This week’s guest is Aaron Serfaty. Aaron was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He began playing drum set at the age of fifteen and started to play professionally at seventeen. He did extensive work as a session and touring drummer from 1980 until 1991 with local and international artists such as Frank Quintero, Ilan Chester, Guillermo Carrasco, Carlos Mata, Guillermo Davila, Soledad Bravo, Elisa Rego, and El Trabuco Venezolano. He was also busy doing jingle sessions for Coca-Cola, Pepsi, 7-up, Bubbilicious, Toyota, Renault, Fiat, and several regional products.

In 1991 he moved to Los Angeles to study Jazz and African American studies at the California Institute of the Arts. Aaron has also taken lessons with Peter Erskine, Joe LaBarbera, Jeff Hamilton, Jerry Steinholz, and Juan Oliva. Since his move to the US he has played with artists like Stan Kenton’s 100th birthday celebration orchestra at The Hollywood Bowl (on percussion), Arturo Sandoval, Sergio Mendes, Jon Anderson, Oscar Hernandez, Otmaro Ruiz, Dori Caymmi, Rique Pantoja, Teka, Oscar Castro-Neves, Denise Donatelli, Kristin Korb, Kathleen Grace, Bill Cunliffe, Shelly Berg, Justo Almario, and Alan Pasqua among many others.

He has done sessions on drums and/or percussion for many artists, among them Jon Anderson, Arturo Sandoval Larry Williams, Joe LaBarbera, Juan Carlos Quintero, Juan Gabriel, Eddie Reyes, Brian Swartz, Todd Hunter, a song for the movie Rio, Angry Birds Samba, Along Came Poly, and other independent releases - see “Albums” page for more! Aaron has also recorded jingles for Viceroy (worldwide campaign, 2001) and EA Sports MLB (2001).

Tours have included Arturo Sandoval’s European, Asian, and Latin American tours between 1991 and 1996, and Australian tour 1997. Jon Anderson’s 1993 Latin American tour, Larry Williams’ Japan tour 2003, Shelly Berg with the Orquesta Sinfonica Simon Bolivar, Caracas 2009.

He has done clinics and master classes at the Lima Jazz Festival in Peru (2006), First Latin American Drummers Festival in Caracas, Venezuela (2004), French Polynesia Conservatory of Music in Papeete, Tahiti (2005), Conservatorium Van Amsterdam (March 2018), and Amherst College (April 2018).

As a teacher he has taught at Los Angeles College of Music (1997-2014), at The California Institute of the Arts (2000-2014) and is currently on faculty at the University of Southern California (1997-present) where he conducts the Latin Jazz Ensemble, teaches drum set, and a Latin Percussion class.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Eliel Lazo! Eliel Lazo began playing at an early age, egged on by his enthusiastic family. He studied at Oscar Valdes’ school of percussion (former singer and percussionist, of Irakere band). In 2003, at the age of 19, Eliel won the prestigious PERCUBA International Percussion Prize. Eliel Lazo first visited Denmark in 2004 on an invitation from the Danish Radio Big Band. Other invitations followed. Soon Denmark became a stable base on his travels around the world, and in 2007 he made Copenhagen his home. He has played with musicians such as Michel Camilo, Chucho Valdes, Changuito, Tata Guines, Herbie Hancock, Bob Mintzer, Oscar Valdes, Carlos del Puerto, Airto Moreira. He has also played with Cuban bands Diakara, Klimax and Habana Ensemble. He have worked with the Danish Radio Big Band, The Savage Rose, The Antonellie Orchestra, Blanco Y Negro, Mikkel Nordsoe Band, Aarhus Jazz Orchestra, Tip Toe Big Band. Also WDR Bigband from Germany and BBC Bigband from The UK. In 2004 Eliel Lazo recorded his first album ''Art Ensemble of Habana'' with Commodo Depots records from Japan. Then he released his first recording with Stunt records ''Blanco Y Negro'' which was recorded in Cuba. His 3rd album ''El Conguero'' also with Stunt records, was awarded with The Danish Music award best album of the year in the world music category. You can find Eliel's playing on Mikkel Nordsoe ''7 Steps to Heaven'' and ''Diving in space for 3 dacades'' - Hanne Boel ''The Shining of sings'' - the Danish Radio Big Band ''Cuban Flavor'' and ''Spirituasl'', where Eliel is featured as percussionist and vocalist. His playing is also featured on CUBADISCO award winning CD, ''Andante'' of Cesar Lopez Y Habana Ensemble and Kylie Minogue ''Kiss me once''. He performs in the American movie about Cuban music ''Music Under the Radar''. He has taught at conservatories in Cuba, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Germany and Sweden. Eliel's last CD is call ''Eliel lazo and the Cuban funk Machine'' featuring American tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer and a line up of Cuban, Danish and Swedish musicians that make this album very unique. This CD is a tribute to the 70s funk and Cuban Songo. The inspiration is coming from bands such as Irakere, the Head hunters, The Meters and specially Los Van Van. The CD was nominated to the 2015 Cuban Grammys CUBADISCO and is nominated to 2 Danish Grammys (Danish Music Awards) World and Jazz. This CD is dedicated to master Jose Luis Quintana ''Changuito'' and Juan Formell (august 2, 1942 - may 1st, 2014)

Happy BIrthday to Gabe Globus! Gabriel blends a multitude of musical influences together in his work as a performer and educator. A Montreal native, Gabriel is now based in New York City where his career continues to reflect a deep love for the worlds of jazz, classical music, and world music. Gabriel has performed on drumset and percussion with a wide variety of artists including Morgan James, Jim James, Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Omara Portuondo, Telmary Diaz, Roberto Fonseca, Tirso Duarte, Steve Hackman, Tessa Lark, the Philly Pops, Pittsburgh Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, among others. He collaborates frequently with Teddy Abrams and the Sixth Floor Trio, serving as principal percussionist and education director at the trio’s chamber music festival, GardenMusic, in South Miami. An active composer and arranger, Gabriel has written orchestral arrangements for Grammy-award winners Sam Bush, Cory Henry, and Sara Jarosz, as well as Achilles Liarmakopolous of the Canadian Brass, Grammy nominated Tiempo Libre, and the Louisville Orchestra. In 2018, Gabriel performed Julia Wolfe's percussion concerto riSE and fLY with Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra with the composer present. In 2019, Gabriel performed chamber music with Daniil Trifonov and Sergei Babayan to a sold out crowd at Stern Auditorium in Carnegie Hall.

In 2017 Gabriel founded People of Earth, a 15 person Latin fusion group filled with some of NYC's best musicians representing a myriad of countries. People of Earth has performed at Brooklyn Bowl, Rockwood Music Hall and other top NYC venues. For more information visit www.peopleofearthmusic.com

In addition to his work in the orchestral and jazz music worlds, Gabriel has completed extensive world percussion studies having studied Afro-Brazilian percussion in Salvador, Bahia with Gabi Guedes and Mario Pam, as well as Cuban percussion with Girardo Piloto, Rociel Riveron, and Adonis Panter.

Gabriel continues to work as a teaching artist for the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, Philadelphia Orchestra, 92nd Street Y, and Marquis Studios. He was formerly a teaching artist with Play On Philly! as well as musician-in-residence at The Please Touch Museum. He is a co-founder of PlasticBand, a community drumming group based in Harlem, New York and received a Carnegie Hall NeON Arts Grant to build this program. He is a 2008 graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music where he studied with Don Liuzzi and Robert van Sice.

Happy Birthday to Erin Elstner! Erin is an experienced percussionist and conductor who has been the head of the Webster University percussion department and the conductor of both the Webster University Percussion Ensemble and the Webster University Community Music School (CMS) Percussion Ensemble where she also taught private drum and percussion lessons. Erin has also been the co-director of the Strike Institute, a summer percussion symposium in St. Louis where she conducted the percussion ensemble. She is currently the Assistant Director and Director of Ladue Percussion at Ladue Schools as well as a professor at Webster University.

Erin is a percussion and drum set professor teaching applied percussion lessons and percussion methods courses at Webster University and percussion classes at Ladue Schools. Previously Erin was a member of the adjunct faculty at Maryville University. She has taught percussion through the St. Louis Symphony Community Music School, the Third Street Music Settlement and Carnegie Hall in New York where she was a Teaching Artist, the Taichung School of Arts and Music in Taiwan, The Strike Institute and The Erin Elstner Percussion Studio. Erin is also an active adjudicator and clinician in both Missouri and Illinois and has toured Europe with the Missouri Ambassadors of Music. At Webster University, Erin has hosted many internationally renowned artists in masterclasses including Stanton Moore (Galactic), Chuck Silverman (Latin artist-L.A.), Jason Bittner (Shadow’s Fall), Keith Aleo (Boston Conservatory), Michael Israelievitch (Stuttgart Philharmoniker), Matt Nolan (U.K. based instrument maker), Robert Glasper and the Experiment (gospel/R&B), Danny Seraphine (Drummer for Chicago), Thor Anderson (Cuban artist), John Blackwell (Drummer for Prince) and Dave King (The Bad Plus).

As a freelance performer, Ms. Elstner’s numerous performance achievements include playing percussion with the International Women’s Brass Conference, an American tour led by Susan Slaughter and principal orchestral players with a residency at Interlochen, percussionist for the new music ensemble Synchronia, member of the Brazilian groups The Sambistas and the Sambanditos,“The True Heart” performance with Glen Velez, the VH-1 Fashion Awards in New York with the group De La Guarda, playing percussion with Peter Cetera of Chicago, percussionist with the Joffrey Ballet, the Grateful Dead reunion tour, Motown and Weird Al Yankovic at the Fox Theater, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, 100-year centennial celebration performance of Jerome Robbins’ Broadway and the Wiz at the St. Louis Muny, Cirque Musica, The Who and drum set for the “Bright Lights, Broadway” Asian tour, Cabaret at the Repertory Theater of St. Louis and Sondheim’s Company at the Edison Theater at Washington University.

She has also been the percussionist/drummer for blues, rock and pop bands, including vibraphonist/vocalist for New York group Champale, featured in the New Yorker magazine, guest performer with Bambi Kino in Hamburg, Germany for the 50th anniversary of the Beatles at the Kaiserkeller, drummer for gypsy blues group Hazmat Modine performing regularly at Terra Blues in Manhattan, and RED, a rock trio in New York City. Erin has played with artists such as David Garza, Japanese pop group Pizzicato Five and recorded/played on many records including those of Clem Snide and Kill Henry Sugar. Erin is a member of the St. Louis Bach Society performing regularly at Powell Hall and the Swing of Hearts Orchestra, performing regularly at McKendree University. Ms. Elstner has been published in Percussive Notes and her electronic compositions have been included on Billy Martin’s album, Meshes, on Amulet Records and in several U.K.-based documentary videos.

Erin Elstner is an endorsed artist by Canopus Drums and the Zildjian Cymbal Company. Erin received her B.M. in Percussion Performance at Mannes College of Music in New York (The New School University), her Music Education certification from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her M.A. in Orchestral Conducting at Webster University, both of which she graduated summa cum laude with departmental honors.

Happy Birthday to Pete Korpela! Pete is a Los Angeles based studio and touring percussionist, recognized internationally for his versatility in orchestral, latin, jazz, world, rock, and pop music. He has collaborated with such renowned talent as, among others: Danny Elfman; Hans Zimmer; Alan Silvestri; Michael Giacchino: John Powell; Harry Gregson-Williams; Josh Groban; Robbie Williams; Jeff Russo; Henry Jackman; Marco Beltrami; Michael McDonald; Carter Burwell; Disturbed; Alan Parsons; Calle 13; Rickie Lee Jones; Al DiMeola; Kelly Clarkson; Madeleine Peyroux; Lizz Wright; Ed Shearmur; Kandace Springs; Ana Moura; Joe Trapanese; Rob Simonsen; Melody Gardot; Los Angeles Philharmonic; Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra; Hollywood Bowl Orchestra; Seth MacFarlane; and the 91 st Academy Awards Orchestra.

Some of the movie and TV soundtracks Pete has performed on: The Lion King (2019); Spider-Man Far From Home; Mulan (2020); Jumanji 3; Spies In Disguise; The Addams Family (2019); It 2; Doctor Sleep; Ready Player One; Men In Black International; Christopher Robin; The Predator; Ferdinand; LEGO Movie 2; Onward (2020); Call of the Wild (2020); Mandalorian; Star Trek Discovery; Lady and the Tramp; ToGo and Ralph Breaks the Internet.

Pete has appeared at Madison Square Garden, Lincoln Center, Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Sydney Opera House and O2 Arena (London), and has toured across US, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Scandinavia, South Africa and the Philippines. In 2011, he joined Josh Groban’s “Straight to You” world tour and is currently Mr. Groban’s percussionist. In 2012, he toured extensively, with jazz vocalist Melody Gardot, and with tenor Nathan Pacheco. Between 2003 and 2007, he toured throughout the United States with the first National Tour of Tony-Award-winning Walt Disney’s The Lion King, as a marimbist and featured on-stage percussionist. He has also performed with major Broadway shows Hamilton, Motown and Beautiful.

An active Los Angeles-based studio musician, Pete has been working with composer Jeff Russo on the new Star Trek: Discovery series, which features a wide array of exotic percussion instruments from Pete's ever-growing collection. His work can also be heard on the award-winning Assassin’s Creed 2, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood and Assassin’s Creed: Revelations soundtracks—with over 10 million copies worldwide—and in movies Straight Outta Compton (composer Joe Trapanese) and Going in Style (composer Rob Simonsen). He has featured in popular TV shows, including: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno; Conan O’Brien; Jimmy Kimmel; Ellen, Good Morning America; Live with Kelly; Later… with Jools Holland; Dancing with the Stars; America’s Got Talent; and PBS Presents: Jackie Evancho. And in 2010, Pete performed with Cirque du Soleil as musical director and lead drummer in a nationally televised project.

Special shout-out to friend of the show, Brian Kilgore and the Nightmare Before Christmas performance at the Hollywood Bowl.

Gig Alerts

Garth Brooks is officially preparing to perform “brand-new music” during the first-ever Amazon Music Live Black Friday concert.

The Amazon Music-organized concert series and the 61-year-old country act’s team reached out to Digital Music News today with word of the tie-up. On the heels of an inaugural season featuring Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, and Megan Thee Stallion, Amazon Music Live season two kicked off in late September with a performance from Ed Sheeran. -Article

The Ground Up Music Festival will take place in Miami Beach again February 2-4, 2024. You can GET TICKETS HERE! Some friends of the show will be involved. Including Weedie Braimah (who has been on twice - Episode #46 - Episode #140) and Nate Wood (Episode #99).

Damon will be performing in the house band for the ACLU event, Sing Out For Freedom on Monday November 13th at 7.30pm at the NYU Skirball theater. You can GET TICKETS HERE.

Educational Spotlight

Here is part two of four more websites producers should know about and use!

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This week is PASIC! Wishing everyone a great time who attends in person or virtually!

Iconic Recording

This week’s iconic recording is “Batucada Surgiu” performed by Walter Wanderley.

Music News

Who’s getting Grammy nominations? The nominees for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards will be announced on Friday, November 10, in a Recording Academy livestream presentation flowing with contenders.

The Recording Academy is holding a livestream event to announce the nominees for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on Friday, November 10. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. will be joined by a variety of Grammy winners, along with “CBS Mornings” co-hosts Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Tony Dokoupil to announce the nominees. -Article

You can keep up with everything Grammy related and become a member (or find out what the criteria for nomination is) over at Grammy (dot com).

Roland and DW announce the release of DWe drums.

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Latin Percussion announces the release of their Bendir and Tar frame drums with the help of (friend of the show) Pete Lockett.

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Aaron Serfaty Interview

The song leading into the interview is, “Changes in Rhythm“ performed by Aaron Serfaty, Carey Frank, and Greg Johnson from the album, ‘A Liar's Promise’.

Damon and Aaron met at PASIC 2022 with Jerry Z of LP.

Aaron was the special guest with Andy Narell.

Aaron studied with Peter Erskine, Albert “Tootie” Heath, and Joe LaBarbara at Cal Arts.

Aaron played with Arturo Sandoval from 1991-1995 and 1997.

Damon and Aaron talk about Venezuelan percussionists from friends of the show, Daniel Prim and Diego Alvarez to others including Williams Cuberbache, Luisito Qunitero, Roberto Quintero, and Nene Quintero.

Aaron talks about playing with Soledad Bravo and Nene Quintero.

Shout-out to Alberto Naranjo and his group El Trabuco.

Shout-out to Anderson Quintero.

Aaron talks about the musical catalog he grew up with. One influential album was Reunion Blues with Oscar Peterson. For the folkloric Afro-Venzuelan music, check out Daniel Prim’s episode.

Aaron talks about his dad and the politics he was involved in.

Damon compares Aaron’s dad and Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez’s situations with going to prison.

Aaron talks about the banning of cymbals.

Aaron talks about his start on drumset at age 15.

Aaron mentions some Brazilian samba groups he enjoys. Specifically the Zimbo Trio as well as Elis Regina & Cesar Camargo Mariano.

Shout-out to Edu Ribeiro.

Aaron talks about why he chose California over NYC or Miami.

Aaron talks about some of his teaching philosophy.

This is the PATRICE RUSHEN VIDEO Aaron talks about.

Aaron talks about being in proximity to “Onda Nueva” and Aldemaro Romero being close with his dad.

Aaron talks about Frank Hernandez and the book and rhythms associated with “Onda Nueva”.

Dr. Jason King is the new dean of the music department at USC where Aaron teaches.