JL Claybourne

Magical Mixed Meter by JL Claybourne   “Only those who risk going too far… can possibly find out how far one can go” - T.S. Elliot Playing in ¾ or 7/8 may seem difficult at first, but that’s only when compared to 4/4. The ability to play in odd time & mixed meters with brilliance is the stuff of heroes. Gavin Harrison, Simon Phillips, Neil Peart, Carter Beauford, Bill Bruford, Vinnie Colaiuta…… (read more)

People… Airbrushing is not helping our society... Sure, it has its place, but not in the general media for everyone’s eyes - we trust & believe what our eyes tell us way too often. Over-edited pics of women send the wrong message to our children (girls & boys), not to mention adults. Case in point: I think…? (Singer) Marsha Ambrosius looks great now. She must have put in a lot of time @ the… (read more)

If you’ve read my blogs before, you know that I care about bigger issues than just music… I’m a believer in “doing the right thing”, being loyal to your family & not hurting others for your own personal gain. I despise greed & I try to recycle damn near everything : ) I recently heard a podcast/interview on iTunes… PRI: The Sound of Young America.  Bill Withers was the interviewed guest… (read more)

What is love? love is true & honest... it’s looking into someone’s eyes & seeing the best of  them – seeing their (good) soul right in front of us... it’s knowing that they’re our friend, teacher, lover & soul mate. Love is right now, but it’s never only right now.... it’s tomorrow & the day after that – it’s continuous... love flows through us & lives longer than we do... it’s… (read more)

OMG…talented, dumfounded, hilarious, creative genius, nut job, exhausting, off color, intrinsic, intellect, homeboy, soul brotha’… One word REALLY can’t describe Reggie. He is part musician, part comedian, part innovator & improviser… his antics are anything but ordinary. One moment he’s using a loop station to layer his beat boxing & background vocals, another he’s literally walking… (read more)

The following is a response to an online assignment - asked by a Berkleemusic Marketing professor. it was basically about our past feelings & experiences w/ money...   "Upgrading Your Mental Money Software" “The All Might Dollar” is worshiped way too much!!! Personally, I’d love to move back to the barter system – before compound interest & narcissistic greed. $$$ kids getting shot for… (read more)

Every few months (online), I stumble upon a fantastic musician – someone who completely blows my mind & helps me to see music in a new light. Scott McKeon (blues guitarist) & Yuri Lane (beat box harmonica) were the last two to seriously catch my eye. This time it’s Manu Delago http://www.manudelago.com He gained notoriety from his Hang Drum videos on YouTube > you gotta’ see it (even if percussion… (read more)

A friend of mine recently asked what’s my “secret”? - to being happily married for ten years. The week after I graduated from Berklee (in 2000) I was reciting wedding vows in CT. The “secret” is simple – I married my best friend. I loved her, cared for her & knew her extremely well before I ever asked for her hand (I’d known her for six years). I knew what I was getting into & I wanted… (read more)

"River" (live in studio) on Abbey Road - W hat a wonderfully assembled cast... Tal Wilkenfeld is so tasteful when picking her spots > Wayne Shorter & Herbie Hancock are superb as always > Corinne Bailey Rae looks & sounds angelic > Vinnie Colaiuta is as solid & musical as ever!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIuHKxjlamQ NOTE > the iTunes version is NOT the YouTube version (which i prefer). It's… (read more)

I’ve never been a “drummers' drummer”. I’ve always thought of myself as a musician first & foremost. I love groovin' to music... adding & embellishing.... collaborating w/ others... but, truth be told, drum solos have never really impressed me all that much... that is, unless it's a solo by a Master Drummer. I’ve seen Jeff "Tain" Watts play live a few times as well as Tony Williams &… (read more)