Sir Kevin Says

Thanks for checking out Episode XXXVI! Pretty stoked about this one! I've been listening to Gonzalo's music for a quite a while now and is easily one of my top Fusion Timba bands! The many influences you can hear with this band is quite astounding!  

Gonzalo Grau Biography  

GONZALO GRAU  

Began his musical studies at the age of three in Caracas. Along his musical journey he developed skills in many instruments, from the viola da gamba and the cello to the flamenco cajón and his principal instrument, the piano.   

A Berklee College Suma Cum Laude, Gonzalo has established himself as a multi-instrumentalist and his varied credits include performances with Venezuelan music projects like Maroa, Schola Cantorum de Venezuela, Camerata de Caracas and the Simón Bolivar National Youth Orchestra, jazz icon Maria Schneider and the Latin jazz giant Timbalaye. As a music director he leads two projects of his own, "Plural" (Latin jazz-Flamenco-Venezuelan fusion) and "La Clave Secreta" (salsa fusion), nominated for the 2008 Grammys in the Best Tropical Album category. As a recording artist, Grau has participated in over eighty productions that bridge both classical and popular music worlds.   

His most recent productions include the studio recording of Golijov's La Pasión según San Marcos (winner of the ECHO award 2010), the album "México" of Rolando Villazón (winner of the ECHO award 2011), and Nazareno with pianists Katia and Marielle Labeque, all released by the German label Deutsche Grammophon. Also the production of West Side Story with the Labeque sisters (winner of the Choc the Classica) under KLM label.  Wearing his composer and arranger hat, his achievements include composition collaborations alongside Osvaldo Golijov for the opera Ainadamar and La Pasión Según San Marcos. Original works include the overture Pregunta y Respuesta commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony (premiered in March 2008), Café con Pan, commissioned by the Chicago Symphony for the MusicNow concert series (premiered in November 2008), Nazareno (suite for two pianos and full orchestra), commissioned by pianists Katia & Marielle Labeque (premiered in January 2010), the oratorio Aqua, commissioned by the Bach Academy International, winner of the European Composer Award 2011, award given by the Young Euro Classic Festival in Berlin (premiered in August 2011); Viaje, fantasia for full-orchestra and "Latin ensemble", commissioned by the Boston Landmarks Orchestra (premiered in June 2012), and Fantasía de Guayaba Habanera, violin concerto commisioned by Johnny Gandelsman and the Community MusicWorks (premiered in May 2013).

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hoping everyone's 2021 is all that 2020 was meant to be! Today we have Antonio Geary, a drum tech that has worked with some of the world's best Pop drummers. We met several years ago and super stoked to see all that he has accomplished!  

Antonio Geary Biography  

Drummer, Drum Tech, World traveler. Antonio is most known for his profession as a drum tech. He has worked with the top drummers & artist in the industry including Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Camila Cabello and many more. His journey began as a drummer starting at the age of 10. After graduating high school he immediately started his studies at Musicians Institute in Hollywood where he got his AA degree in drum performance. From his determination to make it into the industry, he formed connections with the top drummers and music directors in the industry that believed in him and gave him a shot into the industry! Ever since he has been traveling the world and has marked most of his dream gigs off the list including the Grammys & Oscars.

FOLLOW ANTONIO:  http://www.instagram.com/antonio_geary  

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hopefully this day is filled with love, joy, and the things you desire most! The true meaning of Christmas for me is celebrating the Lord's birth!  Along with this joyful occasion, I'm excited to have done this podcast with my brother, Jeffery Davis! He dropped so many precious gems and I'm excited for y'all to check it out!

