Episode 22 The Grainger Brothers: Masters Of Drums And Bass

Is the musician's life different when you get to experience it within your own family? Andy had an opportunity to sit down with Greg and Gary Grainger to chat about the industry, their family, their influences, and their career. Both are highly respected musicians in the industry with Greg being a drummer and Gary being a bass player. Listen as the brothers share stories about their tours, their collaborations, and their thoughts on how the industry has changed.  Gary and Greg grew up with a music loving father who instilled the same love in them and their brothers. They both found their preferred instrument and continued to practice, play, and perfect their crafts. After high school, they went on to perform with a variety of top tier names adding their expertise to the industry.  Between the two of them they’ve worked with such names as Whitney Houston, John Scofield, Earth, Wind & Fire, and together they created the band Pockets. They have a unique ability to lock with the drums and bass so that they’re creating a harmonious beat for every song.  Their love of music gives them the freedom to study all its forms and create truly unique sounds. Between working with Latino artists, heavy metal artists, jazz artists, and more they’ve created a blend of music that is inspiring.  Listen and learn all about their history and why they think the industry needs a reboot. They’re doing their part by having created The MusicianShip program and hope that more do the same. Both Greg and Gary feel that if music hadn’t been in their schools, they would have been lost.  Gary and Greg were an extreme pleasure for Andy to interview. Hit play to learn more!   Show Highlights: [00:14] Andy chats with the Grainger Brothers about their lives in music. [02:46] Gary Grainger shares how he learned to play bass guitar.  [05:24] Moving into the 80s and their work.  [08:21] How did Greg get started on drums?  [10:40] Learn how Pockets came about.  [13:56] What came after Pockets?  [15:41] How Greg started working with Whitney Houston. [18:07] What was it like touring with Whitney?  [19:40] Gary provides insight into his experience with Earth, Wind & Fire.  [22:52] Hear what happened after they cut their first record. [25:11] How does being brothers affect their ability to lock with the drums and bass.  [27:38] What does it mean to “respect the rhythms?”  [31:35] They share how they approach backing up the singers in any group.  [35:38] How much of their performances are arranged versus improvised?  [38:18] Did they naturally decide to cross their styles and influences?  [43:30] Learn Greg and Gary’s thoughts on the differences between playing live versus recording.  [44:45] Any good studio session stories that they love?  [47:34] How do they feel about the changes in technology and recording software?  [49:39] What do we do to help young people foster interest in actual instruments?  [54:04] Tell us about Hillview Studio?    LINKS & RESOURCES The Grainger Brothers: www.pocketsband.net www.graingerbrothers.com www.themusicianship.org   Mentioned:  Episode 2: Dennis Chambers: Modern Drummer Hall of Fame Award RecipientEpisode 5: Brent Birckhead/Saxophonist: A Musician's Journey Part 1 Episode 6: Brent Birckhead/Saxophonist: A Musician's Journey Part 2 Episode 15: Greg Boyer: Trombonist Formerly with Prince and P-Funk Episode 18: Toni Menage/Singer & Producer: The Path To Musical Freedom Follow The Music Makers:  The Music Makers on Instagram The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston. Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment  Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz