This week’s guest is Dr. Matthew Lau. Hailed by the Aspen Times for his “soulful and technically impressive solo” at his vibraphone concerto debut at the Aspen Music Festival, percussionist Dr. Matthew Lau performs a wide range of repertoire with an absolute commitment to communicating the meaning and essence of percussion music to its audience, from arrangement of Bach’s Violin Sonata on marimba to avant-garde contemporary pieces by Franco Donatoni and Iannis Xenakis. He is aiming to democratize classical contemporary music through high-caliber and approachable performances, interactive social media presence with his miniseries #LauLicks, with a whimsical twist.

Pursuing a strong interest in contemporary percussion music, his vision and aesthetic are aimed to expand the ever-growing percussion repertoire by pushing existing boundaries, incorporating electronics & technologies and discovering new sounds. His interest in exploration of new music has led Matthew to commission new pieces with many renowned composers. He is also the co-founder and artistic director of the contemporary percussion group The Up:Strike Project. He is also one half of the percussion duo Fisher/Lau Project with fellow percussionist Dr. Abby Fisher. As a queer Asian percussionist, Dr. Lau challenge the convention narratives and work to change the traditional prescribed career path.

Matthew enjoys an international performing and teaching career. From 2018, he’s given recitals and taught at Marimbafest, Transplanted Roots Percussion Research symposium, PercuFest, Oh My Ears New Music Festival 2020, DrumsFest Moscow Competition & Festival, Percussion Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), X Encuentro Internacional de Percussion Peru, Gnessin College of Music, Conservatorio de Musica Buenos Aires Astor Piazzolla, University of the Arts Buenos Aires, Ente Cultural de Tucumán, La Plata, Conservatorio de Musica Juilian Aguirre, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, The National Autonomous University of Mexico, The Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Universidad Veracruzana, University of Western Australia, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Australian Percussion Gathering.

Matthew obtained his Doctor of Musical Arts in contemporary percussion performance from Stony Brook University under the guidance of Eduardo Leandro. He holds a Master of Music from New York University studying with Jonathan Haas, Simon Boyar, and James Saporito. Previous teachers include Dr. Heung-Wing Lung, and James Boznos. Matthew currently resides in Boston , and maintains a private teaching studio. Matthew is the winner of the 2018 Hong Kong Arts Development Award for Young Artist in music. He is currently on the Board of Advisor and Keyboard Committee for The Percussive Arts Society, and Board of Directors for The Vibraphone Project Inc.

Dr. Lau is Premier Artist of Marimba One, Artist Endorser of Black Swamp Percussion, and Signature Artist of Encore/Salyers Mallets. In his spare time he is an avid yoga practitioner and believe proper alignment can get rid of certain soreness in percussion playing. He is also a Level 1 Master Knitter from The Knitter’s Guild Association.

Damon mentions the PBS broadcast of The Mambo Legends. It also features friends of the show, Jose Madera and the late great Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez. Cameo by friend of the show, Marcos Torres.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Eric Velez! Eric is one of the most respected Latino percussionists of his generation. He is of Puerto Rican descent, and was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Eric learned to play congas, bongos, and timbales at the young age of three with the assistance of his brother. His first musical performance was with Grupo Fascinacion at the age of fifteen. At the age of seventeen, Eric played with Eddie Palmieri and in 1993 made his first recording with Marc Anthony for the movie soundtrack "Carlito'ís Way." In 1996, Eric continued to record under RMM Records with producer Isidro Infante. Eric also traveled with the RMM Band, featuring Tito Puente. In 1997, Eric joined Marc Anthony'ís band and later that year performed for President Clinton'ís 1997 Inaugural Ceremony. A year later, Eric recorded with Celia Cruz. In 1999, Eric joined D.L.G. and also recorded with various artists under record producer Sergio George.

