The Other Side Of The Bell - A Trumpet Podcast

This special episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring the life of trumpet composer, performer and innovator Kenny Wheeler, a conversation with biographers Nick Smart and 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:

"Kenny Wheeler Special"

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

--- Kenny Wheeler has been an inspiration to trumpet players for generations, but in typical Kenny style, we haven't known a lot about his back story, career path and personality. Until now. Nick Smart and Brian Shaw, trumpet trailblazers in their own right, have collaborated on a new biography of Kenny Wheeler called Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler, which draws from interviews and archival material and research to tell a compelling and touching story. Kenny went from small town Canada to becoming one of the most influential yet enigmatic jazz musicians in Europe. Along the way, he navigated through all kinds of obstacles, personal and professional, with quiet and understated courage, to truly become a distinct performer. Kenny's solos, improvisation and technical abilities were so unique that he garnered unmatched praise and respect as his career evolved. And yet, underneath it all were what we would now consider mental health struggles, lack of confidence, imposter syndrome - all things that weren't discussed or acknowledged at the time. Those who knew Kenny personally were full of universal acclaim for his warmth, kindness and subtle humor. Brian and Nick join John Snell on today's special episode to share some of the stories from their book, which paints a full picture of Kenny Wheeler's life and music. About Kenny Wheeler: From Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler: Trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler (1930–2014) was one of the most enigmatic and influential musicians in recent memory. His instantly recognisable sound was a driving force within every major innovation in modern European jazz during the last half of the 20th century. More importantly, his life provides us with a profound example of the way music can manifest itself in the most unlikely of vessels. 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. 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. Brian 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. Music Links From This Episode:

• Some Days Are Better: The Lost Scores (Dave Douglas, Kenny Wheeler Legacy), 2025
• Gnu High, 1976
• Deer Wan, 1978
• Anthony Braxton, New York Fall, 1975
• Ralph Towner Old Friends New Friends, 1979
• Around Six, 1980
• Music for Large and Small Ensembles, 1990

Purchase Song For Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR Valve alignments: First come, first served!
• Next Up! Concert Series: Los Angeles Brass Alliance, with special composition by Dan Rosenboom Pasadena Presbyterian Church, May 9, 7:00 pm https://www.labrassalliance.org/events/next-up-2026 Streaming link will appear in advance.
• 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
• Cover Photo Credits - Courtesy Nick Smart, Brian Shaw and Equinox Publishing
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, producer and creator Louis Dowdeswell, 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:

"Kellin Hanas Trumpet Interview"

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

It all started with a dream, at four years old: an actual dream, that sticks in her memory to this day. Kellin Hanas is known for her social media presence, her combination of comedy and trumpet, and her recognition as a bright young star on the jazz trumpet circuit. She joins us today to share her back story of having that first light bulb moment in a vivid dream, to then picking up the trumpet at seven years old and forcing the adults in the room to let her play it, and on through her years in elementary and high school, sharing the profound yet tragic story of her teacher and mentor. Someone who remains a tremendous influence. Starting college at the Manhattan School of Music during the peak of COVID, Kellin navigated the bizarre and unprecedented challenges of those years with perseverance and grace, leading to professional contacts and opportunities right out of the gate. But you probably recognize her most from her social media, which has gone viral to the tune of over 100,00 followers on Instagram and TikTok, thanks to her unique combination of professional jazz trumpet and stand-up comedy. Learn all about the stories and inspirations that make up Kellin Hanas in this inspiring conversation!

About Kellin Hanas:

Hailed in the International Trumpet Guild Journal as "one of the best up and coming jazz musicians on the globe", 24 year old Kellin Hanas is a trumpeter, composer, educator and comedian based out of New York City and Chicago.

A recent graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, she has studied under legendary trumpeters such as Ingrid Jensen and Scott Wendholt. Kellin can currently be seen on tour with her own band, as well as The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Ensemble, the Grace Fox Big Band, Ted Nash Big Band, and actor and fashion legend Isaac Mizrahi.

Kellin is also thrilled to be holding the trumpet chair for Heathers The Musical in NYC at New World Stages, and occasionally you can see her at Broadway's Just In Time as well. She is the recipient of the 2024 Laurie Frink Career Grant, and was also the 1st place winner of the 2024 ITG Ryan Anthony Memorial Jazz Improvisation Competition.

