from the University of Maryland’s music department, and we ask him to detail his experience.  He tells us about his reasons for choosing the University of Maryland, the teachers (many of whom perform with the National Symphony), the amazing music facilities on campus, the classes, and the overall vibe of the school.
We dive into the world of drum kits.  Shaun explains his different kits, and how he chooses which one to use for each gig.  We discuss drumming techniques, choosing drum sticks, snare drums, the sounds of different drums based on the types of wood that they are made from, electric drum kits, and hand drums.
Shaun currently plays in several bands around Northern Virginia including:
–  Broken Ground Band: a 1990s/early 2000s cover band (www.brokengroundband.com)
–  Half Pint Harry: a band featuring tiny instruments (www.halfpintharry.com)
–  FarAway: an acoustic duo (plus drums) (www.farawaysongs.com)

Drums and Public School Music Teachers Part 1 of 2 (with Guest Host, Shaun Rodgers) Ep040

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:06 — 44.2MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Shaun Rodgers joins the show to talk about drumming, teaching music in the Virginia public school system, and the University of Maryland’s music department.  Shaun is a former colleague and bandmate of hosts Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray, playing drums in their original band, the Kairos Quintet.  The guys reminisce on the collaborative writing approach and overall professionalism of that band.
Shaun tells us about the different bands that he is currently playing in around Northern Virginia including:
–  Broken Ground Band: a 1990s/early 2000s cover band (www.brokengroundband.com)
–  Half Pint Harry: a band featuring tiny instruments (www.halfpintharry.com)
–  FarAway: an acoustic duo (plus drums) (www.farawaysongs.com)
Shaun tells us about life as a general music teacher in the Virginia public school system.  He teaches Kindergarten through 6th grade and although it can sometimes be exhausting, Shaun points to the beauty of having a full-time salaried position in the musical realm.  We discuss why he is choosing to teach younger kids versus older kids (no after school programs!), semester planning, “Standards of Learning” (SOL), teaching young kids how to “school,”  teaching recorder in public schools, and the usefulness of the piano and guitar for teaching.
We then talk about melodic drumming, a topic that we have discussed in the past with Joe Hamm of El Sistema in Episode 038.  Shaun, who has an incredible ear, tells us about his past ear training and how it helps him to sing harmonies.  We also talk about the importance of designated listening for ourselves and our students.

Drums and Music for the Under-Resourced (with Joe Hamm of El Sistema) Ep038

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:10:43 — 48.8MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Drummer and music educator, Joe Hamm, joins the conversation as we learn about the El Sistema philosophy of providing music programs to under-resourced kids, the social value of music, the role of the drums within the context of a band, and touring.

Joe Hamm gives us his musical and educational background, and we talk about melodic drumming, ear training, and the deprivation of sounds and colors.
The philosophy of El Sistema was created in Venezuela in 1975.  It focused on the idea that an orchestra is a community and thus models the larger society.  Organizations that adhere to the El Sistema philosophy provide under-resourced students with consistent access to intensive music education.  Joe Hamm tells us about his program, Soundscapes, with which he and ~9 other teachers work with students in Newport News, Virginia.
We talk about Joe Hamm’s former rock band, Chasing Arrows, their tour schedule, and the impact of the financial crash of 2008 on the music industry.
More information about Joe Hamm can be found at https://www.joehamm.com/
More information about El Sistema can be found at https://elsistemausa.org/
More information about Soundscapes can be found at https://soundscapes.org/

Gigging, Military Bands Part 2 of 2 (with Guest Host, Jason Cale) Ep036

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:23 — 52.2MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

We dig into the experiences of Jason Cale, an incredible guitarist out of Southeastern Virginia. Jason gives us insight into playing in military bands, cultivating an original sound and leading a professional band. With formal training in classical and jazz music, Jason is very influenced by blues and fusion guitarists like Allen Holdsworth, Greg Howe, Ritchie Kotzen, Robben Ford, Jimmy Herring, Frank Gambale, Eric Gales, and Joe Bonamassa. He is also keen on blending blues, funk, and gospel into his music.

The guys discuss gigging bands, the impact of horn and piano players, professional rehearsals, and how to play to audiences.

Jason tells us about his career as a military musician primarily with the United States Air Force, including performances in the Middle East for the US troops, backing up John Popper of Blues Traveler, performing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

We can’t help but to talk about gear. Jason tells us about his rig, complete with details about his Fender tube amps, analog pedals, and multiple guitars.

Aside from Jason’s guitar playing, we talk about singing, production and studio work.

