This week’s guest is Steve Kroon. Here is his professional bio!

My name is Steven Kroon. I’ve been a professional musician for the last 50 years. I was born in Harlem, and lived there until the age of nine. In 1957, we moved to St. Albans Queens. My experience of being raised in Queens was very influential. At the time, there were many great Jazz and R&B artists living right in our neighborhood. At home I mostly listened to my father’s records, which were Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito. Then when I would visit my friends, I would listen to all the great Jazz artists. Right in my neighborhood was Lester Young, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Count Basie and many more. Also a great influence on me was the great producer Henry Glover, who lived right on my corner. With all that diversity and style, I would say most of my musical appreciation began with those early years. At this early stage I progressed to playing percussion. My brother Bobby and I would practice along with the recordings of these great artists, then, as I progressed, I undertook studying with various music teachers. A great influence on me was the great Tommy Lopez, Sr. I took conga lessons with him for quite some time, shortly after that I studied with the great percussionist Dom Um Romao.

As my career progressed, I began working with such notables as Luther Van Dross (from 1981 to 2001). I've appeared on seven platinum albums, fifteen world tours, which include two live video performances. Also, an array of television shows from the Tonight Show to David Letterman, Jay Leno, as well as the Grammy’s. I've also performed with Ron Carter from 1987 to 2004, which included extensive tours of the U.S., Japan and Brazil, as well as the well-known NY Jazz scene. Some of the places we've performed include the Village Van Guard, The Irriidium, and The Blue Note chain from the U.S. to Japan. I've also recorded with much of the "Who's Who" in the recording business, names such as Ron Carter, Roberta Flack, Luther Van Dross, Bill Cosby, Aretha Franklin, Diana Krall, Stanley Turrentine, Bette Midler, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, just to name a few. I'm also proud to announce that I made the Downbeat Critics pole Rising Star for 2016, and 2017.

For the last Fifteen years, I've been working on my own solo career, which includes having released the following 6 CD’s under my own label Kroonatune Records, LLC: In My Path; Senor Kroon; El Mas Alla (Beyond) ,Without A Doubt, On The One, and my latest "In Your Dreams". At this point in my life, I have chosen to devote my time and creativity to pursue my own career.

R.I.P.

Drummer Howard Grimes, the backbone of Memphis soul, dies at 80. -Article

You can listen to an interview with Howard on The Trap Set Podcast.

You can buy his book HERE.

William “Bill” Kraft passed away as well. The Percussive Arts Society added a tribute to him.

Happy Birthday!

Fausto Cuevas is a native of Brownsville, Texas, where he began playing drums at the age of 11. He continued throughout grade and high school, making his way to Boston's Berklee College of Music, where he discovered his love for percussion and studied with Giovanni Hidalgo and Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez.

From Boston, Fausto traveled to Los Angeles where he currently resides.
In addition to performances at the famed Playboy Jazz Festival and The Blue Note in New York City, Fausto has recorded, performed and toured with artists & projects ranging from Latin to Legend, including Julio Iglesias, Celia Cruz, Teena Marie, Cheo Feliciano, Al Jarreau, Tito Nieves, Nestor Torres, Roy Hargrove, and Britney Spears (who he joined for her Onyx Hotel 2004 World Tour).

Fausto recently completed the Sugarwater Festival with Queen Latifah and the High School Musical - The Concert Tour; performed at the World Music and Lady of Soul Music Awards with Sheila E and Amerie; the City of Hope Benefit with Rickey Minor Band and Taylor Hicks; and the Tobago Jazz Festival with Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, Patti LaBelle, Najee, and Johnny Gil.

Jessie Caraballo was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 14, 1985. He has managed to forge a career that few people twice his age achieve. Currently playing with Latin superstar Marc Anthony, Jessie dazzles with his fluid style and technique.

