Listening Library

A little over 20 years ago, I took my first steps toward drumming and building a business based on facilitating and building community via drumming.   At one of the first trainings I attended, I met Michael “Taylor”.    After the training we shared an eletronic hello once in a while.   After 20 years, fate brought us together again in person and we had a chance to chat about his amazing and inspiring journey from a computer consultant and actor to heeding the call and becoming the Senior Certified Instructor of Mamady Keita’s Tam Tam Mandique schools.  Listen in to our long form open ended discussion as we explore his story and many insights and philosophy he brings to the world of drumming. 

Every once in a while, you meet someone who bridges the generational gaps to the future and the past as they live their lives in the present.  I’d like you to meet Myrlin Hepworth.  A gifted and extraordinary Artist, Poet and  Musician, Mr. Hepworth, uses the mastery of words, rhythm and purpose to touch our lives with his gift.   Our long form interview is interwoven with the topics of culture, art, race, music, philosophy and many other of life’s thoughts!

From the opening sounds of hearing her play the Lur to begin our conversation, this is one of the most enjoyable and interesting I have ever had. Joan Paddock´s story of her love of music and family is a conversational gem as I learned so much about her wonderful life and the instruments of her life.  Enjoy one of the most interesting people I have met through drumming, Joan Paddock,Director of Instrumental Activities,Professor of Music, Conductor and Trumpeter at Linfield College. 

Gifted musician, performance artist and teacher.    Our discussion was a deep discovery into the traditions of the tabla drum, technique and Mr. Iyer’s love of the instrument and the many wonderful cultural nuances of the tabla.    If you want to learn a lot about this wonderful instrument and its traditions, this discussion will serve you well.    I learned so much more than I expected to ever know about the tabla!  

Sule, is truly the wonderul sum of all of his interests, journeys and places.  Listen in as we explore the wisdoms, experiences and joy of a life well lived through the exploration of music, arts, culture and passions.  

Had a rare chance to interview the iconic “Dick Gregory” a few years back.   As a novice interviewer, I was a bit intimidated in not being able to control the interview.   In retrospect, who was I to even think I could “manage” an interview with Mr. Gregory.  Our conversation was all over the place and I loved it.   I thanked him for writing the book, “Nigger” which had a huge impact on me as a high school student.  Enjoy this over-the-phone interview and obviously, he was eating something at the same time too.    Thanks for being you, Mr. Gregory and sharing your time with me.  You were one of my heroes!

Sometimes it is fun to listen in on a really detailed interview on someone's love of music and teaching.  In this interview, we get pretty granular on the nuts and bolts of what makes Carlos an exceptional music teacher and drummer.

For most of us when we think of printing, we think no further than pressing, "print" on our computer or mobile device.  In this digital age of point, click, shoot and send, it is hard to remember that is was not that long again that printing something was an analog function--something you had to get up or go out and manually do.  Printing's roots were seeded in the ancient cuneiform clay tablets and today its branches are part of the electronic highway   Listen in to a interview with Dan Mayer, Director of Pyracantha Press, ASU's production and research imprint.   Its an incredible insightful discussion of the evolution of printings and the machines behind it.   And how today's students and artists are returning to and reinventing letterpress (moveable type, relief carvings, and all of the other legacy craftsmanships) to make printing art from one-of-a-kind books to truly unique masterpieces of personal expression  

If you are looking to explore the wonders of Taiko drumming and the joy of a life well lived with music, self-expression and creating musical wellness with others, listen in to our long-form interview with Eileen Morgan.

One of my most interesting persons is Maria Brunner of Insight Management.    This lover of all things music has deep roots in Big Sky Country.  Listen in and discover some unique stories of what it takes to put on shows and work with different artists.   A devoted fan of supporting local music and artists. Maria’s relationships run deep in the music industry and her ability to use those relationships to support emerging artists is a continuous gift.

Drums and Dogs—Dogs and Drums—The World of David Michael Saunders Dog Trainer, David Michael Saunders has blended his love of drumming and his passion for dogs into a lifestyle and business. Listen in to discover and learn about his extraordinary life’s journey that has led him from traveling around the U.S. making music and friends to becoming of Arizona’ leading dog trainers.

Emma Hanson, a seasoned Executive, Leader and Manager followed her heart, passion and love of sharing sacred space with others to create the Changing Sky Retreat Center.    Listen in to our long form discussion with Emma.   You will hear her journey that has been a continuous path of self development, creativity and commitment towards wellness.

Enjoy our discussion as we explore the art of short story telling through video and the how one person’s vision and love of story is creating a platform for others to share their art and craft. It was so interesting to learn what one talented person with a camera, coupled with talen and and unique outlook can do.