The good news is that as soon as I posted about the Modern Drummer article I found out that I was also featured in this month's DRUM! Magazine! Exciting stuff! What an honor! Both magazines are on news stands now so make sure you pick up a copy!
I am also excited to announce that I am now exclusively endorsing LP Percussion products. I am extremely stoked to be w/ LP and I have been waiting for this for quite some time now. I am looking forward to this new relationship and to be now endorsing their gear even though I've always played it! It's that good!
On the playing front....
I have been in the studio w/ Roland again this time beginning the sampling of the new percussion library. Alot of instrument and alot of hitting of things! It's coming out great though. We are almost finished w/ percussion but we're not done w/ the sampling process. We have alot more great sounds to capture and I gurantee you that this library is going to be insane! You are going to need some Roland gear as soon as we get these sounds public!
This is my living room as I was getting ready to load SOME of the gear for this session into my car!
I also just spent the weekend playing over at the Temecula International Jazz Festival. It was alot of fun. I worked with my man Johnny Blas as well as w/ great Portland B3 organist Steve Hall (SteveHallMusic.net) as well as w/ New York trumpeter/saxophonist/composer Matt Finley and his Brazilian group. What a blast! Abrigado!
My bro and one of my favorite sax players was at the festival and even came and sat in w/ The Johnny Blas Band. His name is Edmund Velasco and he is the absolutely awesome! We play together frequently w/ Chris Williams but he can also be found leading his own group as well as working w/ The Estrada Brothers, Disneyland Band and many others! Pick up one of his CD's or check him out around town. You can find him on the web at www.EdmundVelasco.com . He often uses drummer Jimmy Ford (Lionel Hampton) and he is no slouch! He is the leading Buddy Rich impersonator and its no joke. Drummers make sure to check him out!
I had a great time hanging w/ everyone and I even slept in my brand new car (ask me for details in person!). The not so glamorous life of a musician! You do what you gotta do to play though. Heres my Johnny Blas kit at sound check.....
Things are busy as always around town so make sure to check out my calendar and come say hi. I am also finshing up confirming some clinic dates so stay tuned!
As always I want to give a quick thank you to all of the companies I happily endorse. I appreciate you all taking care of me and for the great gear I am fortunate to make music with daily.
Take care everybody and I'll be back soon!
-MB
