Discussions in Percussion
355 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 65 ratingsA podcast hosted by Damon Grant and Marcos Torres, two NYC based percussionists interviewing other musicians who have the view from behind. Guests will be mostly other percussion players and anyone else who hits, scratches, and shakes things for a living.
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Episodes
#103 Iain Moyer: Arranger/Educator, The Boston Crusaders and Widener University!
December 19, 2018 07:25 - 1 hour - 67.8 MBDamon and Marcos interview Iain Moyer and talk about his balancing act of writing, teaching, playing and family. They talk about skills he learned and experiences and other adventures along the way. There's also a birthday shoutout to Marcos, gig alerts, gift ideas/product reviews, an iconic recording, and music news.
#102 Rónán Ó Snodaigh-Bodhrán Master and founding member of the band Kíla!
December 12, 2018 03:05 - 1 hour - 81.9 MBDamon interviews Rónán Ó Snodaigh the bodhrán master in Dublin and they talk about his background, the bodhrán, as well as lots of other fun tidbits. Marcos joins and they talk about more ideas for holiday shopping, an iconic recording, picking out a bodhrán and a tipper, Grammy nominations, music news and more!
#101 Iúri Oliveira: Portuguese Percussionist for Sara Alhinho and More!
December 05, 2018 05:06 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBDamon interviews Iúri Oliveira and they talk about how percussion in Europe is different then the western part of the world. There's talk on how he transitioned from playing music part time to making it a full time job. Iúri talks about his educational path and more. Marcos joins and they talk about gig alerts, educational spotlights, product reviews, listener letters, an iconic recording and music news.
#100 Pete Lockett: Percussionist for Jeff Beck, Björk, Various Film Scores and More!
November 28, 2018 17:46 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBWe somehow made it to episode 100. Damon interviews Pete Lockett at the legendary Jazz Cafe. They talk about his upbringing, expanding his percussion palatte, the app he created and much more. Marcos joins and there's an iconic recording, product reviews, music news and some other tomfoolery.
#99 Nate Wood: Multi-instrumentalist for Kneebody, fOUR, Donny McCaslin, Wayne Krantz, and More!
November 20, 2018 17:07 - 1 hour - 62.6 MBDamon talks to Nate Wood about his fOUR project, the band Kneebody, even his mixing and mastering of records among lots of other things. There's also an educational spotlight, product review, musical playlist, music news and more!
#98 Ed Choi: Principal Percussionist for the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra!
November 14, 2018 10:20 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBDamon and Marcos interview Ed Choi over several time zones in three different countries. They talk about his upbringing in Canada and the USA, with his start in drum corps and education from some of the greatest educators ever. The talk about some of the mysteries of how to pursue being a classically trained orchestral musician as well as some of the other jobs available in that realm. There's also an iconic recording, an educational spotlight and some music news.
#97 Andy Smith: Multi Percussionist, Drummer for the Batuque Trio & Faculty at UTEP
November 06, 2018 18:37 - 1 hour - 75.4 MBDamon interviews Andy Smith and they talk about his upbringing in CT, attending Berklee to Umass to Nashville and eventually to Texas with all the adventures he has along the way. Marcos Joins and there's an iconic recording, product reviews, music news and more!
#96 Nick Angelis: Rudimental Snare Drum Champion, Blast! Faculty at the University of Cincinnati & More!
October 31, 2018 04:05 - 1 hour - 106 MBDamon talks to Nick Angelis about starting drums at age 5, playing in drum corps, learning from the masters of rudimental drumming, Blast! going to Umass Amherst, Brass Theater, getting a masters degree, teaching at the University of Cincinnati and more! Marcos joins to talk about various gig alerts, new songs out, social soundbytes, product reviews, and iconic recording and music news.
#95 Chris Robley: Singer/Songwriter, Blogger, Podcaster & Music Industry Professional!
October 24, 2018 02:15 - 1 hour - 83 MBDamon and Marcos interview Chris Robley of CD Baby and he answers questions from listeners about understanding streaming, royalties, monetization, sync licensing and so much more! They dig into some of the new ways the business of music is being conducted in this new era. There's also festival alerts, educational spotlight, and iconic recording and music news!
#94 Taku Hirano: Percussionist for Fleetwood Mac, Bette Midler, Whitney Houston and More!
October 17, 2018 04:54 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBDamon and Marcos talk with Taku Hirano while he's on tour with Fleetwood Mac. They talk about his upbringing in California and start with classical percussion, then going to Berklee, and expanding his horizon with learning percussion from Cuba/the Caribbean, the Middle East, Japan and more. He's one of the most in demand percussionists on the scene today, and he talks about what goes into making that happen as well as other fun tidbits. There's also some gear talk, music news, festival alert...