Jessie’s God given abilities were seen early on, at age six, when he began
playing drums with the family band. By the time he was fifteen, he went on his first tour with the Christian band El Trio De Hoy. This began a professional career which would see him playing concerts and local clubs in the local Orlando, Florida area. By the age of sixteen, he landed a gig with Pop/Latin singer Brenda K Starr. This led to many other opportunities, including recording and performing with Huey Dunbar, Don Omar, Tito Nieves, Ng2, Jennifer Lopez, Domingo Quinonez, Tony Vega, Frankie Negron, Charlie Cruz, Michael Stuart, N- Klave, Jose Alberto El Canario, Samuel Hernandez, Ron Kenoly, Tercer Cielo, Vico C, Funky, Jan, Lilly Goodman, William Mcdowell, Sunny Paxson, Sisaundra Lewis, Eric Darius, Nick Collionne and many others. Jessie also has worked with noted producers, among them Sergio George, Ricky Gonzales, Angel Fernandez as well as such clients as Disney World. In 2005 Jessie did a nationwide tour called The Juntos Tour which featured Marc Anthony, Alejandro Fernandez and Chayanne. In 2006 Jessie did another Juntos tour which featured Marc Anthony, Marco Antonio Solis and Laura pausini. In 2007 Jessie did another Juntos tour which featured Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez.

Diego "El Negro" Alvarez, is a master cajón player born in Venezuela. He lived 16 years in Spain where he developed his career alongside the most prestigious flamenco dance companies such as Joaquin Cortez, Antonio Canales, Sara Baras, Nuevo Ballet Español and Paco Peña among others. With more than 12 nominations to the Latin Grammys, winner of a Latin Grammy in 2010 for best Rock album of the year for "Sera" by La Vida Boheme. Promoting El Cajon as a universal instrument, showing its main roots the Peruvian and the flamenco. Now lives in Los Angeles California, where he continues working with different musical projects between flamenco and jazz.

Grammy-award winning musician, Nate Werth, is one of today's most innovative and versatile percussionists. Hailing from Dyer, Indiana, his approach to diverse musical styles, as well as an inventive use of traditional and non-traditional percussion, defines his unique sound. Nate's musical career began at age 8 while taking orchestral percussion lessons. Soon after, he developed a love for all worlds of percussion. After years of practice, Nate decided to pursue a career in music. He subsequently attended the prestigious University of North Texas from 2001 to 2006, where he refined his technical skills and studied with legendary musicians and educators, including Poovalur Sriji, Jose Aponte, Gideon Alorwoyie, Paul Rennick, Christopher Deane, and Mark Ford.

After his formal studies, Nate quickly became a staple in the Dallas-Fort Worth R&B and Gospel music scene. Over the next 11 years, he formed intimate musical relationships with Grammy Award Winners Robert "Sput" Searight, Shaun Martin, and Bernard Wright. In 2013, Nate moved to New York City to further immerse himself in a wide array of musical cultures.

A Meinl Percussion, Meinl Cymbals, Tama Drums, and Vic Firth endorser, Nate has been actively recording and touring world wide for the past decade. He has worked with internationally acclaimed artists such as Snarky Puppy, Screaming Headless Torsos, David Crosby, Q-Tip, Lalah Hathaway, Susana Baca, The Lee Boys, Turkuaz, Myron Butler and Levi, Jamison Ross, and The Metropole Orchestra.

Master Sgt. Tom Rarick who is a percussionist with the Ceremonial Brass, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. A native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, his Air Force career began in 1997. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Rarick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in percussion performance in 1996. His former teachers include Dr. Gary Olmstead, Dr. Jack Stamp and Mr. Ron Horner. Tom is also the percussion arranger for the Bluecoats Drum Corps.

Kit Chatham is an internationally recognized drummer/percussionist, performer, arranger, and educator. Kit’s experience in many forms of percussion, including drum set, world percussion, orchestral percussion, and marching percussion, makes him a highly sought after performer and clinician. Kit currently is the Drummer/Percussionist and Assistant Band Leader for Cirque du Soleil’s newest touring show, Kurios, and when not on tour resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kit has performed as Percussionist/Drummer also with Kooza by Cirque du Soleil (2013-2014), Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil (2012-2013), and Mystere by Cirque du Soleil (2013). Before those shows, Kit was the original Percussionist/Drummer for both creations of Viva Elvis by Cirque du Soleil (2009-2012) and Corteo by Cirque du Soleil (2005-2009) where he never missed a single show in over 5,000 shows. After 6 shows with Cirque, he is known around Cirque as the “Cirque-du-rummer.”

