Tag Archives: gigging

Drums, NYC Music Scene (with Graham Doby) Ep044

May 2, 2019EpisodesAaron Sefchick, Autobahn Lab, band, band practice, Berklee, drummer, drums, fret buzz, Fret Buzz The Podcast, funk, George Clinton, George Mason University, gigging, gigs, Graham Doby, guitar, guitar lessons, jamming, jazz, Joe McMurray, learn guitar, mixing, music, Music podcast, music school, music talk, music teacher, New York City music, NYC Music Scene, Parliament, play guitar, podcast, recording, rock, studio, talk show, teachingFret Buzz The Podcast

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

April 11, 2019EpisodesAaron Sefchick, band, band practice, drumming, drums, ear training, fret buzz, Fret Buzz The Podcast, gigging, gigs, guitar, guitar lessons, jamming, Joe McMurray, Kairos Quintet, learn guitar, music, music talk, music teacher, play guitar, podcast, rehearsal, rock, Shaun Rodgers, talk show, teachingFret Buzz The Podcast

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

April 4, 2019EpisodesAaron Sefchick, band, band practice, drumming, drums, ear training, fret buzz, Fret Buzz The Podcast, gigging, gigs, guitar, guitar lessons, jamming, Joe McMurray, Kairos Quintet, learn guitar, music, music talk, music teacher, play guitar, podcast, rehearsal, rock, Shaun Rodgers, talk show, teachingFret Buzz The Podcast

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.

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

March 7, 2019Episodes3 piece band, Aaron Sefchick, Air Force Band, band, blues, Blues Fusion, buzz, Cale, contemporary gospel, entertainment, fret, fret buzz, Fret Buzz The Podcast, gigging, gigs, guitar, guitar gear, guitar lessons, improvisation, jamming, Jason Cale, jazz, Jazz Fusion, Joe McMurray, learn guitar, Lindsay Guitars, McMurray, Military Band, Military Music, mixing, music, music tips, play guitar, podcast, recording, rock, Sefchick, studio, talk show, vocalsFret Buzz The Podcast

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

February 28, 2019Episodes3 piece band, Aaron Sefchick, Air Force Band, band, blues, Blues Fusion, buzz, Cale, contemporary gospel, entertainment, fret, fret buzz, Fret Buzz The Podcast, gigging, gigs, guitar, guitar lessons, improvisation, jamming, Jason Cale, jazz, Jazz Fusion, Joe McMurray, learn guitar, Lindsay Guitars, McMurray, Military Band, Military Music, mixing, music, play guitar, podcast, rock, Sefchick, talk showFret Buzz The Podcast

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

Subscribe: RSS | More

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

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

February 7, 2019EpisodesAaron Sefchick, All Points West, band, band practice, Bonnaroo, concert, concerts, crowd surfing, entertainment, fest, festival, festivals, Firefly, fret buzz, Fret Buzz The Podcast, gigging, gigs, guitar, guitar lessons, improvisation, jamming, Joe McMurray, learn guitar, listening, live, live concert, live event, live music, live show, Lockn, McMurray, music, music talk, play guitar, podcast, rehearsal, rock, Sefchick, set list, talk show, tour, venueFret Buzz The Podcast

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 1 of 2 (with Guest Host, Randy Nicklas) Ep024

December 13, 2018Episodes4 string bass, 5 string bass, band, band practice, bass, bass amp, bass effects, bass guitar, bassist, broccoli samurai, fret buzz, Fret Buzz The Podcast, gigging, gigs, humor, improvisation, jam band, jam bands, jamming, music, podcast, Randy Nicklas, talk show, touringFret Buzz The Podcast

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

Test Your Metal…Part Two (with Guest Host, Taylor Nordberg) Ep014

September 25, 2018Episodesband, band practice, bass, Beavis and Butthead, black metal, black sabbath, buzz, buzzards, conversation, Death, death metal, drive, entertainment, fret, fret buzz, Fret Buzz The Podcast, gigging, gigs, guitar, humor, In Flames, Infernaeon, listening, music, podcast, Soilwork, talk show, Taylor Nordberg, The AbsenceFret Buzz The Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:19 — 41.6MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

This week, renowned metal guitarist and bassist Taylor Nordberg reunites with his Blacknote Studios mentors, Aaron and Tony, to join the Fret Buzz team as a guest host as the fearsome foursome angle their picks, lock their wrists, and perfect their Dio hand gestures to discuss all things metal. Topics include: working as a metal musician, the appeal of metal as a changing genre, how to play within various forms of metal, bringing metal music out from the underground, self-promotion, and so much more.

Small donations of chewed up picks, cracked cymbals, and after show neck braces can be made to The Fret Buzz United Metal Brotherhood and College Fund.

Let Me Drive, Man! (with Guest Host, Brian Quinn of Candlebox) Ep012

September 11, 2018Episodesband, band practice, Brian Quinn, buzz, buzzards, Candlebox, conversation, drive, entertainment, fret, fret buzz, Fret Buzz The Podcast, gigging, gigs, guitar, humor, listening, motivation, music, perseverance, podcast, Randy Rhoads, rock, talk show, Warren Haynes, Zakk WyldeFret Buzz The Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:03 — 47.0MB)

Subscribe: RSS | More

In this week’s episode, Tony’s childhood friend, Candlebox’s own, guitarist Brian Quinn, takes a guest chair and joins the guys to discuss those ever elusive ingredients for professional musical success: drive, motivation, and perseverance. Topics include: the importance of reinventing your musicianship, studying new techniques on the road, the science and art of networking, developing a business mind, and guiding your career according to “the dream”.

Today’s recording, editing, mic placements, and other amenities were generously offered by friends, family, and interested neighbors. With kind smiles, we thanked them all and said that we got it all covered.

http://brianquinnguitar.com
http://Facebook.com/brianquinngtr
Tweets by BrianQuinnGtr
Instagram: @brianquinnguitar
Youtube.com/brianquinnguitar