#93 Jessie Caraballo: Timbalero and Drummer for Marc Anthony!
October 10, 2018 00:49 - 1 hour - 83.4 MBDamon and Marcos talk to Jessie Caraballo about growing up in New England then moving to Florida. They talk about starting on drums, moving to timbales and then combining the two and so much more! There's also an iconic recording, festival alerts and educational spotlight and music news!
#92 Carter McLean: Drummer for the Lion King, Charlie Hunter and More!
October 03, 2018 07:48 - 1 hour - 67.7 MBDamon and Marcos talk to Carter about his new book, the Four Hands Drumming website, why he quit drumming and the comeback. There's some gear talk and much more! There's some new albums out, festival alerts, an iconic recording and RIP to Jerry Gonzalez, along with music news.
#91 Nate Werth: Percussionist for Ghost Note, Snarky Puppy and More!
September 26, 2018 06:24 - 1 hour - 81.3 MBDamon chops it up with Nate and they talk about Indiana to North Texas. His brother Nick, and the move to NYC. They talk about winning Grammys, the album Snarky Puppy just finished recording as well as the upcoming Ghost Note tour (and new album). Nate drops a lot of wisdom on various topics. Marcos joins to talk about an iconic recording, product reviews, gig alerts, a couple of educational spotlights, music news and more!
#90 Josh Dion: Drummer and Multi-Instrumentalist for Paris Monster
September 19, 2018 02:51 - 1 hour - 70.7 MBDamon interviews Josh Dion and talks about his upbringing as well as how he started playing drums and then learning that he could sing as well. They talk about how Paris Monster was formed and the details on how that band works and more. Marcos joins Damon to talk about an iconic recording, educational spotlight, social soundbyte, music news and much more!
#89 Umass Amherst Roundtable: Thom Hannum, Colin McNutt & Ian Hale
September 12, 2018 06:05 - 1 hour - 85.2 MBDamon sits down with Thom Hannum, Colin McNutt & Ian Hale at Umass Amherst. They talk about what goes into creating a great program, and keeping it consistent from year to year as well as other fun tidbits (Some selected info was redacted to protect the innocent). Marcos joins Damon to talk product reviews, an iconic recording, gig alerts, music news and other segments.
#88 Doug Hinrichs: Broadway Percussionist, Inventor of One Handed Triangle
September 05, 2018 05:53 - 1 hour - 80.3 MBDamon interviews Doug and talks about his beginnings, what he's up to now and the adventures in between. He talks about playing on Broadway, inventing the one handed triangle for LP, beating cancer and more! Marcos joins Damon to talk about upcoming gig alerts, product reviews, an iconic recording, music news and more!
#87 Walfredo De Los Reyes Sr.: Cuban Master Percussionist
August 29, 2018 06:03 - 1 hour - 74.7 MBIt's Damon's Birthday and he loses his voice. Marcos interviews Walfredo Sr. and is taken on a history of historic events in his musical life. There's also some music news, gig alerts, & a recap of recent events that Damon joins Marcos for.
#86 Jon Epcar: Drummer for Mean Girls, Carney, Spiderman on Broadway and More!
August 22, 2018 16:51 - 1 hour - 97 MBDamon interviews Jon Epcar and talks about drumming on Broadway, as well as touring bands. Moving from L.A. to NYC and more. There's also an iconic recording, social soundbyte, music news and more!
#85 Paulo Stagnaro: Conga Chops/Ryan Gruss: The Loop Loft
August 15, 2018 10:30 - 1 hour - 153 MBDamon and Marcos talk to Paulo about the new educational lesson site, Conga Chops (dot com) and what the site offers and how you can use it to become a better player. Then Damon talks to Ryan Gruss, founder of the Loop Loft, about the new acquisition of his company by Native Instruments, as well as what is to come. There's also an educational spotlight, an iconic recording, product reviews and music news!
#84 Jim Ancona: Percussionist, Educator, Writer and More!
August 08, 2018 07:31 - 1 hour - 93 MBDamon interviews Jim Ancona, band director at the University of Delaware. Percussion arranger for groups like Star of Indiana (1993), Crossmen (1998), Blast!, Carolina Crown and so many more. They talk about his upbringing and tutelage, tips for writing and being a well rounded percussionist. Marcos joins to talk about and educational spotlight (new conga chops lessons), product reviews, an iconic recording picked by Charlie Hunter, music news and more!
#83 Ian Hale: Percussionist & Educator for Calgary Stampede, Spirit of America & More!
