Talented Musicians - Meet Jason Taylor

An Interview with Jason Taylor

Hi Jason, how long have you been playing?
I've been playing music for 20 plus years now.  I started on guitar and drums at the age of nine or so and moved up to wind instruments in junior high school.  As an all around musician, I have an overwhelming passion for creating music on any instrument that sounds good.

What musicians influenced you?
I am influenced by so many different styles of music.  Everything from improv Jazz to Euro Black Metal.  The way I see it, music is like automobiles.  Some are meant to be driven fast or aggressively while others are meant to be driven in the groove of slow steady comfort.  Therefore I have music to fit my every mood. lol

What kinds of bands have you been in?
Having many influences and playing multiple instruments opened a lot of doors in my music career which resulted in an array of vastly different styles of artists/bands whom I've recorded, toured, or performed with.  It all takes hours and hours of practice to get on that certain level of cohesion.

How often do you practice?
Once I was offered a touring position with a nationally known group but only had 48 hours to learn the music and be ready to perform in front of thousands of fans.  Needless to say, I had to practice endlessly to pull it off.  Practice is what you make it.  For me, practice is my outlet so although frustration at times, it's never work.

What advice would you give a newbie musician?
My advice to musicians young and old is this:
    practice hard
    learn the business side of everything
    follow your passions
If you do these things, you will never fail!!!

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
Following my heart is the one thing that led me to where I am today,  however, life without failures is a soup without seasoning.  We are meant to fail but learn from failure.  We are meant to succeed but remain humble with success.  My accomplishments in the music world are the result of hard work, dedication, and ambition.  I could not have achieved anything without the help of others.  If I had to pick one accomplishment to speak of I would say that winning an award for The Favorite Rock Band of the Year 2015 would be it.  A little recognition validates all the hard work invested.

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Talented Musicians - Meet Jason Colombini

An Interview with Jason Colombini - Guitarist

Hi Jason, how long have you been playing?
I started playing guitar when I was about five years old.  I always enjoyed playing but got very serious about it when I was ten.

What musicians have influenced you?
The first was Slash.  I heard Guns and Roses for the first time when I was five and loved the way he played.  He started off from me.  I am also a big fan of Randy Hoards and Eddie Van Halen.

How many bands have you been in?
I started playing in a band when I was 13.  I moved on from that about a year ago and I am currently in two bands.  I also fill in with other bands when needed.

What's it like to gig?
I love to gig because I get to show my talent and I learn from everyone I play with.  I have played with a few famous musicians such as Steve Brown of Tritxer and Richie Ranno of STARZ.

How often do you practice?
I practice every day.  I try to practice at least two hours but only after I finish homework or any after school activities such as marching band.

What advice can you give to a newbie musician?
The best advice I can give is to work hard at what you love and never give up.

What has been one of your accomplishments as a musician?
Probably buying my Gibson Les Paul and being endorsed by InTune Guitar Picks.

  

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Talented Musician Blog - Meet Sean Rainey

An Interview with Sean Rainey - Keyboards

Hi Sean, how long have you been playing?
I have been playing piano for roughly 27 years.  I started picking out notes and basic melodies at three, then classical lessons from five through eighteen.

What would you say to a new musician starting out?
For a new musician, start with classical in some way.  If you can't get lessons, just listen and absorb it.  It lays the foundation on which all other aspects of music are built on.  Whatever instrument you choose, always practice!!!

Who were your influences?
My influences started with The Beatles (thanks mom and dad) and Ben Folds is what got me singing and playing the piano. There was also Flaming Lips, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, Built To Spill, and honestly, Beethoven, Mozart, and Rachmaninoff.

How many bands have you been in?
I've been in around 10 bands, many original bands and a couple cover bands (not counting Dueling Pianos).  The most notable originals were "The Apple Pirates", "Defenders" and "Treestars".  I've also been a part of a couple house bands for open jams in New Haven.

What's it like to gig?
To gig full time is a wonderful, fulfilling way to make a living.  It's always rocky when you get started, but with lots of hard work, self-promotion, foot-in-the-door, practicing and learning songs, I got myself there.  Nothing beats playing live in front of people.

How often do you practice?
I practice. . . .  not enough.  I run through my Hannon book at least twice a week and the rest of the time I'm writing and recording original music . . . so that's practice in itself right???

What is one of your greatest accomplishments as a musician?
I would honestly say, being able to support myself is my greatest accomplishment as a musician.  Once I can do that with my own music . . . now THAT will be my greatest accomplishment.

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Meet Mike Guaragna

An Interview with Mike Guaragna

Hi Mike,  how many years have you been playing?

I played my first PAYING gig in 1964 when I was 11 but had been bringing my guitar to school from first grade on.

What musicians influenced you?

My first influences were from my father's Jazz guitar albums.  For myself, it was THE BEATLES.  

How many bands have you been in?

I've been in dozens of bands over the years.  There are too many to count actually.  They covered the full spectrum of music from Pop, to Prog, to Punk, to Roots, to Fun & Soul, to Country, Blues, Oldies, and most sub-categories too.

What's it like to gig?

That depends on the gig.  Some are routine, especially when you are with a busy working band that does a similar show 100 times a year.  It often gets mundane.  But then you grab something with people you don't play with too often.  That new "magical" thing happens where everything clicks and the creativity happens without even trying.

How often do you practice?

Probably not as often as I should.  However, after doing somewhere around 150 shows per year. I use my down-time to step away from my instrument and refresh myself.

What advice can you give to a new musician out there?

Don't compromise what you want to do.  If you want to play original material, then go for it.  If you want to work more by playing covers, don't be ashamed of that either.  It's what YOU want from your music.  Don't let anyone GUILT you into doing something you don't enjoy.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?

Besides my own self-satisfaction, I would think that it's seeing the look on people's faces, and seeing the enjoyment as they bounce to the music.  Another is that I have gotten to play with some amazing players and have shared the stage with quite a few "STARS".  Hearing yourself on the radio or in a commercial is pretty cool too.

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Meet Al Frantic

An Interview with Al Frantic

Hi Al, how many years have you been playing?

I've been playing on and off for 40 plus years.  

What musicians influenced you?

Chuck Berry, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower as musicians and James Dewar as a singer.

How many bands have you been in?

Six or seven - only two that matter including Frantic.  The first band that I felt had any merit was called "The Rat Patrol" around 1980.  We  played lots of Police and Queen.  Learning those songs made me feel like a "real" musician finally.  The biggest challenge was always poor equipment.  I was a kid making $50.00 a week.

What's it like to gig?

I've had opportunities to play for up to two or three thousand people.  The real reward is getting people engaged.  A bar with five people who are really into the music can be just as rewarding.  I always thank folks for "paying attention." Like nearly all the local musicians I know, I surely don't do it for the money but getting paid and repeat gigs also affirm the notion that you are a musician and you might really have some talent.

How often do you practice?

I gig so much, I rarely rehearse or practice.  I built a home studio to have a rehearsal / recording space.  It's become a gear warehouse.  My band and I learn new material and try it out at gigs.  Some of it flies, and some doesn't.  I'm blessed to play with some really great players.

What would you say to a new musician starting out?

Listen to what came before you.  Listen to Carl Perkins.  Listen to Motown.  Listen to everything.  Avoid technology that glosses over your inadequacies.  Janis Joplin didn't have autotune.  Don't be afraid to make mistakes... sometimes you will blow your own mind by taking a chance.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?

The biggest accomplishment for me is being in my 50's and having 20-somethings compliment my singing and playing.  Every time that happens, I feel like, "My job is done here!"

I also say to people who express any amazement that I still play in a band that other men my age play golf.  I hate golf.  I love music.  Golfers pay to play, I get paid to play...and unless you're Tiger Woods, nobody's applauding from the sidelines.

