#342 Jonathan Barber- Drummer, Composer, Educator and More!
This week’s guest is Jonathan Barber. New York City-based Jonathan Barber was voted the #1 Up-and-Coming Drummer of 2018 in Modern Drummer. Only 29 years old, he has already recorded and toured worldwide with such artists as Pat Metheny, Nicholas Payton, Buster Williams, Jeremy Pelt, Wallace Roney, Terrace Martin, Jennifer Holiday, Harold Mabern, Steve Davis, Stefon Harris, and many more. Barber has also been called on for such significant performances as Jimmy Greene’s Ana Grace Project (with an all-star band comprised of Greene, Kenny Barron, John Patitucci, and Kurt Elling) and back-to-back sold-out concerts with the Brooklyn Philharmonic and Erykah Badu at the BAM Opera House.
In addition to his first-call status as a sideman, Barber has recently stepped forth as a composer and leader with his Vision Ahead band, featuring saxophonist Godwin Louis, guitarist Andrew Renfroe, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, and pianist Taber Gable. Even with Barber’s history of high-profile gigs and recordings taken into consideration, DownBeat magazine calls Vision Ahead’s self-titled debut album his “greatest accomplishment to date.” Released on Rockwood Music Hall’s largest stage in May 2018, Vision Ahead is a powerful declaration of intent for a band that’s been making waves on the modern jazz scene since its debut performance at Smalls Jazz Club. The group’s blend of classic, swinging jazz with elements of gospel, rock, soul, and fusion is a compelling showcase of Barber’s broad stylistic range as a composer and performer. Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead was featured and headline the 2018 Rainy Days Jazz Festival held in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia.
Born in Hartford, CT, Barber has been playing drums since the age of five, initially falling in love with the instrument through watching his father perform in the family church. Barber’s upbringing in the church instilled within him a deep appreciation of the power, passion, and full sound of the gospel music tradition, and he now brings its infectious energy to the wide range of styles in his musical toolkit. Early influences also includes beginning George Duke, Fred Hammond, Weather Report, Yellowjackets and Commissioned, and classic jazz titans like Miles Davis, Jackie Mclean, Art Blakey, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Tony Williams and Thelonious Monk. With soul, impeccable groove, and explosive chops, Barber has synthesized his favorite traditions into a thoroughly modern and endlessly adaptable musical expression that connects with listeners from across generations.
In September 2019, Barber completed his first solo drum tour in Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina). Barber endorses Ludwig Drums, Istanbul Agop Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Promark Drumsticks, and Sunhouse Percussion.
Damon mentions the gig he did with friend of the show Carter McLean. You can watch it below.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Rich Redmond! Rich is a top call recording drummer/percussionist based in Nashville and Los Angeles.
Rich began playing drums at age 8 and eventually played in the prestigious 1:00 Lab Band at The University of North Texas. Receiving his Master's Degree in Music Education, Rich now combines his classical training and 'street smarts' musicianship to bring his passion filled drumming to the world.
Rich’s versatile, dynamic, and rock solid drumming is the sound behind many of today's top talents.
Rich has toured/recorded/performed with: Jason Aldean, Ludacris, Kelly Clarkson, Bryan Adams, Bob Seger, Joe Perry, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Thompson Square, Steel Magnolia, The Pointer Sisters, John Eddie, Pam Tillis, Susan Ashton, Deana Carter, Montgomery Gentry, Alabama, John Anderson, Trace Adkins, Keith Urban, Emily West, Lauren Alaina, and many others. Rich has played drums and percussion on
19 #1 singles .
Rich has appeared on the trail of television shows such as The Voice, American Idol, The Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show (with Leno, O’Brien and Fallon), The Today Show, Conan O' Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, Good Morning America, Ellen, The CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, ACA Awards, as well as being prominently featured in 18 music popular music videos .
Happy Birthday to Tim Greene! Tim Greene Sr. is currently in his sixth year as the Assistant Band Director/Percussion Director for Cypress Ranch High School out of Cypress Texas, in West Houston. During his tenure at Cypress Ranch High School the percussion section and band have become highly competitive in both indoor and outdoor arenas. Most notable awards include; Area Finalist in the UIL State Marching band contest 2018, Earning Sweepstakes with 1st division ratings across the board for Marching and Concert ensembles 2017-2018, Best percussion at multiple marching band contest, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 earning first place in Scholastic A division TCGC Championships indoor percussion contest in 2015.
Mr. Greene served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Auburn University in Auburn Alabama from 2013 – 2015, where he studied under Dr. Doug Rosener while teaching and writing music for the Auburn University Marching Bands Percussion Section.
Mr. Greene has served as a general Music Teacher for Orangeburg Consolidated School District Three, as well as the Marching Percussion Director for South Carolina State University from 2007 – 2013.
Since aging out of the co-world champion Cadets in 2000, Mr. Greene has taught at several notable programs across the country including; Percussion Caption Head for Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corp 2013-2014, Blue Stars as Battery Coordinator in 2012, Boston Crusaders Jr. Drum and Bugle Corp 2001, 2006, King Phillip Regional High-School 2001, Bushwackers Senior Drum and Bugle Corp 2004, 2007, Brooklyn Steppers and Black Fire Percussion 2002 - 2007. During his tenure with the Brooklyn Steppers Mr. Greene also lead the Drumline for the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) and Hot 97 radio station.
Mr. Greene currently holds a Masters in Music Education from Auburn University, and a Bachelors of Science in Music Education from South Carolina State University, graduating Cum-Laudi. Prior to completing the undergraduate degree Mr. Greene also studied percussion under Michael Lipsey at Queens College Aaron Copeland School of music in Long Island City NY, as well as Robert Romeo at Jersey City University in Jersey City NJ.
