#172 Bryan Carter- Drummer, Bandleader, Vlogger and More!
With a confidence reflecting an instrumental and compositional maturity that both belie his age and announce the arrival of a remarkable talent, Bryan Carter exudes what promises a highly successful career.
Shortly after completing his training at The Juilliard School in New York City and still at the very outset of his career, Carter has already played and/or recorded with many notable artists including Clark Terry, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Kenny Barron, Michael Feinstein and Kurt Elling.
Carter attended The Juilliard School as a Jazz Studies major and studied with Carl Allen and Kenny Washington. He was the recipient of the Irene Diamond Scholarship as well as the Samuel L Jackson Scholarship. While at Juilliard, Carter took a strong interest in composition, orchestration and interdivisional cross-collaborative performance.
Bryan is currently touring the world with his band, “Bryan Carter & The Young Swangers”. He also served as the house drummer for NBC’S “Maya & Marty” starring Maya Rudolph, Keenan Thompson and Martin Short. The show has featured guests including Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Tom Hanks, Drake, Steve Martin and Tina Fey.
R.I.P. Andy Gonzalez and Prof. Joe Torres
Bassist Andy González, who died April 9, frequently worked with his brother, the trumpeter and percussionist Jerry González (1949–2018).
(Photo: Jazz at Lincoln Center)
Andy González, one of the great bassists in Latin jazz, who in a career of more than four decades played with numerous influential groups — notably the Fort Apache Band, which he formed with his brother Jerry — died on Thursday in the Bronx. He was 69.
His sister, Eileen González-Altomari, said the causes were pneumonia and complications of diabetes.
Mr. González was a versatile player, as well as an arranger, composer, music historian and producer of other musicians’ records. He embraced African, Cuban and Puerto Rican styles, various strains of jazz and other influences, often merging them into something fresh. The Boston Globe once called him “a modernist preoccupied with tradition.” - Read More
Professor Joe Torres, a pianist who came to the public’s attention with salsa bandleader and trombonist Willie Colón, died on Monday at a senior home in the Bronx. He was 76.
Percussionist José Mangual, Jr., a close friend and longtime band mate, said he died of natural causes.
Torres started his career with renowned bassist Bobby Valentín. He would go on to work with other leading bandleaders, like timbalero Willie Rosario; trombonist and vocalist Johnny Colón; and top charanga groups like Típica Novel. His discography also encompassed work with vocalists Rubén Blades, Celia Crúz and Héctor Lavoe. - Read More
Happy Birthday Steve Gadd & Herbie Hancock
Here are some videos mentioned in the episode!
Gig Alerts & Cancelled Concerts
As the world unites to combat the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Global Citizen and the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced the One World: Together At Home global special in support of the fight against COVID-19. - Read More
As the nation adjusts to the new reality of life under self-quarantine in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, a number of artists and musical institutions are taking the show online to share some musical joy during these trying times.
With venues and bars on lock down across the country, there are plenty of things you can watch from the safety of your couch, thanks to everyone from Miley Cyrus to the New York Metropolitan Opera and the fine folks at Disney. - Read More
French President Emmanuel Macron bans festivals and large gatherings through mid-July in new efforts to combat coronavirus spread. Macron addressed the French people, announcing shelter-in-place efforts are extending through May 11th. In addition, music festivals and large gatherings are forbidden through mid-July. That draws into question whether the Cannes Film Festival will happen this year. - Read More
The LA Philharmonic is canceling the remainder of its 2019-2020 season. Layoffs and pay cuts were also announced as part of a money-saving response to the closure. Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel will also forego his multi-million dollar salary during the cancellation period. Dudamel was making north of $3 million back in 2016, and recently re-upped through the 2025-6 season. - Read More
Until the coronavirus (COVID-19) forced a change of plans, Coachella was slated to begin today, April 10th. And to commemorate the occasion and keep fans entertained while they’re social distancing and self-quarantining, YouTube is releasing a documentary entitled Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert. - Read More
Educational Spotlight
It's never been easier (or cheaper) to learn music-making online. On March 27, San Francisco music education nonprofit Women's Audio Mission (WAM) kicked off its first week of online-only programming with a "Virtual Hang" video call, where its community of women and gender non-conforming producers and audio engineers shared tips for staying productive in isolation. - Read More
Apeman is an alternative video camera to the GoPro that Damon mentioned. To find out more click here.
below is the list of inexpensive microphones (courtesy of Aaron Sterling).
The Speed of Sound
With a barely measurable round-trip latency of less than 1 ms*, it's no wonder Sound on Sound magazine dubbed Quantum-series Thunderbolt™ audio interfaces the “fastest audio interfaces on the planet.” Superb high-definition digital conversion and the ultra-transparent analog XMAX mic preamp design mean that your audio will always sound its best—whether you’re recording with or without your favorite plug-ins engaged in real-time. - Find Out More - Buy -
Social Soundbyte
Both Bobby Allende @bobbyallendeoficial and Camilo Molina @iamcamilomolina have been doing interviews on instagram. Follow them to find out when they’re streaming!
Iconic Recording
For this week’s iconic recording our guest Bryan Carter chose Milestones by Miles Davis
Product Reviews
Damon Mentions owning a lighting kit to make your videos reach the next level!
MusicTechHelpGuy has a great youtube channel with a bunch of tips and tutorials on setting up a home studio and using DAWs.