Before joining Cirque du Soleil, Kit finished an exciting run from 2003 to 2004 as the featured percussionist and music/percussion manager for the critically acclaimed instrumental theatrical show, CYBERJAM, performing in London, England’s West End. From 2001 up through 2003, Kit was the featured snare drum/percussion soloist with the Tony and Emmy Award winning Broadway showBLAST! touring all over the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Kit performed with numerous bands and ensembles prior to joining BLAST! and toured throughout North America and Europe at venues like the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, the Vienne Jazz Festival, and many other festivals.

Kit has arranged, composed, and designed for some of the Nation’s top music ensembles. Including such groups as the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corp, The University of Georgia, Terminus Percussion Theatre, Atlanta Quest, Odyssey Percussion Theatre, Core-Percussion from Japan, and numerous scholastic groups throughout North America and Japan. Kit has also published 6 books on percussion and is co-creator of thePrincipal Percussion Series for Percussion. This series is featured in SmartMusic’s ground breaking software and was a result of collaborating with SmartMusic.www.PrincipalPercussionSeries.com.Kit received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The University of Georgia where he studied with Dr. Thomas McCutchen and Dr. Arvin Scott. While attending, he instructed & arranged for the 2000 Sudler Trophy winning University of Georgia Redcoat Band, performed in numerous ensembles, and toured Europe performing at many prestigious jazz festivals.
Kit continues to give clinics and master classes on percussion around the world and is a proud endorser ofVic FirthStick & Mallets,YamahaDrums & Percussion,SabianCymbals,EvansDrumheads,Alternate Mode,Offworld PercussionandfXpansionMusic Software.

Dani Markham was born in Louisville, Kentucky, where she began playing percussion at the age of 8 in the Fabulous Leopard Percussionists (now known as the Louisville Leopard Percussionists,) under the direction of Diane Downs. Dani excelled in music during these elementary years and began studying privately at the age of 9. While in the Leopards, Dani performed at PASIC several consecutive years and also took 2nd place in the PAS International Marimba competition in 2003.

In 2000, Dani was featured along side hip-hop phenomenon Jay-Z's current drummer, Tony Royster, Jr., by the Percussive Marketing Council in their campaign to showcase young drum phenoms.

In 2005, Dani received the Bertha-Foster full-tuition scholarship to attend the University of Miami, studying under the direction of Dr. Ney Rosauro. During these years, Dani was invited and played in Kagoshima, Japan for the International Youth Asian Arts Festival. Dani also pursued her strong interests in Classic music and attended Chautaqua Music Festival in New York, and expanded her studies in Brazilian, Latin, and Jazz performance studying with heavy players, Ruben Alvarez, Richie Bravo, and Ted Atkatz.

Dani recently moved to San Francisco where she looks forward to continuing her love and passion for music. "Everyday is a constant exploration of creativity and sounds." Dani enjoys the rhythm and chops of being a percussionist, and is appreciated for her captivating energy and charisma. She is known for her dedication to music and appreciated for her ability to execute. On top of her performance career, Dani has spent a lot of time in the studio, and most recently has been working with well-known producer, Jack Splash.

Since 2003, Dani has been teaching privately and currently has a private studio based out of Miami where she takes on a handful of her own students. From 2007 to the present, Dani taught marching band at Ars Nova and Killian High School in Florida, percussion class at the South Beach Arts Music Institute, and teaches Latin drumming at the Louisville Leopard Percussionists Summer Camp in Louisville, Kentucky.

Gig Alerts

The Peach Music Festival is from June 30th-July 3rd, 2022 at Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA.

The Roots Picnic is happening from June 4th-5th in Philadelphia, PA.

The new Sound on Sound festival is happening in Bridgeport, CT from September 24th-25th. The preliminary artists have been announced.

Damon just recorded with Drew Angus (one of the artists on this festival) on his new album.

The Greenwich Town Party which is held in Greenwich, CT on Saturday May 28th announced their headline artist in Billy Joel. More artists to come!