Mr. Greene has conducted percussion clinics and workshops in the Atlanta-Metro, New York, Alabama, Texas South East areas as an education artist for Remo, Zildjian, and Vic Firth. Mr. Greene has adjudicated the solo and ensemble marching categories at PASIC, he has also adjudicated some indoor contest and other local circuits in the Alabama, and Georgia area.
Mr. Greene currently resides in Cypress Texas with his wife Krystal, their four children Kayden age 5, four year old twins; Timothy Jr. and Kaylee, 8 month old Kaycee and their dog Patches, a very friendly miniature Dachshund.
Mr. Greene is the founder and owner of TAG percussion, a web based video lesson platform. He is also the author and creator of the children’s books series; The Daddy Duty Book Series. A book series that is dedicated to providing an inside look into the role of the active parenting dad. Mr. Greene is a part of the founding body of the Southern Percussion Ensemble an Indoor competition ensemble that features HBCU instrumentation and influences.
Gig Alerts
The Blue Note Napa Jazz Festival is happening this weekend. There are several friends of the show participating, including: Nate Werth of Ghost Note, Weedie Braimah and his group, “Hands of Time”, Alan Evans of Soulive, and J.J. Johnson with Gary Clark Jr.
The Newport Folk Fest is also happening this weekend.
Educational Spotlight
Damon mentions this one hour masterclass with Grammy winning Latin producer and mix engineer Juan “JC” Losada. You just have to create a free account with Waves. It will help you learn how to mix Latin percussion instruments better!
While you’re there, check out Manny Marroquin’s signature series plugins, which you can get at a hefty discount right now!
Iconic Recording
Jonathan picked out the iconic recording for the week. It is “Trim” by John Scofield, featuring Dennis Chambers on drums and Don Alias on percussion. It’s from the album ‘Blue Matter’.
Music News
After months of speculation – as well as price increases from Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, and YouTube Music – Spotify has officially bumped the cost of individual subscriptions to $10.99 per month in the U.S.
The Stockholm-headquartered streaming giant announced and implemented the long-anticipated price jump today. Specifically in the United States, the mentioned ad-free individual subscription tier, at $10.99 monthly, now costs $1 more – compared to $14.99 for the “Duo” option (a $2 raise), $16.99 for the six-account family package (up $1), and $5.99 for the student plan (up $1). -Article
Snoop had a rebuttal to streaming prices.
Legendary singer and 19-time Grammy winner Tony Bennett has passed away at the age of 96.
The New York City-born vocalist’s publicist confirmed the unfortunate news just moments ago, disclosing only that the I Left My Heart in San Francisco artist had died in his hometown. At the time of this writing, neither Bennett’s team nor his family had publicly disclosed the “Fly Me to the Moon” singer’s precise cause of death, though the Viva Duets act (who would have turned 97 early next month) had been battling Alzheimer’s since 2016. -Article
Condolences to friend of the show, Clayton Cameron who played drums for Tony for several years.
Jonathan Barber Interview
The song leading into the interview is, “Evolution (Live in Paris)” by Jeremy Pelt.
Damon and Jonathan met at the airport in Indianapolis, IN after their respective PASIC clinics. Shout-out to Bryan Garbe for the introduction!
Jonathan talks about his PASIC experience.
Shout-out to Eric McPherson who Jonathan studied with.
Jonathan teaches at Uconn in Storrs, CT.
Jonathan talks about his accomplishments during the covid times.
Shout-out to Stephen Cusano and his space, Parkville Sounds in Hartford, CT.
During covid, Jonathan learned how to record himself and also how to use Abelton. He took classes online from Australia via Liveschool.
In addition to home recording and drum programming, Jonathan would binge watch Netflix series.
Jonathan leads a group called Jonathan Barber and Vision Ahead. He talks about his approach with writing for that group.
Jonathan and the members of the Vision Ahead group all attended the Hartt School of Music.
Jonathan talks about how Ableton will play a part in the new albums for his group, but he also talks about inspiration from Sensory percussion and the Sunhouse triggers.
Jonathan attended Windsor High School.
Shout-out to the Curtis Brothers, Damian, Zaccai and Luques.
Shout-out to the Artists Collective in Hartford, CT. Jonathan was introduced to that organization from a summer camp job.
Jonathan talks about his dad (who is also a drummer) and the musical influence he received from him.
Jonathan talks about secular and sacred music.
Jonathan picks his favorite Yellowjackets drummer. Shout-out to Will Kennedy.
Shout-out to open handed/left handed drummers.
Jonathan and Damon talk about being left handed and playing music.
Jonathan talks about Fred Hammond (with Marvin McQuitty on drums).
Jonathan mentions several of the Gospel artists he listened to.
Jonathan and his group were the house band at Smalls for a while. He talks about the connections and opportunities that came because of it.
Jonathan talks about planning a tour with his group.
Jonathan picks out the iconic recording and talks a little about segments from the Serious Moves DVD.
Jonathan uses Ludwig Drums, Istanbul Agop Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, ProMark Drumsticks, and Sensory Percussion.
Shout-out to John Barber Jr. Jonathan’s father, Eric McPherson, Rene McLean, Lewis Nash, Gerald Cleaver, the late Ralph Peterson, and Nasheet Waits.
You can follow Jonathan on his Website, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The song leading out of the interview is “Denim” by Jonathan Barber and Vision Ahead.