Since 2022, Hanas has been the leader of her own band, the Kellin Hanas Quintet, which debuted in the upstairs of the iconic Birdland Jazz Club. Since then, she has taken her band to many venues and festivals, as well as colleges and universities around the US. An accomplished composer and arranger, her music has been performed across the country.

She has also performed with celebrities such as Darren Criss, Titus Burgess, the Manhattan Transfer, and Michael Feinstein. As a side-woman, Hanas has shared the stage with many jazz legends, such as Sean Jones, Christian McBride, Melissa Aldana, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chad LB, Ted Nash and Arturo Sandoval. Kellin was also a musician in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with Jonathan Groff and the Just In Time Band.

As an educator, Hanas has been invited to several colleges, universities and festivals to perform and teach. Some past visits include Ohio State University, Louisiana State University, Kennesaw State University and University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire, as well as regional Essentially Ellington festivals. As of 2026, Hanas has released 3 books and 1 video course with Jazz Lesson Videos, and continues to create educational content with them.

As of January 2026, Hanas has amassed a following of over 250k fans online, from her musical and comedic content. She hopes to use her platform to inspire, connect with others, and spread laughter and joy.

Hanas is a Bach and Conn-Selmer endorsed artist.

Episode Links:

• www.kellinhanas.com
• TikTok
• Instagram

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Metropolitan Music, April 10-11, Kirkland, WA https://calendly.com/bobreevesbrass/metropolitan-music-valve-alignment-appointment
• International Trumpet Guild, Washington Chapter, April 12, Bellingham, WA Valve alignments: First come, first served!
• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR Valve alignments: First come, first served!

Podcast Credits:

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

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, producer and creator Louis Dowdeswell, 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:

"Louis Dowdeswell Trumpet Interview"

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

Louis Dowdeswell has an invitation for you, especially if you're embarking on a career as a professional musician: Find your Why. It may not be as obvious as you think! It'll take time, hard work and introspection. But you're a trumpet player: you already know what that's like! Louis joins us today for what evolves into a deep conversation with tremendous insight. This episode creeps up on you. As Louis' stories and perspectives sink in, it'll get you thinking. He's a YouTube star, founder of a successful trumpet academy, and a productive working musician. But Louis has been through his share of doubts, challenges and uncertainties - he almost gave the trumpet up in 2023. If though you've ever needed inspiration to do something, to just start, and ignore what anyone might say or think about it: listen to this episode. Louis' endearingly positive and thoughtful personality will help you along your way. In the words of Tim McGraw: "When you get where you're going, turn back around and take a look. Help the next one in line. Always be humble and kind."

About Louis Dowdeswell:

Louis Dowdeswell is one of the most in-demand trumpeters of his generation, known for his powerful lead playing, versatility, and distinctive sound. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and later awarded Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM), he has built a career that bridges jazz, classical, pop, and film. Louis performed lead trumpet on Michael Bublé's Grammy Award-winning track Higher and has played for King Charles at Buckingham Palace. His Louis Dowdeswell Big Band has attracted millions of listeners worldwide, with over 30 million views online. As a performer, Louis has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and the BBC Concert Orchestra, and has played in numerous West End productions, including Wicked, Book of Mormon, Dreamgirls, and MJ the Musical. He has also shared the stage with artists such as Robbie Williams, Michael Bublé, Katherine Jenkins, Brian May, Teddy Swims, and Franz Ferdinand. On the recording front, Louis has worked with Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow, Celeste, Seal, Michael Ball & Alfie Boe, and more. His trumpet can be heard on blockbuster films including James Bond – No Time To Die, Barbie, Aladdin, Cats, and Don't Look Up, where he was the featured soloist. Louis is an International Conn Selmer / Vincent Bach Artist and the founder of Louis' Trumpet Academy, a global education platform awarded the Skool Games Q1 Prize for innovation in 2025. He lives with his wife, Milly, an opera singer, and their two boys, Reggie and Stanley, grounding his busy career in faith and family.

