The Other Side Of The Bell - A Trumpet Podcast

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer and recording artis Cameron Johnson, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Cameron Johnson Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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Cameron Johnson has built a dynamic career as a professional trumpeter, touring internationally, leading big bands, and working across jazz, pop, R&B, and studio sessions.

Cameron recently came off the road touring with Lenny Kravitz on his Blue Electric Light tour, and we caught up with him at his home base in Los Angeles. Which in fact relates back to a central part of his story: the move from New York to LA, forging relationships, trusting his instincts and abilities, and making himself someone in demand. He explains the difference between jazz work, commercial work, and major pop tours, and why each requires a different kind of stamina, confidence, and preparation.

We reflect on the discipline behind great playing, the realities of life on the road, staying physically and mentally prepared for demanding performances, and why genuine relationships matter as much as talent. Cameron shares how he learned trumpet mostly by ear, developed his reading later, and built a career by combining musicianship with business sense, consistency, and genuine relationships.

His core advice: talent is not enough, the real edge is learning how to outthink the competition while staying honest and building trust.

I've had the gift of good relationships, and I've always been around good people that wanted to see me do well. That's very important when you're trying to make something out of any business. You have to figure out who's for you, who's against you, who's going to tell you what you need to hear, who's going to tell you why you're not getting that call. So I'd rather be around honest people, and I try to pride myself of being honest with people too." - Cameron Johnson

About Cameron Johnson:

New York native trumpeter arranger Cameron Johnson started his professional career at the age of 16, honing his skills in New York City clubs, playing a wide variety of music from soul/funk/jazz/classical/gospel. His versatile musicianship has afforded him opportunities to perform, record and or tour with artists such as Justin Timberlake, The L.A. Opera, Sunday Service, Beyonce, Leon Bridges, Giveon, Booker T. and the MG's, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Blake Shelton, Black Eyed Peas, Bebe Rexha, Dnce, Rachel Platten, Stevie Wonder, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Lionel Richie, Robin Thicke, Andra Day, Janelle Monae, Kirk Franklin, Pharrell, Raye, Cee lo, and Usher to name a few.

After attending The New School University for Jazz and Contemporary Arts, Cameron then eventually relocated to Los Angeles and has made himself a prominent call. As a studio musician, and has also made numerous television appearances on shows such as The Grammys, Jimmy Fallon, James Corden, The Voice, American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, Jimmy Kimmel and BET awards.

Cameron has played trumpet on Grammy award winning and also been a part of multiple Grammy nominated albums. In addition to being a studio musician, Cameron currently is a band member for Lenny Kravitz.

Episode Links:

• Find Cameron on Instagram

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• NCMEA Conference, November 8-9, Winston-Salem, NC
• Greg Black Mouthpieces, November 10, Mount Holly, NC

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - Courtesy Cameron Johnson
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet educator, performer and composer Dr. Christopher Keach, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Dr. Chris Keach Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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How do you apply vocal warmup and training techniques to trumpet playing?

And what if it unlocks an entire new approach to practice and pedagogy?

Dr. Chris Keach traces his path from a young Long Island trumpet student to college professor at the Crane School of Music, after studying at Crane and McGill University in Montreal, and reflects on how teaching, performing, and research have all shaped his journey. The vocal training techniques he learned along the way, such as jaw and tongue mobility, vowel concepts and nasal feedback, have helped him open up his sound and stamina, and give him further tools to help his students.

We chat about shifting from lead jazz trumpet to classical solo work, choosing graduate studies, landing a college teaching job before finishing his doctorate, and why creating new music matters for the trumpet community.

Chris began commissioning more original music after realizing how much trumpet repertoire repeats the same works, and wanting to expand the literature with new and diverse voices. His current and upcoming projects include trumpet and electronics, flugelhorn solo repertoire, chamber pieces, and a benefit concert concept tied to the local humane society.

And, Chris will of course play a central role in the the inaugural Brass Summit at the Crane School in September, a weekend full of performances, exhibitors, panels, workshops, masterclasses and more. The world-renowned Seraph Brass will be present and perform a featured recital. A great event that's making world-class performance and instruction more accessible!

