Percussion Loft artwork

Percussion Loft

19 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings

In-depth conversation with the world’s most talented drummers and percussionists from the Gon Bops artist family. Hosted by Rich Mangicaro, Gon Bops’ Percussions Loft gives a behind-the-scenes look into the artist’s path to success, their favorite GB instruments and much more.

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Episodes

Episode 16: Will Phillips

January 25, 2024 00:00 - 1 hour - 77.5 MB

 Originally from Texas, Will Phillips has gained a strong reputation in Los Angeles, performing with a host of great artists including Latin Grammy nominee Claudia Brant, Will. I. Am, Ellis Hall, Jamie Foxx and many others.  Will has appeared on The Voice, American Idol, MTV Brazil and recently, is touring everywhere as the percussionist for the mega-popular American Reggae band, Stick Figure.   Will also is Gon Bops’ inspiration for our Bucket Shekere, an instrument fashioned after...

Episode 15: Bernie Dresel

August 24, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 114 MB

Our 15th episode features the great Bernie Dresel!   One of LA’s busiest session and live drummers, Bernie is a multiple recipient of Modern Drummer and Drum magazine’s ‘Best Big Band Drummer’ award and is influential to thousands of drummers around the world.   His 15 years as the drummer for the Brian Setzer Orchestra inspired a wave of other swing band drummers and his band, The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel is one of LA’s most exciting large jazz ensembles, releasing 2 albums, Ber...

Episode 14: Roberto Quintero

May 09, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 98.4 MB

Our 14th episode features conga virtuoso, Gon Bops’ Signature artist Roberto Quintero.   Originally from Venezuela, Roberto comes from a distinguished family of musicians and has made a respected name for himself, playing with many greats including Oscar de Leon, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmeri and Marc Anthony, to name just a few.  Roberto has multiple releases, including the Grammy-nominated “Quintero Salsa Project” with his cousin, Luisito Quintero.  Enjoy this great conversation inclu...

Episode 13: Andy Zildjian

August 04, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 124 MB

On this, our 13th episode, we’re excited to feature our fearless leader, President of Sabian & Gon bops - Andy Zildjian!   In 2010, Sabian acquired Gon Bops  from the DW drum company.  Andy has quite a story to tell, having essentially been born into the music products industry.  He’s experienced all facets of the industry, from working in the warehouse, to factory production, to working in retail, to traveling as a road salesman and eventually, running the whole organization. It’s ...

Episode 12: Brad Dutz

April 05, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 118 MB

Brad Dutz is truly one of the most creative and talented percussionists in the world today.  He’s recorded/released 34 albums under his own name and is known for his highly eclectic and adventurous approach.  Continually playing traditional instruments in non-traditional ways, Brad is someone who defines the term ‘play’.   His approach IS playful…but very serious, meaning he’s spent years perfecting his craft.  We’re happy to welcome him to this, our 12th episode!  Order of play - c...

Episode 11: Willy Calderon

February 09, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 101 MB

We’re happy to welcome composer/percussionist Willy Calderon to the Percussion Loft!   This Columbian-American musician has  appeared on various hit TV shows including Bones, Jane The Virgin and America’s Got Talent, has scored music for the video game world and has performed with countless artists in both the Latin and Pop genres.   In this, our 11th episode, we discuss Willy’s varied background, his approach to navigating between music styles and also hear some tracks from his gre...

Episode 10: Orestes Vilato

December 20, 2021 00:00 - 35 seconds - 128 MB

The great Orestes Vilato, a true Cuban legend, is considered to be one of the most influential timbaleros and bongoceros in the world of percussion today.  He’s paved the way for so many greats percussionists who quote Orestes as one of their main influences.  Orestes was at the center of the Salsa music explosion in the ’70s, having played with greats like Chico O’Farrill, Lionel Hampton, Ray Barretto, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades and many more.  He’s also worked with popular music ico...

Episode 9: Luisito Quintero

November 30, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 128 MB

Our 9th episode features Grammy winning percussionist/Gon Bops Signature artist Luisito Quintero.  Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, Luisito comes from a lineage of distinguished musicians.  He has performed with a host of music’s greats including Oscar D’Leon, Jack DeJohnette, Tito Puente, Alicia Keys and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.  Quintero was a member of Chick Corea’s  Grammy-winning Spanish Heart Band, performing and recording with the music legend up till his untimely passin...

Episode 8: Ignacio Berroa

August 30, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 131 MB

Ignacio Berroa is recognized as one of the greatest drummers of our times and was included in a 2011 compilation entitled “Jazz Drumming Legends”.  Born in Cuba, Ignacio is one of the world’s foremost authorities on Cuban music.  In this episode, we hear about his early days studying classical music in Cuba and becoming the 1st call drummer there, to eventually working with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and many more.  We’ll also hear sele...

