studioHFL

Larry Powell
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studioHFL - interviewing legends & legends in the making. Your host, Larry Powell, is a professional musician & educator & Performing Artist for both the Eastman Music Co. & S.E. Shires

  1. HFL 162 Glenn Drewes

    6 DAYS AGO

    HFL 162 Glenn Drewes

    Glenn Drewes on Big Band Road Life, Broadway, Sesame Street & Lessons from Buddy Rich The host returns to release long-delayed Studio HFL interviews, thanks early sponsors and patrons, and begins a conversation with trumpeter Glenn Drewes (calling from Long Island) about his career and the era’s booming music scene. Drewes recalls high school with Vince DiMartino, influential teacher Ed Delulio, and early gigging before joining Lionel Hampton’s band, including an on-the-road encounter with 17-year-old John Faddis. He describes bus-travel big band life, pay and camaraderie, stints with Buddy Rich (including a tense onstage moment), and how networking led to recording work and meeting Don Sebesky. Drewes discusses Broadway work since 1981, including 13 years on Chicago, advice for young players, his Sesame Street recording job, practice and fitness habits during the pandemic, key influences (Maynard Ferguson, Blue Mitchell, Sweets Edison), and stories from commercial auditions. 00:00 Glenn Drewes Interview - Trumpet Legend on Hampton, Buddy Rich & Broadway 04:20 Early Career & Timing 11:10 Playing with Lionel Hampton 18:33 Buddy Rich Stories 36:18 Broadway & Sesame Street 41:48 Influences & Philosophy 53:09 Power of Positivity

    1h 9m
  2. HFL 161 Wayne Tanabe

    3 MAR

    HFL 161 Wayne Tanabe

    Wayne Tanabe joins the podcast from outside Waco, Texas after leaving New York City during the COVID-19 shutdown, discussing how the pandemic affected musicians, venues, and safe in-person instrument work. He describes continuing Yamaha-related R&D from home while planning safety protocols for customer visits, including concerns about aerosols and sanitation when testing brass instruments. Tanabe explains misconceptions about brass airflow and shares demonstrations showing that brass playing produces less outgoing airflow than many assume, with flutes posing more concern than brass for room spread. He clarifies that he is not a trumpet player—he studied percussion at DePaul—and recounts formative experiences hearing major trumpet artists and being surrounded by Chicago-area musical icons. Tanabe outlines his path through repair training at Allied Repair (alongside Dave Monette), running a repair-focused business for 24 years, and pursuing technology-driven approaches such as cryogenic freezing, precision valve alignment, computer analysis with the University of Vienna, ultrasonic cleaning, and the patented Magnetic Dent Removal System using rare-earth magnets. He explains how educational writing and online participation under the name Brass Rx helped grow national demand for his specialized services. Tanabe details how his connections with Chicago Symphony players like John Hagstrom and Yamaha prototype work led to Yamaha opportunities, and he describes his philosophy of tailoring instrument response to individual players through reversible adjustments, careful listening, and shared vocabulary about sound and response. He and the host discuss examples of small changes producing major results, including mouthpiece clocking, and Tanabe explains how manufacturing, polishing, plating, and receiver tolerances can create “sweet spots.” He shares repair stories ranging from heavily damaged student instruments to working with historic and iconic instruments and musicians, including visits to the Louis Armstrong House and composer graves in Vienna. Bob Malone briefly joins late, noting his long Yamaha development history dating back to work on the 6310Z trumpet, and the conversation touches on Yamaha’s scale alongside its boutique craftsmanship and the success of the Chicago Artist/Xeno trumpets, before the recording ends amid audio-connection troubleshooting. 00:00 Wayne Tanabe Interview - Yamaha Brass Craftsman 01:32 Introduction 05:15 COVID-19 Impact on Music Industry 15:09 Wayne's Background as Percussionist 17:26 Starting Brass Rx Repair Business 26:25 Joining Yamaha 32:10 Working with Professional Musicians 35:35 The Art of Instrument Customization 01:05:25 Bob Malone Joins the Conversation

    1h 14m
  3. HFL 160 Reinhold Friedrich

    24 FEB

    HFL 160 Reinhold Friedrich

    In-Depth Interview: The Evolution and Future of Trumpet Music Join us in this captivating episode as we dive into the world of trumpet music with a seasoned expert. Starting with early memories linked to military life in Germany, the conversation traverses through a rich tapestry of musical history, focusing on pivotal works and notable composers like Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and Victor Nessler. Discover the intricacies of composing and performing trumpet music from baroque to contemporary times, including the challenges and joys of premiering new compositions. Gain insights into the evolution of the trumpet repertoire and the unique experiences of balancing life as a soloist, teacher, and orchestral musician. 00:00 Introduction & Background 03:24 Blumine CD Project & Gustav Mahler 06:23 Richard Strauss Sonata & New Compositions 09:46 The Romantic Era & Trumpet Repertoire Gap 20:36 Teaching & Learning from Song 21:57 Beethoven & Historical Context 24:27 Mahler's Song Cycles 26:25 New Repertoire & Commissions 32:09 Approaching New Music 36:22 Edison Denisov Commission Story 46:24 Contemporary Music & Technique 56:27 Career Path: Orchestra & Solo Work 01:04:22 Teaching Philosophy & Students 01:07:23 Closing Thoughts

    1h 12m
  4. HFL 159 Mike Sweeney

    17 FEB

    HFL 159 Mike Sweeney

    Behind the Scenes with Mike Sweeney: Composer, Arranger, and Educator In this episode, we take a deep dive into Mike Sweeney's career as a composer, arranger, and educator. Mike talks about his early days starting the Studio HFL interviews in 2017, his struggle with editing during COVID-19, and his gratitude for sponsors and Patreon subscribers. He details his extensive experience in music education, from his time at the University of Indianapolis to several significant teaching posts. Mike discusses his journey at Hal Leonard, the evolution of the company, and his contributions to the field of music publishing. He also shares his passion for Irish music, his fishing hobby, and his insights into writing music for different skill levels. Timestamped topics include his early career, transition to Hal Leonard, flex band series, and personal interests. 00:00 Mike Sweeney Interview - Podcast 01:24 Introduction & IU Years 08:41 Early Musical Influences 14:49 First Teaching Jobs 19:33 Writing for Young Musicians 25:32 Joining Hal Leonard 38:38 Flex Band Series 44:52 Irish Music Journey 51:05 Life During COVID

    56 min
  5. HFL 158 Rob Roy McGregor

    13 FEB

    HFL 158 Rob Roy McGregor

    Studio HFL Interviews: Rediscovering Hidden Gems and Lifelong Lessons Inside the World of Classical Music and Jazz with Rob - A Journey from Michigan to L.A. Philharmonic In this episode, join host Larry and the legendary Rob as they embark on a journey through the world of music in Rob's life. Rob shares the genesis of his interest in music, his diverse experiences from jazz and psychology major in college, to his profound stint in various orchestras, including the Baltimore Symphony and the LA Philharmonic. The pivotal moments include his enthralling South American tour and West Point Band adventures. The discussion delves into the impact of great teachers like Clifford Lilia, the influence of technology like Zoom on music education, and the profound connection cultivated through decades of musical collaboration. Enjoy an enriching insight into what it takes to shape a successful career in classical music. 00:00 Rob Roy McGregor Video 01:24 Introduction 07:52 Teaching Philosophy 14:42 Early Life & University of Michigan 17:37 Dominican Republic Tour 23:43 Studying with Clifford Lilia 34:38 West Point Band 39:36 Baltimore Symphony 42:41 Playing with Tom Stevens 48:06 Retirement & Beyond

    53 min
  6. HFL 157 Kenny Rampton

    7 FEB

    HFL 157 Kenny Rampton

    Kenny Rampton: Jazz at Lincoln Center, Sesame Street & Finding Positivity Through Music Join us for an intimate conversation with Kenny Rampton, trumpet player with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Sesame Street. Kenny shares his journey from growing up in a musical family in Las Vegas to becoming one of New York's most respected jazz musicians. In this interview, Kenny discusses: • His 11-year tenure with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center • Recording for Sesame Street and the impact of children's television • Writing and arranging for big bands • His nonprofit Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI) and the Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra • Influences from Clark Terry, Clifford Brown, and Maynard Ferguson • Navigating the challenges of COVID-19 as a New York musician • The importance of listening, practice, and finding positivity in difficult times Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome 0:54 - Meeting Kenny & Common Connections 2:44 - The Sesame Street Gig 5:49 - Recording Process & Remote Sessions 10:05 - Lincoln Center & Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra 14:48 - How the Lincoln Center Gig Came About 19:50 - Philosophy on Mistakes & Perfection 23:19 - Writing & Arranging for Big Band 27:35 - Early Years & Musical Background 31:28 - Starting Trumpet & Early Improvisation 33:28 - Teaching & Jazz Outreach Initiative 38:35 - Influences & Listening Recommendations 45:05 - Maynard Ferguson & Current Listening 50:10 - Meeting Sergei Nakariakov & Embracing Silence 51:36 - COVID Impact on New York Musicians 58:30 - Finding Positivity in Difficult Times 1:03:30 - Round Table Discussions with Legendary Musicians 1:06:10 - Closing Thoughts & Final Message Featured Topics: Jazz education and mentorship The reality of being a working musician in NYC Collaboration with world-class artists Life on the road with a touring big band The journey vs. the destination in music and life Connect with Kenny Rampton: Jazz Outreach Initiative: [Add link if available]

    1h 7m
  7. HFL 156 Michael Sachs 2nd Interview

    31 JAN

    HFL 156 Michael Sachs 2nd Interview

    Studio HFL: Diving Deep into Trumpet Insights and Industry Chats In this engaging episode of Studio HFL, our host reconnects with devoted listeners and shares exciting news about continuing and upcoming interviews. Reflecting on the journey since 2017, the discussion acknowledges the invaluable support from various sponsors such as Eastman Music Company, S.E. Shires, Chopsaver, Austin Custom Brass, Hammond Design Pickett Blackburn, and Messina Covers, along with generous Patreon subscribers. The interview touches on diverse themes including technical difficulties with Zoom, musical projects, teaching experiences, and the evolving technology in the music world. A passionate conversation about musical instruments, warm-up routines, and the interconnectedness of fundamentals and musical artistry offers a wealth of insights for music enthusiasts and aspiring musicians alike. 00:00 Introduction & Technical Setup 02:36 Ham Radio Discussion 06:10 Northwestern Teaching Model 15:09 Commercial vs Classical Playing 19:15 Mouthpieces & Equipment 24:43 Historic Trumpet Collection 37:20 French & Russian Repertoire 46:02 ITG Conference & Community 48:15 The Sachs Routine Book 58:11 Fundamentals & Musicality 01:00:49 String Players & Phrasing 01:02:48 John Mack & Connecting Notes 01:05:26 Listening & Ensemble Skills 01:07:01 Great Soloists & Singers 01:09:23 Wrap-Up & Future Plans

    1h 18m
  8. HFL153 Chuck Wilson - Empire Brass' Road Manager

    25/12/2024

    HFL153 Chuck Wilson - Empire Brass' Road Manager

    Inside Stories from the Empire Brass Tour Manager - Chuck Wilson's Journey from Hershey to Boston and Beyond Join us on Studio HFL as host Larry welcomes Chuck Wilson, former tour manager for the iconic Empire Brass Quintet, for a fascinating discussion. Chuck shares his unique experiences working with legendary musicians like Rolf Smedvig, Charles Lewis, and Sam Pilafian. Hear about his early musical influences, his family's background, and his journey from Hershey, Pennsylvania to becoming a vital part of one of the most renowned brass quintets in the world. Chuck also delves into his time at West Point and his continued passion for drum corps. This episode offers an insider’s perspective on the music industry and the life of a touring musician. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:13 Chuck Wilson's Background and Connection to Empire Brass 02:56 Musical Journey and Education 05:21 Drum Corps and Early Influences 08:46 Joining the Empire Brass Quintet 17:21 Touring with Empire Brass 22:10 Challenges and Innovations on the Road 33:29 Reflecting on the Brass Quintet Legacy 33:53 David O'Hanion's Journey and Teaching Philosophy 34:50 Personalities and Practices of Quintet Members 36:28 Memorable Moments and Challenges 41:16 Transition to West Point Band 45:19 Life and Career at West Point 57:20 Drum Corps and Alumni Connections 01:00:45 Final Reflections and Gratitude This is from an April 22, 2022 interview. Transcripts available upon request. Contact Larry Powell at larry@studiohfl.com for that and any other questions and/or comments. Thank you for listening!

    1h 5m
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About

studioHFL - interviewing legends & legends in the making. Your host, Larry Powell, is a professional musician & educator & Performing Artist for both the Eastman Music Co. & S.E. Shires

Information

  • Creator
    Larry Powell
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    studioHFL

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