Episode Links:

• www.louisdowdeswell.com
• www.worldoftrumpet.com
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Spotify

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• National Trumpet Festival, March 20-22, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/national-trumpet-competition-valve-alignment-special
• Metropolitan Music, April 10-11, Kirkland, WA https://calendly.com/bobreevesbrass/metropolitan-music-valve-alignment-appointment
• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR

Podcast Credits:

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

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer Jay Webb, 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:

"Jay Webb Trumpet Interview"

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

You might know him from TikTok, or perhaps any of the myriad projects where he appears: The Hornheads, the Cory Wong and the Wongnotes YouTube series, any number of Broadway orchestra pits, the Grammy-winning 8-Bit Big Band, or most recently his Doc Severinsen tribute project (DST Band). Jay Webb is as versatile as they come, and today he shares his story and advice on how to forge a career in the 2020's. We talk about his late start in reading music, having learned to play by ear first, and then how moving to New Orleans provided a unique musical experience and education. Jay shares insight on the balance between touring and freelancing, and that when bringing his career back to Philadelphia years later, it was thanks to having maintained connections in the music industry that he was able to quickly find more opportunities. You never know who you might connect with and ask you to sub in for a gig, last minute. Jay shows us how to say "Yes" with confidence, and build the professional career that works for you. Don't let someone else define your career!

About Jay Webb:

Jay Webb is one of today's most versatile and in demand trumpet players, seamlessly moving between the concert hall, the recording studio, and the world's biggest stages. Whether performing with the National Symphony Orchestra, laying down pristine studio tracks, or sharing the spotlight with artists like Cory Wong, Shakira, Lake Street Dive, Ed Sheeran, Queen Latifah, John Legend, and the Grammy Award–winning 8-Bit Big Band, Jay has earned a reputation as a musician who truly does it all. Born in Hamburg, New Jersey, Jay was introduced to the trumpet at the age of three by his father. His natural ability and sharp ear were evident early on, and by fourth grade he was already playing in the school band. From there, his talent and dedication propelled him into a lifelong career in music. Jay's newest project, The DST Band, is a heartfelt tribute to legendary trumpeter Doc Severinsen. With dazzling recreations of Severinsen's most memorable performances, the ensemble breathes new life into beloved big band classics such as Stardust, I'm Getting Sentimental Over You, and Flying Home. Today, Jay is widely recognized as one of the world's premier trumpet players in both live performance and studio settings. Beyond the stage, he is also a highly sought-after clinician, inspiring the next generation of musicians with his artistry and insight. When not touring internationally, Jay remains deeply connected to New York City's vibrant music scene. He can often be found performing in Broadway orchestras and contributing to an array of recording projects, continuing to showcase the versatility and excellence that define his career. Jay Webb is Yamaha Performance artist, and plays Yamaha horns exclusively.

Episode Links:

• Website: jaywebbtrumpet.com
• Adelante artist management page
• Instagram: @JayWebbTrumpet
• TikTok: @JayWebbTrumpet

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• National Trumpet Festival, March 20-22, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/national-trumpet-competition-valve-alignment-special
• Metropolitan Music, April 10-11, Kirkland, WA https://calendly.com/bobreevesbrass/metropolitan-music-valve-alignment-appointment
• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR

Podcast Credits:

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

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer and recording artist Kyla Moscovich, 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:

"Kyla Moscovich Trumpet Interview"

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

At a year old she had a trumpet in her hands, and she hasn't looked back since! Kyla Moscovich has built a burgeoning career that bridges classical, jazz and pop music, performing concerts all over the world and, more recently, developing her studio skills as well, on Grammy-nominated records. She has studied with Vincent Penzarella, Mark Gould, Laurie Frink and Tom Smith, was mentored by Jon Faddis, and was on stage at Carnegie Hall while still in her teens. Kyla's father was close friends with Bob Reeves, and so her potential and trajectory was apparent around the shop from very early days. But, as we talk about today, the trumpet was not necessarily an automatic pursuit. Kyla struggled to balance the expectations of practice and studying music with friends and normal kid activities, as any kid would, and we talk about what it was like growing up in that kind of environment, making the "jump into adulthood" earlier than most of us have. Our conversation today is a fascinating glimpse into how to build a modern career in the music industry playing trumpet, not to mention how to pursue your own musical tastes, and forge a path that's true to you.

About Kyla Moscovich:

Growing up in New York City, Kyla got her training from the Manhattan School of Music, studying Orchestral Performance and Arranging. After graduating with her undergraduate degree, she quickly entered into the studio space where she began writing, recording, and arranging, while taking her knowledge of harmony and sound and applying it to her unique musical fingerprint, which can be heard on many world renowned records. Now based in Los Angeles, multi Grammy nominated writer/arranger Kyla has become one of the most sought-after horn producers, collaborating with artists such as J. Cole, Drake, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Victoria Monét, Céline Dion, Diana Ross, and more.

