Mike is a percussionist who I met on Facebook because of his hilarious adaptations of classical orchestral works for diaper boxes once the quarantine hit. Mike’s great. chat begins at 2:25

Andy is a legend in the steel band community. He was the first American to arrange for a Trinidadian steel band for panorama. I’ve admired his playing and looked up to his approach to pan my whole life. It’s an honor to chat with him and hear his story. chat begins at 7:25

Matt Strauss is a percussionist who studied with the late Alan Abel, who passed away from a Covid-19 related illness. Mr. Abel was a percussionist with the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1959-1997.

Adam teaches at Western Carolina University. I’ve known him since he was as student and it was amazing to see him and chat with him and his students.

Matt Beaumont is a percussionist who studied with the late Alan Abel, who passed away from a Covid-19 related illness. Mr. Abel was a percussionist with the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1959-1997.

Chris, Michael, and Jeremy are percussionists who studied with the late Alan Abel, who passed away from a Covid-19 related illness. Mr. Abel was a percussionist with the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1959-1997.

Martin Dougie Douglas was the owner and founder of Crossfire Steel Orchestra in Brooklyn, NY. I met him 6 years and he threw the doors to his lanyard wide open to me and my students. I sit down with a few friends to remember him.

John is a percussionist who studied with the late Alan Abel, who passed away from a Covid-19 related illness. Mr. Abel was a percussionist with the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1959-1997.

Peter is a former student from SoSI who once argued a good snare drum roll was essential for success in life. We talk about that. And how he’s not completely wrong. It was nice to chat with Peter and here about his work at Facebook. Chat begins at 3:09

Sherwin is an amazing pan player and was a guest of mine at NYU with the steelband a few years back. He’s very wise and comes from a big family of musicians. I always learn something when I talk with Sherwin. You will too. Chat starts at 6:45

Clark was a student at SOSI a few years back who might have been the first person to ever listen to my podcast. It was fun to have him on my podcast and to get his perspective as a student right now dealing with the current state of affairs. chat starts at 3:45

Arone and I check back in about her current state of employment and what is giving her energy and life right now. Always enjoy checking in with Arone. chat starts at 8:00

Jerry is a good friend of mine from the steel band world in Brooklyn. He’s an amazing drummer and driller, but happens to also be a NYC corrections officer working with mentally ill patients and sex offenders who are civilly confined to the facility he works at pending their court case outcome. He’s an essential worker and human being. chat starts at 8:00

Ross is a percussionist with ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble). 15 years ago at a Reich show he said something silly-goose-ish about Reich, and I avoided him until recently. He’s awesome. I was 25/26 years. Forgive me, Ross. We had a great time chatting about building things. Enjoy! Chat starts at: 7:40

Mika was a student at the very first SoSI. She went on to found, with her friends, the group Mobius Percussion. It was great to chat with Mika about her career and hear about the fundraising she’s doing right now. Chat starts at 4:00. You can find that link here: www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-support-performers-affected-by-covid19 or https://equalsound.org/project/corona-relief-fund/

Todd Meehan, Doug Perkins and I found an organization in real time. Take it as a joke or not. But take away the content ask yourself if the structure that’s left might work for YOU right now in a time of chaos and wondering if you want to start something. The short answer is: start. Chat starts at 2:40

Dan is an electronic musician and entrepreneur living in Baltimore, MD. He’s been a hero of mine my whole life and I’ve had the privilege of working with him a few times. Dan’s approach to DIY living and making and working is inspiring to me. We had a wide-ranging conversation and I thoroughly enjoyed it. chat starts at 4:12

Bill returns to the podcast to talk about approaches to transcribing and adapting older works for new instruments. I always have a blast talking with Bill. He’s way smarter than I am, so every time I make fun of him, I’m just being insecure. I make fun of Bill a lot. Listen to this. You’ll learn something. I did. chat starts at 4:18

I met Jon on a chat during Meagan Gillis’ live event on Facebook, and said to myself “I’ve always wanted to talk to him. He wears a cookie monster onesie, but he’s incredible on xylophone.” It was lovely to meet and chat with Jon and meet his daughter, who was hiding in the dresser drawer for most of the podcast.

Yuko and I have been friends for a long time through our mutual mentor Cliff Alexis. She is an amazing musician, composer, arranger, pan tuner and builder. I’m honored to call her a friend. You won’t regret listening to this chat.