Nathan East & Noah East

The Mindful Musician Podcast with Matt Oestreicher

In this episode of The Mindful Musician, Matt Oestreicher sits down with legendary bassist Nathan East and his son Noah East for a wide-ranging conversation about musicianship, philosophy, legacy, and what it truly means to sustain a life in music.

This episode is connected to the March 1st performance at the SHU Community Theatre, where Nathan and Noah will appear live, opening for 11-time Grammy Award winner Christian McBride.

About Nathan East

Nathan East is one of the most recorded bass players in modern music history. A founding member of the contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay and a longtime member of Eric Clapton's band for more than four decades, Nathan has also performed and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Anita Baker, Barry White, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and countless others. He co-wrote the hit song "Easy Lover" and has played on some of the most iconic recordings of the past 40 years.

About Noah East

Joining him is Noah East — pianist, composer, and collaborator — whose new album Father Son marks the first full recording project between father and son. While Noah grew up immersed in musical excellence at the highest level, he is carving his own artistic identity with clarity and depth. In this conversation, Matt makes a point to engage Noah directly, exploring the experience of growing up in a legendary musical household while building an independent voice. Their dialogue touches on intergenerational collaboration, ego, listening, favorite drummers, Yamaha basses, longevity, and the responsibility of raising a musical child.

Thank you to everyone who submitted questions on Facebook — several of them made their way directly into this conversation.

Live at SHU Community Theatre

Nathan and Noah East will perform live at the SHU Community Theatre on March 1st, opening for Christian McBride and Ursa Major. The SHU Community Theatre is a 500-seat nonprofit performing arts center in Fairfield, Connecticut presenting world-class music, film, and live events.

More information and tickets: https://www.shucommunitytheatre.org/all-events/christian-mcbride-%26-ursa-major

The Mindful Musician is hosted my Matt Oestreicher

find him at https://www.mattoestreicher.com/

🎙️ New Episode of ON THE MARQUEE

This week on The SHU Community Theatre Podcast, we welcome legendary guitarist John Scofield.

John Scofield's guitar work has influenced jazz since the late 70's and is going strong today. Possessor of a very distinctive sound and stylistic diversity, Scofield is a masterful jazz improviser whose music generally falls somewhere between post-bop, funk edged jazz, and R & B.

Born in Ohio and raised in suburban Connecticut, Scofield took up the guitar at age 11, inspired by both rock and blues players. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. After a debut recording with Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker, Scofield was a member of the Billy Cobham-George Duke band for two years. In 1977 he recorded with Charles Mingus, and joined the Gary Burton quartet. He began his international career as a bandleader and recording artist in 1978. From 1982–1985, Scofield toured and recorded with Miles Davis. His Davis stint placed him firmly in the foreground of jazz consciousness as a player and composer.

Since that time he has prominently led his own groups in the international Jazz scene, recorded over 30 albums as a leader (many already classics) including collaborations with contemporary favorites like Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, Brad Mehldau, Mavis Staples, Government Mule, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano and Phil Lesh. He's played and recorded with Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Terumasa Hino among many jazz legends. Throughout his career Scofield has punctuated his traditional jazz offerings with funk-oriented electric music. All along, the guitarist has kept an open musical mind.

Touring the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups, he is an Adjunct Professor of Music at New York University, a husband, and father of two.

John Scofield Trio will be performing at SHU Community Theatre on 11/23/25

For Tickets and More Information go to: https://www.shucommunitytheatre.org/all-events/john-scofield-trio

John Scofield's Website: https://www.johnscofield.com/

Matt shares his new episode of the SHU COMMUNITY THEATRE PODCAST with the Mindful Musician.

VENUE WEBSITE: https://shucommunitytheatre.org/

This week on The SHU Community Theatre Podcast, we welcome singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Coley O'Toole. A proud Connecticut native, Coley shares the incredible story of his journey from playing local gigs to touring the world as a keyboardist and vocalist with Green Day. He opens up about his roots in CT, his early love of music, and the bands he helped build — including the platinum-selling pop-rock group We the Kings, who are hitting the road this summer with Avril Lavigne. Whether you're a musician, a music lover, or just curious about life on the road and inside the industry, this episode offers an honest, inspiring look at what it takes to make it in music — and stay there.

Coley's Website: https://www.coleyotoole.com/

Coley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleyjotoole/?hl=en

WE THE KINGS band: https://www.wethekingsmusic.com/

Their most popular song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CUyWJ7UINM

Book a songwriting session with him here:

https://mastermindroad.thrivecart.com/songwriting-coley/

Music: Per Your Request (written and arranged for The Verve Jazz Ensemble by Matt Oestreicher)

GENERAL PODCAST INFORMATION:

The SHU Community Theatre On The Marquee podcast.

Welcome to On The Marquee—the podcast that takes you beyond the spotlight and behind the scenes of the performing arts!

Hosted by SHU Community Theatre's Executive Director, Matt Oestreicher, this show shines a light on entertainment and education in concert by featuring exclusive conversations with upcoming performing artists.

Each episode, Matt peels back the curtain to reveal the artist's journey—demystifying the creative process, sharing untold stories, and uncovering what it's like to be a performing artist.

Whether you're a lifelong arts lover or just curious about why you should come to a performance, On The Marquee is your all-access pass to the arts and entertainment world.

Matt returns to the Mindful Musician podcast to talk about his new-ish role as the Executive Director of The SHU Community Theatre in Fairfield Connecticut and to tell you to come see comedian Todd Barry there on Saturday February 24th.

VENUE WEBSITE: https://shucommunitytheatre.org/

GET TICKETS FOR TODD BARRY'S HALF JOKING TOUR: http://shucommunitytheatre.showare.com/ToddBarry

LINK TO THE PODCAST THAT THIS IS FROM (The SHU Community Theatre Podcast)

https://sites.libsyn.com/513383/shuct-commedian-todd-barry

link to part 1:

http://www.mattoestreicher.com/themindfulmusician/2019/10/15/ep35-an-exploration-of-improvisation-with-stephen-nachmanovitchpart-1

part 1 on iTunes:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-35-exploration-improvisation-stephen-nachmanovitch/id1039740479?i=1000453557899

The full length album that we recorded:

"The Liquid Between The Styles" - (including the pieces from this podcast)

https://themindfulmusician.bandcamp.com/releases

Stephen Nachmanovitch links:

Website:

http://www.freeplay.com/

His new book The Art of Is: Improvisation as a way of life

http://www.freeplay.com/Writings/TheArtOfIs.php

His classic book Freeplay

http://www.freeplay.com/Writings/2-amazonlinks-fp.php

Host Matt Oestreicher links:

The Mindful Musician Podcast Homepage:

http://www.mattoestreicher.com/themindfulmusician

Website:

http://www.mattoestreicher.com/

The full length album that we recorded:

"The Liquid Between The Styles" - (including the pieces from this podcast)

https://themindfulmusician.bandcamp.com/releases

Stephen Nachmanovitch links:

Website:

http://www.freeplay.com/

His new book The Art of Is: Improvisation as a way of life

http://www.freeplay.com/Writings/TheArtOfIs.php

His classic book Freeplay

http://www.freeplay.com/Writings/2-amazonlinks-fp.php

Host Matt Oestreicher links:

The Mindful Musician Podcast Homepage:

http://www.mattoestreicher.com/themindfulmusician

Website:

http://www.mattoestreicher.com/

Here's a mini-episode related to ep.33 where I interviewed Jazz Educator Jamey Aebersold. Mini-episodes are for:

talking about a specific idea from the interview that I was inspired by, keeping the momentum of the podcast, and for talking about some of my current projects(self-promotion.)

Music for this episode: Per Your Request - The Verve Jazz Ensemble composed and arranged by Matt Oestreicher https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/thevervejazzensemble4 new from Matt and author Brian Leaf: The Be You Card Deck for Teens - https://www.amazon.com/You-Card-Deck-Teens-Mindfulness/dp/1683732588 The new book of upcoming guest Stephen Nachmanovitch https://www.amazon.com/Art-Improvising-Way-Life/dp/1608686159 Podcast home page: http://www.mattoestreicher.com/themindfulmusician Link to episode 33 with Jamey Aebersold http://www.mattoestreicher.com/themindfulmusician/2019/9/5/s8jxks0hn1i0ger9xeka661nvl7hy9 My website: www.mattoestreicher.com

Jamey Aebersold was born July 21, 1939, in New Albany, Indiana. He attended college at Indiana University and graduated in 1962 with a Masters Degree in Saxophone. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by Indiana University in 1992. He also plays piano, bass and banjo. In 1989, the International Association of Jazz Educators inducted Jamey into their Hall of Fame at the San Diego convention. With this award, Jamey joins other jazz luminaries such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong and others. Jamey is a internationally-known saxophonist and authority on jazz education and improvisation, and has developed a series of Jazz Play-A-Longs (book and cd sets (now numbering almost 130 volumes) as well as various other supplemental aids for the development of improvisational skills. The Aebersold book and recording sets allow a musician the opportunity to practice and improvise with well-known jazz personalities at home as well as in the classroom. The recordings employ some of the best jazz musicians in the world. This concept has been responsible for changing the practice habits of thousands of musicians around the world. In 2007, Jamey was awarded the Indiana Governor's Arts Award by Mitch Daniels, the Governor of Indiana.

In December 2004, the Jazz Midwest Clinic bestowed upon Jamey the "Medal of Honor" in Jazz Education. In 2014, Jamey was awarded The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award, the nation's highest honor in jazz. Jamey Aebersold is the recipient of the 2014 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy, which is bestowed upon an individual who has contributed significantly to the appreciation, knowledge, and advancement of the art form of jazz. Jamey has been a driving force in America's native art form, Jazz, and continues to kindle the fires of musical imagination in those with whom he comes in contact.

Find more about Jamey Aebersold at:

Website featuring Books and Full Bio: http://www.jazzbooks.com

NEA Jazz Masters page:https://www.arts.gov/honors/jazz/jamey-aebersold

Find more about The Mindful Musician Podcast at:

http://www.mattoestreicher.com/themindfulmusician

Matt Oestreicher(Host)

http://www.mattoestreicher.com

Featured Music on this episode:

Per Your Request performed by The Verve Jazz Ensemble

Written & Arranged by Matt Oestreicher

https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/thevervejazzensemble4

Mini episodes aim to clarify and catalog one idea or principle that can be helpful to those of us who manage our own creative careers. This episode features a story from Composer David Friedman(The Today Show, Desperate Measures, We Can Be Kind) about asking for what you want. To hear more from David, listen to episodes 30 and 31.

Link to the blog post about this topic: http://www.mattoestreicher.com/music-blog/2019/6/1/an-essential-music-career-skill-asking-for-what-you-want-and-learning-to-deal-with-rejectionnbsp

The Mindful Musician podcast is hosted by Band leader and producer Matt Oestreicher. The homepage can be found here: http://www.mattoestreicher.com/themindfulmusician

please subscribe/like/review on iTunes

DAVID FRIEDMAN

David Friedman, composer of the award-winning hit musical, Desperate Measures, (Drama Desk for Music and Lyrics/Outer Critics and Off Broadway Alliance Awards for Best Musical) is one of this country's most beloved songwriters, best known for writing songs that touch our hearts and speak to our souls. He has written songs for everyone from Disney to Diana Ross, produced all of the late/great Nancy LaMott's CD's and wrote many of her best known songs, (Listen To My Heart/We Can Be Kind/We Live on Borrowed Time/I'll Be Here With You/Just in Time For Christmas), conducted and vocal arranged 6 musicals on Broadway and numerous Disney Animated Films (including Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame) wrote songs for The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, Bambi II and Trick, scored 3 television series, performed his revue Listen To My Heart – The Songs of David Friedman to audiences Off Broadway, all over America and abroad, and is currently in his 10th year of co-writing (with Kathie Lee Gifford) and performing a song-a-month for the Today Show's Everyone Has a Story Segment. (This month will be his hundredth song.) In addition to Desperate Measures, David has written 4 other musicals with Peter Kellogg: Chasing Nicolette played to rave reviews at The Westport Country Playhouse, the Prince theater in Philadelphia (where David was awarded the Barrymore Award for best score) and Village Theatre in Seattle, and recently had a backer's presentation in New York with John Rando directing; Stunt Girl, about the life of Nellie Bly, the first woman investigative reporter in New York and the first woman to run a major corporation, was seen in a critically acclaimed production at the Village Theater in Seattle, which was followed by a staged reading at Manhattan Theatre Club in New York. (After seeing this reading, Gloria Steinem called it, "Altogether, the strongest female story I've ever seen on Broadway -- or pretty much anywhere"); Money Talks, a four-character musical that follows the path of a $100 bill as it passes from person to person, with Benjamin Franklin playing the $100 bill, was presented at the Davenport Theatre last year; and Lincoln in Love, a musical about Abe Lincoln's early years, was presented at Goodspeed. David's Christmas Oratorio, King Island Christmas, written with Deborah Brevoort, has had over 50 productions around the world. David is also a best-selling author with 5 books including We Can Be Kind - Healing Our World One Kindness at a Time, based on his song of the same name. (Currently in its Fifth printing.) His three books on his Metaphysical Method, The Thought Exchange, explore how to not only choose the thoughts we wish to hold, but how to stay with them and see them manifest in our lives. He is a sought after speaker, lecturer and teacher around the country. For more information, go to www.MIDDERMusic.com.

LINKS

Davids Website: www.MIDDERMusic.com

We Can Be Kind - book and song https://www.amazon.com/We-Can-Be-Kind-Kindness/dp/1633536750

Nancy LaMott singing We Can Be Kind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49m0--Wsk6E

Koga (animated children's series): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvmrHk_ih2E

The Mindful Musician Podcast:

www.mattoestreicher.com