Jeffery Davis Biography  

Drummer, Beatmaker, Producer and overall appreciator of art, Jeffery developed a fondness for music at a very young age. Through positive exposure from  church, school and family, Jeffery experienced a love for music that has connected a desire to inspire others to enjoy the processes of music at their own level.  Jeffery earned his Digital Media Arts Degree with an emphasis in Audio Recording and a minor in music from California State University Dominguez Hills. Jeffery contributed to the Cal State Dominguez Jazz Ensemble and projects for budding artists.  Jeffery has many musical mentors and support systems, such as percussionist Gary “Big Dog” Stanionis, Trevor Lawrence Jr. ,Gorden Campbell and  Oliver “Butch” Dillon whom have played with artist such as Earth Wind and Fire, Herbie Hancock, Kirk Franklin, Jackiem Joyner and others.   Jeffery currently plays for Vaughn Fahie. In addition, Jeffery currently serves as Campus Pastor for the church Verve Community in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.    Jeffery has also worked with artist such as Latin Grammy Nominated Artist Andre Pagenelli, Andy Grammer, Brenden McPeek, Grammy Nominated Artist Madison Cunningham , Anthony Alexander (The Voice), Dre Murray and many others.  Besides perfecting his musicianship, Jeffery mentors youth, giving them inspiration to reach for their dreams - academic, personal and professional.

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SO, I competed against self-proclaimed, Rock Paper Scissors Champion. Watch til the end to find out who wins! But in all seriousness, Tina is a great friend an amazing performer. I've been blessed to perform with her in multiple occasions, including: Weddings, Corporate parties, and of course, at Disneyland where the Tina Band is at twice a year. Really thankful she was on the show!  

Tina Biography  

Tina is a singer/songwriter from Texas who has been performing for national audiences since the age of 7 years old. After competing and winning national talent competitions on the hit Spanish show “Sabado Gigante” and “Star Search”, Tina quickly became a full time performer throughout her early adulthood. After moving to LA in 2009, Tina started performing with her own band, The Tina Aldana Band, across popular venues and casinos in Southern California. In 2013, Tina was handpicked by Marc Anthony and JLo to represent the US in the FOX show “Que Viva The Chosen”.  In 2014, Tina competed and won the hit TV pilot “In The Spotlight”,  after winning over the hearts of judges Leanne Rhymes and Ne-Yo. Her band is currently one of the top performing bands inside of Disney California Adventure and Disneyland, with their energetic Top 40 show. Tina and her band are known for their dynamic, versatile music, ranging from Classic Rock to Motown, to Salsa/Cumbia and Jazz. Get Ready to Dance!

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Friends Edition videos are always a good time! I've known Joseph for over a decade. He became one of my closest friends when I moved out to the I.E. A lot of great musical memories and a heck of a bass player.  

Joseph De La O was born and Raised in southern California and was brought up listening to so many styles of music.  His father introduced him to the Beatles and Latin music and his mother introduced him to anything Motown created, also she did love the Beegees. That was the beginning of his musical language.  

He learned to play bass and guitar in church and later on went to school to learn theory after high school. After school he started gigging and playing in any band that needed a bass player. Joe played in Latin bands, Gospel bands, Jazz bands, top 40 bands, Country bands, even 80s glam bands. He played them all. He just loves to play. Finally in the spring of 2015 he was asked to rehearsal with Kiefer and the band, and the rest is history.

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Welcome back to Friends Edition! Stoked to be featuring another one of my closest friends! We met at Cornel School of Music where we were studying drums together. Not only a great drummer and percussionist, but JD is someone I consider my brother and I'm blessed to have him on the show! Enjoy!  

About Juan David Perez  

Los Angeles based drummer and percussionist Juan David, known as “JD” Perez was born to a musical family in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. At a young age he moved to the United States when his father, Nando Perez, began touring. Growing up in two different countries and with the mentorship of saxophone great Justo Almario and legend Alex Acuña (who played together with his father in the band “Tolu”), JD became exposed to a broad spectrum of genres such as Pop, Funk, Latin, Gospel, Afro-Colombian, Country, Latin-Jazz, Indie, and R&B.  

JD has paved his way ever since and worked with a wide range of artists and on various productions such as the Latin AMA’s (2016-2017) with Prince Royce, Becky G, Aimee Nuviola, America’s Got Talent (2019), The EMMY’s Governors Ball (2019), Kanye West’s Sunday Service (2019) and Big Sean’s upcoming album (2020). He is the drummer for the well-known River Church in Anaheim, Calif. for the past five years and has currently worked as the house band drummer for latin late night shows: “Dante Night Show” , “Nos Cayo La Noche” and “Tu Night con Omar Chaparro” airing across the U.S and latin America.  

JD received his Bachelor of Music in 2017 at the Cornel School of Contemporary Music, where he was awarded with a full scholarship after receiving a Drum Performance degree at Musicians Institute. Studying with the likes of Abraham Laboriel Sr and Jimmy Branly has helped him develop his own sound and incorporate both worlds he grew up with into one.

FOLLOW JD: http://www.instagram.com/jd_perezz 

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Back with another episode for ya! Some great stories from Lil John Roberts and his musical experiences. Hope you enjoy it just as much as I did!

About Lil John Roberts

His extensive list of credits include work with: Al Green, Anita Baker, Anthony Hamilton, B.B. King, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Bilal, Bruce Parham, Common, Dave Chappelle (Juke Joint Tour), Dionne Farris,  Earth, Wind & Fire, Elton John, Erykah Badu, Frank McComb, India.Arie, Joss Stone, Jamie Foxx, Jill Scott, Juanita Bynum, Kindred, Lucy Pearl, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson (Janet Tour, Velvet Rope Tour, Rock Witchu Tour, Unbreakable World Tour, and State of the World Tour), Michael Jackson, Mos Def, Musiq Soulchild (Jus Lisen Tour 2001 Music Director), Ne-Yo (Live in Concert, Red Tour 2012-2014), Paula Abdul, Patti Labelle, Prince, Queen Latifah, Quincy Jones, Raphael Saadiq, Russell Gunn, Sheila E., Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder (Songs in the Key of Life tour), The Time, TLC, Yolanda Adams, Capital Jazz Festival George Duke Tribute featuring Stanley Clarke, NDugu Chancellor, Jose Davis, Al Jarreau, Marcus Miller, Byron Miller, Jeffrey Osborne, Dianne Reeves, Fred Yonnet, Dave Chappelle,  Seal, Keyon Harrold, and more who continue to seek out Lil John for a variety of performances.

Gear used:  Microphones 

RØDE Procaster Microphones: https://amzn.to/2TtHeDG

RØDE Pop Filter: https://amzn.to/36lSFm2

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FOLLOW JOHN: http://instagram.com/liljohnroberts

http://www.liljohnroberts.com

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Last Friends Edition video for the month of October! If you've been enjoying these, another round of Friends Edition will be available in December! Hopefully y'all have enjoyed these as much as I have.  

About Josh Ferrer  

Josh Ferrer is a freelance musician based out of Southern California. His versatility as a musician has given him the privilege of sharing the stage with many wonderful artists and musicians from all walks of life. When Josh isn't working as a musician and trumpet player, he enjoys spending his time recording, mixing, photographing. running, mountain biking and talking cars. Josh's greatest accomplishment in 2020 is growing a mustache.

Special thanks:

Chad Manalo (Audio Editing)

Josh Ferrer

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Gear used:  

Microphones  

RØDE Procaster Microphones: https://amzn.to/2TtHeDG

RØDE Pop Filter: https://amzn.to/36lSFm2

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FOLLOW JOSH:  http://www.instagram.com/joshferrermusic

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Thanks for checking out Episode XXVIII with Ricardo Ramirez. It's always amazing getting to see my friends do really cool things and work with super talented people! He is a musician, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and coffeee aficionado!  

About Ricardo Ramirez  

As a filmmaker he has worked with Usher, Travis Barker, Chris Brown, ZOOM Soundlabs, Gary Lee, Mercedez, AMG, J Balvin, Tiga, Lil Wayne, Machine Gun Kelly, and Meinl Percussion.  He was also part of the house band for America's Got Talent, and band director for Shadmir.

Gear used:  Microphones  

RØDE Procaster Microphones: https://amzn.to/2TtHeDG

RØDE Pop Filter: https://amzn.to/36lSFm2

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FOLLOW RICARDO:  

http://www.instagram.com/richyfilms 

http://www.instagram.com/richydrums 

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