Episode 7: Daniel de los Reyes

June 21, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 108 MB

Daniel de los Reyes was born into one of music’s most influential families and paved his own path to become one of popular music’s most successful percussionists. Working with household names like Don Henley, Sting, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sheryl Crow and Lionel Richie, Danny has continually appeared on music's biggest stages. He is currently a member of the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band, touring and also performing on Zac’s platinum selling recordings. Join our lively discussi...

Episode 6: Jamey Haddad

May 06, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 117 MB

Jamey Haddad is known as one of the most prestigious drummer/percussionists in the world today. He’s worked with some of music’s most influential artists, including Paul Simon, Sting, Yo-Yo Ma, Dave Liebman, Herbie Hancock and many more. Our conversation covers his amazing performing and teaching career, his work with Paul Simon and we also features tracks from his bands Under One Sun and Bokante (which also features members of Snarky Puppy).

Episode 5: Lenny Castro

February 15, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 113 MB

Lenny Castro is one of the most influential percussionists in music and has performed on many hits that have become soundtracks of our lives. Artists like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, U2, Adele, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Justin Timberlake are just a few who have relied on Lenny’s masterful talent. His work with Toto, including performing on the iconic song “Africa”, has influenced generations. Lenny recently released his debut solo album entitled Hands Of Silk And Stone....

Episode 4: Eliel Lazo

December 30, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 85.5 MB

Cuban percussionist Eliel Lazo is admired world-wide as one of the finest congueros. Known for his flawless, fluid technique and great sound, Lazo has played with many music icons, including Michel Camilo, Chucho Valdes, Herbie Hancock, Bob Mintzer and many more. In this episode, we discuss his Cuban roots and his approach to achieving his great sound and playing style and his role in inspiring Gon Bops’ Mariano Series. We also feature some of his original compositions from his al...

Episode 3: Tony Braunagel

December 16, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 68.7 MB

Announcing the next episode from Gon Bops' podcast - "Percussion Loft", featuring Grammy winning drummer/percussionist Tony Braunagel! Check out this colorful, informative conversation, from his early days in Texas to his many award-winning recordings and, his love for Gon Bops as a producer and player.

Episode 2: Alex Acuna

December 07, 2020 17:14 - 1 hour - 111 MB

A true living legend, Alex Acuna’s credits span over 40 years and a staggering 30 pages on Allmusic.com. Playing on literally thousands of recordings, in 1975 he became a part of what’s considered to be Weather Report’s greatest line-up. Alex is a repeated winner of Modern Drummer’s Reader’s and Critic’s polls and is Gon Bops’ Flagship Signature artist. Our in-depth, lively conversation spans his amazing life from his youth in Peru to his amazing, world-renowned career.

Episode 2: 02: Alex Acuna

December 07, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 111 MB

A true living legend, Alex Acuna’s credits span over 40 years and a staggering 30 pages on Allmusic.com. Playing on literally thousands of recordings, in 1975 he became a part of what’s considered to be Weather Report’s greatest line-up. Alex is a repeated winner of Modern Drummer’s Reader’s and Critic’s polls and is Gon Bops’ Flagship Signature artist. Our in-depth, lively conversation spans his amazing life from his youth in Peru to his amazing, world-renowned career.

Episode 1: Adam Topol

October 22, 2020 14:22 - 51 minutes - 58.7 MB

Jack Johnson drummer/percussionist Adam Topol shares his eclectic influences, with beginnings in Classic Rock to Jazz studies at Berklee and his eventual love for Cuban folkloric music. Studies with masters like Alan Dawson to Changuito gave him the depth and range which he expresses in his compositions. We discuss his love for Gon Bops instruments and hear selections from his various albums including Blue Painted Walls in Faraway Places, Ritmo Y Canto, Regardless of the Dark and h...

Adam Topol

October 22, 2020 14:22 - 51 minutes - 58.7 MB

Jack Johnson drummer/percussionist Adam Topol shares his eclectic influences, with beginnings in Classic Rock to Jazz studies at Berklee and his eventual love for Cuban folkloric music. Studies with masters like Alan Dawson to Changuito gave him the depth and range which he expresses in his compositions. We discuss his love for Gon Bops instruments and hear selections from his various albums including Blue Painted Walls in Faraway Places, Ritmo Y Canto, Regardless of the Dark and his lates...

01: Adam Topol

October 22, 2020 00:00 - 51 minutes - 58.7 MB

Jack Johnson drummer/percussionist Adam Topol shares his eclectic influences, with beginnings in Classic Rock to Jazz studies at Berklee and his eventual love for Cuban folkloric music. Studies with masters like Alan Dawson to Changuito gave him the depth and range which he expresses in his compositions. We discuss his love for Gon Bops instruments and hear selections from his various albums including Blue Painted Walls in Faraway Places, Ritmo Y Canto, Regardless of the Dark and his lates...