Between 2000 and 2004, Eric performed with Marc Anthony on two tours, several TV shows, including Jay Leno, as well as the HBO Special: Marc Anthony the Concert. In 2005, Eric joined the "Juntos en Concierto Tour" featuring Marc Anthony. Later that year, Eric and his brother, Joe Juicy Jusino recorded a Salsa CD titled, "Juicy and Eric 'ñ Huracan." In 2006, Eric went on another "Juntos en Concierto Tour 2" featuring Marc Anthony. In October, Eric recorded with Marc Anthony for "Marc Anthony in Tenerife." In 2007, Eric continued to play with Marc Anthony and also began playing percussion with Jennifer Lopez and appeared on American Idol and David Letterman. The following year, Drum! Magazine named Eric "Runner-up for Percussion Rising Star."

In 2009, Toca Percussion launched the Eric Velez Signature Series Congas and Bongos. In October, Eric returned to the White House and performed with Marc Anthony for the "Fiesta Latina" performance. Eric has received many renowned distinctions, including another award by Drum! Magazine in 2009. He was named "Live Percussionist of the Year," "Runner-up Percussionist of the Year," "Runner-up Latin Percussionist of the Year," and "Runner-up Percussion Product of the Year." In 2010, Eric'ís influence was significantly recognized once again when he was awarded Drum! Magazine'ís "Runner-up Live Performer of the Year" and "Runner-up Latin Percussionist of the Year." In May 2011, Eric performed with Marc Anthony during the season finale of American Idol. Once again, his accomplishments were recognized when Eric received the award for "Runner-up Latin Percussionist of the Year" by Drum! Magazine.

In 2012, Eric performed with Marc Anthony during the finale of Q'íViva: The Chosen. In June, Eric played for President Obama at the "Latinos for Obama Fundraiser" at the Jackie Gleason Theater. That same year, Eric received an award by Drum! Magazine as "Runner-up Latin Percussionist of the Year." Eric toured this summer with the "GIGANT3S Tour" featuring Marc Anthony. He will be ending the year in Latin America with the "GIGANT2S Tour" featuring Marc Anthony.

Happy Birthday to Javier Diaz! Javier is a percussionist with the American Symphony Orchestra and with several chamber music groups and Latin music groups in the New York Area. He has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, New York Perspectives Ensemble, Zankel Hall New Music Band, and Hilliard Ensemble. He has performed for Broadway's productions of Man of La Mancha, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Brooklyn, Phil Collins’s Tarzan, Guys and Dolls, The Wiz, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Rocky, In The Heights, The Lion King, and Gloria Estefan’s On Your Feet. His studio/film soundtrack credits include collaborations with jazz greats David Sanborn and Marcus Miller, ECM's Tituli by Stephen Hartke with the Hilliard Ensemble, Barbershop 3, several HBO films, and many TV and radio commercials.

As an Afro-Cuban percussion specialist, Diaz has appeared with Miami Sound Machine, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Sean Kingston, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patty LaBelle, Lazaro Galarraga's Afro-Cuban All Stars, percussionists Angel Luis Figueroa, Candido Camero, Román Diaz and Pedro Martinez, The Panamerican Jazz Band, The Ethnix, AnetteAguilar’s Latin Jazz Group, Marta Topferova, Edmar Castañeda, Tribal Sage, and the New York World Music Institute. In addition, Diaz has released an album with world music band Kalunga.

An active educator, Diaz has taught classical percussion at El Sistema de Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles de Venezuela, University of Connecticut, and his private studio in New York City. He has also taught Afro-Cuban percussion seminars, classes, and clinics at the Peabody Institute, University of Southern California, Percussion Artists Workshops Los Angeles/New York, Los Angeles School District, The Juilliard School, the Boston Conservatory, and Mannes School of Music in New York City. Diaz is currently on the percussion faculties at Rutgers University and the Juilliard School. He has a book on Afro-Cuban percussion called The Afro-Cuban Handbook.

Diaz has composed music for the Aspen Music Festival, New York University, and University of Southern California. His concert music is available through Bachovich Music.

An alumnus of El Sistema de Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles de Venezuela and the Aspen Music Festival, Diaz holds a BM from the University of Southern California and an MM from The Juilliard School.

