The Secret to my First Big Break!
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- Опубліковано 17 лют 2023
- In this episode I share my recipe for scoring a game changing big break
Ingredients:
A Ton of Preparation
Buckets of Passion
A Whole lot of Prayer
The 1981 Greater Dallas Area Yellow Pages!
Love this!🔥🔥🔥
Thanks SO much Rick!!!!
Hi Rick! Love your channel too (everyone here should check that out as well!) and as always, thanks for your business and the mention...it really keeps me going!
cool story, but it breaks my heart.
my mom would smash all my art and yell at me for music.
she'd beat me with pots and pans if she caught me watching Johnny Carson.
no mom or dad looking out for me. no siblings or aunts or grandparents.
every day was terror and brutality, and then I'd go and be bloodied every day in school cuz both the students and brass wanted to target ME for being the iconoclast and only boy with long hair.
my sister sold my wild and unique record collection for drugs.
(I spent years collecting the gatefold versions of all my fave 1970s bands via EU, cuz American copies didn't open up cuz hyper-capitalism sucks. My album collection was mind-blowing. Really weird packaging etc, like the original ROUND Small Faces LP, or the Hawkwind LP where the cover folds out to 9 large panels! ALL GONE. All my work erased.)
TODAY, many years later, and my music and art is smashed / destroyed / erased / blocked, every 24 hours, by roommates, cops, slumlords, best friends, etc.
I have to escape this prison called life.
(THE WORST PART is every single person who destroyed my art or music -- tens of thousands of my works!! -- said they thought I was an artistic genius and they loved my art and music!!!!!) (!!!!!)
(Also, everyone admits I'm the nicest person of all time. That's WHY I finished so last.)
OUCH.
@@greggdrums NO JOKE: many have said I'm the most innovative drummer of all time (cuz i'm self taught and i avoid ALL cliches).....and yet police (and many other evil humans) literally stopped me from drumming for 35 VERY long years. (This is impossible! And insane!)
(My violent mom would attack me for my bic-tapping. "STOP THAT TICKY-TAPPING!!!!" and she'd say insane shit like "NO ONE LIKES MUSIC!!!!!" and I'd point out to her that Carson was always tapping on his desk.)
When I finally got my first drumkit (after 35 years of dreaming!)......the police in NH stole it! (They also stole my 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th drumkits. I did get my best kit back via miracles....so cops just stole it again last month!! The press, ACLU, and all the rest say "nothing wrong with cops blocking you from drumming for 100 years!"
I must escape this life sentence.
It’s all about enthusiasm!
The story about sending station wagons to pick up the band always always makes me think “lucky break” actually means “I worked out how to be luckier” 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
"Fortune favors the bold"
I love where this story is going. Can’t wait for part 2..
Ditto what Matt said ^^
I had the great fortune, pleasure to see Maynard live 6 times, and 2 of those times YOU were the drummer...been a fan of yours ever since.
Great Channel, Great Videos, Great Learning experience 👍
Greg, you were totally prepared when the call came. You're a complete musician, not just a drummer. It makes all the difference in the world. I've been a drummer all my life, it's my main instrument. But I really earn the respect of my fellow musicians when I sit down at the piano and play and sing. I'm 69 now. My advice to young drummers is to learn a melodic instrument and develop a voice. Having a complete understanding of what's going on with the guys around you is priceless.
Love to hear Maynard stories, Gregg! I played saxophone in my high school jazz band, and Maynard's music is what got me into jazz. I went to the same high school as Denny DiBlasio, and Denny was tight with my band director(he was an incredible saxophonist in his own right). This was the late 80s, and Denny would host our jazz clinics. Was fortunate to sit in with him a few times.
Got to see Maynard in concert a few times around that time as well. Such a killer band. Great hearing these cool stories from you, man! Love your music and love this format!
That's awesome! As a Bari player and aspiring drummer, Dennis DiBlasio and Gregg were pretty much my absolute heroes at that same time in the late 80's. At school, we got to play an arrangement of Coconut Champagne, not with our jazz band, but with our marching band! What a hoot that was.
I just adore this guy. Could listen to him talk all day…and obviously play. Props to Detroit my lovely wife’s hometown!
Gregg, I, like most folks, have been a big fan since the Roth days! My wife and I had the immense pleasure to see you play live with Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey in Rocky Mount, VA, wow, what a show!! Everyone knows how Victor plays the bass, but I was absolutely taken to school watching Steve play the bass in a way I don't think I've ever witnessed, and with you both leading and backing them up, man, what a musical force to behold!! My wife is a classically trained pianist that grew up without MTV, so she doesn't know the music scene quite like I do, but she absolutely adores you!! She told me numerous times through the show just how awesome you are, I said "of course, that;s the one and only Gregg Bissonette"! Thank you so much for sharing some of your life and career with us all on here and other platforms, it truly means the world to us all!!
Gene Krupa was my dad's favorite drummer when he was growing up. My dad fell in love with the drums when he was 16 years old; his uncle bought him a Gretsch drum set. Thirteen years later, he got to meet Mr. Krupa, who kindly posed for a photo with him and my mom.
And by the way: My dad and I were in the audience for the October 1989 Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship Concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles.
Your energy is infectious. I love how the passion you have for music came from being immersed in music as a family. I've been a fan of yours since DLR, but now you are my hero.
Gregg you have had a unbelievable career as a drummer and have been one of my favorites for years. Top musician and love to hear your stories. Those purple Dixon drums are perfect in looks and sound. You are a lucky man to get to do what you love and to play with some of the best musicians to ever live. God has really blessed you brother to have the life you have. Keep the videos coming, love hearing about all these amazing people.
The hotel and station wagon thing is brilliant. It goes to show the kind of crazy initiative you gotta have to make it.
I loved the fact that Johnny Carson was such a big fan of big band and drums. He had Louie Belson on there in the 80s and I watched that over and over. Buddy Rich was on there a lot and Johnny's drummer Ed Shaughnessy was a HUGE influence on many drummers.
Love this channel... LOVE this Drummer... One of the all-time GREATS!
That's right GREGG..Anyone from Michigan talking to others they didn't know from the state would always use the mitten to describe what area of the lower peninsula they were from...Like you more now that I know you're from the great Lakes state ..Your drumming is stellar +++
Greg! I had the great pleasure of meeting you when you did a clinic at the music center in Syracuse NY.
You came to the store, even said hey to a lucky drummer taking lessons there!
A great guy! A great drummer! Thanks for the video!
LOVE your energy and excitement! It's so palpable! This is such a fantastic big break story. But one in which you really engineered that moment. through your unstoppable drive.
"And I got out something, kids, called the YELLOW PAGES." 🤣🤣🤣
Wow you got a selfie with Gene Krupa. That’s impressive. The burning for Buddy is a super amazing DVD You have lived a very blessed life. You deserve everything you have accomplished with all your hard work. Your story’s are fantastic
Man, I saw Greg play with Maynard in '83 (or there about...lol) in a strip mall in Illinois...drove 4 hours and made my sister go with me just to see Greg drum with him, because another drummer buddy told me about him. It was an awesome sight ,Greg really killed that gig man.
I love this story! There was some luck involved by seeing the MF tour bus pass. But you created your own luck by calling, pitching yourself/bandmates, having transportation ready and the "on the house" incentive. Lesson to work hard and be ready to pursue your dream. Thanks for posting. On to part 2!
Your drumming prowess speaks to me deeply.
I love your music.❤️
Gregg you are the embodiment of music in the blood; I love it!
Maynard Ferguson live from San Francisco.
Studied, and played fireshaker, coconut champagne, and South 21st shuffle.
Monster tunes, and you guys knocked it out of the park on that Recording 👊😑.
I did South 21st shuffle at a jazz competition once, and Bob Mintzer (one of the judges) mentioned that I was playing the tune like a rock song.
It's a rock shuffle Bobby!!!
I'm playing it right! 👊😆
Riveting info-commentary, so light hearted and can't wait for the next.
Thank you!
Wow! What a connection from those drummers and the music that I know you from! Thanks Greg!
This is fantastic Gregg! Very cool giving props to Midge, we are still doing her festival which started with my dad, 25 plus years! Cheers to you my friend!
Hey Gregg, I saw you at that BR Memorial Concert on Long Island. What an AWESOME show that was!!! On a separate note, I'd like to thank you for convincing my son to attended University of North Texas for his Masters in Jazz Studies, and was also in the One O'Clock Band. Best move ever! 😊👍 Love your UA-cam channel.
Hi Gregg! I am glad I found your channel. I was so lucky to have you and Matt and Brett (RIP) on my second album back in 2006 through our mutual friend Jon (RIP). I am enjoying your videos. Daniel
I remember the days in band at Warren Mott HS. Jerry was totally in awe of you!
That's a pretty cool story of how things can work out in the music biz. Waiting patiently for part two!
Wow, awesome, Gregg what a musical lifestyle. Buster Brown 🥁✌️🤘🇦🇺
I love hearing these stories. I have only known your work with David Lee Roth from back in my high school days. I loved all your percussion bits on Goin Crazy.
Man, this guy can tell a story…love it!!!!👍
Great stuff Gregg - I am a Livonia native (b. 1962) and remember those Clarenceville concerts well. I've been enjoying your talent since Satriani's Extremist album. Cannot wait to view more of your videos!
...and because of your genius moves, I got to see you with the MFBB a few years later!
What a great story! Can’t wait to watch part 2 in about 2 seconds.
Greg I remember going to the Playboy Club on a Sunday night and watch you play with Pat Coil and Recoil. I was looking for and instructor. I had taken a lesson from one o'clock drummer Dave Miller and he recommended you. Shortly after that you were in L.A. with David Lee. I ended up at Post Office and got back in the game and in 2002 at the music program at Collin County with Kris Berg and you did an amazing clinic. Still a big fan. Doing some playing here in Memphis.
hello Greg
Hear Flávio Pimenta from Brazil
I hope you remember when we played together in Brazil in 90”
I worked for Remo and Zildjian
we play an arrangement of the national anthem
Brazilian
I have been following you on the net
you always
inspired me
Grande abraço ,and greetings from Brazil
Best Regards
Love hearing you talking about the old days.. Cool video too.. I think this world could use more big band.. And More Bissonette on drums n bass…
What an incredible story! Can’t wait for part 2!
Wow, fantastic story, Gregg. Looking forward to the next episode!
What a great story. It's amazing how doing something as simple as taking a chance on making a phone call to a hotel can change the trajectory of a person's life!
Awesome! What a great story. I saw you and your brother play with Maynard's band when I was in high school (1985?) In Watertown, NY. It was fantastic.
What a great story! Love it! Love your passion, Gregg! Maynard was one of my favorites, as well!
WOW!!! You are a treasure, Gregg!!!
G B is truly fascinating to listen to
Very cool.
Your classic enthusiasm and energy shines through as always, but you and/or your editing team must have had a blast with the phone call effect on there hahahahah
Awesome stories! Can't wait to hear the you got the gig story!🥁❤️
Amazing stories! I've seen you play live so many times both in LA and Japan like La Ve Lee, CafeCordiale, Motion Blue, Bluenote Fukuoka/Tokyo and noticed that you take really good care of the fans, ALWAYS!!! Excellent attitudes and musicianship. Watching this episode, everything makes sense now. Thank you so much for what you've been doing!
Great story. Glad I found your channel. Very fun and informative. I wish more high level drummers did this kind of thing.
Amazing story. I bet it was the free drinks
Waiting for the gig!!! :)
Love your energy and enthusiasm Gregg!!
Cheers from Kerrville, Texas!
🤘😺🤘 hook’em lol
I’ve been a major fan since Satriani the Extremist.
I had no idea you went to North Texas. I used to go up there in the 90s and jam with my friends!
What a cool place.
Great video! So happy to catch this!
Peace!
Michael Francis
lol love the cliffhanger ending, Gregg!
Great story! Love to hear stuff like this.
Knew this was is your blood. I can tell especially on “that’s life”. Very fortunate whenever dreams come true right. Take care! 🥁🤘🥃
I love these stories! Thank you Gregg!
What a great story!
Gregg-You and I are about the same age. When we were teenagers, all the bands you mentioned were still touring. Seeing Maynard live many times, Basie live-amazing! Well maybe not Buddy live-he didn’t say a word to the audience and was nasty to the band-kept shouting out chart numbers and changing them. In any case it was a great time to be alive.
Awesome video, Gregg! Thanks for sharing the story.
I’m in the process of listening to Maynard’s entire catalog. Totally forgot about him. My Dad had 8-tracks and I remember liking this as a kid. As much as I love to rock out, and big band is super special. Variety is the spice of life and there is a crap load of spice in this music!
I love this story!
That's awesome! Great story! Great story teller!
Right on right on gregg
Great episode, love Gene Krupa!🥁🔥
Really great story - and video! - Greg!
I remember you telling this story to Modern Drummer when you got the DLR gig back in the 80s.
That Live from San Fransico album is CRAZY!!!
Love these stories!
Gregg is my favorite ROCK DRUMER🥁
Great stories Gregg! Love the channel my friend.
Now THAT is how you tell a story!
LOVE to hear Gregg tell these amazing stories... Keep them coming!
VERY COOL, GREGG! (Been to Livonia, MI many times;-)
I love this guy!!
Wonderful story so far. I always thought you were the best drummer he had. Glad to know you revered Maynard as much as we do.
so great to see you doing this!! These are brilliant!!
Wow. So much history, so much legendary stories, keepin it fun and to the point! Absolute joy to watch! Keep it up!! 👌🏼
Awesome story!
I love the story!
Great story 🥁🎶🔥
Great stories. Love it Gregg.
Awesome Gregg!!!
Amazing Greg
I love the God part and prayer. Amen !!
Nothing beats Gene Krupa on Benny Goodman's version of Sing Sing Sing! So cool that you were surrounded by all of those kats. The Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship performances were something I'll never forget. Anyways, thanks for sharing Gregg. Please continue on!
great story😊
I love this!!
Great channel.
So much fun!!!!
Such great videos - great demonstrations, inspiration and history and most importantly, passion from drums! Thanks for making these videos Gregg.
You're such a great storyteller, Gregg! I'm subscribed and looking forward to your new videos 👍
Fantastic
love it!
Bellissima storia.
DUDE ! Man do you know how to tell a story !!
I saw Maynard at the Moon Shadow Saloon in Atlanta in the 80s. Pretty sure you and your brother were playing in that band.
Hey Gregg, I remember a thing called Drums in Concert out at UCLA Royce Hall back in 1989 for Remo Day. You were there, along with so many other giants, including Louie Bellson. They had a house band with Brandon Fields, and drummer after drummer came up and did their thing. I remember off hand, Vinnie, Sonny Emory, Myron Grombacher, and even Jeff Porcaro. That was one of the greatest shows I've ever seen to this day, and a month later I got my first drum kit. Any recollection of that day? Or does anybody in the comments remember that?
It’s waaay past my bedtime but I gotta know how this finishes!!!!!!