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Meet Steve Bello

                photo by Jeff Crespi

                      

An Interview with Steve Bello

Hi Steve, how many years have you been playing?

I've been playing for 37 years, so I look pretty good for 18.

What musicians influenced you?

Far too many to list but the condensed version is Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Vernon Reid, Uli Roth, Prince, John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, Chris Broderick, Jeff Loomis, Ty Tabor . . .

How many bands have you been in?

You mean ones that I will admit to?  That's about 15 or so.  I definitely worked my way through the ranks. I have had my own "band" since 2003 though, so that's the longest I've been in a band because I can't fire myself.

What's it like to gig?

When the crowd is sending good vibes, the guitar tones are just right, the energy just flows through and it's an amazing feeling.  Of course, there will be some "eh" nights that I just have to chalk up to a Spinal Tap moment.  I enjoy gigging more now than when I was younger because I appreciate it more now.

How often do you practice?
Virtually I practice every day whether I am going over jazz scales or jamming along to my Led Zeppelin and Metal CD like when I was 15.

What advice can you give to a new musician out there?
Get a good lawyer after you learn you first E chord.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
I got to tour Germany back in 2014 with TM Stevens and TC Tolliver.  That was definitely an eye-opening experience.  I would love to go back again.  Someone hook me up!!!

photo by Jeff Crespi

photo by Ken Riccio



Steve Bello's sites
 www.stevebellorocks.com
www.facebook.com/stevebellomus


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Meet Terry Silverlight

 An Interview with Terry Silverlight

Hi Terry, where do you currently reside?
I live in New York.

How many years have you been playing?
I joined the musicians union when I was eleven years old, after asking my father if he would arrange for my "band" to perform in the school gym.  The principal told my father it could happen if it was legit and I joined the union.  So, I did.  The band line-up included Sheila Jordan on vocals and Harry Leahey on guitar, Barry Miles on piano.  I'm grateful to have gotten off to a good start.

What musicians influenced you?
I grew up listening to various styles of music.


Jazz :Tony Williams, Max Roach, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, and Barry Miles
Classical: Beethoven, Mahler, Wagner, and Rachmaninoff
Indian: Allah Rakha and Ravi Shankar
Pop: The Beatles, Laura Nyro, Brian Wilson, Elton John, Edgar Winter, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin

How many bands have you been in?
The only bands I've officially been a permanent member of are Barry Miles and Silverlight, my Terry Silverlight Band, and Manhattan Jazz Orchestra (MJO).  I set out to be a freelancer allowing me to experience available musical challenges and the freedom to explore a variety of opportunities.  By doing so, I've gotten to play with lots of great artists/musicians on many recordings and live performances and wrote a library of music that's been published, recorded and performed.  Some artists I played with for longer periods than others.  For instance, I played on all of Roberta Flack's live performances from 1986-1988 with the understanding that I could come and go as needed.  I ended up making all of her gigs anyway.

What's it like to gig?
That's a great question deserving a detailed answer because each gig is different resulting in individual stories and experiences.  To generalize, I feel lucky to have gotten the opportunity to do professionally what I dreamed of when I was a kid.... to play many styles of music with many of the greatest musicians in the world (your husband, guitarist, and musician - extraordinaire Al Egizi is definitely on this list).  Playing a gig is one of the most joyful and inspiring experiences I can think of.

How often do you practice?
When I was developing, I practiced relentlessly.  Time doesn't allow for me to practice as much as I'd like at this point because I'm continually busy playing gigs, writing music and living life, however, within these activities, I'm constantly learning, growing and thinking.  So, I feel that I'm still practicing all the time.