When choosing schools for a doctorate: "For me personally, the teacher is the number one choice that I would make. If I can study with someone who inspires me to be there, inspires me to be better, helps me to grow into the musician I want to be, then everything else can fall into place." - Chris Keach

About Christopher Keach:

Dr. Christopher Keach, a New York-based professional musician, educator, and researcher, is the Lecturer of Trumpet at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. He is a multi-talented performer with experience in classical, jazz, and Afro-Cuban music. Keach has performed with the Syracuse Orchestra, Segal Centre Theatre organization, the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra, the Orchestra of Northern New York, the Northern Symphonic Winds, and in the New Works Recital at the 2023 International Trumpet Guild (ITG) Conference. He has worked with artists such as Ashley Hall-Tighe, Tony Glausi, Ed Carroll, Sergei Nakariakov, Karen Donnelly, James Thompson, Septura Brass Septet, Fabio Brum, Caleb Hudson, Jim Wilt, Nikki LaBonte, and Anthony Plog. He currently performs as the Co-Principal of the Orchestra of Northern New York, section leader of the Northern Symphonic Winds, and as a member of the Potsdam Brass Quintet. Keach is as versatile an educator as he is a performer. He has experience teaching a variety of age groups and settings, including K-5 general music, as well as 9-12th grade jazz band and symphonic band. From the summer of 2022 till 2026, Keach taught at the Bay Shore High School Summer Music Program where he taught lessons to beginning and high school instrumentalists. Additionally, in his private studio he teaches both jazz and classical trumpet lessons to students of all ages. Along with his teaching and performance experience, Keach has a great interest in research, specifically in the fields of performance science and electronic music. Keach completed his DMus and MMus degrees in trumpet performance at McGill University, Schulich School of Music, in the studio of Professor Richard Stoelzel. Keach also holds his B.M. in Trumpet Performance and B.M.E. from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where he studied with Dr. John R. Ellis. Episode Links:

• 2026 SUNY Crane School of Music Brass Summit, with Seraph Brass
• Website: https://christopherkeach.com
• Instagram: @chris_keach_music
• Instagram: @CraneTrumpetStudio
• Mary Elizabeth Bowden interview, The Other Side of the Bell

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• Joy Brass, September 17-24, Tokyo Japan http://joybrass.com email to sign up: [email protected]
• Virtuosity Music, October 9-10, Boston, MA Signup link
• NCMEA Conference, November 8-9, Winston-Salem, NC
• Greg Black Mouthpieces, November 10, Mount Holly, NC

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - Julia Kia Photography
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, band leader and recording artist James Davison, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"James Davison Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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James Davison had a misconception that trumpeters should only have one mouthpiece, that any professional should be able to do everything with only one, and if you used more you were "cheating."

It was Chris Deacon in fact who finally asked him one day, in a moment of struggle, " Why don't you just try a slightly narrower mouthpiece?"

From there, a whole new world opened up.

Jim was already well on a path to building a career in music, having become enraptured by the trumpet and cornet as a child, playing Dixieland jazz with his father and learning to play by ear, and then studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music.

But sometimes, we just need a little kick, a new perspective from an outside source, to shift our understanding and mindset.

Since that crossroads, Jim has gone on to become a regular player in the British music scene, from musicals and big bands to studio sessions film soundtracks. Earlier this year, Jim released his long-awaited trumpet & bass collaboration with Misha Mullov-Abbado, "Moon Beans," a mix of original compositions and collaborative arrangements. And he features on Callum Au's ambitious new recording of original music, "Sing Seven Seas."

"If you sing down the horn and you make people smile, and there's a connection for the audience with your playing, then I think that's the only thing that really matters." - James Davison

In fact, Callum Au is also this month's feature interview on The Trombone Corner podcast, so after you've heard Jim's story, head over to the Corner and hear from Callum as well!

About James Davison:

James Davison is a freelance Trumpet and Flugelhorn player in high-demand in London's Classical and Jazz scenes.

Having graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (2014) and the Royal Academy of Music (2016), James is often found playing in Big Bands such as the BBC Big Band, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, the Callum Au Big Band, the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, the Danish Radio Big Band, Pete Long's Echoes of Ellington, the Jakob Helling Concert Big Band and the Patchwork Jazz Orchestra.

James also works regularly in London's iconic recording studios, including Abbey Road, Angel Studios and Air Studios, for Pop, TV and Film sessions.

