woody herman

John’s guest is the legendary Jeff Hamilton! In this episode Jeff talks about his early drumming influences, attending Indiana University and studying with the great John Von Ohlen, joining Woody Herman’s band in 1977 at age 23, being invited by Ray Brown to join The L.A. Four in 1978 and relocating to Los Angeles, where Jeff established himself as one of the most versatile and sought after drummers. Jeff shared insights on his ride cymbal beat, brush playing, his approach to achieving his organic drum sound, his equipment and developing the products he uses and endorses. John and Jeff also talked about their history going back over 30 years, with lots of great and funny stories. Please subscribe! 

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After last episode's extravaganza we decided to keep our focus on larger ensembles for this outing.  It's a mix of historical issues (some better engineered than others) and two nearly brand new releases.  What do they have in common?  Ain't none of them trios.   Pop matters gets historical as we contemplate Pitchfork's deathless mediations on the "oldness" of Steely Dan.  Jazz Station Big Band – MOODS; Woody Herman – MOODY WOODY ; Dollar Brand – AFRICAN SPACE PROGRAM; Michael Leonhart – THE NORMYN SUITES. 

Ya want big bands?  We got big bands.  Sometimes we got one in each speaker.  In this exploration of the more extroverted side of jazz, the boys explore works by a blazing trumpet player (and world-class womanizer), a so-so clarinetist with a heart of gold, two piano-playing band leaders who both worship Duke Ellington, and two (but it sounds like thirty) major-league skin-pounders.  Much musing on the glory days of fifteen musicians criss-crossing the nation via bus results, and there's just time left to discuss Wilco, Carl Wilson and . . . Celine Dion?   Buddy Rich and Max Roach – RICH VS. ROACH; Duke Ellington and Count Basie – FIRST TIME! THE COUNT MEETS THE DUKE; Woody Herman – COMPLETE COLUMBIA RECORDINGS DISC 7; Harry James – TRUMPET BLUES – THE BEST OF HARRY JAMES.