Tell us about your gear.
My gear for composing music is compact these days.  I used to have a bunch of outboard gear and tape recorders.  Now I do everything digitally with a laptop, virtual instruments (unless I hire an outside musician or play live drums myself... all of which I'm set up for in my studio) and a modest board.
As for my drumming gear, I endorse and play the following products:
Gretsch drums: http://gretschdrums/artists/terry-silverlight
Paiste cymbals: http://paiste.com/e/endorser_det.php
Evans drumheads: http://evansdrumheads.com/EvArtistDetail.Page
ProMark sticks: http://promark.com/pmArtistDetail.Page
LP percussion: http://www.lpmusic.com/artists/artist/terry-silverlight
Puresound snare wires: http://www.puresoundpercusion.com/PSPArtistDetails.Page

What advice would you give a newbie musician?
Have fun with music, enjoy it, love it, and have a great time.  Given that, there's no substitution for hard work and dedicating lots of time practicing, studying, listening and playing/writing (or whatever area you decide to go into).  One thing I've learned by teaching is that I see some talented students who say they want to learn, but when it actually comes down to it, I don't see their drive, passion, love and desire to actually put in the time needed to excel.  Every now and then, someone with talent comes along who actually has and implements those attributes and they're the one who becomes a successful, professional musician.  It's hard work, but if you love and enjoy what you're doing, you get through the difficult moments much easier.  Also, having a good attitude is important.  I always try to come into work open minded and willing to do whatever I can to help make the music and everyone around me comfortable and sound as good as possible.  Being reliable is another important characteristic.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
I'm fortunate to have had several.

Here are some links to my career info:
http://www.terrysilverlight.com
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/terry-silverlight/id7936986
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/TerrySilverlight
http://www.youtube.com/user/terrysilverlight/videos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Silverlight
http://www.facebook.com/terrysilverlight
http://twitter.com/SilverlightDrum

          

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Meet Gregg D. Hollister

An Interview with Gregg D. Hollister

Hi Gregg, how long have you been playing? 
I started in high school playing drums, guitar, and vocalizing.  I switched to bass in college when a band needed a bass player.  My first bass was a Hagstrom and I had a Gibson Thunderbird Amp.  I've been playing bass ever since some 45 years ago.

What musicians influenced you?
There is a long list from the bands of the 40's (Basie, Miller etc.) to The Beachboys.  The English invasion changed everything of course.  The Beatles, Stones and my favorite The Who and Later Cream, Motown, Bobby Caldwell, Bruce Hornsby, Steely Dan and Jazz greats like pianist Bill Evans.  He inspired me to study and take jazz piano lessons for a couple of years.  My influences were vast, varied and eclectic. 

How many bands did you play in?
I spent most of my music career playing, singing and writing for original projects.  I was blessed to be a part of on Various labels, Anthem (Buddah Records), The Rockspurs DJM, (Japan), FrIllogical Poetry (Midlantic). The Daryl Canada Band (Atlantic),Takanaka (Sony Japan), Frank Weber (RCA), Fatback (Spring Records) and other labels I was signed to labels like Roulette Records, Laurie, Futureband to name a few.  My first record deal was at 17 on Cameo Parkway with Terry Knight who was the Grand Funk Railroads producer.  

What's it like to gig?
 Gigging is where you hone your trade.  For me, I am always trying to find something inside the music that I'm playing.  I'm approaching it differently every time.  If it's cover tunes I like to interpret them and make them my own.  I'm not great at copying, it's just who I am.  It doesn't matter if it's a corporate gig, bar gig, concert etc, I'm just always trying to find something new and reach folks through the music.  It doesn't matter if it's 20, 200 or 2000 folks.  

The current group I work with is comprised of James Leahey guitar/vox, Terry Silverlight drums, Brad Ellis Keys, myself on bass/ vox with some help from Frank Elmo on Sax.  The chemistry between us is wonderful and we are in the studio right now at TKL Studios finishing our "Hollister and Friends" recording project.  I'm blessed to be able to work with Tom Merlynn and the Band.  It's a live recording and there is magic amongst us.  

My other project is "Wheels of Fire" which is a Tribute to Cream, a group that was very instrumental and influential to me.  The group consists of Richie Ranno guitar/vox, Terry Silverlight on drums and myself on bass/vox.  We perform all the hits and the non-hits which were some of their best work.  Jack Bruce was an inspiration and a mentor to me.  John Entwhistle and The Who was another. 

What advice do you have for young musicians?
The industry has changed so much since I started out.  But I think the message is still the same.  Play, sing, compose, write and perform for the pure joy of music and the joy you bring to people.  The rest will follow and always be humble.  There is a lot of talent out there. 

What were some of your accomplishments as a musician?
I've been so fortunate to play with so many wonderful players over the years.  To interact and communicate musically with players whether spontaneously or creatively in the studio which is why I love to do it.  Currently, I am recording with "The Brian Drux Project".  Brian is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has allowed us all to be so creative on his material and make music for music's sake.  With Dave Anthony on Drums, Benny Harrison on Keys, Dave "Wquiggy" Bigglin on Keys, Brian on guitars and vocals along with Grammy-winning producer / engineer (311, Creed, Living Color), Ron "The Saint" Germain @ The Saints Place Studio, well it doesn't get much better than that.

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Meet Steve Carafello

                                      

An Interview with Steve Carafello

Hi Steve, how long have you been playing?

Well, I'll be dating myself here.  I first picked up a bass guitar at 14, so I've been playing on and off for about 40 years.  

What was your first bass?

Technically, my first bass was an old Danelectro Guitar with the two high strings removed.  Then I bought a new Hondo Precision Bass copy for $80.00.  About two years later, I had saved enough to buy my first Fender P Bass.  I think at the time, in 1979, it cost me about $350.00.  

What musicians influenced you?

That's a tough one.  My early musical influences were all over the map, from The Beatles to Deep Purple, from Zeppelin to Al DiMeola.  I don't think any band was excluded from my world though I remember not being the biggest fan of disco at the time.  My mom was big into popular music - so I grew up listening to a lot of standard stuff also, like
Sinatra and others like him.

How many bands have you been in?

I think it's probably ten total, from the first band being HORIZON in high school to NRG today.

What's it like to gig?

I've always loved it.  If you know your parts well enough, play with talented musicians who you love and then if the crowd is engaged???  Awesome!!!  It can really be a natural high.  For me as a bassist, a solid drummer with a great feel/groove is the thing that gets me off the most.  The drummer I'm working with now in NRG has an incredible pocket.

How often do you practice?

Unfortunately, not as often as I should.  I really only practice to brush up and learn the stuff that the band is rehearsing.  The full NRG band that I play with now gigs about once a month, so we probably rehearse together about once a month on average.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?

Ha Ha!!!! Other than having been able to make a decent living at it in the 80's, I suppose I don't have any "notable" musical accomplishments.  I do know a lot of musicians who wish they could play out for good crowds on a regular basis.  I guess that is a genuine accomplishment - being lucky enough to do that for so many years.  

It was really my musical background that was the launch point for my video production company.  Our first paying job was a custom soundtrack.  We've also had a couple of jingles air nationally.  So, if you connect the dots, that might be the best accomplishment.  

Steve's Facebook Link:  NRG
https://www.facebook.com/groups/881341745261274

                                                                 
Visit Steve's Production Business
http://www.greeniguanastudios.com/


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Meet Charlie Jones

An Interview with Charlie Jones

Hi Charlie, how long have you been playing?
I've been playing for a longgggg time.

What was your first instrument?
My first instrument was a guitar and still is.

Who were your influences?
My musical influences were John Coltrane, Sun Ra, The Beatles, Jandek, Hendrix, Cream, Miles Davis, The Lonious Monk, Charles Mingus, James Brown, The Blue Note, especially, and Atlantic Record Labels etc...

How many bands have you been in?
I don't know... a bunch.

What's it like to gig?
Some gigs are good and some are not so good.

How often do you practice?
I never practice for fear I'll hurt myself.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
My biggest musical accomplishment is having never been shanked on a gig.