Damon will be playing at the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg, BK with the Atomic Funk Project for a Divas of Soul tribute on February 26th.

Coachella and Stagecoach festivals have removed more covid restrictions. You can read more about that HERE. Be safe if you plan on going.

Educational Spotlight

The educational lesson series with CongaChops and Latin Percussion is continued this week with conga drum basics for beginners.

Kosa Music is heading back to Cuba twice this spring. You can attend the Kosa Cuba Havana & Fiesta del Tambor February 27-March 6, 2022 as well as Kosa Cuba & Matanzas Jazz Festival April 28th-May 5th, 2022. You can CLICK HERE for more information on how to attend.

Iconic Recording

The iconic recording this week is “Babarabatiri” by Tito Puente and his orchestra from the ‘Live in Puerto Rico’ album.

Music News

John Mayer stopped his concert to get a fan medical attention after he noticed a possible fainting. -Article

Kanye West has threatened to pull out of Coachella because he says Billie Eilish insulted Travis Scott. -Article

Are the rappers who are performing at this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show getting paid? Here’s how that works.

Eminem, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Anderson Paak, and Mary J. Blige all performed at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show on February 13th backed by an all-star band led by Adam Blackstone. However, no one who appeared during the show got paid for their performance.

“We do not pay the artists,” NFL spokesperson Joanna Hunter flatly told Forbes. “We cover expenses and production costs.” -Article

Dr. Dre says the NFL asked for ‘minor’ changes to the Super Bowl Halftime performance. -Article

Steve Kroon Interview

The song leading into the interview is called “Monterey” by Steve Kroon from his ‘Without a Doubt’ album.

The interview starts with Damon referencing the marketing posters and educational videos Steve was a part of with Latin Percussion.

Steve started listening to his dad’s records and learning who played with who because of credits.

Steve talks about the various percussion players with R&B music.

Steve talks about his family from Puerto Rico and Curacao.

Steve talks about his musical neighbors in Spanish Harlem, and then the St.Albans neighborhood in Queens where his family moved to.

Bobby Kroon was Steve’s older brother and first teacher. After that, Henry Glover was a mentor to Steve.

One of the first live musical influences for Steve was seeing Machito and his Afro-Cubans. Shout-out to Uba Nieto and later Tito Puente.

Steve mentions some of the people René Hernández was the arranger for.

Another teacher of Steve’s was Tommy Lopez. Tommy also taught friend of the show Chembo Corniel.

Steve studied Brazilian percussion styles with Dom Um Romão.

Shout-out to Steve Thornton.

Steve talks about learning different genres to be able to sound authentic in each one.

Steve talks about playing in Luther Vanrdross’ band with the great Yogi Horton on drums.

Steve talks about his relationship with Errol “Crusher” Bennett and Ralph MacDonald.

The rainstick was helpful in Steve getting the gig with Luther Vandross.

Steve talks about the importance of “off of the stage” etiquette.

Steve talks about Aretha, James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Roy Price.

Steve talks about how to be a good sub for other people.

PRO TIP: When you go on the road, bring a pen with you to fill out forms, sign autographs and more!

Steve talks about the rehearsal process before heading out on a high profile tour.

Steve talks about his own record label Kroonatune Records.

Steve mentions some iconic recordings like: “Afro Blue” by Mongo Santamaria, “Cuban Jam Sessions In Miniature” by Israel “Cachao” Lopez (ft. Tata Guines), “The Allegre All-Stars, Vol. 1” by the Allegre All-Stars, “Azucar Pa' Ti” by Eddie Palmieri, and the iconic recording listed above for this week, “Babarabatiri” by Tito Puente and his orchestra.

Shout-out to Bernard “Pretty” Purdie.

Steve talks about the percussionists with Weather Report and Santana. He also talks about the fluidity of switching between congas and bongos with players like “Master” Henry Gibson, Bobby Thomas Jr. and Armando Perazza. He even talks about Armando and Mongo trading solos.

Special Shout-out to Bobby Kroon, Henry Glover, Luther Vandross, Ron Carter, Joe Fernandez, Dom Um Romão, and his wife.

You can follow Steve on his Website, and Facebook.