I AM Podcast

Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, Composer, Musical Director, Arranger, Producer, Conductor, Performer Cheche Alara was Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  He moved to the U.S. after receiving a talent scholarship from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he obtained a B.A. in orchestration.  This was followed by a telnet scholarship from the University of Southern California, where he obtained his Masters Degree in Jazz Studies.  As well as being a Grammy award winner, he has been Musical Director/ Conductor for the Grammy Awards Premiere Show, “American Idol” tours, Chrstina Aguilera (Asst. Director), Disne’s “High School Musical” Tour, Latin Grammy’s “Person of the Year” concerts, “The Alma Awards” and a number of tv shows including “To Tell The Truth”, “Titan Games” and “Death by Magic”.  Cheche’s arranging and performance credits are extensive and include artist and shows such as Lady Gaga, Cristina Aguilera, Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan, Dionne Warwick, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Alejandro Sanz, Ricky Martin, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Andrea Bocelli, Carole King, Patti LaBelle, Marc Anthony, David Foster, Mya, Destiny’s Child, Eric Benet, Patti Austin, The Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony with the Oslo Symphony Orchestra, The Latin Billboard Awards, Enriqu Iglsias and the Los Angeles Philharmonic under conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

What you will hear

• Creative stamp and freedom.
  
• Different styles and roles.
  
• Humility within fortune.
  
• Family, experience and influence.
  
• Linda Ronstadt and Maluma.
  
• Growing, stretching, challenging and learning through different genres.
  
• Love of food and adventure
  
• Work and play.  Adventures on tour
  
• Communication: transmission of emotion through performance
  
• Formal and technical vs depth and feel in music.
  
• Upcoming projects.
  

Quotes

“There’s a lot of people from which I learn and I get to experience different things.”

“I’ve been very fortunate to work with people that I admire a lot, and that on it’s own makes you become a better artist.”

“I truly feel that I’m expressing myself through the projects that I’m working on.”

“I look at music like food, I feel like I’m in a beautiful, super high quality buffet.”

“My ambition is to elevate.”

“Let’s aim for greatness and then let’s have a party.”

“I expand into new things but I don’t necessarily let go of the things that I’ve been doing.

Mentioned

Maluma

Mike Patton

Enyo Morricone

Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, Composer, Musical Director, Arranger, Producer, Conductor, Performer Cheche Alara was Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  He moved to the U.S. after receiving a talent scholarship from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he obtained a B.A. in orchestration.  This was followed by a telnet scholarship from the University of Southern California, where he obtained hes Masters Degree in Jazz Studies.  As well as being a Grammy award winner, he has been Musical Director/ Conductor for the Grammy Awards Premiere Show, “American Idol” tours, Christina Aguilera (Asst. Director), Disne’s “High School Musical” Tour, Latin Grammy’s “Person of the Year” concerts, “The Alma Awards” and a number of tv shows including “To Tell The Truth”, “Titan Games” and “Death by Magic”.  Cheche’s arranging and performance credits are extensive and include artist and shows such as Lady Gaga, Cristina Aguilera, Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan, Dionne Warwick, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Alejandro Sanz, Ricky Martin, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Andrea Bocelli, Carole King, Patti LaBelle, Marc Anthony, David Foster, Mya, Destiny’s Child, Eric Benet, Patti Austin, The Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony with the Oslo Symphony Orchestra, The Latin Billboard Awards, Enrique Iglesias and the Los Angeles Philharmonic under conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

What you will hear

• Cheche’s musical inspiration and early studies
  
• Working in the music industry
  
• Disposition
  
• Business vs art and finding ways to be happy over making money.
  
• Cheche’s parents and the exposure to art.  Absorbing the concept of art.
  
• Appreciating other art forms as an artist.
  
• Cheche’s piano teacher, their relationship and his method of teaching.
  
• Early musical experiences and Cheche’s first big gig.
  
• Musician vs. Musical Director roles
  

Quotes

“Business is definitely one of the links of the chain of what we do but it doesn’t define what we do and if it becomes the defining factor I think we are missing the huge picture of what we are supposed to be doing with the art.”

“Anyone who goes into music to make money has made a terrible decision.”

“I have to keep constantly learning and adapting.”

“I’m proudly eclectic.”

Mentioned

Manuel Fraga

Heitor Pereira

Ramon Stagnaro

Vinnie Colaiuta

Recording Artist, Composer, Pianist, Songwriter, Musical Director, Music Educator and TrailblazerPatrice Rushen has spent a lifetime honing the skills that makes her one of the music industry’ss most versatile and sought after artists.  She has performed with and produced with such esteemed artists such as as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Tom Jones, Carlos Santana, Boys II Men, George Benson, Nancy Wilson Micheal Jackson, Sheena Easton and many more.  An award winning composer and songwriter, she has performed with and composed works for Philharmonic Orchestras, Film and Television.  She constantly receives requests to sample her music, one of the most notable uses being Will Smith’s “Men in Black” which samples her 1982 Grammy Nominated recording “Forget me Nots”.  As an advocate for music education she holds the position of Ambassador of Artistry and Education at the Berklee College of Music as well as the chair of the Popular Music Program at USC’s Thorton School of Music.  She holds an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music for her “outstanding contribution to music and culture.”

What you will hear:

Breaking glass ceiling.

Black excellence .

Moments of self doubt.

Meeting and working with Prince.

Inspiring young and upcoming musicians.

Future opportunities.

Unconventional strings

Quotes:

“You pick your battles and you pick your statements and you find your ways to do it but you don’t compromise the end game.”

“One of the things I’ve always learned to appreciate is being honest and being upfront.”

“When you are trying to make a difference or do something differently or you are trying to change an old habit you have to do it with intention at first until it becomes natural.”

“Set your eyes on that prize, set your eyes on that goal and your don’t sacrifice that intention.”

“We are now the gatekeepers we have to keep the level high.”

Recording Artist, Composer, Pianist, Songwriter, Musical Director, Music Educator and Trailblazer Patrice Rushen has spent a lifetime honing the skills that makes her one of the music industry’ss most versatile and sought after artists.  She has performed with and produced with such esteemed artists such as as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Tom Jones, Carlos Santana, Boys II Men, George Benson, Nancy Wilson Micheal Jackson, Sheena Easton and many more.  An award winning composer and songwriter, she has performed with and composed works for Philharmonic Orchestras, Film and Television.  She constantly receives requests to sample her music, one of the most notable uses being Will Smith’s “Men in Black” which samples her 1982 Grammy Nominated recording “Forget me Nots”.  As an advocate for music education she holds the position of Ambassador of Artistry and Education at the Berklee College of Music as well as the chair of the Popular Music Program at USC’s Thorton School of Music.  She holds an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music for her “outstanding contribution to music and culture.”

What you will hear:

• Patrice’s early exposure to music.
  
• USC preparatory school
  
• How learning to play the flute influenced Patrice’s perception and application of music.
  
• High School and the expectation of excellence.
  
• Earth, Wind and Fire.
  
• Work ethic through service.
  
• The joy and the power of music creation.
  
• Learning that there are no limitations through experience and example.
  
• Exposure, opportunity and expectation.
  
• Genre crossover and evolution of Patrice’s music making.
  
• Forward thinking teaching and early opportunities to write and arrange.
  
• Conceptual knowledge and transferable knowledge.
  
• Commercial music and the evolution of music education.
  
• Dancing on Soul Train.
  
• Keeping aspirations and setting a high bar.
  

Quotes:

“In the arts, there is an effort that is being made to the larger picture than just your own excellence.  It calls for personal responsibility but also calls to the responsibility to the collective.”

“I was a music ed major, with a minor in classical piano, with the intention of doing neither one.”

“Whatever your gonna do you need to be really good at it and you need to love it.”

“While you may not initially get to do the thing that you are aspiring to do, there’s 15 other things that will lead you to that same place, and to have multiple options to get to where you are trying to go is what it’s all about.”

“The 21st century musician is a musician who can weep at Brahms,  James Brown and Hip Hop all at the same time.”

“We were all training to be so bad we could play with anybody.”

Mentioned:

Mary Clay

The Colburn School

Reggie Andrews

Donald Dustin

Frank Harris

Soul Train

Melba Liston

Mexican-American bassist, Abraham Laboriel, has left an indelible mark on the music industry by adding his personal touch to more than 5000 recordings during his 4 decades as one of the busiest studio bassists in Los Angeles.  Recognized as "the most widely used session bassist of our time" by Guitar Player Magazine Abe's career has taken him through an incredible journey of love, sacrifice, uncertainty, spirituality and blessings. A classically trained guitarist, he switched to bass while studying at the Berklee College of Music.  In 2005 he was awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the Berklee College of music.  He has an unmistakable playing style that is rhythmic and soulful, yet complex and so playful.  Abe has recorded and toured with artists such as Al Jarreau, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Madonna, Micheal Jackson, Luis Miguel, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Herb Alpert, Herbie Hancock and many many more.

What you will hear:

• The spirit of being a servant of music.
  
• Putting your whole being into playing and understanding your role.
  
• Paul Simon
  
• Composition and commissions
  
• Abe’s sons choosing music as a career.
  
• New music.
  
• Abe’s love for the cello
  

Quotes:

“If you put your whole being into playing simple then whether the music is simple or complex you are totally engaged.”

“You want the identity to belong to the people that are hiring you.”

“There is so much uncertainty it’s important to remember that we are safe because we are created in to be safe in the love of the Lord.”

Mentioned:

Berklee College of Music

Abe Laboriel Jr.

Mateo Laboriel

Mexican-American bassist, Abraham Laboriel, has left an indelible mark on the music industry by adding his personal touch to more than 5000 recordings during his 4 decades as one of the busiest studio bassists in Los Angeles.  Recognized as "the most widely used session bassist of our time" by Guitar Player Magazine Abe's career has taken him through an incredible journey of love, sacrifice, uncertainty, spirituality and blessings. A classically trained guitarist, he switched to bass while studying at the Berklee College of Music.  In 2005 he was awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the Berklee College of music.  He has an unmistakable playing style that is rhythmic and soulful, yet complex and so playful.  Abe has recorded and toured with artists such as Al Jarreau, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Madonna, Micheal Jackson, Luis Miguel, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Herb Alpert, Herbie Hancock and many many more.

What you will hear:

• A message from Abe
• Abe’s energy, how music moves him and his effect on his audience.
• Abe’s background and his father’s prominence in the entertainment industry.
• Switching from guitar to bass and electric bass not being recognized as an instrument.
• Abe’s first gigs and Johnny Mathis.
• Henry Mancini
• Abe sacrificed his music career for 2 years and dedicated his time to care for his first son.
• Moving to LA.
• Jamming with Greg Mathison.
• Al Jarreau and the official launching of Abe’s recording career.
• Being born again and witnessing to many people.
• Abe’s light and the inner joy he exudes.
• Experiences as a brand new believer.

Quotes:

“Don’t get angry because you have to work twice as hard to get back to peace.”

Mentioned:

Garifuna

Paul Jackson, Jr. is a accomplished composer, arranger, producer, and guitarist. Born and raised in Los Angeles into a musical family, Jackson majored in music at the University of Southern California and became Artist in Residence at the USC Thornton School of Music in 2016.

Jackson was one of the most prolific R&B guitarists of the 1970’s and 80’s, performing with artists such as Michael Jackson, the Temptations, Luther Vandross, Bobby Womack, Patrice Rushen, the Pointer Sisters, Chicago, and Whitney Houston, among many others. An accomplished recording artist in his own right, Jackson’s 1988 album I Came to Play was nominated for a GRAMMY Award.

More recently, Jackson has performed on the soundtracks for “Get On Up,” “Zootopia,” and “The Color Purple,” played with the house bands on NBC’s “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and Fox’s “American Idol,” and earned GRAMMY recognition for his contributions to the Daft Punk album.

Paul Jackson, Jr. is a accomplished composer, arranger, producer, and guitarist. Born and raised in Los Angeles into a musical family, Jackson majored in music at the University of Southern California and became Artist in Residence at the USC Thornton School of Music in 2016.

Jackson was one of the most prolific R&B guitarists of the 1970’s and 80’s, performing with artists such as Michael Jackson, the Temptations, Luther Vandross, Bobby Womack, Patrice Rushen, the Pointer Sisters, Chicago, and Whitney Houston, among many others. An accomplished recording artist in his own right, Jackson’s 1988 album I Came to Play was nominated for a GRAMMY Award.

More recently, Jackson has performed on the soundtracks for “Get On Up,” “Zootopia,” and “The Color Purple,” played with the house bands on NBC’s “Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and Fox’s “American Idol,” and earned GRAMMY recognition for his contributions to the Daft Punk album.

What you will hear

• Paul’s decision to leave his aerospace engineering path and focus on music.
  
• Working with Frank Wilson and Paul’s entry in to the LA studio scene.
  
• How Paul started playing the guitar.
  
• The process and time it takes to learn the guitar.
  
• Paul’s guitar collection.
  
• The process of designing a guitar.
  
• The difference between nylon and steel string.
  
• Paul’s biggest music inspirations and influences.
  
• Learning new techniques and styles.
  
• Bands and recording
  
• Stompin’ Willy, Paul’s nickname and how he got it.
  
• Different  writing and recording processes.
  

Quotes

“Music is something that you never master.”

“We work really, really hard to make it look easy.”

“What is a good sounded melody and what do I sound good playing.”

Mentioned

Doyle Dikes

Gary Bell

Greg Poree

Lee Ritenour

Geroge Benson

Ray Parker Jr.

Earl Clue

Isaiah Sharkey

Tyrone Davis

Troy Brenningmeyer

Willie Gonga

We continue our conversation with percussionist Luis Conte about his incredible life and experiences as a percussionist for some of the worlds most beloved and well known artists.  Growing up in Cuba, Luis began his musical odyssey playing the guitar however he soon switched to percussion and that has remained his primary instrument ever since.  Moving to Los Angeles in 1967 Luis attended Hollywood High School and Los Angeles City College.  By the 1970’s he quickly became a busy studio musician.  Touring and playing with James Taylor, Madonna, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton,  Phil Collins, Rod Stewart and Shakira. Luis built a successful career as a percussionist including composing for and playing in ABC's Dancing with The Stars Band among hundreds of other tv and film projects.

What you will hear

Luis’s parents and grandmother leave Cuba.
Early exposure to music and rhythm.
The biggest lesson learned.
Pandemic activities.  Practicing, remote recording, teaching and exercise.
Family
Drummer vs percussionist two different worlds.
Phil Collins Royal Albert Hall.
Luis’s introduction to and love for the Beatles.
The radio being Luis’s early connection to the world.
Songwriting

Quotes

“En la vida lo que hace falta es, hay que siempre caer bien.”
“The only drag about the music business is the word business.”

Mentioned

En Casa De Luis

Celia Cruz

Benny Moré

Orquesta Aragón

Pello el Afrokan Y Su Ritmo Mozambique

Patá drum

Acheré (maracas)

Cuban born, world class percussionist Luis Conte joins us for a candid conversation about his incredible life and experiences as a young cuban refugee growing up in Hollywood.  Growing up in Cuba, Luis began his musical odyssey playing the guitar however he soon switched to percussion and that has remained his primary instrument ever since.  Moving to Los Angeles in 1967 Luis attended Hollywood High School and Los Angeles City College.  By the 1970’s he quickly became a busy studio musician.  Touring and playing with James Taylor, Madonna, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton,  Phil Collins, Rod Stewart and Shakira Luis built a successful career including composing and playing in ABS’s Dancing with The Stars Band among hundreds of other tv and film projects.

What you will hear

• Luis’s upbringing in Cuba
  
• Early musical influences
  
• Luis leaving Cuba alone at the age of 14
  
• From Spain to Hollywood
  
• The sacrifice it took to flee Cuba
  
• Culture shock
  
• Learning English
  
• High School and LA City College
  
• Transition from guitar to percussion
  
• Gigs and the musicians union
  
• First tour and tour life
  
• Songwriting
  

Quotes

“The drums call you.”

“God has always had me like a marionette

Quotes

Mongo Santamaria

Carlos “Patato” Valdez

Francisco Aguabella

Armando Peraza

Tata Güines

Ricardo Abreu aka Papin

Los Papines

Walfredo De los Reyes Sr.

The Beatles

Aretha Franklin

Motown

Four Tops

The Temptation

Ramon Stagnaro

We continue our conversation with Emmy award winning musical director and bass player Rickey Minor about his story and journey from a young boy, raised in the projects, to a successful musician and highly respected and sought after musical director, composer and producer in Hollywood. Rickey has worked with an extensive list of world renowned artists including Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Beyonce, Elton John, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys.  His television credits include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, American Idol, Kennedy Center Honors, Superbowl and more.  Prepare yourself for lots of wisdom, laughter and life lessons.

What you will hear

• How Rickey built his team.
  
• Rickey’s work ethics and professionalism.
  
• Rickey’s process and job description.
  
• Working with new artists.
  
• Life perspective, balance and process.
  
• Greg Poree and Paul Jackson Jr.
  
• Doubt, worry and fear blocking your energy.
  
• First Oscars and meeting John Williams and Gustavo Dudamel.
  
• The industry and job preparation.
  

Quotes

“Everyone can and will be replaced.”

“When they soar then I’m good cause I’ve done my job.”

“I’m going to be the best version of me every second that I’m alive, and then when it’s done it’s done.”

“We all have a place and a space that’s yours.  It’s already yours.”

“How to get closer to your passion is to be authentic and real…...and be honest.”

“We are here on this planet to teach each other and to learn.”

“What does anyone do with experience if they don’t give it away?”

“It’s not what you get it’s what you give, so give it all you got.”

“Wherever you are, the time is now to start working on things that are important to you.”

We talk to Emmy award winning musical director and bass player Rickey Minor about his story and journey from a young boy, raised in the projects, to a successful musician and highly respected and sought after musical director, composer and producer in Hollywood. Rickey has worked with an extensive list of world renowned artists including Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Beyonce, Elton John, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys.  His television credits include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, American Idol, Kennedy Center Honors, Superbowl and more.  Prepare yourself for lots of wisdom, laughter and life lessons.

What you will hear

Kennedy Center Honors and Taking The Stage,: African American Music and Stories that Changed America.

Rickey’s upbringing, his love for music and the motivation it created.

Jermaine Jackson's influence.

The influence of Rickey’s upbringing on his ambition, motivation, integrity  and focus.

Navigating relationships, work or otherwise.  Defining your role in a relationship.

Young Rickey vs current Rickey understanding your purpose, growing, learning, and importance of self love.

Insecurities and preparation. Getting rid of doubt, worry and fear.

Self care, self love, self appreciation, self assessment, no judgement.

The power of music and the gravitational pull of ambition, goals and action.

From a math and science scholar to a full time musician.

Quotes

“We are perfectly imperfect, we all have some things we have to overcome.”

“It’s not where you come from, it’s where you are going.”

“If you tell your grandmother, “you’re lying”, look to swallow all the teeth that you have left.”

“Don’t do wrong, while you’re doing wrong.”

“You know that jail is full of people that didn’t think they were going to get caught.”

“There is a reason why things have to end, so that there can be new beginnings.”

“Advice is what you ask when you already know the answer but wish you didn’t.”

“There are no losses, only lessons.”

“Everyone is worth your time, not everybody is ready for it.”

“There’s no job more important to me than taking care of myself and respect.”

“Kindness will take you further than honey.”

“I am living my purpose when I’m my best authentic self.”

“What people think of me is none of my business.”

“Insecurity is a daily thing.”

“I’m not great because of all the winning shots and baskets I made, I’m great because of the shots I missed.” -Michael Jordan

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

“It’s important to keep the things that inspire you close.”

“What you are seeking is seeking you.” -Rumi

“Each moment leads to the next moment.  You are the connector.”

Mentioned

The Jackson: An American Dream Film

There’s no Traffic on the Extra Mile

Gangsta’s Paradise

Stevie Wonder

Herbert Anderson Quartet

Gladys Knight and the Pips

Nolan Shaheed

Bongo Brown

Whitney Houston

Master drummer and percussionist Alex Acuña was born in Pativilca, Peru and recognized at an early age that he wanted career in music.  One of the most successful drummers to come out of South America.  He was a part of music history on a number of occasions and has drummed for countless albums and music greats.  Raised in a musical family, Alex decided to take up the drums at the age of 4.  Upon moving to Lima, Peru Alex quickly became known as one of Peru’s most accomplished session drummers recording for various artists and television shows.  Alex moved to Puerto Rico and there studied at the art of classical percussion at the Conservatory of Music.

Alex worked in Las Vegas with Elvis Presley and Diana Ross before moving to Los Angeles.  With the jazz group Weather Report, Alex recorded the first jazz fusion record to sell over 1 million copies.  As an in demand session drummer and percussionist, Alex has played on hundreds of television shows and motion pictures.  His album credits include artists such as U2, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, Al Jarreau, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack, Carlos Santana, The Gipsy Kings.  A master hand drummer and percussionist, Alex is known for his unique style of drumming and is one of the most versatile drummers of Afro-Cuban and Latin music

What you will hear

• Alex’s upbringing and the influence of faith and prayer early on in his life.
  
• Recognizing his love for music at an early age.
  
• Early childhood musical experiences.
  
• Working in Lima, Peru and meeting Perez Prado which kicked off his touring career.
  
• Exposure to all styles and genres of music and auditing his siblings music lessons.
  
• Alex’s biggest influences.
  
• 1970’s fusion of music in New York.
  
• Racism
  
• Martial Arts and the importance of keeping the 6 S’s as you age:Stamina, Strength, Strategy, Skills, Speed, Spirit.
  
• Alex’s faith, walk and family.
  

Quotes

“I had to learn to be humble.”

“I’m a follower of the great players because I love to learn.”

“For me music is huge, it’s profound, it has no ending, it’s deep.”

“I learned how to listen to the heart of the player.”

“With every experience you become a warrior of life.”

Morgan Clayton is president and founder of Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc.. As a dedicated community builder, Clayton has received numerous awards and is an executive board member for many civic, social, governmental and business agencies. His service and involvement with others extends from preschoolers to senior citizens. He is a rotarian through the Bakersfield Rotary Club. His most recent accomplishment is the establishment of the Clayton Alliance Group, Inc. This public-private venture fosters an on-going, grassroots education and employment network for youth and adults.

What you will hear

• Starting a small business in a pandemic
  
• Defining the affordability of starting a business
  
• Questions you should ask and observations to find out the true viability of your business
  
• Key components of the foundations of a business
  
• The importance of financial planning and understanding the distance of contingency
  
• Finding the right people
  
• Customer service and customer experience
  
• Family, worth and faith
  

Quotes

“You want to make sure you’re in alignment…...having the right person, doing the right thing, at the right time”

“Look at what you love doing, defining what that is and asking yourself do people have a need for it everyday”

“The purpose of a business is really designed to solve problems and do something for someone”

“90% of people fail because they don’t understand the behavior behind what they’re doing”

“We need to focus in on what matters and what we can control”

Mentioned

@teltecsecurityinc

Comedian Jackie Steele joins us on this episode of the I AM Podcast to talk about white privilege, white fragility and her activism through comedy and action.