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Meet Joe LaFragola - Guitarist

An Interview with Joe LaFragola

Hi Joe, how long have you been playing guitar?
I've been playing since I was about 14.

What was your first guitar?
My first was a broken down old Stella with missing strings.

What musicians influenced you?
My biggest influences were The Beatles and Elvis.

How many bands have you been in?
I've been in maybe five bands.

What's it like to gig?
Gigging is great.  It's a creative release and just what we love to do.

How often do you practice?
I don't practice enough.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
An accomplishment was having a record out a few times in my past.

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Meet Luke Landolfi

An Interview with Luke Landolfi

Hi Luke, how long have you been playing guitar?
I've been playing for 40 years.

What musicians influenced you?
The Beatles

How many bands have you been in?
I've been in over 50 bands.

What's it like to gig?
Gigs vary, but most of them are great.

What advice would you give a "newbie" musician?
Keep smiling and don't be a downer with your band!

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
I played large shows with national acts.
I've shared the stage with Aerosmith.
I've worked with LES PAUL.
I've lived to see both my sons become pros with the youngest being in a band with me now.



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Meet Lee Ottman

An Interview with Lee Ottman - Vocals / Guitar / Keyboards

Hi Lee, how many years have you been playing?
I've been playing professionally since I was 18, so that's a little over 40 years.

How old were you when you started playing?
Well, I graduated from High School in 1975 and started playing in clubs later that year.

What musicians influenced you?
Like nearly all musicians, I was first influenced (and still am) by the Beatles.  Along the way my influences ranged from Stevie Wonder to Grand Funk Railroad, Paul Rodgers to Deep Purple, Edgar Winter to Boz Scaggs, ELO to the Allman Brothers, all over the place really...even current musicians like Gavin DeGraw, Dawes and Jackie Greene are big heroes of mine.

How many bands have you been in?
My first band (in high school) was called Savage Rose and we did mostly high school dances.  From there I was in a band called Morningstar, then Heroes, Matriarch, The Passion, Strutter, NRG, Boyz N Heat, and then back to NRG.  So to answer your question, eight or nine bands.

What's it like to gig?
There is nothing like doing a gig.  Of course, it's great when there are lots of people there, either dancing or just digging the music.  But if you're in a band that is tight musically, and also tight as a unit, the club could be empty and you still feel fulfilled.  I remember back in 77-78, I was in a band that played up in Hunter Mountain, ski country.  We were booked there in the dead of summer.  Even if only five people were in the club, you still had to do four sets and play till 2:00am.  I loved the band I was in so it was ok and we had a great time.  NRG played for two weeks in Georgia back in the early 80's and though the club was filled, the people weren't ready for spandex wearing, hairspray using new wavers like us.  We went at it with a sense of humor (and some nerves) and actually won them over.

How often do you practice?
Well my trio, Acoustic NRG, rehearses at least once a month getting together new material to play.  Since we do 75-80 gigs (mostly private) each year with the trio, we always like to be adding new songs to our list.  The full five-piece NRG band that for the most part has been around since 1981, rehearses once a month also, usually right before we have a band gig.  The NRG band just plays once every four to six weeks, so we get together to tighten up the sets for the upcoming show.  Personally, I am usually working on new songs daily, as well as keeping my chops up on my guitar and piano.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
I felt so accomplished when I had to hand in some original songs I had written or co-written over the years and gone into the studio to record.  Breaks are few and far between, but I had Frankie Blue, who used to be the program director at Z-100 interested in one of my projects, as well as David Bowie's production company's interest way back in 78.  I also feel that way when I am entertaining people and I can see that they are truly touched and connected to where I (and the band) are at that moment.  That is something special.


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Meet Bryan Abel

An Interview with Bryan Abel

Hi Bryan, how long have you been playing the bass?
I've been playing for twelve years.

What was your first bass?
It was an old Aria Pro II P Bass that was given to me as a gift.