Episode Links:

• Website
• Instagram @kyla_moscovich
• Kyla on Just For The Record

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Dillon Music, Feb. 26-28, Woodbridge, New Jersey [email protected]
• National Trumpet Festival, March 20-22, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/national-trumpet-competition-valve-alignment-special
• Metropolitan Music, April 10-11, Kirkland, WA https://calendly.com/bobreevesbrass/metropolitan-music-valve-alignment-appointment
• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR

Podcast Credits:

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

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring Mariachi trumpet performer and recording artist José Hernández, 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:

"José Hernández trumpet interview"

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

Few people have had a greater impact on Mariachi music over the past 50 years than José Hernández, and today José joins us to share his musical upbringing, his influences and education, his passion for education and some very interesting insights on balancing a professional music career with business ventures, such as his restaurants. José is a composer, arranger, performer and recording artist, including being a key musical coordinator on Linda Ronstadt's landmark 1987 Spanish album, Canciones de Mi Padre, where he helped guide her pronunciation and the Mariachi direction of the music. Plus, he continues to inspire younger generations through his educational programs, and founding two world-famous ensembles: Mariachi Sol de México®, and Reyna de Los Ángeles®, America's first all-female professional mariachi ensemble. José is, relatively speaking, just down the road from us here at Bob Reeves Brass in Valencia, CA, so if you're in LA make sure to drop by both our shop and the Casa del Sol Cocina down in Irvine, for amazing food and entertainment! On Saturdays, the master could be there himself!

About José Hernández:

José Hernández is an internationally renowned Mariachi musician, composer, educator and cultural ambassador. He is the founder and musical force behind Mariachi Sol de México, the trailblazing Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, the Mariachi Heritage Society and the Mariachi Rams, in partnership with the Los Angeles Rams. Born on August 27, 1958, in Mexicali, Baja California, José comes from a proud lineage of mariachis and musicians, with family musical roots tracing back to the 1700s. He was named after his grandfather, José Hernández, a musician born in 1901 in Jalisco, Mexico, who helped lay the musical foundation that would inspire future generations. In 1981, José founded Mariachi Sol de México® with a bold vision: to expand the boundaries of mariachi music and elevate the genre beyond its traditional roots in ranchera and golden-age Mexican cinema. Under his leadership, the ensemble has become a global ambassador for Mariachi, known for its musical excellence and genre-blending innovation. Throughout his illustrious career, José has been nominated for four American Grammy Awards and nine Latin Grammys. He has collaborated with a remarkable roster of artists, including Vicente and Alejandro Fernández, Luis Miguel, Marco Antonio Solís, Lola Beltrán, Celia Cruz, Selena, Vikki Carr, Linda Ronstadt, Arturo Sandoval, José Feliciano, the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and The Beach Boys. Today, José Hernández continues to perform, compose, and educate while working on his highly anticipated autobiography, which will reflect on his 50-year career and the profound impact of mariachi music on American culture and the global stage.

Episode Links:

• Website: mariachisoldemexico.com
• Restaurant: casadelsoloc.com
• Instagram @mariachisoldemexicodejosehdz
• Instagram @jh_maestro_sol
• Facebook @mariachisoldemexicodejosehernandez
• Rhapsody for Mariachi
• La Voz de Mi Trompeta
• Doc Severinsen & Jose Hernandez - Concierto de Aranjuez
• Linda Ronstadt album, Canciones de Mi Padre

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Texas Music Educators Association Conference, Feb. 11-14, San Antonio, Texas https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/tmea-valve-alignment-special
• Dillon Music, Feb. 26-28, Woodbridge, New Jersey [email protected]
• National Trumpet Festival, March 20-22, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/national-trumpet-competition-valve-alignment-special
• Metropolitan Music, April 10-11, Seattle, WA https://metropolitan-music.com
• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR

Podcast Credits:

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

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpeter performer and recording artist Johnny Thirkell, 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: "Johnny Thirkell trumpet interview"

Find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here:

https://bobreeves.com/blog/johnny-thirkell-trumpet-interview-the-other-side-of-the-bell-149

About Johnny Thirkell:

In a long and varied career, Johnny Thirkell has an impressive record of achievements and unparalleled experience as a trumpet player, producer and latterly as a tech entrepreneur.

