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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:

Amy Keys - Making It As a Vocalist, Writer, Producer and Actor Jul 12, 2018

Show notes

Amy Keys has sung backgrounds for numerous artists including: Sting, Elton John, Barbara Streisand, Ringo Starr, Jason Mraz, One Republic, Sam Smith, Josh Groban (for whom she both sang and created vocal arrangements), Stevie Wonder, Seal, Neil Young, Randy Newman, Chaka Khan, Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmit, Al Green, Queen Latifah, NeYo, Heart, Gavin Degraw, Phil Vassar, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Brooks and Dunn, Sarah Mclachlan, Tina Turner, Michael McDonald, Patti LaBelle, Mary J. Blige, Brian McKnight, Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Donna Summer, Toni Braxton, Wilson Phillips, Diana Ross, Tito Puente, Christopher Cross, Charice, and many others.
Amy is an accomplished writer with numerous credits including the promotional themes for “The Amazing Race” (CBS TV) and “Martial Law” (CBS TV) and most recently a song for “Law and Order, CI” (which she performed for the show.) She is also writing/singing with Mitch Marlow…formerly of Filter.

Darius Gagne - Making It Financially as an Entertainment Professional Jun 22, 2018

Show notes

Darius Gagne - Making It Financially as an Entertainment Professional
Hear more shows like this at https://entertalkradio.com/makingit
Darius Gagne is the Chief Investment Officer at Abacus Wealth Partners overseeing $2 billion in assets. He is also a financial advisor at Abacus, specializing in financial, estate and investment planning for entertainment professionals, executives and entrepreneurs. Darius is a physicist by training, earning his PhD at UCLA. He applied his quantitative training to the financial industry starting in 1996 as a quantitative analyst ("quant") on Wall Street, having worked at UBS, Merrill Lynch, and PIMCO. He started his first wealth management firm in 2005, which he eventually merged with Abacus.
www.Facebook.com/abacuswealth
https://abacuswealth.com/
https://abacuswealth.com/team/darius-gagne/

Josh Sklair - Making It Beyond School as a Working Guitarist Jun 18, 2018

Show notes

Josh Sklair - Making It Beyond School as a Working Guitarist
Hear more shows like this at https://entertalkradio.com/makingit
In 1978 Josh Sklair attended Berklee School of Music (Boston, MA) and in 1979 graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology (Musicians Institute) Hollywood, California..As an active guitar player in the Los Angeles Josh worked with composers and producers including Phil Ramone, Diane Warren, Lamont Dozier, John Snyder, Desmond Child, Randy Jackson, Albert Hammond & Barry Beckett.In 1979 Josh was hired as guitar player/Conductor by singer Jon Lucien, for his performance at Carnegie Hall and two nights at the Roxy Theater, Los Angeles that featured both Jon Lucien and Herbie Hancock with an all- star band.Josh toured the US in the early 80’s with Philadephia Internationalrecording artists the Jones Girls.
Throughout the 80’s Josh also worked as the “house guitar player” for the Dick Clark Good Old Rock’n’Roll Show, backing legends like Chuck Berry, Bo Didley, Del Shannon, Little Anthony, the Shirelles, the Coasters, the Drifters, Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, Freddy Cannon and many more of the original pioneers of Rock’n’Roll and R&B.In 1985 Josh Sklair became guitarist and subsequently Musical Director for the legendary Etta James, co-producing over a dozen albums, including the Grammy-award-winning “Let’s Roll”, (Best Contemporary Blues Album, 2003) and “Blues to the Bone”( Best Traditional Blues Album 2004).Also playing guitar and handling pre-production on 4 Jazz album collaborations with the great Cedar Walton, including the Grammy Award-winning “Mystery Lady - a tribute to Billie Holliday”.Josh continues to tour and record with artists including Paul Anka, SophieB. Hawkins, the Blues Brothers, Jeffrey Osborne and Stevie Wonder.
Through the 90’s, Josh also worked extensively on Movie & TV soundtracks including Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, Models Inc., Pacific Palisades (the “Spelling” shows), also featured on the originalWalker Texas Ranger theme and has co-written for movies & television working with composers David McHugh, Steve Tyrell, Tim Truman and PJ Hanke.
http://joshsklair.com/

Sy Smith - Soul From The Underground Jun 07, 2018

Show notes

Sy Smith - Soul From The Underground
Hear more shows like this at https://entertalkradio.com/makingit
Sy Smith has long since solidified her place in the world of underground soul music (she’s often called “the hardest working woman in underground soul”). This Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer helped cultivate the nu-soul scene in that city more than 10 years ago, a scene which now easily boasts some of the most progressive artists of that genre to date, some of whom came directly from Smith’s own band line-ups (including Thundercat and Kamasi Washington). Her catalog includes 5 studio albums, with contributions from a who’s who of producers (James Poyser of The Roots, Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest and Nicolay of The Foreign Exchange). All 5 of her albums, including her brand new project “Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete” have been heralded by critics around the world for Smith’s lyrical dexterity, her vocal whimsy (often colored with a very distinctive rhythmic swing that’s all her own) and her ability to spin a story like few others in soul music. Listeners often remark on Smith’s vocal range, which moves effortlessly from a speakeasy, gritty alto all the way to a stratospheric soprano whistle register reminiscent of the late Minnie Riperton.
Website/Social Media Links:
www.sysmith.com
facebook.com/sysmithmusic
instagram.com/syberspace
youtube.com/sysmith69

Randy Crenshaw - Making It as an In-Demand Session Vocalist Apr 26, 2018

Show notes

Randy Crenshaw has been described as “the Swiss Army knife of L.A. session singers.” Randy has earned degrees from Willamette University’s College of Music, Salem, Oregon (a Bachelor of Music in trumpet performance) and from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts (a Diploma in Commercial Arranging). Randy’s professional background includes orchestral and big-band trumpet playing, playing a variety of Renaissance and pre-Baroque wind instruments at the Oregon Shakespearean Festival, singing country music, arranging for and singing with such groups over the years as Boston-based oldies/doo-wop a cappella quintet No Strings Attached, the Berklee Vocal Jazz Choir, a cappella vocal jazz quintet Terra Nova (1987 Hennessy Jazz Search grand prize winners), a cappella world beat/R&B sextet Wahoo Do-Re (formerly Vocal Nation), contemporary Christian vocal group Haven (from the radio broadcast “Haven Today”), and acclaimed a cappella vocal jazz quartet Just 4 Kicks (with four CDs released on their own Kickboyz Records label).
He lives and works in the greater Los Angeles area and is a Grammy-nominated, in-demand freelance session vocalist, voiceover artist, and vocal arranger with hundreds of major film, television, commercial, and record credits to his name. Many of his award-winning vocal jazz compositions and arrangements are available through University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press, Greeley, Colorado (uncjazzpress.com), Sound Music Publications, Edmonds, Washington (smpjazz.com)and of course, in the Stuff 4 Sale section of this very website!
He is currently a member of the wacky 5-person Hollywood improv comedy/voiceover/character singing/loop group “The Cleanup Crue,” where he very rarely disciplines his inner child.
http://www.randycrenshaw.com/

Manhattan Transfer Soprano - Cheryl Bentyne Apr 19, 2018

Show notes

Born in a small rural town, Mount Vernon, Washington, Cheryl Bentyne was born swinging. Her father was a band leader, and to this day she attributes her deep-seeded roots in classic, jazz, and swing to singing with him on Saturday nights from age 14 through High School… while Cheryl’s mother drove her to piano lessons. What seems as natural as breathing out and breathing in was at that time paving the way for her life.
In 1979 Cheryl joined Manhattan Transfer and dove head first into rehearsals, as well as the studio, to record her first album with them. This collaboration with her new singing partners has garnered ten Grammy’s to date. You can hear Cheryl on Manhattan Transfer’s brand new album “The Junction” as well as on her latest solo album “Re-arrangements of Shadows”
http://www.cherylbentyne.net/
http://manhattantransfer.net/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rearrangements-of-shadows/1287590103

Overcoming Trauma and Addiction with Singer/Songwriter Patti Linsky Apr 13, 2018

Show notes

Patti Linsky had been the Cantor at Temple Ahavat Shalom for over 24 years when a life-threatening condition derailed her plans and dreams for the future. Following a lengthy recuperation, Patti realized that a consequence of her surgery, which nearly took her life, was that her singing voice had been compromised and she would no longer be able to perform her duties as Cantor. In 2010, retired from her position.
She was forced to look within, "If I am not a Cantor, then who am I?" With that question, she embarked on her spiritual quest, searching for her next chapter. Patti actively chose to be open to every possibility. In doing so, she enrolled in a Woman's Empowerment Course in which she was asked to write a bucket list. One of the ten items stood out and hit a resonant chord -- she wanted to perform a one- woman show so that she could tell her story. This creation, she felt, would feed her soul, give her an opportunity not only to explore her own path and find strength and vision, but also empower others to believe that they are "enough."
Being "enough" is pinnacle to Patti's spiritual awakening. In 1996, Patti was in an automobile accident resulting in severe back and neck injuries. Soon after, she underwent surgery for a hernia -- her doctor accidentally cut a nerve in her leg. Following was a decade of descent into painkillers and alcohol in an effort to mask her physical and emotional pain. In 2007, Patti entered, and remains, in recovery -- "It was the first time in years that I felt authentic, the first time I experienced real
feelings."
Altar EGO is the creative, energetic, spiritual child of Patti's extraordinary journey. This is a story of Patti's passion for music and religious commitment. It is also a story of battling addictions, self-worth, recovery and ultimately redemption. As a singer/songwriter, Altar EGO is told through her very
personal compositions and stories peppered with her unique humor, wisdom and zest for life.
In addition to Patti's one woman show, she remains active in the Jewish community as a freelance Cantor officiating at services, Lifecycle events, performing in concerts, recording in the studio and as visiting Artist-in-Residence.
http://www.pattilinsky.com/

Forging Platinum with Mega-Producer Barry Eastmond Apr 03, 2018

Show notes

Undeniably, one of the most successful and prolific producers/songwriters/arrangers in contemporary music, Barry Eastmond has racked up over sixty gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums on some of the most important artists in pop and R&B, with incredible cumulative sales of over 80 million copies worldwide. Respected and acknowledged for his stellar work with internationally-known legends such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Barry White, Anita Baker, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight, the award-winning multi-talented music man has been responsible for hit records for a diversity of major artists including Britney Spears, Brandy, Faith Evans, Michael Bolton, Vanessa Williams, Freddie Jackson, Billy Ocean, Kenny Lattimore, Regina Belle and Tamia, among others.

JoAnn Geffen - President JAG PR, Fmr. Manager for Commodores, Chaka Khan, David Cassidy Mar 22, 2018

Show notes

Jo-Ann Geffen, founder and President of JAG PR, began her four decade career in New York where she worked with comics, then music stars, some of whom she still represents. Her expertise expanded to other areas, notably television and books, and after moving to Los Angeles in the ‘70s and setting up shop there, the client list expanded to include branding and promoting products, corporations, websites and more. In addition to the Commodores, one of her first successes was helping to brand Body by Jake which went on to become a phenomenon in the fitness world. She has also been a personal manager for the Commodores, Michael Cooper, Club Nouveau, Chaka Khan and David Cassidy, and has licensed the name and likeness for the Commodores, Rick James, David Cassidy and others. Another aspect of the business is talent booking which she has successfully accomplished for domestic and international events, TV shows and concert promoters. Crisis management is another area in which she excels, representing several high profile people and cases in and out of the entertainment industry, working closely with and usually hired by the clients’ legal counsel. This aligns with her integrity and goal to help to make a difference in the world which is largely displayed by her support of and work for several non-profits including Cancer Schmancer, weSpark Cancer Support Center and Mending Kids, to name a few.
https://www.jagpr.com/

Najee - Multi-Platinum & Grammy Nominated Saxophonist Mar 15, 2018

Show notes

Grammy nominated saxophonist and flautist, Najee has made a career following his heart and keen musical intuition by pushing musical boundaries, all of which have made him an international pioneer in the music industry. Having collaborated with everyone in the music business from Prince, Quincy Jones to Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan and Herbie Hancock, Najee’s technical agility, grace, compositional prowess, unbridled passion and fearless genre bending have made him one of the most sought after musicians of his generation. With two Platinum and four Gold albums under his belt, Najee is an icon whose musical vision spawned an entire new genre by fusing the music close to his heart (R&B and Jazz).
Najee's New Album, "Poetry In Motion" Pays Homage to Prince & Al Jarreau & Unites Najee with All-Start Line Up Including Will Downing, Maysa, Eric Roberson, Incognito & More.
https://www.najeeofficial.com/

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