Happy Birthday to Jon Epcar! Born and raised in Los Angeles, drummer Jon Epcar currently resides in NYC. He has worked with many artists, including Bono, Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Rihanna, Natasha Bedingfield, Carly Rae Jepsen, Klangkarussell, Cristian Castro, Matt Morris, Madison Beer, Katie Melua, Evan Rachel Wood, Jackson Harris, Jesse James, The Ghostwriters, Taryn Manning, Matt & Kim, John Issac Watters, Danielia Cotton. He is a founding member of the band Carney, with whom he toured and recorded with for many years. On Broadway, he originated the drum chairs for Spider-Man and Amelie, and Tina Fey’s Mean Girls, where he is currently drumming.

Happy Birthday to Nate Wood! Grammy nominated Nate Wood is a drummer/multi-instrumentalist and mastering engineer based in New York City. Nate is a founding member of the Grammy nominated quintet Kneebody. Kneebody released their self titled debut album in 2005 on trumpeter Dave Douglas’s label Greenleaf Music. In 2007, Kneebody released “Low Electrical Worker” on Colortone Media. They completed an album of arrangements of Charles Ives compositions with singer Theo Bleckmann and released the recording “12 Songs of Charles Ives” which was nominated “Best Classical Crossover Album” Grammy Award (2009, Winter and Winter). Kneebody’s latest record “The Line” was released on Concord Records in 2013.

Nate has also performed or recorded with many notable artists including Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, Dave Grohl, Brian May and Roger Taylor (Queen), Chris Squire (Yes), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Chaka Khan, Wayne Krantz, Billy Childs, Tigran Hamasyan, Donny McCaslin, Sting and many others.

Nate was featured in Modern Drummer in March of 2014, and placed in the 2015 Modern Drummer reader’s poll among the top 5 drummers in his category.

Along with his work as a sideman, Nate has released 3 albums of his own material, where he performed, recorded and mixed everything himself. His newest album “Another Time” was released in July 2014.

Nate also masters records for artists from around the world.

Happy Birthday to Danny Cummings! The first Latin percussion instrument that Danny Cummings ever acquired was a second-hand conga he persuaded his parents to buy him for his 21st birthday. "I remember thinking that black fiberglass drum marked the beginning of a new era for me," says Cummings. And perhaps it did: In the 20 years since, the London-based percussionist has recorded with such rock notables as the late John Martyn, Dire Straits, Tina Turner, George Michael, Les McKeown, Penguin Café Orchestra, Elton John, The Pet Shop Boys, Simply Red, Daniel Beddingfield, Talk Talk, David Sylvian, Mark Knopfler and Bryan Adams. His playing is particularly well showcased on "Ocean Drive" by The Lighthouse Family, and on the cabaret-tinged "Shag Tobacco" by vocalist Gavin Friday (on which Cummings recorded more than 60 overdubs). He also appears on Knopfler's CD Kill To Get Crimson and on Bryan Adams' most recent album, On a Day Like Today.

At age 12, Cummings began playing snare drum in his school band, then got hooked on percussion with a pair of bongos that his grandparents brought him from Trinidad. His early musical influences included Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, and Bill Withers, and "as any percussionist who plays congas in contemporary music will tell you, Santana (Carlos) was a most powerful influence."

Today, in addition to congas, shakers, and tambourines, Cummings plays a collection of original African instruments and experiments with electronic sounds: "I like the idea of blending very traditional instruments with futuristic, cosmic things."

Danny has embarked on several projects with Knopfler, both as part of Dire Straits and Knopfler's solo band. The last Dire Straits album, On Every Street, featured Cummings as a percussionist and he also contributed to Knopfler's solo album releases All the Roadrunning, Kill to Get Crimson and Get Lucky. He toured with Knopfler on the tours for each of these albums, and featured on the live CDs and DVDs On The Night and Real Live Roadrunning (featuring Emmylou Harris).

Cummings also appears on Guy Fletcher's albums Inamorata (2007) and Natural Selection (2010).

He now lives in the south of England with his wife and 2 boys.

And, Happy Birthday to today’s guest, Matthew Lau.