Upon leaving Leeds College of Music, he studied trumpet in New York with the great Carmine Caruso before embarking on a playing career which would see him perform in many genres of music at the highest level. From the B.B.C. Radio Orchestra through the Buddy Rich & Gil Evans Orchestras, and on in to the Rock & Pop industry, Johnny established himself as a versatile and adaptable musician of the highest calibre.​

A measure of his success lies in the fact that his trumpet playing featured on at least 1 album in the UK album chart, continuously, without a break for over 13 years, and at one point he was playing on 11 of the top 50 albums in a single week.

He has performed on over 6000 recordings, more than 100 top ten albums and 38 US & UK No.1 records, including the recent BTS global smash "Dynamite." ​ A natural progression along the way was into record production, and he has produced (or co-produced) over 250 commercial releases, and co-written many of the songs. Indeed, he has had over 500 songs published, including songs for artists as diverse as The Spice Girls (he co-wrote their early songs), Odyssey & The Three Degrees.

In recent years he has focused on building and selling a number of businesses in the music and technology space. Johnny also enjoys employing his communication skills and experience through writing and speaking, and is the Founder of Elite Music Camps - offering week-long residential music courses taught by some of the finest musicians in the world.

Episode Links:

• Buy the book, Blown It, Johnny's stories from his amazing life!
• Website: johnnythirkell.com
• Elite Music Camps: elitemusiccamps.com
• Instagram: (@johnnythirkell)
• Facebook: (@johnnythirkell)

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Texas Music Educators Association Conference, Feb. 11-14, San Antonio, Texas https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/tmea-valve-alignment-special
• Dillon Music, Feb. 26-28, Woodbridge, New Jersey [email protected]
• National Trumpet Festival, March 20-22, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/national-trumpet-competition-valve-alignment-special
• Metropolitan Music, April 10-11, Seattle, WA https://metropolitan-music.com
• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Cover Photo Credit - Johnny Thirkell
• Blog Photo Credits - David Harrison
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Makers of the finest handcrafted #trumpet, #trombone & #frenchhorn mouthpieces since 1968.

Visit https://bobreeves.com to find your next mouthpiece and trumpet accessory! This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "The Other Side of the Bell Holiday Special 2025!"

Find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here:

https://bobreeves.com/blog/holiday-special-john-snell-and-friends-the-other-side-of-the-bell-148

John gets some good friends together to toast the end of one year, and the start of the next: it's our 2025 Holiday Special - perhaps the first annual? It was a lot of fun, so we might just start a new trend! Eric Baker, Mike Zonshine, Kenny Rampton, Liesl Whitaker and the voice of Vinnie Ciesielski are here to share some highlights of the year, musical and otherwise, and things to look forward to in the new year. Join us for a rousing conversation on such diverse topics as:

• Eric sharing his trick for playing a great horse neiiighhh on the trumpet, perhaps the bane of trumpet players' existence over the holidays.
• Mike's recent outdoor concert in Los Angeles, playing arrangements by none other than Keith Snell, John's dad.
• Kenny's holiday menu, centered around the Big Green Egg, might be a small reflection of a mid-life crisis?
• Liesl sharing some holiday family traditions in the Whitaker/Rampton household.

And a great update from the voice of Vinnie - he talks about his new Christmas album, the inspiring sight of hearing kindergarteners talk about Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, and the story behind the recording itself: forced at the last minute to go from a first-class studio to recording remotely. But they pulled it off in less than 30 days, just in time for Black Friday! There's a great shout out to Will Leathers, some fantastic trivia, everyone's favorite holiday songs to play, and some poignant and heartful wishes for the new year. Thank you to all our viewers and listeners for a great year, it's been a pleasure to bring you more episodes of The Other Side of the Bell in 2025, and we'll keep up the production in 2026. And don't forget to check out our partner podcasts, The Trombone Corner and The Horn Signal, including our Trombone Corner Holiday Episode, with John, co-host Noah Gladstone, and special guests Jay Friedman and Michael Dease

• The Trombone Corner Holiday Episode

Episode Guest Links:

• Eric Baker, Trumpets Mic'd Up
• Mike Zonshine
• Liesl Whitaker
• Kenny Rampton
• Vinnie Ciesieulski

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Trumpet Festival of the Southeast, Jan. 17, 2026, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
• Texas Music Educators Association Conference, Feb. 11-14 2026, San Antonio, Texas
• Dylan Music, Feb. 26-28, Woodbridge, New Jersey

Podcast Credits:

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

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpeter performer and recording artist Paul Litteral, 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: "Paul Litteral trumpet interview"

Find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here:

https://bobreeves.com/blog/paul-litteral-trumpet-interview-the-other-side-of-the-bell-147

About Paul Litteral:

Hollywood Paul Litteral began to build his career playing in Broadway hits such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Chorus Line and Chess.

