Tag Archives: improvisation

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



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



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



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



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



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


And all that Jazz Ep018



Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray discuss the influences that jazz has had on their lives. They talk about the jazz guitarists (and other instrumentalists) that originally made them excited to listen to and/or play jazz, including Kenny Burrell, Pat Metheny, Grant Green, and many more. Whether you are interested in playing jazz or just listening to inspiring music, this ever-evolving genre has many different flavors to discover.


Down at The Crossroads Ep015



This week, Aaron and Joe share their stories of reinvention following relocation to various cities and work experiences. They discuss the intersection of their own musical journeys, perspectives on academic music training, developing a foundation in ear training, and their evolving definitions of musical success.

Today’s episode is dedicated to cough drop companies around the world, as Tony seeks an endorsement to combat his severe laryngitis.


Let’s Band Together Ep008



In this episode, Aaron, Joe, and Tony deliver their hard-earned insights into that crown jewel of musicianship: the band. They dig into best and worst band experiences, effective collaboration, proper preparation of material, best “etiquette”, and so much more. All comments in this episode were voted on and approved in a democratic manner by a committee of serious and dedicated rockers at Fret Buzz Headquarters.


It’s a Musical Life Ep007



This week, the guys share their thoughts on establishing and maintaining a musical lifestyle in a modern world. Topics include: balancing home, work, and performance schedules, balancing family and musical projects, redefining the concept of the modern musician, changing public perception of the working musician, and much more.