Gig Alerts

The Havana Jazz Festival is taking place in Cuba from January 26 to February 2, 2025. Both Blue Note Travel and Kosa Music have packages you can pay for to attend and get other amenities.

The Jazz Foundation of America has announced their concerts for the month of October.

The Hoof Beat Country Festival has announced it’s lineup for next summer. The festival will be held in Cadott, WI from June 26-28th 2025.

Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion (including friend of the show, Jason Treuting) will be performing at McGuire Theater on October 19th, in Minneapolis, MN.

The Concert for Carolina will be taking place on October 26th at Bank of America Stadium. Tickets go on sale Thursday October 10th. -Article

Damon will be playing the NYCLU/ACLU benefit again “Sing Out For Freedom” as part of the house band.

Educational Spotlight

This week’s educational spotlight is the Global Rudimental Drumming Symposium. It is happening from October 10th-13th at George Mason University in Washington D.C. It is hosted by the United States Association of Rudimental Drummers (USARD). You can GET TICKETS HERE.

Iconic Recording

This week’s iconic recording, picked by Matthew is “Wildwood Flower” originally performed by the Carter Family.

He chose the version recorded by Carlene, Lorrie and Tiffany.

Music News

Tickets for Oasis sold out within an hour of going on sale, showcasing the huge demand for the reunion tour. Nearly 500,000 tickets were sold for the North American leg of the tour, with two stops each at stadiums in Toronto, East Rutherford, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and a single night in Chicago. It’s possible that with such huge demand, more tour dates will be added at a later date. -Article

Citing an influx of allegedly “fake tickets” to Oasis’ North American stops, NIVA is urging congressional approval of the Fans First Act, which it says will address “deceptive practices perpetuated by predatory ticket brokers and resale platforms.” -Article

Earlier this week, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) took aim at secondary ticketing platforms – and urged congressional action – following an alleged wave of “fake” Oasis tickets. Now, one of the accused platforms is firing back and stirring an ugly war-of-words with Ticketmaster. -Article

District Judge Arun Subramanian recently ruled against the Ticketmaster parent’s transfer motion, which was specifically looking to shift the high-stakes case from New York to Washington, D.C. We previously covered the sought venue change – and the Justice Department’s opposition – in detail. -Article

If you need to prep for Hurricane Milton, get relief from Hurricane Helene or prepare for other hurricanes, please VISIT THE RED CROSS WEBSITE.

You can also install the Emergency app by The Red Cross for severe weather in the location that is selected.

Matthew Lau Interview

The song leading into the interview is “Gr@w£ix (Grawlix) from Loops for Vibraphone & Live Electronics” by Von Hansen, performed by Matthew.

The interview starts with a connection to friend of the show Kana Omori.

Matthew and Damon talk about languages.

Matthew is currently in Boston, MA. He and his partner have spend a lot of time in Hong Kong.

He mentions his duo, the Fisher/Lau Project.

Matthew talks a little about Hong Kong vs. the rest of China.

Damon mentions another interview Matthew did. He started on piano when he was 6.

Matthew mentions the British system of grading for music.

Matthew went to undergrad at Baptist University in Hong Kong and studied there with James Boznos.

He talks about the school system in Hong Kong. He also studied with Dr. Heung-Wing Lung.

Matthew got his masters at NYU and studied with friend of the show, Jonathan Haas.

Matthew got his Doctorate from Stonybrook University while studying with friend of the show, Eduardo Leandro.

Matthew talks about some of his classmates at Stonybrook and some other moments at the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble.

Damon mentions the book, Masters of the Vibes.

Matthew talks about The Vibraphone Project. The festival he mentions will happen at Kutztown University from May 23-25th in 2025 in Kutztown, PA. The link will be available as of November 1st HERE.

Matthew is going to be on a roundtable/panel discussion at PASIC with friend of the show, Taku Hirano and other percussionists at 1pm on Friday November 8th.

If you want to see and create your own schedule for PASIC, you can do so on the guidebook app.

Shout-out to the diversity alliance of PASIC and all they do.