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| MSJ: Can you catch the readers up on the history of your involvement in music – sort of a "highlight reel?" |
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| I was a side man in many bands for years. In 2012 I began a solo project which led to the release of seven albums. |
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| MSJ: If you weren't involved in music what do you think you'd be doing? |
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| Probably film production. |
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| MSJ: Who would you see as your musical influences? |
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| Drummers Billy Cobham, Dave Weckl, Tony Williams and Buddy Rich. |
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| MSJ: What's the best thing that's ever been said about your music? |
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| Jazziz was quoted as saying I was one of the top drummer-composers on the fusion scene. |
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| MSJ: What's ahead for you? |
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| I recently moved to Los Angeles and I’m forming a couple of different band configurations to perform. |
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| MSJ: I know many artists hate to have their music pigeonholed or labeled, but how would you describe your music? |
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| Jazz Fusion |
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| MSJ: Do you think that illegal downloading or streaming of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? |
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| I think it’s a hindrance. |
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| MSJ: In a related question, how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them or posting them online? |
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| I’m okay with that. |
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| MSJ: If you were to put together your ultimate band (a band you'd like to hear or catch live), who would be in it and why? |
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| Billy Cobham, Eddie Van Halen and Ric Fierabracci. |
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| MSJ: If you were in charge of assembling a music festival and wanted it to be the ultimate one from your point of view who would be playing? |
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| Pat Metheny, Van Halen and Willie Nelson. |
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| MSJ: What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately? |
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| Steve Gadd's new Grammy winner. |
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| MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment? |
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| Billy Childs with Joey Heredia on drums. |
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| MSJ: Do you remember the first concert you attended? |
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| Jimi Hendrix |
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| MSJ: Have you come across any new gear recently that you love? |
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| Lots of specialty cymbals. |
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| MSJ: What has been your biggest Spinal Tap moment? |
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| Typically in the 1980s arguments within the band over trivial topics. |
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| MSJ: If you could sit down to dinner with any three people, living or dead, for food and conversation, with whom would you be dining? |
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| Billy Cobham, Jimmy Carter and Tony Bennett. |
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| MSJ: What would be on the menu? |
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Lobster. |
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| MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there? |
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| I am lucky to have played with Larry Coryell who helped establish me as a player and writer. |
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| MSJ: This interview is available in book (paperback and hardcover) in Music Street Journal: 2019 Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2019. |
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