As well as being a side-man in bands such as the Mark Nightingale & Alan Barnes Sextet and the Misha Mullov-Abbado Group, James is also a bandleader in his own right co-leading groups with both the saxophone and clarinetist Duncan Hemstock, as well as the Grammy-nominated arranger and trombone player Callum Au in their band "Quintet-a-tete", alongside his own quartet.

James' classical and orchestral career highlights include performances with the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia, the Halle, English National Opera, John Wilson's Sinfonia of London and he is also a member of the world renowned brass ensemble London Brass, which he joined in 2024.

Episode Links:

• Moon Beans, the album https://mishamullov-abbado.bandcamp.com/album/moon-beans
• Sing Seven Seas, Callum Au https://callumaumusic.com/s7s/
• Swipe Right! from Sing Seven Seas by Callum Au https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZycetABQze0
• The London Brass https://www.londonbrass.net/styled/page-5/
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jimjimdavison/

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• Joy Brass, September 17-24, Tokyo Japan http://joybrass.com email to sign up: [email protected]
• Virtuosity Music, October 9-10, Boston, MA
• NCMEA Conference, November 8-9, Winston-Salem, NC
• Greg Black Mouthpieces, November 10, Mount Holly, NC

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - Guido Baroncelli & James Davison
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, composer and recording artist Liva Strazdina, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Liva Strazdina Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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Liva Strazdina made the decision to pursue post-secondary studies in jazz music, and had been accepted to the Carl Maria von Weber Dresden University of Music, but there remained one crucial thing that she had to tackle first:

Changing her embouchure.

She had heard the suggestions before, the recommendations to do something about it before it got worse and created excessive fatigue. But the time had come.

Liva was guided by the acclaimed yet demanding instructor Malte Burba, showing her breathing and muscle-building techniques that embraced the full body, not just the lips, mouth and lungs. Which led to Liva spending a solid three months practicing with only a mouthpiece, while her new classmates were progressing with her studies. Undoubtedly a test of perseverance and commitment!

Liva compares her training to that of an athlete, who must see the bigger picture and the ultimate trajectory, particularly during the repetitive and even painful days of practice and repetition.

Fortunately for her, and all of us, her commitment has led to a burgeoning career in jazz music, and the debut of her first album, Unbalanced, featuring a mixture of original compositions and interpretations. Listen in for a thoughtful conversation, and a thoughtful album, about trumpet, creativity, resilience, and building a life in music.

About Liva Strazdina:

Līva Strazdiņa, born in 1997 in Berlin with Latvian roots, combines depth, expression and a clear personal tone in her music. After studying jazz trumpet as her main instrument at the

Carl Maria von Weber University of Music in Dresden, with teachers including Sebastian Studnitzky, Malte Burba, Simon Harrer and Till Brönner, she developed a distinctive musical language marked by intense melodic writing and a fine balance between energy and intimacy.

As a trumpeter and flugelhornist, she chooses her instrument deliberately based on mood and tone color. Alongside numerous ensemble projects, big band experience, awards and tours including the Berlin Youth Jazz Orchestra, studio recordings with LaJJazzO and tours with the indie band BEACHPEOPLE, Līva is also active as a composer. Her music reflects not only influences from jazz greats such as Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard, but also singer songwriters like Billy Joel and pop icons like Pink Floyd and Eminem.

With her debut album, Līva shares her innermost thoughts and feelings. The album invites listeners to immerse themselves in these emotions and reflect on their own emotional world.

Episode Links:

• Website liva-strazdina.com
• Store https://timezonerecords.lnk.to/LSUnspoken?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/livastrazdinamusic
• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@livastrazdinamusic
• Bandcamp https://livastrazdinamusic.bandcamp.com/merch

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• Joy Brass, September 17-24, Tokyo Japan http://joybrass.com email to sign up: [email protected]
• Virtuosity Music, October 9-10, Boston, MA
• NCMEA Conference, November 8-9, Winston-Salem, NC
• Greg Black Mouthpieces, November 10, Mount Holly, NC

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - Aigars Hibneris
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, ensemble leader and recording artist CJ Camerieri, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"CJ Camerieri Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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"If you want to have a career in this, you have to know why you're the right person to call, and why you have a skill set that's exactly right for this particular thing. It's hard to make a living at it if they can just hire a different person and pay 'em less." - CJ Camerieri

Julliard grad, Grammy winner, collaborator with Bon Iver, Paul Simon, Rufus Wainwright, Sufjan Stevens, Ben Folds, Bruce Hornsby and so many more, CJ Camerieri is the personification of passion: starting piano lessons at 4 years old and never looking back.

But it's one thing to be music-obsessed from childhood, it's another to forge a successful, sustainable career in a cutthroat industry. Our conversation today is a fascinating and introspective look into the the business side of music: the back end, the royalties, the songwriting credits, the mindset and the versatility required to succeed and thrive.

For CJ, this has meant being adaptable, embracing different styles of music, being open to change and doing things that others may be less interested in.

But also, always, doing it for joy, not just a paycheque. You'll rarely meet someone more passionate about trying new things and taking on new challenges. Hence the formation in 2008 of yMusic, "A chamber ensemble with a unique mission: to work on both sides of the classical/popular music divide, without sacrificing rigor, virtuosity, charisma or style."

The threads of yMusic are woven throughout our conversation today. Transitioning to a new music scene can reignite your passion, while touring teaches practical lessons about maintaining your craft. CJ will inspire you with his insight and innovation!

About CJ Camerieri:

Since graduating from The Juilliard School in 2004 with a degree in Classical Trumpet Performance, CJ Camerieri has become an esteemed artist, songwriter, producer, and an indispensable collaborator for some of the most important artists of our time.

Camerieri is a two-time Grammy award winner (Best New Artist, 2011 and Best Alternative Album, 2011) and a co-founder of the acclaimed contemporary classical sextet yMusic (who the New Yorker has called "six contemporary classical polymaths who playfully overstep the boundaries of musical genres"). Camerieri has toured the world as a core member of Paul Simon's band since 2013 and with artists such as Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Ben Folds, Plastic Ono Band, and Sting, among many others. He has contributed to over 300 recordings and has commissioned over 100 new works of chamber music featuring the trumpet, including pieces by Andrew Norman, Gabriella Smith, Nico Muhly, Marcos Balter, Ryan Lott, and Missy Mazzoli.

In 2021 Camerieri debuted his solo project CARM, which was highlighted by performances on The Colbert Show and Tiny Desk Concert. For Paul Simon's "Farewell Tour" in 2018, Camerieri brought yMusic into Simon's touring band. This resulted in contemporary classical arrangements of the artist's iconic songs being performed in arenas around the world, as well as in featured performances on Saturday Night Live and The Colbert Show. His trio project, Heavy MakeUp, featuring himself, Edie Brickell, and Trever Hagen just released their second full length record on Sony Records.

Camerieri is also an accomplished French Horn player, keyboardist, arranger, composer, and improviser—comfortable in all styles and genres of music. In addition, Camerieri has held numerous chairs on Broadway; played principal trumpet with orchestras such as Orpheus, The Knights, and Orchestra of St. Lukes; and has written arrangements for many types of ensembles on countless recordings and performances.

Episode Links:

• yMusic: https://www.ymusicensemble.com
• Linktree: linktr.ee/CJ_Camerieri
• Instagram: @carm_band

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• Bob Reeves Brass pre-owned instruments, find your next treasure! https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/collections/used-instruments

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Cover Photo Credit - Courtesy CJ Camerieri
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet educator, conductor and performer Nick Smart, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Nick Smart Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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When Nick Smart was a teenager in Toddington, England, a retired professional trumpet player bought a local pub and turned it into a venue for daily jazz performances, from big band to traditional, mainstream and more, 8 shows per week. Nick was hooked, and set off on a career in music.

But although that career has involved lots of composing, performing, touring and recording, he ultimately found his passion (and a steady gig) as an educator, eventually becoming Head of Jazz Programmes at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Nick is thus in excellent position to give us solid advice on not just being a student in higher education, but pursuing a career as a professional music educator. Nick's approach is carefully centred around what will ultimately be of best service to students, and understanding your role as the member of an academic department.

How do you prepare for such roles? Like any job application, do your research, read the posting carefully, and identify what they are looking for.

But for music specifically, there are further nuances. Do you understand the role and placement of the department within the broader community? What are their objectives and priorities when it comes to music education and reputation? What do they want to be known for? How would you fit into that scene?

As a student applicant, remember that a program may not be judging you so much on your ability as to how well you'll work together with others, and integrate into the spirit of the program.