If you've spent any time making your own music, you know you need decent studio monitors. You’ve spent hours working on a track in your home studio or bedroom, and after meticulously tweaking the mix, you’re pretty happy with how it sounds. But then you listen to it somewhere else – in your mate’s studio, on your phone, in the car, or even over club PA speakers - and the mix sounds nothing like it did in your own room. Sound familiar? If so, your studio monitoring setup might not be up to scratch. We can help with this round-up of the best studio monitors available today. - Read More
FROM DRUMHEAD TO FACE SHIELD
Today, D'Addario is underway in engineering and manufacturing face shields to help alleviate the dire shortage of protective gear for New York and the world's healthcare workers. - Read More
Disc Makers face shields provide frontline personnel basic protection from sprayed liquid particles and can be wiped clean for safe reuse. Our clear face shields are the most comfortable shields you can get anywhere. Yes, all face shields help keep you safe by protecting you from droplets and spray. But Disc Makers face shields are designed with your comfort in mind.
Music News
10 ways to collaborate using technology during social distancing mandates - Article
Ticketmaster Slammed by U.S. Congresswoman: ‘Worst Customer Service In Any Industry’ - Paul Resnikoff - Article
ASCAP Still Not Paying Their Songwriters — BMI Paid Everyone 3 Days Early - Paul Resnikoff - Article
Rihanna, Jack Dorsey Donate $4.2 Million to Combat Domestic Violence During COVID-19 Lockdowns - Ashley King - Article
Cardi B Gives Away $1,000 an Hour to Coronavirus Victims - Dylan Smith - Article
The Song leading into the interview is The Moon Theme (From “Duck Tales”)
Bryan Carter Interview
Bryan Carter grew up in Illinois. At first he lived in Southern Illinois and when he was 5 they moved to Northern Illinois. His Father was a band director at East Saint Louis Lincoln High School and when they moved be became band director at Northern Illinois University.
Carter is one of five siblings, he’s the 2nd youngest and the only musician! At three years Bryan started learning violin at 3 years old and was very active at church in the youth choir, playing piano, drums, etc.
Bryan attended Juilliard School of Music. He shares his audition experience at Juilliard and mentions auditioning in front of Ron Carter and Kenny Baron to name a few. Bryan was in the Grammy Band his senior year of high school which means he was automatically accepted to New England Conservatory, Berklee, and Manhattan School of Music. In addition to Ron Carter and Kenny Baron Bryan mentions studying with Frank Kimbrough, Kenny Washington, Carl Allen, George Colligan, Billy Drummond, Ray Drummond, and Ben Wolfe. Bryan also mentions being school with Chris Bowers, John Batiste, and Ben Williams to name a few.
Bryan shares how he learned about the Grammy Band after watching the high school band perform at the David Letterman Show.
Bryan was influenced by all types of music, he mentions listening to Kirk Franklin with Robert “Sput” Seawright, Calvin Rodgers, and Marvin McQuitty on drums.
Bryan Mentions being obsessed with Art Blakey in high school and growing with records like Night in Tunisia, and A night in Birdland. He also had a Roy Haynes phase in college and was also super into Ed Thigpen with Oscar Peterson Trio, and Vernel Fournier with the Ahmad Jamal Trio to name a few.
When mentions that many of the skills he has attained has been from his own curiosity. When he wants to learn something he sets out to do it, and he mentions his latest venture which was diving deep into music production.
When Bryan graduated from Juilliard he started playing for Kurt Elling and got to travel around the world. He was also involved with Jazz For Young People where they would travel to NYC public schools and play for the students. He mentions working with bandleaders like Bria Skonberg and Christian Sands.
Bryan was the house drummer for the short lived Maya and Marty show. He got the call from his friend Charlie Rosen.
For Damon’s three part question Bryan answers the following:
Damon: Something that you got in school that you really appreciate that you really appreciate that you wouldn’t have gotten if you didn’t go to school.
Bryan: There is a certain type of discipline that came with going to Juilliard in that program at that specific time that probably will never be created again.
Damon: Something that you got after you got out of school that you would probably would have not needed to go to school to get.
Bryan: Learning how to adapt and being on the road in an uncontrolled environment, Learning how to adjust and be in the moment.. The adaptability in the moment.
Damon: Something that you would do different if you could go back to school right now?
Bryan: ….“Pass.” Bryan mentions that he would learn more about music technology on how to record sound and video.
“What makes it all worth it for me is the ability to play music is a blessing and a gift, I get to see the world, I get to walk on stage night after night and make people happy or tell people how I’m feeling or share my point of view. Being able to share that energy with the world is amazing. - Bryan Carter”
Bryan says that being a musician sometimes feels like a life of uncertainty and that jobs aren’t always guaranteed but one has to come to terms with it and it’s all worth it when he goes back on a tour or has a new exciting gig.
Bryan also talks about how being stuck in a practice room with goals strengthen an individual in unique way that gives one a sense of focus and determination like no other.
Bryan is producing a new album and he talks about his writing and recording process. He co-produced the album with Drew Ofthe Drew, and Bryan wrote all the arrangements and live orchestration. They recording strings and horns at Bunker Studio. He mentioned recording the vocals at Drew’s apartment. He’s looking to realease it in fall and put out a single in the summer. He has musicians like Braxton Cook, Emmet Cohen, and Marquis Hill to name a few.
Bryan gives out a message to the LGTBQ community specially to the musician to be who you are and love who you love. Being a musician already entails so much that suppressing your identity or taking on personas can be too much for one person to handle.
Bryan Carter is sponsored by Vic Firth, Zildjian, Remo, Ludwig, 64 Audio, Humes and Berg.
Bryan talks about the his endorsement with Ludwig and who he fell in love with the drums. This is the gear he currently uses with them.
Bryan usually plays Avedis and Constantinople Cymbals, he really like his stack which is a 16" K EFX with a 10" K CUSTOM DARK SPLASH on top. Damon and Bryan both a have the K CUSTOM SPECIAL DRY TRASH CRASHES.
You can find more on Bryan Carter on his Website, Youtube, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
The song leading out of the interview was Stompin at the Savoy.