August 01, 2018 06:29 - 1 hour - 94.6 MBDamon gets to interview Ian Hale who is not only a great percussionist, but also a phenomenal educator with programs like the Calgary Stampede, Spirit of America, Carolina Crown, The Boston Crusaders and so many more groups. Marcos joins to talk about a product review, an iconic recording, music news and more!
#82 Gerald Myles-Elite Educator, Drummer & Percussionist for Disney, Cirque & The Army Volunteers
July 25, 2018 04:25 - 2 hours - 135 MBDamon and Marcos get to sit down with Gerald Myles and talk a lot about education. From setting up your own teaching studio, to tips and suggestions to have a full studio, teach when you want and choose the gigs that you want to play. This interview is jam packed with info. Also, there are product reviews, an educational spotlight, music news and more!
#81 Dani Markham-Percussionist for Childish Gambino, Tune-Yards and More!
July 18, 2018 04:46 - 1 hour - 77.3 MBDamon sits down in Brooklyn with Dani Markham and talks about the Louisville Leopards, TuneYards and Childish Gambino among other things. Damon and Marcos also talk music news, an educational spotlight, an iconic recording, #newbeattuesday and more!
#80 Negah Santos: Percussionist for Jon Batiste & Stay Human and More!
July 11, 2018 02:13 - 1 hour - 76.7 MBDamon talks with Negah Santos about her upbringing in Sao Paulo, move to NYC, how she got the gig on the Stephen Colbert show and more. Damon and Marcos have Jeremy Bosch hang out with them and pick the iconic recording. There's also educational spotlights, festival alerts , shoutout to Sir Ringo Starr on for his 78th bday, and music news!
#79 Pablo "Chino" Nuñez: Multiple Grammy/Latin Grammy Winner, Percussionist, Producer & More!
July 04, 2018 02:13 - 2 hours - 130 MBDamon and Marcos talk with Pablo "Chino" Nuñez about his upbringing, studying with and performing alongside the greats of Afro-Latin music as well as some of the struggles he worked through before joining the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. In addition to the interview, there are some cool product reviews, listener letters, an educational spotlight and music news!
#78 Jamey Haddad: Percussionist for Paul Simon, Faculty at Oberlin Conservatory and More!
June 27, 2018 02:33 - 2 hours - 142 MBDamon and Marcos catch up with Jamey while he's on the road with Paul Simon. They talk about that particular gig, and how he got it as well as attending and then teaching at Berklee and then making the switch to Oberlin. They talk about some spirituality as well as the group Jamey leads. There's a product review, an iconic recording, and RIP segment to Vinnie Paul music news and more.
#77 Aaron Draper & Devin Webster: Eminem's Powerhouse Percussion Section!
June 20, 2018 02:37 - 1 hour - 75.4 MBDamon gets to spend some time with Aaron Draper and Devin Webster in their hotel before headlining the Governor's Ball in NYC. They talk tips that you may not think about to succeed in the music business that don't necessarily have to do with playing. Important information is shared and other fun tidbits are talked about. Marcos and Damon also talk about an iconic recording, some product reviews, educational spotlight and music news.
#76 Keita Ogawa: Percussionist for Charlie Hunter, Snarky Puppy, Banda Magda and More!
June 13, 2018 02:34 - 1 hour - 95.2 MBDamon and Marcos travel to Brooklyn to interview Keita Ogawa. They talk about him playing with Snarky Puppy and Banda Magda as well as the coordination of all the percussionists involved with those groups They also talk about playing with the 7 string guitar prodigy Charlie Hunter, as well as what it was like to travel from Japan to Boston to study music. They also talk about his collection of gear and how he continues to accumulate more instruments and ideas to develop his sound. There's al...
#75 Kahlil Cummings: Percussionist for Kamasi Washington, Capoeirista and More!
June 06, 2018 07:13 - 1 hour - 78.7 MBDamon and Marcos talk to percussionist and capoeirista Kahlil Cummings. Born and raised in L.A, but having traveled the world, Kahlil started getting stamps in his passport in middle school. They talk about his upbringing, being mentored by Mamady Keita, and even working with the likes of Pharrell and Kendrick Lamar. There's also an iconic recording, product review, educational spotlight and music news.
#74 Memorial Day Mailbag: We Answer Your Questions on this Holiday!
May 30, 2018 06:31 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBOn this holiday weekend, Damon and Marcos open up the mailbag again and answer a bunch of questions that have been written in to the podcast. They also try to set you up for your career with a book list, gig tips, summer festivals (and how to track them down) as well as an iconic recording, product review, educational spotlight and music news!