We talk about jazz education, music theory, the construct of scales and arpeggios, and understanding structure: to then dance and improvise around that structure. That's what makes theory so fascinating.

Nick was with us recently alongside Brian Shaw, talking about their recent biography of Kenny Wheeler: Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler

Now, they've each had their own spotlight on The Other Side of the Bell, make sure to check out both episodes! Brian Shaw: Versatility, Baroque Trumpet and Serendipity. Ep. 158

"As an educator, get your ego out of the way too. It's about the students and it's about their range of experience and what you're into doesn't have to be important. It's only part of it." - Nick Smart

About Nick Smart: Head of Jazz Programmes at the Royal Academy of Music, Nick Smart is an internationally renowned Grammy nominated jazz trumpeter, conductor and educator who has given guest masterclasses and performances around the world. Nick was a close colleague and friend of the late Kenny Wheeler and has been instrumental in keeping Wheeler's legacy alive. As well as being a member of Kenny's big band, Nick helped manage the latter stages of Kenny's career, secured the Kenny Wheeler Archive into the Royal Academy of Music Collections, and completed a PhD focused on Wheeler's development. He also led and produced the Grammy nominated album recording, Kenny Wheeler Legacy - Some Days Are Better - released to critical acclaim on the US label Greenleaf Music in January 2025, featuring the Academy Jazz Orchestra in collaboration with the University Miami's Frost Jazz Orchestra. Episode Links:

• Royal Academy of Music: www.ram.ac.uk/profile/nick-smart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicksmartmusic/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nicksmartmusic/

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Book your trumpet alignment here: https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/william-adam-trumpet-festival-valve-alignment-presale

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - Courtesy Nick Smart
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet educator, improviser and composer Kris Tiner, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Kris Tiner Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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How do you turn improvisation into an album, without taking forever to finish? How do you know when it's ready and complete?

Kris Tiner has been improvising his whole life, in fact, he would point out that we all are: "We're all improvising right now. You get up and walk to the door, and which room do you go into next? That's an improvisation. What are you going to have for dinner? You get in your car and you drive down the highway, that's an improvisation."

Improvisation is a natural state of being for musicians, just witness when kids pick up an instrument and start exploring.

But as adults (and professional recording musicians), well, time is money, the album's gotta get released, and you've got to decide when to stamp that recording and send it out into the zeitgeist.

Kris shares some of the fascinating mindset of recording improvisational jazz pieces, as reflected on his brand new album, "Sung," a collaboration with pianist Cathlene Pineda.

We also talk about the experience of providing music education in a small city, not a big urban hub, and the connections and community that can be found therein. Kris teaches trumpet, jazz, composition and improvisation as Professor of Music at Bakersfield College in California, helping students gain access to music and opportunities that they may not receive otherwise.

Of whom one of those students was himself, having embarked on his musical education at CSU Bakersfield in the 1990s. A full circle journey, indeed.

About Kris Tiner:

KRIS TINER is a California-based trumpet artist, composer, and educator.

His music has been performed on five continents, his 100+ recordings have been enthusiastically reviewed in the international jazz press, and he has performance credits on MTV, NBC, PBS and Comedy Central.

Tiner has received awards from ASCAP, the American Composers Forum, Chamber Music America, Montalvo Arts Center, and in 2023 was recognized as the CMEA statewide jazz educator of the year. He is a member of the Empty Cage Quartet with recordings on Portugal's Clean Feed label, and he collaborates with guitarist Mike Baggetta in the duo Tin/Bag.

Tiner also performs with the Cathlene Pineda Quartet, Psychic Temple, the Industrial Jazz Group, and the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.

He is the Director of Jazz Studies at Bakersfield College, and has also taught at CalArts and CSU Bakersfield. Tiner is the founder of Epigraph Records, an independent label dedicated to new creative music recorded in Bakersfield.

Episode Links:

• Sung, the new album: https://orendarecords.bandcamp.com/album/sung
• Website: www.kristiner.com
• Bandcamp: https://epigraph.bandcamp.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kctiner
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/kctiner
• Instagram: @kris.tiner

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Book your trumpet alignment here: https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/william-adam-trumpet-festival-valve-alignment-presale

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - AJ Rodriguez, Aviva Diamond, Talley Sherwood, Corey Stock
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet composer, performer and producer Gabriel Johnson, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Gabriel Johnson Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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Gabriel Johnson went to the Monterey Jazz Festival at 9 years old - by himself - and witnessed Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard on stage.

He went home, switched instruments to the trumpet, and the rest is history.

Gabe learned to play the trumpet by ear, playing along to Miles Davis, learning "the excitement inside the sadness." A glimmer of hope for Gabe during a difficult childhood. Self taught until later in high school, it wasn't until he was at the New England Conservatory when he learned that what seemed second-nature all along was in fact perfect pitch.

A chance encounter with Chris Botti on Gabe's last night in Boston before moving to Los Angeles led to a friendship of over 20 years, and pivotal connections including meeting the manager of Blood, Sweat & Tears, who invited him to be the band's musical director for a year. From hanging out with Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford, to learning recording techniques and producer psychology from David Foster, Gabe has built a remarkable career full of originality and spontaneity, covering soundtracks, jazz, pop and more.

With AI creeping into musicians' livelihood, Gabriel has some pertinent advice: individual artist expression is something that can never be replicated, whether by artificial intelligence or another human. Be yourself, be creative, be original. The rest will follow.

About Gabriel Johnson:

Gabriel Johnson is an American jazz trumpeter whose lyrical sound and deep musical fluency have earned praise from artists, including David Foster, Clint Eastwood, and Chris Botti.

Gabe studied at New England Conservatory and then moved to Los Angeles and built a wide ranging career as a solo artist, session musician and featured performer. Recording and performing with artists such as Gladys Knight, Steven Tyler, David Foster, Chris Botti , Andrea Bocelli, Lyle Lovett, and Burt Bacharach, he was featured by Clint Eastwood as a trumpet soloist on the film scores for Changeling and Invictus, and has released a substantial catalog of recordings on his Sunset Horn label, blending jazz tradition with cinematic electronic and modern production influences.

Episode Links:

• Website: www.gabrieljohnsonmusic.com
• Bandcamp: https://gabrieljohnson.bandcamp.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GJTrumpet
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gabriel-johnson/336452318
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gjtrumpet/?hl=en

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Book your trumpet alignment here: https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/william-adam-trumpet-festival-valve-alignment-presale

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - Courtesty Brian Shaw and Equinox Publishing
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring historical, classical and jazz trumpeter Brian Shaw, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Brian Shaw Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

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Whether it's big band jazz, classical baroque, or any number of styles in between, Brian Shaw's trumpet career is a reflection of the word, "versatility."

Brian is the type of musician who, when having trouble deciding whether to major in classical or jazz, decided to simply do both! Hence a double major in jazz studies and classical performance, which yes, did result in him having to do two senior recitals. But Brian embraced the challenge, just as he did in finishing his doctorate in one year instead of three, so that he would have more time to pursue all the various avenues he wanted to explore.

Today, Brian pursues teaching, writing, performance, arrangement and more from his home base near Seattle, WA. And, as you'll know from our recent "Kenny Wheeler Special," he and Nick Smart recently collaborated on a biography of inspirational trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler, which added published author to Brian's resume as well.

Brian joins us today to talk about his early inspirations coming from a non-musical family in small town southern Illinois, to being the first in his family to attend college, taking control of your musical education, and the various stops and projects he's pursued along his trailblazing journey.

About Brian Shaw:

Brian Shaw is an active performer, arranger, and educator known for his versatility. He is one of the few trumpet players in the world equally comfortable in early music, orchestral, jazz, and commercial settings on modern and period instruments, and enjoys an international performing career as a modern and historical trumpet soloist. He holds principal positions with the Dallas Winds, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Spire Baroque Orchestra. He is also a regular guest instructor of Historical Trumpet at the Eastman School of Music. From 2007-2021, he was Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at Louisiana State University and was Principal Trumpet of the Baton Rouge (Louisiana) Symphony from 2014-2021. Brian has also served as guest Principal Trumpet of the Oregon Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, and Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra (US).

A noted Baroque trumpet player, Shaw's 2008 recording Virtuoso Concertos for Clarino includes some of the most difficult pieces ever written for the instrument. Early Music America observed: "Shaw's tone is beautiful, and his playing unfailingly musical… His is a voice that will make a major mark on Baroque trumpet playing." His critically-acclaimed 2014 solo trumpet recording redshift was accompanied by the Dallas Wind Symphony and conductor Jerry Junkin. Brian has also released a collaborative album of classic recital pieces with pianist Jan Grimes called Sonatas and Fantasies: A Century of Standards for Trumpet and Piano, and has just completed another recording project called Virtuosic Versatility, outlining the history of the trumpet, from early music to modern jazz.

As a jazz musician, Brian plays solo and lead trumpet professionally in the Seattle area and leads a big band in Baton Rouge every December, which released a holiday-themed album titled Christmas at the Manship! in 2017. He is in demand as an arranger as well, with many scores for jazz band, brass ensemble, studio orchestra, and wind ensemble to his credit.

Brian Shaw lives near Seattle with his wife Lana, their sons Thomas and Elliot, and their dog, Ernie.

Episode Links:

• www.brianshawmusic.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bshawmusic
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brian-shaw/1564984803
• Kenny Wheeler book: https://equinoxonlinelibrary.com/book/58282/song-for-someone

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill. Book your trumpet alignment here: https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/william-adam-trumpet-festival-valve-alignment-presale

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - Courtesty Brian Shaw and Equinox Publishing
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, composer and designer Thomas Gansch, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Thomas Gansch Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

From his groundbreaking Mnozil Brass to his original take on a rotary valve trumpet, the "Gansch Horn," Thomas Gansch has made an indelible impact on professional music.

Thomas joins us today to share his musical journey from a young boy, surrounded by instruments in a musician's family, to becoming a prominent trumpet player in Austria and beyond.

He opens up quite honestly about his struggles with classical music education, and family expectations, before eventually making his transition towards jazz, which he embraced as part of his wide-range of musical interests.

Growing up as the son of renowned Austrian composer Johann Gansch, and as the much younger brother of Hans Gansch, a prominent trumpet soloist and professor himself (and principal trumpeter of the Vienna Philharmonic), there was a lot of push and pull as both brothers sought their own place of identity, creativity and freedom to pursue their musical dreams.

It was through humor and originality that Thomas truly found his wings, particularly with the Mnozil Brass septet, considered the "Monty Python of the musical world." Going strong since 1992, Mnozil forms just part of Thomas' busy schedule that comprises all sorts of musical styles and groups.

And he gives us a tour of the original Gansch Horn, a rotary trumpet that can be played with one hand, which gives it its distinctive arced bell shape. Thomas worked directly with the noted Austrian manufacturer Schagerl in the early 2000's to create the horn that has become his identity.

From practice routines to juggling gigs, jamming with Wynton Marsalis and Jerry Hey to looking after your body and mind, this is a wonderful conversation of breadth and inspiration!

About Thomas Gansch:

Thomas Gansch, born in 1975, has always successfully eluded any categorisation.

Whether in the formation "Mnozil Brass", which he co-founded and with which he has been performing around the world for thirty years, in the legendary "Vienna Art Orchestra", as a soloist with a large orchestra or as part of a family theatrical ensemble with his wife Theresia and the joint programme "Doppelgansch", whether as a composer, arranger, compere, pop singer, big band leader or brass band conductor, the native of Lower Austria does not allow himself to be confined to any musical genre.

He likes to summarise all varieties of his art under the term "music" that "either touches him or doesn't touch him" in order to put all prejudices to one side and to give listeners an intuitive approach to listening.

Various projects have taken Gansch to over 45 countries and his first musical experiences in the brass band of his father Johann Gansch S. (1925 - 1998), which he - in the spirit of the gifted improviser - always integrates directly into his work.

Today, Gansch draws on his wealth of artistic experience and also brings his engaging personality to every project, from symphony orchestras to chamber music ensembles, from jazz to new music, from pop acts to musical theatre and comedy programmes, into his performances.

There are no hierarchies in his understanding of art, and so he manages to inspire and "pick up" the audience again and again.

Episode Links:

• Mnozil Brass: https://mnozilbrass.at/en
• YouTube: @ThomasGanschOFFICIAL
• Instagram: @thomasgansch
• Facebook: @thomasganschofficial

Bob Reeves Brass Events and Appearances:

• Next Up! Concert Series: Watch the live streamed premier of Dan Rosenboom's special composition, "In a World Like This," with the Los Angeles Brass Alliance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xfR6Gwtyw4 And stay tuned for the fully HD version coming soon!
• William Adam Trumpet Festival July 9-12, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill.

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Photo Credits - ©Daniela Matejschek
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg