Got Chops
Got Chops
Scott Grimaldi
In the music field, what does it mean to have “Chops”? The term, “Chops”, refers to an artist that has developed great skills over time, whether they're a musician, composer, producer, or other titles associated with the music business. Your host, Scott Grimaldi, is a woodwinds doubler, arranger, composer and music educator. Join Scott as he interviews one musical artist per episode, that he's either performed, recorded or worked with in his career, plus interviews with artists he's always wanted to speak with. Each episode will uncover how each artist developed THEIR chops and more.
S5 E5: Steve Jankowski, Trumpet Player
On today's episode, Scott interviews Steve Jankowski, a touring and freelance trumpet player in the New York City area, currently on tour with Nile Rodgers and Chic. He is one of only three trumpet players to tour with the legendary horn band Chicago, and was a member of Blood, Sweat and Tears for eight years, plus served as their Musical Director during his last six years. Other artists Steve has performed and/or recorded with include KC and the Sunshine Band, Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, Donna Summer and Daryl Hall, just to name a few. When not touring, he records, produces, and engineers at his very own Jankland Recording Studio. This multi-talented trumpet player certainly GOT CHOPS! Follow Steve on  Website: https://www.stevejankowski.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjankland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.jankowski.79/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SJankland Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
Dec 15, 2023
39 min
S5 E4: Ron Wilson, Drummer/Musical Director for Lou Christie
On today's episode, Scott interviews Ron Wilson, the drummer and musical director for the American pop singer/songwriter, Lou Christie. He has graced the stage with iconic artists such as Darlene Love, Gary U.S. Bonds, Gloria Gaynor, Leslie Gore, Dave Valentin, and Bill Charlap, just to name a few. Ron holds a Master of Music degree from William Paterson University in New Jersey, and a Bachelors degree in Percussion Performance from the State University of New York at Purchase. When not performing live, he keeps busy with recording sessions, teaching and composing. Ron is a published composer who has scored movie soundtracks, composed works for chamber ensemble, concert band, jazz ensembles as well as commercial music. His popular method book, “Groovin’ Rudiments: For Drum Set”, is published through melbay.com, and available on Amazon and at local music stores. This multi-talented artist and musical director certainly GOT CHOPS!  Follow Ron on  Website: https://www.ronwilson.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronwilsonmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ron.wilson Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronwilsonmusic  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ronwilson5265 Mel Bay: https://www.melbay.com/Author/Default.aspx?AuthorId=164897 Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
Nov 24, 2023
36 min
S5 E3: The Cello Doll, Cellist
On today's episode, Scott interviews The Cello Doll, a cellist, composer, teacher, and musically gothic storyteller. She has received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in cello performance, and plays both acoustic and electric cellos. The Cello Doll has been making a name for herself on social media as a classical trained crossover artist since 2018, with followers of over 500k. Her rendition of the Rolling Stones song, “Paint It Black”, as featured in the Netflix original, “Wednesday”, has become a Halloween favorite. Through original arrangements, mash-ups, and compositions, she presents the cello in unique music videos that fuse genres and translate classical music for modern audiences. As a performer, The Cello Doll has collaborated with artists that include violinist/dancer, Lindsey Stirling and the Las Vegas female string ensembles, “Femmes of Rock” and “Bella Electric Strings”, just to name a few. This multi-talented cellist certainly GOT CHOPS!  Follow The Cello Doll on  Website: https://www.cellodoll.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecellodoll/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecellodoll/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecellodoll Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6K0e2XHOJXHjWAu1Q8CKx1?si=eOfnVXkgT7Ko079Y8gVkVQ&nd=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCelloDoll Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
Oct 31, 2023
57 min
S5 E2: Walfredo Reyes Jr., Drummer for the rock band Chicago
On today's episode, Scott interviews Walfredo Reyes Jr., a globally sought after percussionist and drummer, who has successfully combined the rich history of Latin, Afro-Cuban and World Percussion with the drum set, and can play in a myriad of musical genres. He has performed and/or recorded with the “who’s who” of the music industry including Carlos Santana, Traffic, Steve Winwood, Lindsey Buckingham, and Robbie Robertson, just to name a few. In 2012, Walfredo was invited to take over the role of percussionist with the iconic rock band Chicago, and then in 2018 was asked by the founding members to take over as drummer. In addition to maintaining a busy touring and recording schedule, he finds time to conduct music clinics and teach all levels of students who seek out his help. This percussionist and drummer certainly GOT CHOPS! Follow Walfredo on  Website: https://walfredoreyesjr.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walfredoreyesjr/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wreyesjr.1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UhL9iqyyKZ6HjAeHW228O YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wallyreyes1 Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
Oct 13, 2023
1 hr 33 min
S5 E1: Chris Ruggiero, Vocalist
On today's episode, Scott interviews Chris Ruggiero, a vocalist that has been described as an “old soul”, at only 24 years old. Chris came to national attention when he performed on one of PBS-TV’s coast-to-coast broadcast specials, and since then has toured the country, breathing new life into the songs of the 60s and 70s, by stripping them down and re-imagining them in his own style. He has headlined in Las Vegas eleven times, released four albums in 2021, featuring masterful arrangements by Charles Calello and his Facebook page reached over 60 million people last year. In 2022, Chris released a Christmas album, that also features a duet with Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famer, Darlene Love, thus landing their live performance on the TV show, Good Morning America and others. This vocalist certainly GOT CHOPS! Follow Chris on  Website: https://chrisruggierosings.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_ruggiero_sings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisRuggieroSings/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris_ruggiero_sings Twitter: https://twitter.com/RuggieroSings Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7g1v4TFjhhPyyh8r3ifsR3?si=qWHre6PnRBGeyrA6LlsyAw&nd=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chrisruggierosings                             Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
Sep 22, 2023
49 min
S4 E8: Greg Giannascoli, Marimbist
On today's episode, Scott interviews Greg Giannascoli, a Grammy nominated marimba and percussion artist from Piscataway, N.J. He is a top prizewinner of numerous music competitions, and has appeared as a soloist with orchestras and in recitals throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Greg is also a sought after private instructor and clinician, who presents master classes at conservatories and colleges, and his teaching credentials include faculty positions at the esteemed Juilliard Pre-College and the percussion department at New Jersey City University. In addition, he is a Yamaha Marimba/Vibes artist, and wrote the book, “Opinions On The Marimba”, about interviews he conducted with some of the leading marimba artist-teachers from the 20th century, available at HeartlandMarimbaPublications.com. This marimbist (a.k.a. marimba player), certainly GOT CHOPS! Follow Greg on  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GregMarimba Steve Weiss Music: https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/33957/audio-recordings#full-description https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/325/audio-recordings#full-description                                  Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrimaldiMusic Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
May 19, 2023
1 hr 10 min
S4 E7: Kevin Presutti, Saxophonist/Woodwind Doubler/Contractor
On today's episode, Scott interviews Kevin Presutti, a sought after saxophonist, woodwind doubler and contractor from Pompton Plains, NJ. In addition to being the featured soloist with vocalist, Gary U.S. Bonds, he has also performed on legendary stages and arenas with iconic music artists that include Lou Christie, Chubby Checker, Steven Van Zandt, The Golden Boys, and Darlene Love, just to name a few. Besides being a musician and contractor, Kevin retired in 2014 as a career Fireman who served for 25 years, and was one of the firefighters that responded to the 9/11 attacks in NYC on September 11, 2001. Over the years I’ve had the great pleasure of sitting next to today’s guest, as we played in various horn sections, and happy to call him my friend. This saxophonist, woodwind doubler and contractor, certainly GOT CHOPS! Contact Kevin at Email: [email protected] Cell: (201) 704-6982 Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrimaldiMusic Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
May 5, 2023
1 hr 5 min
S4 E6: Chloe Feoranzo, Jazz Clarinetist/Vocalist
On today's episode, Scott interviews Chloe Feoranzo, a recognized jazz clarinetist & vocalist from Los Angeles, California. At a young age, she mastered the art of playing dixieland and traditional jazz styles, before working as a freelance musician in New Orleans for four years. While touring with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Chloe was also featured on three of their hit YouTube productions, “Dancing With Myself”, by Billy Idol, “No Surprises”, by Radiohead, and “My Hero”, by the Foo Fighters, that collectively have received over 7.3M views as of this interview. This jazz clarinetist & vocalist, certainly GOT CHOPS! Follow Chloe on  Website: http://www.chloefeoranzo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloejazz3/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chloejazz3/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3anD03U1RTafwISFmsC16d Bandcamp: https://chloefeoranzo.bandcamp.com/releases Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrimaldiMusic Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
Apr 21, 2023
43 min
S4 E5: Tito Puente Jr., Timbale Player/Latin Band Leader
On today's episode, Scott interviews Tito Puente Jr., a timbale player and band leader of both his Latin jazz ensemble and orchestra. He performs all over the world, honoring his Father’s legacy, who was known as the “King of Mambo”, Tito Puente. This year marks his Father’s centennial celebration, and the 60th anniversary of “Oye Como Va”, his Father’s hit song from 1962, which also became a hit in 1971 for Santana. Tito Puente Jr., is also an artist for LP/Latin Percussion, his current album, “The King and I”, features various artists that include Latin percussionist, Sheila E, and he hosts his own radio show, which airs every Sunday from 3:00 - 4:00 pm (EST) on power787radio.com. This timbale player and Latin band leader, certainly GOT CHOPS! Follow Tito Puente Jr. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/titopuentejr/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TitoPuenteJr/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/titopuentejr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@titopuentejr Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ROkqvVDXj5JgmN6z2uFrM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@titopuentejr1 Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrimaldiMusic Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
Apr 7, 2023
1 hr 4 min
S4 E4: Soggy Po’ Boys (New Orleans style jazz band)
On today's episode, Scott interviews Stu Dias, the lead vocalist and guitarist from Soggy Po’ Boys, a New Hampshire band that specializes in New Orleans jazz. Native to New England, Soggy Po’ Boys has quickly become an institution, spreading the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, playing at various venues that include concert halls, street corners, music festivals, bars and libraries. This seven piece group formed on Fat Tuesday in 2012 at a local club gig, and just celebrated their eleventh anniversary. In addition to their four albums and one EP, Soggy Po’ Boys has quite a fan base, a busy touring schedule, plus a weekly residency every Tuesday night at the Press Room in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This New Orleans style jazz band from New Hampshire, certainly GOT CHOPS! Follow Soggy Po’ Boys on Website: https://www.soggypoboys.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soggypoboys/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoggyPoBoys Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoggyPoBoys YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcwVhQspQEdaFzqwhvy9DMQ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1vIQoem44Oa82XefAfjsA4 Follow Got Chops on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotchopspodcast/ Listen to Got Chops Podcast on - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Pjh7tC3aTpeMFEhmn4fp4?si=699ae5b84e544cb5 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/got-chops/id1587699754 - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/gotchops - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp5wwP8DvMPkqI4VM2VMlcufn6a-CzlHM Follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottgrimaldimusic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrimaldiMusic Website: www.grimaldimusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6DKn05Vy0ABShIU37u58vR --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gotchops/message
Mar 24, 2023
40 min
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