#73 Henry Cole: Grammy Award Winning Drummer, Sideman, Bandleader, Educator & More!
May 23, 2018 05:07 - 1 hour - 96.1 MBDamon and Marcos interview Henry Cole. Grammy award winning drummer, who has been a sideman to the greats of jazz as well as a band leader of his own projects. He has taught at Manhattan School of music, The New School and given tons of masterclasses and clinics. They talk of his upbringing in Puerto Rico, move to NYC and much more. There's an iconic recording, RIP segment, product reviews, educational spotlight, music news and more!
#72 Bill Bachman: Rudimental Great, Educator, Author & Inventor!
May 16, 2018 04:57 - 1 hour - 79 MBDamon and Marcos talk with Bill Bachman and talk about his upbringing, history through drum corps, and how he excelled at his craft. They also talk about how he filled the void with the need for products and educational books among other things. There's an educational spotlight, product reviews, music news, mail time and gig alerts.
#71 DNP Round Table- Feat Camilo Molina, Marcos Lopez, Gabo Lugo & Javier Raez
May 09, 2018 06:54 - 1 hour - 93.7 MBDamon and Marcos sit down with Camilo Molina, Marcos Lopez, Gabo Lugo & Javier Raez. They talk about the future of percussion, the power of artistry, camaraderie vs competition and so much more. There's also product reviews, and and RIP to Roy Burns and John "Jabo" Starks. Having fun late night in the Boogie Down Bronx with the homies!
#70 Papo Pepin: Percussionist for Roberto Roena, Willie Rosario and Countless Others!
May 02, 2018 04:53 - 2 hours - 120 MBDamon and Marcos travel to the Bronx to interview Papo Pepin. He can be described as "Your favorite conga player's conga player". There isn't enough space to list all the salsa and Afro-Cuban musicians that Papo has played with. Also, a product review, educational spotlight and music news.
#69 "Gabo" Lugo: Percussionist, Producer & Audio Engineer!
April 25, 2018 01:13 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBDamon and Marcos talk to "Gabo" about his upbringing in Puerto Rico studying with Paoli Mejias (among others). They talk about how being around a recording studio with his mom influenced his knowledge of and passion for electronics, as well as, incorporating those sounds into his percussion playing. The episode gets into some deep topics and also includes an iconic recording, product review, music news and more!
#68 Jeff Queen: Rudimental Snare Drum Champion, Founding Cast Member of Blast! & Faculty at Butler University
April 18, 2018 04:27 - 1 hour - 71.6 MBDamon and Marcos interview Jeff Queen and talk to him about his international upbringing, the many drum corps he performed in as well as the hall of fame instructors he's learned from. They talk about how he helped create the Emmy and Tony winning show Blast! and what it was like performing on Broadway during 9/11. Jeff talks about his work/life balance and more! There's also an educational spotlight and music news.
#67 Anthony Almonte: Percussionist for Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul, Grupo Arcano & More!
April 11, 2018 04:29 - 1 hour - 88.9 MBDamon and Marcos interview percussionist Anthony Almonte. They talk about his upbringing in the Bronx, how Dave Valentin encouraged him to sing as well as play percussion as well as his possible baseball career among other adventures, like touring with Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. There's also gig alerts, an educational spotlight, a social soundbyte, music news and a product review.
#66 Dr. Andy Bliss: Artistic Director of Nief-Norf & Faculty at The University of Tennessee
April 04, 2018 05:04 - 1 hour - 84.8 MBDamon and Marcos interview Dr. Andy Bliss who is not only a percussionist and conductor, but also head of percussion faculty at the University of Tennessee. He talks about what Neif Norf is as well as some of the ways he educates his students. They talk about the balance between a career as a percussionist and having a family. They get into some tech talk about apps and tools to help your career and the additional segments are an iconic recording, product review and music news.
#65 Nate Morton: Drummer for NBC's "The Voice" and More!
March 27, 2018 19:52 - 2 hours - 112 MBDamon and Marcos interview Nate Morton and talk about how he got the gig as the house drummer for "The Voice", what is required for that gig and other adventures he has had. He also talks about balancing his family life with a busy career. There's also an iconic recording, product review and music news.
#64 Mel Brown: Author of "From Zero to Sideman" & Grammy Award Winning Bassist
March 21, 2018 14:36 - 1 hour - 109 MBDamon and Marcos interview Mel Brown and talk about his book, "From Zero to Sideman (in Five Steps)" and how you can effectively get the gig and keep the gig. He explores the business side of music as well as how he navigated his career. There's also an iconic recording and music news.
