Episode 16: Will Phillips

Our 19th episode features Gon Bops Artist/LA percussionist MB Gordy.  MB is one of the top percussionists in the Los Angeles recording scene, having performed on hundreds of TV and film scores including American Sniper, Fantastic Four and The Terminator.  Live, MB has worked with The Doobie Brothers, Josh Groban and Game of Thrones Live, to name a few.  In 2019, his band Opium Moon won a Grammy for best New Age Album, was nominated again in 2022 and in 2025, he won his 2nd Grammy for his performance on the Best Global Music Album -  “Alkebulan II”, by Matt B.   Order of musical play in this episode: “Open Sky”- Wouter Kellerman; “Folsom Prison Blues” - String Revolution; “How Can I Pray When The Beloved Is All I See” - Opium Moon; “Birimintingo” - Jim “Kimo” West. 

One of music’s most innovative and eclectic drummer/percussionists, Butch Norton is both classically trained as well as taking deep dives into Word music and percussion.  His credits include the EELS, Rufus Wainwright, Tracy Chapman, Michael Penn and Fiona Apple, to name a few.  Butch has been spending the last 17 years working with the legendary Grammy-winning artist Lucinda Williams, as well as releasing various solo recordings.  He has been a Gon Bops artist for many years and we're excited to bring you this fascinating interview! https://www.gonbops.com/artists/butch-norton/

Our 17th episode features the gifted Scott Crago!  Scott is celebrating 30 years this year as the drummer/percussionist for America’s most iconic band, the Eagles - as well as celebrating 30 years as a Gon Bops artist!   We discuss his highly visible gig and sharing the drums and percussion duties with the great Don Henley for so many years. Scott shares valuable insight of what goes into playing with one of the world’s biggest bands, not only musically but professionally, and how he approaches his role in the band.  We also review other great artists he’s worked with and preview some of the songs he’s not only played on, but co-wrote with both Don Henley and also Stevie Nicks.  Order of songs sampled in this episode: “All My Life” - Venice; “I Want To Walk With You” - Toni Childs; “Everything Is Different Now” - Don Henley; “That Made Me Stronger” - Stevie Nicks.  Scott joins us from his hotel in the UK, on the Eagles’ Long Goodby Final Tour.

 Originally from Texas, Will Phillips has gained a strong reputation in Los Angeles, performing with a host of great artists including Latin Grammy nominee Claudia Brant, Will. I. Am, Ellis Hall, Jamie Foxx and many others.  Will has appeared on The Voice, American Idol, MTV Brazil and recently, is touring everywhere as the percussionist for the mega-popular American Reggae band, Stick Figure.   Will also is Gon Bops’ inspiration for our Bucket Shekere, an instrument fashioned after the Brazilian version, called the Xequebalde. 

Our 15th episode features the great Bernie Dresel!   One of LA’s busiest session and live drummers, Bernie is a multiple recipient of Modern Drummer and Drum magazine’s ‘Best Big Band Drummer’ award and is influential to thousands of drummers around the world.   His 15 years as the drummer for the Brian Setzer Orchestra inspired a wave of other swing band drummers and his band, The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel is one of LA’s most exciting large jazz ensembles, releasing 2 albums, Bern Bern Bern and The Pugilist.  In this interview, we’ll be featuring songs from both albums, including, in this order of play, “Zuit Soot”, “Bern Bern Bern”, “The Pugilist”, “Lulu’s Back In Town” and “Suite B”.  Bernie is also one of TV & Film industry’s most in-demand session percussionists, playing on top film and TV soundtracks, using various Gon Bops instruments on his sessions.  More info can be found on his website -  berniedresel.com. 

Our 14th episode features conga virtuoso, Gon Bops’ Signature artist Roberto Quintero.   Originally from Venezuela, Roberto comes from a distinguished family of musicians and has made a respected name for himself, playing with many greats including Oscar de Leon, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmeri and Marc Anthony, to name just a few.  Roberto has multiple releases, including the Grammy-nominated “Quintero Salsa Project” with his cousin, Luisito Quintero.  Enjoy this great conversation including some tracks from his solo album, “Transmission”. 

On this, our 13th episode, we’re excited to feature our fearless leader, President of Sabian & Gon bops - Andy Zildjian!   In 2010, Sabian acquired Gon Bops  from the DW drum company.  Andy has quite a story to tell, having essentially been born into the music products industry.  He’s experienced all facets of the industry, from working in the warehouse, to factory production, to working in retail, to traveling as a road salesman and eventually, running the whole organization. It’s an industry that he absolutely loves and it shows.  With his incredible success with Sabian including his long-time employees, his warm relationship to his customers, to his very loyal internationally-acclaimed artist roster, Andy makes everyone feel like part of the ‘family’…the Sabian & Gon Bops family.  And if you’ve met him, you know he’s having a great time doing it.  

Brad Dutz is truly one of the most creative and talented percussionists in the world today.  He’s recorded/released 34 albums under his own name and is known for his highly eclectic and adventurous approach.  Continually playing traditional instruments in non-traditional ways, Brad is someone who defines the term ‘play’.   His approach IS playful…but very serious, meaning he’s spent years perfecting his craft.  We’re happy to welcome him to this, our 12th episode!  Order of play - clips of Brad’s original music:  “Mix DoBop”, “Vibes Shapes”, “Centipede”, “Oskar Organized the Organic Oil, Olives & Okra” and “Transcribing ‘Trane Takes Time”.  

We’re happy to welcome composer/percussionist Willy Calderon to the Percussion Loft!   This Columbian-American musician has  appeared on various hit TV shows including Bones, Jane The Virgin and America’s Got Talent, has scored music for the video game world and has performed with countless artists in both the Latin and Pop genres.   In this, our 11th episode, we discuss Willy’s varied background, his approach to navigating between music styles and also hear some tracks from his great new Grammy-nominated album, “LA Impromptu”!   Contact us for the order of songs played on this episode.  Welcome Willy!!

The great Orestes Vilato, a true Cuban legend, is considered to be one of the most influential timbaleros and bongoceros in the world of percussion today.  He’s paved the way for so many greats percussionists who quote Orestes as one of their main influences.  Orestes was at the center of the Salsa music explosion in the ’70s, having played with greats like Chico O’Farrill, Lionel Hampton, Ray Barretto, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades and many more.  He’s also worked with popular music icons like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Santana, Willie Nelson and even Oscar-winning actor, Andy Garcia!  Orestes is a Signature artist for Gon Bops, helping us to create his unique, light-weight aluminum-shell Timbales.  We’re so happy to have him on the show - this our 10th episode to round out 2021!