The Freddy and Friends Podcast

More Than Chops: Greg Clark Jr. on What Really Matters | Freddy and Friends

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In this episode of Freddy and Friends, Freddy sits down with drummer Greg Clark Jr., fresh off tour with Will Smith and coming off a jazz tribute run with Ledisi. From his roots in the D.C. church scene to high-pressure TV gigs with Ricky Minor and fusion shows with Stanley Clarke, Greg breaks down what it really takes to build a long, sustainable music career.

They talk groove versus chops, negotiating your rate, the politics of the bandstand, and how D.C. basements forged a generation of monsters. Greg’s philosophy? “The shed is for you. The gig is for the song.”

Key Moments
  • Church roots, D.C. culture, and why the scene raised killers

  • Lessons from Aaron Spears and the “basement wars”

  • The unspoken rules of professionalism and accountability

  • Real-world gig stories: Will Smith, Snarky Puppy, Stanley Clarke

  • The art of negotiation and unity among working drummers

  • Learning from failure and why consistency wins

  • Favorite albums that changed his playing

  • Why groove always beats chops

    • Where to Find Greg

    Instagram: @gregclarkjr

    Website: gregclarkjr.com

    ...more
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    The Freddy and Friends PodcastBy Freddy Charles