Check out Jason and his band, the Jason Cale Band, at www.jasoncalemusic.com

Gigging, Military Bands Part 1 of 2 (with Guest Host, Jason Cale) Ep035

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:19 — 54.4MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

We dig into the experiences of Jason Cale, an incredible guitarist out of Southeastern Virginia. Jason gives us insight into playing in military bands, cultivating an original sound and leading a professional band. With formal training in classical and jazz music, Jason is very influenced by blues and fusion guitarists like Allen Holdsworth, Greg Howe, Ritchie Kotzen, Robben Ford, Jimmy Herring, Frank Gambale, Eric Gales, and Joe Bonamassa. He is also keen on blending blues, funk, and gospel into his music.

The guys discuss gigging bands, the impact of horn and piano players, professional rehearsals, and how to play to audiences.

Jason tells us about his career as a military musician primarily with the United States Air Force, including performances in the Middle East for the US troops, backing up John Popper of Blues Traveler, performing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

We can’t help but to talk about gear. Jason tells us about his rig, complete with details about his Fender tube amps, analog pedals, and multiple guitars.

Aside from Jason’s guitar playing, we talk about singing, production and studio work.

Check out Jason and his band, the Jason Cale Band, at www.jasoncalemusic.com

Concerts and Music Festivals Ep032

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:38 — 50.1MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Aaron and Joe delve deep into their memory banks as they share tales from the many concerts and music festivals they have experienced. As a musician it is incredibly important that you attend live shows: it fuels your passion for making your own music, it helps you learn how to build set-lists to hold an audience, it’s FUN, and so much more.

The guys talk about seeing bands like Rush, Big Something, Dave Matthews, Tom Petty, the Black Crowes, Metallica, Megadeath, Blink 182, Tedeschi Trucks, Pat Metheny, the Yellowjackets, Tito Puente, Mark Whitfield, Mike Stern, Bon Jovi, Jeff Healey, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hootie & The Blowfish, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Phish, Umphrey’s McGee, Jack White, Kanye West, Elton John, the Black Keys, Joe Bonamassa, Paul McCartney, Tori Amos, Iced Tea, Snoop Dog, Weezer, Stevie Nicks, Tool, Meshuggah, Yes, Gov’t Mule, Prince, Danzig, Suicidal Tendencies, Flaming Lips, Skrillix, John Butler Trio, Green Sky Bluegrass, Ween, Sublime, Incubus, Cake, and many more!!

When you see a live show you should keep in mind that the venue is going to dictate your experience. Often smaller venues provide a more intimate experience with the chance to really interact with the performers. Large arena concerts can be fun, but often the experience is dependent on your seats (pit vs. lawn, etc.) and the people you went with. The guys talk about specific venues from jazz clubs to warehouses to theaters to arenas.

Aaron talks about his experience at the Milwaukee Metal Fest. Joe talks about the differences between the music festivals he has attended, from Bonnaroo, Firefly, Lockn, All Points West, and many local festivals. Different vibes, different lineups, different camping situations, different experiences.

With so many different live music options available to us, there is no excuse to not get out there and see a show! Support your local musicians, experience a new genre of music, try camping out at a festival, or crowd surf for the first time (make sure your phone is in a secure pocket).

Bass Guitar and Jam Bands Part 2 of 2 (with Guest Host, Randy Nicklas) Ep025

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:10 — 48.0MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Today on Fret Buzz Aaron and Joe continue their conversation with Randy Nicklas, a touring bassist and music teacher. The guys talk about how to approach writing a bass line, the importance of being aware of the drums, different teaching styles and ways to approach your instrument, feeling the music beneath your fingers, bassbandicootmusic, the out of body experience you get with performance, and music therapy.

 

bassbandicootmusic

Bass Guitar and Jam Bands Part 1 of 2 (with Guest Host, Randy Nicklas) Ep024

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:40 — 32.3MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

Today on Fret Buzz Aaron and Joe feature the awesome Randy Nicklas, a touring bassist and music teacher. The guys discuss Randy’s musical journey along with stories from the road from his time touring with Broccoli Samurai. During this time Broccoli Samurai had the opportunity to open for popular jam bands like Umphrey’s McGee and Pidgeons Playing Ping Pong.

The guys discuss whether you should play a 4-string or a 5-string bass guitar as well as different bass amps and effects pedals. They explore the role of the bass guitar within the context of a band, approaches to chord progressions when playing the bass, and a ton of great music, especially jam bands.

@bassbandicootmusic

Watch Your Tone of Voice (with Guest Host, Brent Barker) Ep017

Episodes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:32 — 41.8MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

This week, guitar virtuoso Brent Barker joins the Buzzards as a guest host to discuss how to develop and maintain an original voice, sound, and style in the face of an ever changing music industry.

Topics include: staying true to your sound and artistry, adapting to shifting trends in modern music, reinvention of playing style, learning new ways to express traditional techniques, the future of instrumental guitar music, and so much more.