Discussions in Percussion

This episode Damon and Marcos talk with Reinaldo DeJesus and talk about his upbringing in Puerto Rico, some of the groups he toured with there, what brought him to Berklee College of Music and then NYC. They talk about his versatility being able to play with Latin jazz to pop to R&B and more. There is also music news, how to help with Hurricane relief aid, and a new product review.

Damon and Marcos interview Jason Treuting who is not only a great percussionist, but also a founding member of Sō Percussion ensemble. They talk about his studies taking him from California to NY to CT to even Japan. They Talk about the Sō Percussion Summer Institute as well as how Sō Percussion grew from a percussion ensemble to a full fledged business and even how they came up with the name of the group. There's an iconic recording/birthday shoutout, product review and some music news. This episode is sponsored by Scott Kettner's World Drum Lessons (dot com).

Damon and Marcos interview Eduardo Leandro, percussion faculty at Stony Brook University as well as well rounded and world renowned percussionist. We talk about his upbringing in Brazil, move to Europe and finally settling in the USA. This episode is sponsored by World Drum Lessons (dot com), special shoutout to Walter Becker (RIP), Product reviews, and some music news.

Damon and Marcos interview Karl Perazzo and talk to him about his upbringing and introduction to music in the bay area all the way up through his current touring gig of Santana. He answers questions they received from the listeners, as well as his interactions with other great Santana members like the late great Raul Rekow, & Armando Perazza. He talks about being of Mexican decent and how he delt with that while navigating the music scene. There is some music news and a special guest appearance by Marcos Lopez as well.  

Damon and Marcos interview Daniel and talk about his upbringing in the South Bronx, how Frankie Malabe helped him develop his independence, how his versatility keeps him working and playing across several genres and more! There's also some music news, an educational spotlight and information on a drum-off competition!

Damon and Marcos sit down with marimba virtuoso and educator Robert Van Sice to talk about his passion for art, architecture and education. His upbringing in the San Antonio area, going to school in Ohio at Oberlin & Cleveland institute to study with Cloyd Duff. Then traveling to Japan to study with Keiko Abe and then traveling through Europe for a decade and premiering the first solo marimba concert in Amsterdam. They also talk about how he got the job at three prestigious music schools among other great insights. There is also a bunch of music news as well as a product review and an educational spotlight.  

Damon and Marcos sit down with "Dandy" in El Barrio, Spanish Harlem and talk about his endeavors and adventures being right in the middle of all the top mambo and Salsa groups. A living legend, he has played with and/or recorded with the who's who of Latin music. There is also some music news, but mostly "Dandy"

Damon and Marcos interview Victor Pablo while he's on the road in Australia with Nestor Torres. They focus on his versatility moving between Latin based groups, Broadway shows, classical and contemporary groups and more. There's also a tribute to famed cowbell maker Cali Rivera of JCR bells in the Bronx, music news, an iconic recording and more!

Damon and Marcos interview Kwame Henry Jones and discuss how he builds the various West African Drums he sells, as well as his group Infinite Roots that performs and educates others in various styles of drumming and dancing from different West African countries. There is more music news, and an iconic recording.

Damon and Marcos sit down with Marcelo Woloski and talk about the various instruments, implements and setups he uses with Snarky Puppy and other groups he performs with. He demonstrates some styles and techniques he's had to learn coming from Argentina to Boston to NYC. There's also music news, listener letters, and upcoming gigs.