Glenn Drewes on Big Band Road Life, Broadway, Sesame Street & Lessons from Buddy Rich

The host returns to release long-delayed Studio HFL interviews, thanks early sponsors and patrons, and begins a conversation with trumpeter Glenn Drewes (calling from Long Island) about his career and the era’s booming music scene. Drewes recalls high school with Vince DiMartino, influential teacher Ed Delulio, and early gigging before joining Lionel Hampton’s band, including an on-the-road encounter with 17-year-old John Faddis. He describes bus-travel big band life, pay and camaraderie, stints with Buddy Rich (including a tense onstage moment), and how networking led to recording work and meeting Don Sebesky. Drewes discusses Broadway work since 1981, including 13 years on Chicago, advice for young players, his Sesame Street recording job, practice and fitness habits during the pandemic, key influences (Maynard Ferguson, Blue Mitchell, Sweets Edison), and stories from commercial auditions.

00:00 Glenn Drewes Interview - Trumpet Legend on Hampton, Buddy Rich & Broadway

04:20 Early Career & Timing

11:10 Playing with Lionel Hampton

18:33 Buddy Rich Stories

36:18 Broadway & Sesame Street

41:48 Influences & Philosophy

53:09 Power of Positivity