#139 Daniel de los Reyes- Percussionist for the Zac Brown Band and More!
Today’s guest is Daniel De Los Reyes. Daniel was born into a family that for three generations has been making a living at banging and shaking things to make music. His grandfather, Walfredo de los Reyes II, laid the family musical foundation by co-founding the famous Cuban orchestra, Casino de la Playa. His father, Walfredo de los Reyes III, went on to become one of Cuba’s most successful drummers/percussionists before moving to Puerto Rico and then the United States. As one of the first drummers to incorporate the drum set with congas and other percussion, Walfredo III blazed a wide path that many would follow. He continues to wow crowds with his drumming and percussion ability, extensive musical history, and incredible enthusiasm at the ripe young age of 79. Daniel and his brothers, Walfredo Reyes Jr. and Kamar de los Reyes, keep the torch burning brighter than ever as they consistently stamp the de los Reyes name all over the percussion and entertainment landscape.
Currently on tour with the Grammy award-winning Zac Brown Band, Daniel has performed with a virtual who’s-who of artists including Don Henley, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sting, The Killers, Sheryl Crow, Patti LaBelle, Peter Frampton, Jennifer Lopez, Don Omar, Stevie Nicks, Louie Vega, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Lionel Richie, Kenny Ortega, Steve Winwood, and many more.
Educational Spotlight for this week……
You are able to sign up for a Marimba masterclass with Mark Ford at PASIC if you register by September 30th.
Product Review for this week…..
WristGrips eliminate chronic wrist pain by supporting wrists, correcting playing form, and increasing blood flow/oxygen to affected areas, while allowing wrists and hands 100% of their natural movement.
The Iconic Recording for this week…..
“Conga” by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine.
Music News for this week…..
Aretha Franklin Died With More Than $1 Million In Uncashed Checks.A court audit has now revealed that The Queen of Soul had about $1 million worth of uncashed checks in her possession when she passed away. Apple is planning to unveil at least three new iPhones at an event next month. Sources familiar with the company’s plans say the new phones will go on sale in September. Alongside that push, Apple is rumored to be launching several new product refreshes, including AirPods with noise cancellation and water resistance. Colorado fans of Phish will still be able to rock out on Labor Day Weekend when Phish will hold three separate performances. However, these fans won’t be able to camp out—and the reason might come as something of a surprise. Phish Cancels Weekend Camping Because of Plague-Infected Prairie Dogs.
Daniel is currently on tour with the Zac Brown Band. The “Owl Tour” continues through the fall and a new album is due out on Sept 20th.
If you are curious how an album gets nominated for a Grammy, it is explained by CLICKING HERE.
Daniel talks a little about his dad (Walfredo De Los Reyes Sr.), who was interviewed back in episode #87, as well as his Grandfather. He also talks about his siblings.
Here’s a preview of the video Daniel mentions being put together by the Zac Brown Band on the background of each member.
Daniel talks about the difference between Active Listening (for work) and Passive Listening (for leisure).
Damon brings up the De Los Reyes family, as well as another musical family in the Escovedos and plants the seeds for a musical collaboration.
Ben Vereen was Daniel’s first big gig, and Damon mentions Ben being on Broadway and the Muppet Show.
Daniel has a charity called DayGLOW Music.
Some of the instruments Daniel has created in the past are the One Shot Shakers, the Regal Tip Cowbell beater , and the DW Practice Pad Pro.
Daniel also talks about the Bose HEARphones, to aid in hearing as well as protecting the hearing he has.
Daniel uses Gon Bops Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, DW Hardware and drumsets, Samson Technologies Audio, Roland Electronics (including the KT-10), Protection Racket cases, & Ahead drumsticks.
You can follow Daniel on tour with the Zac Brown Band, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. You can donate to and help out his charity DayGLOW Music as well.
