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Making It! with Terry Wollman — Music
Making It! with Terry Wollman

Welcome to “Making It With Terry Wollman”, the show that explores the secrets, successes and strategies for making it in the music biz.

In the studio, the classroom, and in my travels, I so often get questions about the creative process, so I created this show to focus on what it takes to have a lasting career in the ever-changing landscape of the music business. You’re really in for a treat, as I have invited my friends, some of the best and brightest in music, to share their stories. I guarantee you’re going to love it.

Time passes quickly, and I’ve learned that we should do what’s in our hearts, and do it well without apologies or excuses. I encourage you to create music in your own unique way and express your artistry with joy and abandon. Be willing to work uncompromisingly for what you believe in. Success will have a better chance of finding you when you live your life with integrity, focus, and passion. Be selfish with your discipline and selfless in your performance. And have fun. Remember, it’s called playing.

Terry Wollman moved from Miami to Los Angeles after graduating from the prestigious Berklee College of Music with a degree in Arranging. He quickly built a solid reputation as an in-demand Producer, Guitarist, Music Director and Composer. Terry has worked with an array of artists including Melissa Manchester, Billy Preston, The Crusaders, Little Richard, Wilson Phillips, Joan Baez, Joe Walsh, Keb’ Mo’, and Eartha Kitt, to name just a few.

Terry has produced artists including Tony Bennett, Dick Van Dyke, Dave Grusin with Alan Bergman, and Melissa Manchester’s 20th album “You Gotta Love The Life” with special guests artists Stevie Wonder, Joe Sample, Dave Koz, Dionne Warwick and Al Jarreau. Wollman’s debut album “Bimini” (1988) received worldwide critical acclaim. He recently released his 7th CD, a 25 year retrospective entitled “Silver Collection”. His first single “Welcome To Paradise” (featuring Terry with Dave Koz on alto sax) debuted at #1 Most Added on Billboard.

Latest Episodes:

Al Schmitt - Making It as an Iconic Producer/Engineer Mar 14, 2019

Show notes

As a child living in New York City, Al Schmitt would catch the subway on weekends to spend the day at his uncle’s recording studio, observing different engineering techniques. At 19, Schmitt began working with Tom Dowd at Apex Studios in New York City. He worked as an independant engineer at Atlantic Records and Prestige Records, and after moving to California, he started working at Radio Recorders. RCA Records hired Schmitt as a staff producer for their label and a staff engineer at their Hollywood studio. This let Schmitt develop his wide-ranging engineering skills by working with the various pop, jazz, classical, and country … With an unparalleled 24 (twenty-four) Grammy Awards for engineering, Schmitt epitomizes great recording through decades of technological change. The legendary and world-renowned recording engineer received a Grammy in 2002 for Diana Krall’s “The Look of Love.” Schmitt, who has worked with Krall on her past five albums. Up one aisle you’ll find Frank Sinatra, Henry Mancini, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Miles Davis; up another you’ll bump into Jefferson Airplane, Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Steely Dan. Round a corner and you’ll encounter Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, Madonna, and Quincy Jones mingling with Michael Jackson, Diana Krall, Celine Dion, Paul McCartney, and Michael Buble. Schmitt captured his first Grammy for Best Engineered recording in 1962 for Henry Mancini’s “Hatari”. Nine subsequent Grammy’s in the same category stretched through the decades: 1976: George Benson’s “Breezin'”, 1977: Steely Dan’s “Aja”, 1978: Steely Dan’s “FM”, 1982: Toto’s “Toto IV”, 1991: Natalie Cole’s “Unforgettable,” 1996: Quincy Jones’ “Q’s Jook Joint,” Diana Krall’s “When I Look In Your Eyes,” and two Latin Grammys with Luis Miguel.Al Schmitt’s celebrated engineering and mixing skills are showcased on over 150 gold and platinum albums. In ’97 Al became an inductee into the TEC Awards Hall of Fame. In 2015 Schmitt became the first recording engineer to be presented with a star on the Hollywood walk of fame in front of Capitol records.

Thom Rotella - Making It as a Professional Instrumentalist and Composer Feb 05, 2019

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Thom Rotella - Making It as a Professional Instrumentalist and Composer
Now a talented instrumentalist and composer, Thom Rotella has achieved both critical and commercial success. He has produced and recorded 11 CDs as a leader that have garnered listeners throughout the world for many years. He has also had a thriving career writing and playing for television and films, as well as being an in-demand session player.
Rotella has performing and recording credits with a wide variety of world-renowned artists across the musical spectrum, including Norah Jones, D onna Summer, Frank Sinatra, Cher, The Beach Boys, Phil Spector, Lionel Richie, Bette Midler, Luciano Pavarotti, Seth MacFarland, David Foster, Stanley Turrentine, Tom Scott, Rick Braun, Gerald Ablright and Gregg Karukas.

Vicki Randle - Making it as The First Female Member of the Tonight Show Band Jan 17, 2019

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Vicki Randle - Making it as The First Female Member of the Tonight Show Band
Vicki Randle (born December 11, 1954 in San Francisco, California) is an American singer, multi-instrumentalist(primarily acoustic guitar and percussion) and composer, known as the first (and only) female member of The Tonight Show Band,starting with host Jay Leno in 1992.
She began her career as a singer-songwriter/guitarist, playing in such venues as the Bla-Bla Cafe and The Ice House. She also recorded and toured with several women's music artists, such as Cris Williamson, Ferron, and Linda Tillery.
Vicki continued her association with Jay Leno under his new five-nights-a-week "The Jay Leno Show" on NBC as a musician with Kevin Eubank's renamed "Primetime Band." The show premiered Sept. 14, 2009. She returned to The Tonight Show with the primetime show's cancellation.

Luis Conte - Making It as a Top Percussionist with Madonna, Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Santana Jan 05, 2019

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Luis Conte - Making It as a Top Percussionist with Madonna, Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Santana
Hear more shows like this at https://entertalkradio.com/makingit
Luis Conte’s genius stems from his ability to integrate the powerful rhythms of his native Cuba with the American necessities of American pop music. His long and varied career has included numerous Hollywood film scores and mega-successful albums with Madonna, Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Santana, Shakira, Jackson Browne, Sergio Mendes, Cachao, and a multitude of other artists too numerous to mention.
Born in Santiago, Cuba, Luis spent the first 15 years of his life soaking up the rich musical heritage of “El Son” and Carnival. "Life in Cuba is all about enjoying life, and music is central to that lifestyle," Luis says. "Music is almost like food to Cuban people.” While immersed in the music of his native Cuba, Luis also developed a passion for Rock & Roll, R&B soul music, jazz, and the Beatles.
At 15, looking for freedom, Luis emigrated to Madrid, Spain. He soon had another opportunity to travel, this time to Hollywood. In California, Luis stayed with a cousin and attended Hollywood High School, playing guitar in numerous rock bands throughout his teens.
After high school, Luis met John Monteallegre, who reunited him with Cuban drums at LA City College. By the time he was 18, Luis was intensely interested in drumming and took every opportunity to play and to learn, drawing his inspiration from a deep source of rhythm absorbed during his youth in Cuba.
Since then, Luis has become one of the most respected and recorded percussionists in the world.

Bruce Vilanch - Making it as Jokesmith of the Entertainment World Dec 18, 2018

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Bruce Vilanch - Making it as Jokesmith of the Entertainment World
Bruce Gerald Vilanch is an American comedy writer, songwriter, and actor. He is a six-time Emmy Award winner.
Vilanch is best known to the public for his four-year stint as a celebrity participant on Hollywood Squares while working behind the scenes as a head writer for the show. In 2000, he performed off-Broadway in his self-penned one-man show, Bruce Vilanch: Almost Famous.
Since 2000, Vilanch has been the head writer for the Oscars, after being an Oscar program co-writer for the previous ten years. He is also a featured writer for the Tonys, Grammys, and Emmys.
Vilanch was the subject of the documentary Get Bruce! The film included interviews with Bette Midler, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg. Vilanch's mother, whom he credits with developing his sense of humor, also appeared in the documentary.
Please welcome my guest today… Bruce Vilanch.

Emily Elbert - Making it as a Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist Dec 17, 2018

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Emily Elbert, American Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist
Hear more shows like this at https://entertalkradio.com/makingit
http://www.emilyelbert.com/
We Who Believe in Freedom, the fifth album from Emily Elbert, provides both a thoughtful meditation on the status quo and heartening call-to-action for our inner activist. In a merging of groove-laden soul and introspective folk styles, Elbert shares her reflections on today’s political climate, and also brings a new light to the work of revolutionary artists like Marvin Gaye and Pete Seeger. In intimate, stripped recordings, Elbert’s voice and guitar work serve as clear channels for messages of peace and justice, as relevant now as ever before.
In 2018, L.A. Weekly named Emily among the “Best of L.A. Music”, noting that “Elbert would be considered remarkable just for her guitar playing, which segues from hard-edged funk and blues to subtle jazz intricacy. But she’s an equally adept vocalist, weaving her soulful phrasing nimbly within the rhythms of her guitar chords.” In addition to her solo work, Emily has contributed her voice and guitar to projects by Esperanza Spalding, Dweezil Zappa, and Phish’s Mike Gordon, and co-wrote Bruno Major's viral hit “Easily.” On tour, she has opened for artists like G. Love & Special Sauce, Emily King, Leon Russell, and Richie Havens, and played 1200+ independent shows in 30 countries around the world.
In the opening song on her new album, Elbert beckons to listeners, “hold on for the healing, family / all voices needed / to speak up and to listen, to act on intention / we’ve got work to do.” This album is an expression of her own work, a true prayer for peace and justice - in turn, providing a soundtrack for progress to come. We Who Believe in Freedom was released on all platforms in October 2018.

Tuck & Patti - Making It in Love and Jazz Nov 21, 2018

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Tuck & Patti - Making It in Love and Jazz
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For 40 years this unique, genre-crossing vocal/guitar jazz duo has cast its passionate musical spell worldwide, capturing the hearts of lovers, the respect of jazz buffs and the jaw-dropping awe of guitarists and singers.
To understand Tuck & Patti, start with the wellspring of love within them, then their music begins to make perfect sense. Married 37 years, Tuck Andress and Patti Cathcart continue to stoke the fires, not only of their own love, but also of their love of life and their passion for making music together. They have a long-standing tradition: Minimalist arrangements featuring Tuck's extraordinary virtuosity and Patti's rich mezzo soprano.
Patti, renowned for her remarkable ability to touch hearts directly with her voice, exudes the soft, centered yet powerful graciousness of a gospel singer; Tuck almost wears his brain on his skin, anticipating the thousands of musical decisions he'll have to send to his ten fingers during the course of a performance. Seeing the virtuosity and complexity of Tuck's guitar work, most are surprised to learn that Patti is the actual writer, arranger and producer. Without even blinking, Tuck-the-problem-solver brags, "Patti writes and arranges; I am just the orchestra."
https://www.tuckandpatti.com/

Marilyn Tam - Making It as an International Business Leader Nov 14, 2018

Show notes

Marilyn Tam PhD is a speaker, author, consultant and board certified executive leadership coach. She was formerly the CEO of Aveda, President of Reebok Apparel and Retail Group, Vice President of Nike, and a successful entrepreneur who built four companies.
Marilyn is a writer for Thrive/Medium on how to create a happy, healthy, successful, and dynamically balanced business and life. Brand Channel lists her as one of the four most prominent names in Ethical Business globally. She is one of the top 100 leadership speakers in the world according to Inc Magazine.
Her life is an inspiring example of what can be achieved if one follows their dreams. Marilyn grew up as an abused and neglected child in Hong Kong, left home as a teen to come to America alone, and went on to achieve international business and humanitarian success.
Her award winning book, “The Happiness Choice”, shows how and why happiness is crucial for business productivity and success, and for your physical, emotional, spiritual and financial health.
http://www.marilyntam.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyntam

David Garibaldi - Making It as Tower of Power's Drummer Nov 07, 2018

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David Garibaldi - Making It as Tower of Power's Drummer
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Born and raised in the San Francisco bay area, David began playing drums in elementary school at the age of ten. At age seventeen, he started his professional career, and in 1966 joined the United States Air Force where he became a member of the 724th USAF band stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington.
Upon leaving the military in 1969, he returned to the bay area and on July 23, 1970 joined the legendary Tower of Power. It was in this setting that David became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming.
As a writer and performer David has worked with such artists as Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Mickey Hart's Planet Drum, Boz Scaggs, The BBC Orchestra, Gino Vannelli, Talking Drums, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Wishful Thinking, Poncho Sanchez, and many others.
Currently, David is once again performing and recording with the Tower of Power. In 1998, after an eighteen-year "break", he rejoined the group for some "unfinished business".
Amongst David's many achievements:
• Modern Drummer Magazine - Readers Poll Winner "Traditional R&B/Funk" category eight times. Five consecutive years from 1980-1985, another in 2003, again in 2007, and yet again in 2009. His name now permanently resides in that polls honor roll category for his lasting contributions to the percussive arts.
• DRUM! Magazine - Readers Poll winner - 1998 Best Percussion Video "David Garibaldi featuring Talking Drums".Readers Poll winner – 2007 Drum Book of The Year, “The Code of Funk”
• 1982-1989 percussion faculty at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, California.• International clinician since 1980.
• A featured columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine since 1979, and contributor to many other international drum publications.• Drum Loop CD: “Tower of Funk Classic Funk and R&B Drum Loops”• Educational videos, and DVD’s:"Tower of Groove, Part 1” (VHS) "Tower of Groove, Part 2" (VHS)"David Garibaldi Featuring Talking Drums" (VHS – DVD Fall 2009) “David Garibaldi Tower of Groove: Complete” (DVD)“Lessons: Breaking The Code” (DVD)• Drum set instruction books:"Future Sounds" "The Funky Beat""TimbaFunk" (Talking Drums, featuring Michael Spiro and Jesus Diaz) "Tiempo" (Talking Drums, featuring Michael Spiro and Jesus Diaz) “The Code of Funk”“Off The Record”
• David's first book, "Future Sounds", was rated one of the 10 greatest drum books by Modern Drummer Magazine (August 1993)• Slagwerkkrant Magazine (The Netherlands)Readers Poll winner - 1997 Drum Book of The Year, "The Funky Beat"• David was presented with the Guitar Center Legends Award in 2008.• Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame 2012• Artist-In-Residence:Drummers Collective - New York, New York Accademia Musica Moderna - Milan, Italy
• Endorsed by the following companies: Yamaha DrumsSabian Cymbals Vic Firth Sticks Latin Percussion Remo Drum Heads Audix MicsThe Buttkicker

Lenny Castro - Making It as Top Percussionist in the Industry Oct 29, 2018

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Lenny Castro - Making It as Top Percussionist in the Industry
Hear more shows like this at https://entertalkradio.com/makingit
They say that music is the language of the soul, and nothing could be truer for this Musician. Lenny Castro was born in New York City on Sept. 19th. 1956. He began playing in Salsa bands with Johnny Colon and Eddie Palmieri at the age of 14. At age 19 he was discovered by Melissa Manchester and shortly after moved to L.A. with Melissa’s band, quickly establishing himself as a first call studio musician.Lenny has recorded and toured with artists including Melissa Manchester, Rolling Stones, Elton John, U2, Joe Sample, Toto, Boz Scaggs, Ricky Lee Jones, Wayne Shorter, Adele, Glen Frey, The Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, George Benson, Steve Lukather, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Rufus and Chaka Kahn, Kid Rock, Liza Minelli, Maroon 5, Dave Koz, Micheal Bublè, Justin Beiber, Justin Timberlake, David Sanborn, Amy Grant, The Crusaders, The Wallflowers, Tom Petty, Dolly Parton, Clint Black, Dwight Yoachum, Rod Stewart, Al Jarreau, Bette Midler, George Duke, Joe Cocker and Joe Bonamassa.
His new solo album is called “Hands of Silk and Stone.” Please welcome my guest today, Lenny Castro.

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