#132 Obed Calvaire- Drummer for the SFJAZZ Collective and More!
This episode is sponsored by Sweetwater. It is also Drum Month over there and you can enter to win THIS DRUM KIT as well as other prizes by going over to: Sweetwater (dot) com (slash) Giveaway. If you’re looking for other drum related deals those can be found by CLICKING HERE.
This week’s guest is Obed Calvaire. Obed is a native of Miami and of Haitian descent is a graduate with both a master and bachelor degree of music from one of America’s premiere private music conservatories in the nation, Manhattan School of Music. He received his bachelor’s degree in 2003, completing the undergraduate degree requirements in three years and receiving his master’s in 2005.
Mr. Calvaire has performed and recorded with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Seal, Eddie Palmeri, Vanessa Williams, Dave Holland, David Foster, Mary J. Blige, Stefon Harris, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Peter Cincotti, Music Soulchild, Nellie McKay, Yellow Jackets, Joshua Redman, Steve Turre, and Lizz Wright to name a few. He has also performed with large ensembles such as the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Metropole Orchestra, The Clayton Brothers, The Mingus Big Band, RoyHargrove big band, and the Bob Mintzer Big Band.
Currently, Obed Calvaire can be found playing with the SF Jazz Collective, Dave Holland, Monty Alexander, Sean Jones, Yosvany Terry, Mike Stern among others.
R.I.P. to Christopher “El Gigante” Cruz, friend of Marcos and several other “friends of the show”. Also, R.I.P. to João Gilberto Prado Pereira de Oliveira, known as João Gilberto. You can see his lengthy discography by clicking HERE. Happy 79th Birthday to Sir Richard Starkey, known professionally as Ringo Starr.
Shout-out to Portuguese percussionist (and friend of the show) Iuri Oliviera, who will be going on tour with Madonna this fall. Feel free to go back and check that episode out (#101).
The Iconic Recording for this week……
The song Lamento Borincano by David Sanchez off of his Obsesion album. The style of music played for this song is a mix of Jazz and Plena, a folkloric style of music from Puerto Rico, played on Panderetas.
Educational Spotlights for this week…..
15 Dream Fellowships and Grants That Musicians Need to Know About. Fellowships and Grants are marketing opportunities that get your name and music in front of a consortium of connected industry players, and they’re networking opportunities, helping you develop relationships and collaborations with artists from all over the world. Music Internships: How to get the job of your dreams. Everyone has to start somewhere. Music internships can open doors and lay the foundation for a career in entertainment that last a lifetime.
Gig Alert for this week…..
Announcing an immediate vacancy for: Drum Set for the West Point Band.
Main duties will include rehearsals and performances with The Benny Havens Band, a 10-piece Top 40/popular music ensemble. Additional performance settings include acoustic small group, jazz quartet, large pops ensemble, and ceremonial support as needed. Applicants must demonstrate strong, versatile abilities in the styles listed above, and must be able to sight read.
Additional inclusion of other marketable musical or non-musical skills should be reflected on the applicant's resume. Examples of other skills include arts administration experience, recording engineering experience, graphic design, or any other skills that may be valuable in a large, self-produced performing ensemble.
Music News for this week…..
Chuck Moulton is riding his bike (bicycle) to help fight cancer with Team Vic (Firth) again. If you would like to help out please CLICK HERE. Additionally, if you would like more details on what the Pan-Mass Challenge is all about, please CLICK HERE. AfroFuture FEST Faces Major Backlash After Charging Double for White People. After facing a massive online backlash over its unequal ticket pricing scheme, a Detroit festival has changed its structure. Looks Like Spotify Is Launching In Russia at Just $2.36 a Month. Spotify appears to be poking into the Russian market this summer with a price that beats Apple Music. 40 Days Left and Still No Woodstock 50 Tickets as Official Admits to “Significant Challenges”. Huge estate sale Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, for the late percussionist Jim Long, who was part owner of Fat Congas.
The song leading into, in the middle and out of the interview is called: “Waters of March“ arranged for the SFJAZZ Collective by Obed.
The interview starts with Obed helping to clear up some of the Hatian rhythms.
The two percussionists Obed mentions to check out are Tiga Jean-Baptiste and Markus Schwartz.
Obed talks about Kompa being more mainstream and if you’re looking to play all of the parts, you can check out THIS VIDEO.
While in Miami, Obed attended the New World School of the Arts. Other great musicians who attended this school were Marcus and E.J. Strickland, Dion Tucker and Mike Rodriguez. Jason Mendelson now owns and runs Fret Nation and Bass Strings Online.
Damon and Obed talk about the great drummer Kenny Grohowski.
When Obed came to NYC he attended the Manhattan School of Music.
Obed is currently reading this book, “Talent is Overrated” by Geoff Colvin.
He also brings up the Michael Jordan quote, “work ethic eliminates fear”. Even though the Knicks are currently horrible, Damon and Marcos are die hard fans. Obed, continues to pledge his allegiance to the Miami Heat.
The guys talk about how to deal with different personalities on the road and the bandstand.
Obed is the drummer for the SFJAZZ Collective in addition to the other projects he is involved in.
Obed brings up Roy Haynes who is in his mid 90s and still playing.
Shout-out to Godwin Louis. Obed also plays on the album “Tiny Lights” by pianist Romain Collin that he talks about in detail, as well as, the forthcoming album by guitarist Jordan Peters.
Obed now has a Website!!!!! He doesn’t have social media, but you can see more of him playing on YouTube.
Obed uses ZIldjian Cymbals, Yamaha Drums, Meinl Percussion, and Vic Firth Sticks.