What musician influenced you?
Victor Wooten has been a huge influence, as well as guys like Bakithi Kumalo, and Pino Palladino.  Dave Matthews has also been a huge influence.

How many bands have you been in?
I have played professionally in four different bands.  I am currently playing with two: Jademasque (original world music) and JAGG (variety/cover band).

What is it like to gig?
For me, it's what it's all about.  As much as I like creating and composing music, the energy and response that you get from interacting with a crowd cannot be reproduced anyway but live!!!

How often do you practice?
I am in the process of finishing my Bachelors Degree in Music, so I try to practice double bass at least two or three hours a day.  With the electric, I try to practice no less than an hour a day.

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
One of my most proud accomplishments was getting accepted to Berklee College of Music when I was eighteen.  But as of more recent, it was joining the amazing team of artists with MTD Kingston Basses.

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Meet Chuck Corradino

An Interview with Chuck Corradino

Hi Chuck, how many years have you been playing?
I started on the sax and switched to the drums as many of us did in the sixties when the Ed Sullivan Show ran all the "New Rock Band" of that amazing time period.  I have been playing drums for half a century!

What musicians influenced you?
The early influences came from bands like the Rascals.  Dino Danelli was one of my first influences, and back then everyone wanted to sound like Ringo.  The Vanilla Fudge hit the Ed Sullivan Show and Carmine Appice struck the chord with me.  The way he was aggressively slicing his cymbals and his showmanship lit me up.  Later on, Led Zeppelin's drummer Bonzo's style caught my attention, from there Jeff Beck Group came out with "Wired" and my drumming style changed. Billy Cobham, Buddy Rich, Lenny White, Carl Palmer and Alphonse Mouzon were huge influences.  I did get to study with Joe Nevola who was one of Carmine Appice's star students at the time along with a handful of other great teachers.

How many bands have you been in?
Wow, trying to remember is a stretch, but I would say 30 different bands and still counting.

What’s it like to gig?
When I gig these days, there are so many different types of venues, and the purpose of the gig is important to me.  Who I am playing with is important to me.  I love to play with seasoned musicians that love making music.  When you are in a situation like that you can get lost in the musical moments and soar.  I know I can sleep in the next day so I can relax and have a great time at the gig.  I love meeting new people and experiencing new places.  The music brings you on a journey!  I have dear friends that I met when I played in the band Chazz  back in the late 70's and 80's.  We still connect with the gang that appreciated the band. It became a family and still is.  The former members are like brothers to me.

How often do you practice?
I try to get "Stick Control" in on a weekly basis. I get on the kit four or five times per week to learn new material.  I used to practice for hours each day, but being a Pastor these days takes up a lot of my time.  Thank God the music is still a huge part of my ministry.

What advice would you give a newbie musician?
Get with some good teachers.  Seek out great players and learn from them.  Listen to those who know the Biz.  It has changed so much, but do not let the business end of the industry steal your joy of playing and making music. 

I lost all the joy of playing for a while and put the sticks down for six years due to the music business.  I am glad I got the joy of music back in my life!  Go for it!  Don't play it safe!  Jump in full tilt, and do not let personality problems within the band prevent you from playing every chance you get and growing as a musician.  A big part of it is putting up your boundaries and  being able to get along with each other and appreciate everyone.  Take note of the friends you make along the way and especially with the fans.  They are dear people that come out to hear you enjoy a night of live music.  Be kind to them and treat them like family, because they are!

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
My journey has been ever evolving musically.  I went from Garage Bands on Monterey Drive in Hazlet to playing at swim clubs doing the Battle of the Bands, to playing in all the Agency clubs down the shore and all over the place.  Hunter Mountain in the winters, Hamptons in the summers, the College circuit was insane as were the clubs back then.  As I said, I put the sticks down for six years.  

I picked them up again when I was invited to play in a Christian Rock Band in the Middle East.  We did all original music and played all throughout Jerusalem, Samaria, Jerusalem Theater and the Carmiel Cultural Center.  We then expanded into the Golan Hts and on all the major Israeli Military Bases.  I stayed in the seat for ten years and it changed my life and gave me the joy of playing music back.  

There was a purpose attached other than playing in clubs and people getting wasted.  We played for many soldiers that were being shipped out the next day.  I will never forget the look on some of their faces along with the conversations and the dinners we had together.  This journey seeded my heart to become an Ordained Pastor in the Church of the Nazarene where my credentials are recognized globally.  

I still play on the Church Worship Team and in a classic rock band called The Solid Rock Band.  We do Classic Rock with a message! The band consists of great players that are Worship Leaders or play on the Worship Teams at their churches but don't let that kid you.  We bring it and love what we are doing.  So in retrospect, the music has certainly taken me on quite a journey and the song isn't over yet!  Just one note, pure and easy!  

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Meet Frosty Lawson - Keyboards / Vocals / Trumpet

An Interview with Frosty Lawson

Hi Frosty, how many years have you been playing?
I have been playing professionally for over 35 years.

What musicians have influenced you?
I have been influenced by many, many musicians.  There's Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Tower of Power, Chicago, Quincy Jones, Mozart, Beethoven, Eric Clapton, Freddie Hubbard, Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Muddy Waters and Sugar Hill Gang.  This is just the tip of the iceberg of my influences!!!  I listen to all styles and all genres.  There's something of value to extract from all of them.

How many bands have you been in? 
I can't even begin to count how many bands I've played in.  50 would be a close estimate.  The reason the number is so high is because I get a ton of calls to fill-in with different groups on different instruments since I am a multi-instrumentalist and a lead vocalist as well.  I play keyboards, trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor, sax, alto sax, valve trombone, slide trombone and French horn for starters.  I also have recorded on violin, banjo, acoustic guitar and bass guitar.

What's it like to gig?
It's the best thing in the world to play gigs.  No one single gig is exactly like any other.  There's always a variety of music and musicians that I'm playing with.  It's spiritual and fulfilling, to say the least.

How often do you practice?
I practice as much as I can with as many instruments as my schedule will allow.

What advice can you give to a newbie musician?
Learn how to play your instrument properly.  Listen to many other musicians.  Be dependable and stay true to your word.  If someone gives you a list of songs to learn don't mess around but learn them and be ready.  Always give 200% when you're on stage.  If you do all of those things you will always have work.

What was one of your accomplishments?
Receiving my Masters Degree of Music at Kansas State University is one.  Others include playing on the Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and Madison Square Garden.  Performing with Richie Cannata for the last nine years (sax player for 30 years with Billy Joel) is one very special accomplishment for me.  I have been a busy guy.

                       

     

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Meet Michael Dykes - Guitarist

An Interview with Michael Dykes - Guitarist

Hi Mike, how many years have you been playing guitar?

I've been playing for 52 years!!!!!!

Who were some of your influences?

There was Duane Allman, Chet Atkins, Beatles, Elvis, Dickey Betts and Roy Buchanan.

How many bands have you been in?

I've been in seven bands I believe.

What's it like to gig?

Gigging is as good as anything you can do.  The feedback from an audience and the feeling you get when playing live is very unique.... it's a high from performing.

How often do you practice?

I don't practice nearly enough.  Sometimes I practice every day and sometimes two or three times a week.  I lived for many years playing and practicing every minute possible.

What advice can you give a new musician starting out?

Play live as much as possible and practice really hard.  Do not give up!

What was one of your accomplishments as a musician?
Hearing my music on the radio was a good feeling as well as playing big venues and writing songs.
Playing with my idols like Dickey Betts and Butch Trucks was another.

Mike plays in a band called RADAR.  Here are some upcoming dates where you can see him play.

9/4     Copper Face Jacks in White Plains
9/9     Pete's Saloon in Elmsford
9/24   Bar Harbor in Marmaronek

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