Percussion Loft

Gon Bops
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

In-depth conversation with the world’s most talented drummers and percussionists from the Gon Bops artist family. Hosted by Rich Mangicaro, Gon Bops’ Percussion Loft gives a behind-the-scenes look into the artist’s path to success, their favorite GB instruments and much more. 

  1. 07/10/2025

    Caro Cohen

    Our 20th episode features the great percussionist from Argentina - Carolina Cohen!  Caro, as she's know professionally, came to us years ago and we were instantly moved by her talent, ultimately featuring her at NAMM one year as a featured performer at our popular Sabian/Gon Bops live event.  Caro has performed with many great artists in her career, traveling the world, giving master classes and concerts.   She leads her own group, “Caro Cohen Cuarteto” and remains one of the most in-demand percussionists in Argentina.  Last year, in celebration of our 70th  anniversary, we premiered the video ‘El Madero’, featuring Caro along with our other exceptional players, where she lead off the solo sections, performing a blazing conga solo!  Check that out on our YouTube channel as well as our website’s Home page.  We’re excited to welcome her to the Percussion Loft.  Also joining us in this episode, assisting with translation is her father, musician/vocalist Rickie - Thank you Rickie!!

    59 min

  2. 03/21/2025

    MB Gordy

    Our 19th episode features Gon Bops Artist/LA percussionist MB Gordy.  MB is one of the top percussionists in the Los Angeles recording scene, having performed on hundreds of TV and film scores including American Sniper, Fantastic Four and The Terminator.  Live, MB has worked with The Doobie Brothers, Josh Groban and Game of Thrones Live, to name a few.  In 2019, his band Opium Moon won a Grammy for best New Age Album, was nominated again in 2022 and in 2025, he won his 2nd Grammy for his performance on the Best Global Music Album -  “Alkebulan II”, by Matt B.   Order of musical play in this episode: “Open Sky”- Wouter Kellerman; “Folsom Prison Blues” - String Revolution; “How Can I Pray When The Beloved Is All I See” - Opium Moon; “Birimintingo” - Jim “Kimo” West.

    1h 16m

  3. 02/13/2025

    Butch Norton

    One of music’s most innovative and eclectic drummer/percussionists, Butch Norton is both classically trained as well as taking deep dives into Word music and percussion.  His credits include the EELS, Rufus Wainwright, Tracy Chapman, Michael Penn and Fiona Apple, to name a few.  Butch has been spending the last 17 years working with the legendary Grammy-winning artist Lucinda Williams, as well as releasing various solo recordings.  He has been a Gon Bops artist for many years and we're excited to bring you this fascinating interview! https://www.gonbops.com/artists/butch-norton/

    1h 13m

  4. 06/17/2024

    Scott Crago

    Our 17th episode features the gifted Scott Crago!  Scott is celebrating 30 years this year as the drummer/percussionist for America’s most iconic band, the Eagles - as well as celebrating 30 years as a Gon Bops artist!   We discuss his highly visible gig and sharing the drums and percussion duties with the great Don Henley for so many years. Scott shares valuable insight of what goes into playing with one of the world’s biggest bands, not only musically but professionally, and how he approaches his role in the band.  We also review other great artists he’s worked with and preview some of the songs he’s not only played on, but co-wrote with both Don Henley and also Stevie Nicks.  Order of songs sampled in this episode: “All My Life” - Venice; “I Want To Walk With You” - Toni Childs; “Everything Is Different Now” - Don Henley; “That Made Me Stronger” - Stevie Nicks.  Scott joins us from his hotel in the UK, on the Eagles’ Long Goodby Final Tour.

    1h 33m

  5. 01/25/2024

    Will Phillips

    Originally from Texas, Will Phillips has gained a strong reputation in Los Angeles, performing with a host of great artists including Latin Grammy nominee Claudia Brant, Will. I. Am, Ellis Hall, Jamie Foxx and many others.  Will has appeared on The Voice, American Idol, MTV Brazil and recently, is touring everywhere as the percussionist for the mega-popular American Reggae band, Stick Figure.   Will also is Gon Bops’ inspiration for our Bucket Shekere, an instrument fashioned after the Brazilian version, called the Xequebalde.

    1h 8m

  6. 08/24/2023

    Bernie Dresel

    Our 15th episode features the great Bernie Dresel!   One of LA’s busiest session and live drummers, Bernie is a multiple recipient of Modern Drummer and Drum magazine’s ‘Best Big Band Drummer’ award and is influential to thousands of drummers around the world.   His 15 years as the drummer for the Brian Setzer Orchestra inspired a wave of other swing band drummers and his band, The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel is one of LA’s most exciting large jazz ensembles, releasing 2 albums, Bern Bern Bern and The Pugilist.  In this interview, we’ll be featuring songs from both albums, including, in this order of play, “Zuit Soot”, “Bern Bern Bern”, “The Pugilist”, “Lulu’s Back In Town” and “Suite B”.  Bernie is also one of TV & Film industry’s most in-demand session percussionists, playing on top film and TV soundtracks, using various Gon Bops instruments on his sessions.  More info can be found on his website -  berniedresel.com.

    1h 23m

  7. 05/09/2023

    Roberto Quintero

    Our 14th episode features conga virtuoso, Gon Bops’ Signature artist Roberto Quintero.   Originally from Venezuela, Roberto comes from a distinguished family of musicians and has made a respected name for himself, playing with many greats including Oscar de Leon, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmeri and Marc Anthony, to name just a few.  Roberto has multiple releases, including the Grammy-nominated “Quintero Salsa Project” with his cousin, Luisito Quintero.  Enjoy this great conversation including some tracks from his solo album, “Transmission”.

    1h 12m

  8. 08/04/2022

    Andy Zildjian

    On this, our 13th episode, we’re excited to feature our fearless leader, President of Sabian & Gon bops - Andy Zildjian!   In 2010, Sabian acquired Gon Bops  from the DW drum company.  Andy has quite a story to tell, having essentially been born into the music products industry.  He’s experienced all facets of the industry, from working in the warehouse, to factory production, to working in retail, to traveling as a road salesman and eventually, running the whole organization. It’s an industry that he absolutely loves and it shows.  With his incredible success with Sabian including his long-time employees, his warm relationship to his customers, to his very loyal internationally-acclaimed artist roster, Andy makes everyone feel like part of the ‘family’…the Sabian & Gon Bops family.  And if you’ve met him, you know he’s having a great time doing it.

    1h 30m
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5
out of 5
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About

In-depth conversation with the world’s most talented drummers and percussionists from the Gon Bops artist family. Hosted by Rich Mangicaro, Gon Bops’ Percussion Loft gives a behind-the-scenes look into the artist’s path to success, their favorite GB instruments and much more. 

Information

  • Creator
    Gon Bops
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Gon Bops
  • Show Website
    Percussion Loft