on DRUMS, with John Simeone – Details, episodes & analysis

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Join us for a nostalgic journey through the decades with Ken Talve, a gifted guitarist and my bandmate in the Ken Talve Trio. Ken opens up about his musical evolution, starting from his high school days when he was mesmerized by the blues and iconic bands like the Allman Brothers. Together, we reminisce about our days in the city lofts, endless rehearsals, and unforgettable club gigs that shaped our vibrant musical careers. With candid tales and a shared love for creating original music, we reflect on past collaborations and our continued passion for music in the Ken Talve Trio.

Have you ever wondered how a seasoned musician can gauge a band's quality without even hearing them play? We explore this intriguing skill and celebrate the impressive journey of my daughter, Kara, a Berklee graduate who has made waves in the industry with her award-winning compositions for projects like The Simpsons. From working with renowned drummer Chad Wackerman to Kara’s blossoming career, the episode highlights the joys and challenges of nurturing talent in the music world, emphasizing creativity that flourishes without undue pressure.

As we traverse through the phases of a musician’s life, we share humorous anecdotes about gear talk, elusive stage setups, and the rise of tribute bands. With reflections on the changing landscape of live music from past to present, there’s a bittersweet nostalgia for the camaraderie of earlier gigging days. We wrap up with thoughts on recent performances, the struggles of self-criticism, and a personal decision to step back from the stage, all shared with humor and a heartfelt farewell. Join us as we celebrate the journey, the passion, and the ever-evolving tapestry of a musician's life.

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Reconnecting with an old friend can be a heartwarming and enlightening experience. Imagine being separated for 15 years and then finding yourselves together again, not just as friends but as musicians who once shared the stage. This episode brings you the remarkable story of how I, John Simeone, reunited with the talented Al Quinn, our keyboard player from the band Street Life. Listen as we laugh and reflect on our unexpected reunion at Wildwood State Park and Al’s early days, beginning his musical journey at just eight years old, inspired by the timeless tunes of the Beatles.

Ever wondered how different life paths converge and diverge? This episode takes a closer look at our distinct musical journeys. Hear about the excitement of discovering music later in life and the contrasting experience of growing up immersed in the sounds of Steely Dan and Santana. We share how transitioning from organ to piano and classical training shaped our musical identities, with fascinating insights into the influence of shared mentors and the unique experiences of practicing and performing on these instruments. You’ll also get a glimpse into our educational paths and the impact of passionate teachers on our careers.

Balancing music with an engineering career presents its own set of challenges and rewards. In this episode, we discuss the practical reasons behind seeking a stable day job while nurturing a passion for music, and reflect on the vibrant yet demanding music scene of the 1980s. From local gigs to international tours, discover personal anecdotes about performing with legendary bands like the Stanton Anderson Band and renowned artists like Joel Rosenblatt. We wrap up with a candid chat about our future collaborations and the joy of sharing our love for music. Don’t miss this engaging episode filled with heartfelt stories and a deep appreciation for the art of music.

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Ever dreamed of jamming with some of the music industry’s most celebrated icons? Picture yourself backing up the likes of Chaka Khan and Patty LaBelle? Brian Dunne, a renowned drummer, is living that dream, and he's here to share his incredible journey. As he walks us through his early days of jamming with his brother to his experiences with world-famous artists, Brian’s tale is a testament to the power of dedication, practice, and an unwavering passion for music.

Navigating the unpredictable music industry is no easy feat. Imagine waiting on tenterhooks to find out if you'd be called back for another gig or dealing with overzealous fans. When we shift gears and delve into Brian’s career progression and his experiences in the Long Island drum scene, it’s clear that camaraderie and support can make all the difference. His candid tales reveal the exciting and sometimes challenging life of a professional drummer and the importance of friendship within the industry.

In an industry steeped in tradition but continually evolving, understanding the fundamentals of drumming and their application to different musical genres is key. Brian sheds light on the evolution of drumming, the rise of modern drummers, and the impact of technology on the music industry. Whether you are a seasoned drummer seeking inspiration or a newbie fascinated by the world of drumming, this conversation with Brian Dunn will leave you with newfound insights and a renewed passion for your craft.

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Fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey into the past with Sal Randazzo, a renowned trombone player who shares with us not only the nostalgia of the early days in an assortment of bands, but also his sage insights and hilarious tales from a fulfilling career in the music industry. We present you with an episode that promises you laughter, learning, and some good old music nostalgia. We reminisce about the days without showcases or song sheets to adhere to, the million-dollar wedding gig, and the idiosyncrasies of the legendary drummer, Buddy Rich, all while navigating the current challenging band scene.

Adding to the compelling narrative of our musical past, Sal and I delve into the intricate dynamics of the music industry. We reflect upon the pressing need for a structured lesson program, confront our experiences of prejudice against band directors, and discuss how Europe and Japan are still ahead in preserving their music culture. We also explore the story of Richie Scollo who introduced us to the world of cruise ships and coffee anecdotes that continue to bring a smile to our faces. 

Yet, as we look back, we also touch upon the present and future. We talk about Sal's inspiring journey of teaching music for three decades, his retirement, and the experience of hanging out with people two decades his junior. We also navigate the theme of disillusionment, education, and retirement, sharing our experiences, and providing a peek into the life and journey of musicians. Tune in for an episode filled with memories, music, and much more.

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Catching up with Ozzie Melendez, our second trombone player, is like being teleported into the heart of the music industry. From his musical beginnings in fourth grade to landing the big gig with Willie Colon's band, Ozzie shares the essence of a musician's journey, and why it’s crucial to seize every opportunity to prove oneself. We swap hilarious anecdotes featuring fellow musician Terry Nigrelli and reminisce about Ozzy's inaugural gig tour in Peru.

Striding onto the bigger stage, Ozzy takes us backstage, revealing his experiences with big band legends like Bruce Springsteen, Mark Anthony, and Blood Sweat and Tears. The essence of a good gig, he believes, lies in preparation and keen attention. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as we compare the club dates of the past to the gigs of today and the unique challenges a trombone player faces.

As we move towards the end of our discussion, Ozzy peels back the curtain on his collaborations with various musicians, the challenges and the opportunities encountered as a free musician, and the four phases of a musician's life. Tune in to be enlightened about the music industry, the evolution of recording music, and how the industry has drastically changed over the past two decades.

Check out Ozzie's publication "Dynamic Flexibility" and his full bio at https://ozziemelendez.com/

Check out our collaboration at 
https://youtu.be/yUqwLFUmg8g

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Ready to step into the life of a professional musician? This episode with Terry Nigrelli , a trombone player with Broadway experience, brings you right into the heart of the music world. We journey through Terry's musical upbringing and his dedication to the trombone, a passion that took him from private lessons and music summer camps to eventual professional gigs in diverse musical styles.

But, it's not all standing ovations and curtain calls. We address the challenging side of being a musician - finding gigs, negotiating payment, and making sure you're not being taken for a ride. We even delve into the delicate art of not selling yourself short, and the all-too-common tendency of becoming your own worst critic. We also dive into Terry's career in music education, reflecting on his experiences in different schools and the joys (and sometimes, hilarious mishaps) of club gigs.

Lastly, we turn up the tempo and explore the changing landscape of the music industry, how it influences our performances, and how we adapt. From tempo adjustments and sampling in live performances to understanding the nuances of the tunes we play, every aspect is dissected in detail. We even share our perspectives on non-musicians, peppering in a few interesting anecdotes for good measure. To wrap up, we discuss the role of education in the music industry and reflect on the importance of gratitude and continuous learning. In this episode, Terry and I serve up a symphony of insights, laughter, and shared experiences in the world of music. You won't want to miss it!

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In this episode me and one of my longtime musician friends, Dave Clark, discuss the triumphs and hardships of the music industry. Dave is a well known keyboard player/Singer/writer from the Long Island area originally, where he became the replacement for Billy Joel on the "Lords of 52nd Street" band. That band featured all the original members if Billy Joels band at its inception in the 70s. Dave continues do very large venues featuring the music of Billy Joel throughout the United States - good stuff!

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In this episode I talk with my old friend John Scarpulla. John has done extensive touring with many well known artists, Tower of Power and Diana Ross to name a few! I've done many gigs with John and he always brings professionalism and integrity to each one, big or small - a talented seasoned musician for sure. This was my first "zoom" interview, so we get cut off before we can share ALL of our old stories, but definitely worth the listen! Thanks John for taking time out for this!

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In this episode I chat with my longtime friend, Greg Schleich. Greg is a masterful keyboard player and producer, and has played with many prominent NY metro area bands- Funk Philharmonic, Bump City to name a few. A great listen! Greg brought some beer so it got a little funny....

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In this episode I catch up with my good friend Billy Heller, a well known and respected keyboard player/writer from Long Island. Billy and I have done many gigs together, and Bill has performed with a great deal of outstanding artists such as The Rippingtons, Smokey Robinson, Sara Bareilles, Take Six and Michael McDonald to name just a few. Great stories from Billy!

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