#63 Chris Lamb: Principal Percussionist for the NY Philharmonic & Head of Percussion at Manhattan School of Music
March 14, 2018 06:09 - 1 hour - 87.6 MBDamon interviews Chris Lamb, the principal percussionist for the NY Philharmonic as well as the head of the percussion department of the Manhattan School of Music. They talk about his many adventures in his upbringing and career thus far. Damon and Marcos also talk about gig alerts, an educational spotlight, new product review, music news and a birthday shoutout to Roy Haynes!
#62 Eric Velez: Percussionist for Marc Anthony and several others!
March 07, 2018 02:28 - 1 hour - 85.2 MBDamon and Marcos interview Eric Velez and talk about his many adventures he has had as well as his upbringing and where he is today touring with Marc Anthony. There is also talk about the Oscars, an Iconic recording, music news and more!
#61 Justin Thomas: Vibraphonist for Capital Cities, Ludracris and More!
February 28, 2018 02:45 - 1 hour - 76.5 MBDamon interviews Justin Thomas in Los Angeles and they talk about his upbringing in the Baltimore area, transition to Chicago before moving to L.A. There's also the conversation about breaking genre barriers and so much more. Damon and Marcos also talk about iconic recordings, an educational spotlight, gig alerts and music news.
#60 Mona Tavakoli: Percussionist for Jason Mraz, Raining Jane and More!
February 21, 2018 04:58 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBDamon interviews Mona in Los Angeles and talks to her about playing with Raining Jane, as well as Jason Mraz. They talk about her new signature cajon with LP, the educational programs she leads as well as musical adventures in her upbringing and tutelage (as well as teamwork). Damon and Marcos also talk about upcoming festivals and educational programs, job openings, the Black Panther soundtrack, Fergie's version of the National Anthem, an iconic recording and music news.
#59 "Doc" Gibbs: Percussionist for Grover Washington Jr., Emeril, Al Jarreau & More!
February 14, 2018 04:11 - 1 hour - 88.2 MBThis episode features Leonard "Doc" Gibbs and talks about his upbringing in Philly, move to L.A., battle beating cancer, his healing foundation and many adventures through his long career. This episode also features an Africa recap with Weedie Braimah after returning from his retreat, music news, upcoming festivals, and some tips on taxes, musical insurance, a way to continue to help the island of Puerto Rico and more!
#58 Leigh Howard Stevens: Marimba Virtuoso & CEO of the Malletech Corporation
February 07, 2018 05:12 - 1 hour - 104 MBDamon interviews the marimba master (and living legend) Leigh Howard Stevens and talk not only about his upbringing and adventures in growing up, but also how he acquired the Malletech brand (Mallets, Marimbas, Vibraphones and more) which also encompasses resonator records, Studio 4 Music, Keyboard Percussion Publications and more. Damon and Marcos also have a special RIP tribute to Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, a Grammy and Superbowl (music) recap, Educational spotlight, gig shoutout, product revi...
#57 Tony Miceli & David Friedman: Master Vibraphone Players
January 31, 2018 03:32 - 1 hour - 87.8 MBDamon sits down with both Tony Miceli and David Friedman and talks about both of their upbringings, their careers, as well as how to get started improvising (or even creative ways to further your skills). There's a NAMM recap, some product reviews, a bit of a Grammy recap and music news along with an educational spotlight.
#56 Roland Dénes: Timpanist of the Budapest Festival Orchestra
January 24, 2018 06:45 - 1 hour - 272 MBDamon sits down with Roland and they talk about his upbringing, his approach to timpani playing and some of the gear he uses. He talks about his teachers, some of the tricks he uses in playing the music even some of the ways the orchestra keeps their repertoire interesting for the audience. There is a recap of Marcos' trip to Cuba, a teaser about Damon's trip to L.A., a Grammy teaser, and educational spotlight, two iconic recordings, a tribute to Hugh Masekela and music news.
#55 Renato Thoms: Percussionist for Gato Barbieri, Hilton Ruiz, Sol Y Canto and More!
January 17, 2018 06:39 - 2 hours - 104 MBDamon and Marcos interview Panamanian percussionist Renato Thoms. They talk about his upbringing in Panama and Costa Rica before his move to Boston, then NYC. They talk about the various tours and the artists he's worked with and so much more. There's also an iconic recording, an educational spotlight and music news.
#54 Kristen Gleeson-Prata: Drummer for Børns & Freelance Writer!
January 10, 2018 03:33 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBThis week Kristen Gleeson-Prata is interviewed by Damon and Marcos. They talk about the new album and upcoming tour with Børns, her hybrid acoustic/electric kit, her upbringing through music and so much more. There's also an iconic recording, some upcoming festival shoutouts and music news!