In 1978, Paul and saxophonist Arno Hecht founded the well-known group called the Uptown Horns. As their visibility increased, the band was recruited for rock and roll gigs and played many of New York's most famous clubs.

Paul and the Uptown Horns went on their first rock and roll tour with the J. Geils Band in 1981 and that led to many other opportunities including engagements with The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, Tom Waits, Joe Cocker, James Brown, Pat Benatar, and Ray Charles. The band lists recording credits on over 150 albums including James Brown's Grammy Award winning "Living in America" and tracks for Joe Cocker, Albert Collins, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Palmer, Lou Reed and REM.

In addition to continuing to play music, he began writing and found critical success with Hoboken to Hollywood, which earned him the 2011 Ovation Award for Musical Direction. Paul was also awarded Best Musical Direction by Stage Scene LA for Louis & Keely: Live' at the Sahara, which had a record run, playing to sold out audiences at the Geffen Playhouse.

"Hollywood" Paul earned his nickname back in the 1980's due to his prodigious knowledge of film lore. Though his extensive contributions to the LA music scene have also helped add to that fabulous moniker.

Paul's fame is within the world of Rock and Roll. On his latest album, "The Litteral Truth," he brings us a collection of songs that inspired his personal musical development. The Brecker Brothers, Edgar Winter and Steely Dan are a few of the artists we cover on the record, and revisiting these great cuts and reinterpreting them was a joyous excursion for all involved.

Paul is a fun and talented man, and his records are spreading the joy of knowing him. -Bill Bodine

Episode Links:

• Outrageous 8 Records
• Find the albums here:
  • The Litteral Truth
  • Legacy
• Instagram (@paullitteralmusic)
• YouTube channel
• The Other Side of the Bell Episode #92 - Paul Litteral (first appearance)

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Trumpet Festival of the Southeast, Jan. 17, 2026, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
• Texas Music Educators Association Conference, Feb. 11-14 2026, San Antonio, Texas
• Dylan Music, Feb. 26-28, Woodbridge, New Jersey

Podcast Credits:

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

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring legendary trumpeter and horn arranger Jerry Hey, 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: "Jerry Hey trumpet interview"

Find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here:

https://bobreeves.com/blog/jerry-hey-trumpet-interview-the-other-side-of-the-bell-146

About Jerry Hey:

Jerry Hey is one of the defining trumpet voices and horn arrangers in modern popular music. Born in Dixon, Illinois, into a deeply musical family, he honed his craft with Charlie Geyer and later at Indiana University under legendary pedagogue William Adam. After an early run co-founding the jazz-fusion band Seawind in Hawaii, Hey moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1970s and quickly became a first-call session player and arranger.

From there, his sound is heard on a staggering number of iconic recordings. Hey's horn writing and trumpet playing helped shape Michael Jackson's Off the Wall and Thriller albums, and his long association with Quincy Jones produced landmark work for Earth, Wind & Fire, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Patti Austin, Barbra Streisand, Toto, and countless others. A six-time Grammy winner, he has been recognized repeatedly for his instrumental and vocal arrangements, as well as his contributions to major film and television scores, including Flashdance, The Color Purple, the Back to the Future trilogy, Forrest Gump, and Dreamgirls.

Most recently, Hey has opened his personal archives in Notes From The Past 50 Years, a 250-page collection of pop excerpts spanning his studio career. The book gathers more than 200 of his favorite licks, along with personal stories and rare photos that trace his path from early days in Los Angeles to his most iconic sessions—including a few lesser-known musical gems.

Equally at home leading a horn section, crafting a string chart, or delivering a lyrical flugelhorn solo, Hey remains a benchmark for precision, style, and imagination in the studio, with an influence that continues to shape how artists, arrangers, and producers think about horn sections today.

Episode Links:

• Website: www.heyhorns.com
• Instagram (@heyhorns)
• Jerry Hey playlist
• The Other Side of the Bell Episode #15 - William "Bill" Adam Tribute
• The Other Side of the Bell Episode #22 - Jerry Hey

Podcast Credits:

• "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Cover Photo Credit - Jerry Hey/Megan Noller
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg