Ken & drummer Greg Grainger - Recording the drums for "When We Dance”

Drummer Greg Grainger has been working with Ken for over 25 years but this is the first time they have sat down to have an in-depth discussion about recording the drums for Ken's latest hit song "When We Dance" from his 25th album "Into The Light" and much more. Along the way they discussed drumming, the recording process, the music business and playing and touring with Whitney Houston for her first world tour in 1988.

“When We Dance”” is one of the 11 new songs from Navarro’s new album for 2020, “Into The Light”. This is Navarro’s 25th album and it features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken’s new music including bassists Gary Grainger & John Patitucci, drummers Greg Grainger, Bruce Guttridge & Dave Weckl, keyboardist Jay Rowe, harpist Lori Andrews & saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. to name a few.

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Contact Greg Grainger for recording, production and touring: greg.grainger@gmail.com

"Dancing Waters" - In the Studio w/drummer Bruce Guttridge

“Dancing Waters” is one of the 11 new songs from Navarro’s new album for 2020, “Into The Light”. This is Navarro’s 25th album and it features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken’s new music including bassists Gary Grainger & John Patitucci, drummers Greg Grainger, Bruce Guttridge & Dave Weckl, keyboardist Jay Rowe, harpist Lori Andrews & saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. to name a few. For this podcast , Ken spoke with virtuoso drummer Bruce Guttridge about recording his drum part for this uniquely beautiful song in 13/8 time.

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The Bruce Guttridge YouTube Channel

To contact Bruce Guttridge - blguttridge@gmail.com

"Green Chile Stew" - In the Studio w/saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr.

“Green Chile Stew” is one of the 11 new songs from Navarro’s new album for 2020, “Into The Light”. This is Navarro’s 25th album and it features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken’s new music including bassists Gary Grainger & John Patitucci, drummers Greg Grainger, Bruce Guttridge & Dave Weckl, keyboardist Jay Rowe, harpist Lori Andrews & saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. to name a few. For this podcast , Ken spoke with soprano saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. about recording his saxophone parts for this funky, bluesy gem.

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"When We Dance" - Behind the Scenes w/Ken Navarro

“When We Dance” is one of the 11 new songs from Ken Navarro’s new album for 2020, “Into The Light”. This is Navarro’s 25th album and it features over 20 musicians contributing to Ken’s new music including bassists Gary Grainger & John Patitucci, drummers Greg Grainger, Bruce Guttridge & Dave Weckl, keyboardist Jay Rowe, harpist Lori Andrews & saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr. to name a few. For this podcast about the making of the song “When We Dance”, Ken listens to the song with you and takes you behind the scenes to explore his composing process, the musicians and their contributions to this new song, and ultimately what the song means to Ken.

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A Tribute to composer and pianist Lyle Mays - A special edition podcast

When Lyle Mays passed away on February 10, 2020 at the age of 66, Ken and his friend, long time bandmate keyboardist Jay Rowe, both immediately knew they needed to pay tribute to this great musician who had influenced them both deeply for over 4 decades. Through his own music and recordings along with his contributions to the compositions, recordings and performances of The Pat Metheny Group, Lyle changed Ken's musical life and direction more than once. Included are excerpts from "San Lorenzo”, "First Circle", "Lakes", "Ozark" and "Minuano".

Ken Navarro’s new album “Into The Light” is available here:

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KEN & ASSOCIATE PRODUCER DAN LAMAESTRA - "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

Ken's associate producer for his groundbreaking album "Music For Guitar And Orchestra" was a man whom Ken had previously worked with for many years. However this album was a new and multi-faceted challenge which Dan LaMaestra took on with a commitment to excellence. Dan handled the hiring of many of the musicians and coordinating the communication and preparation for the recording sessions with each of them as well as finding just the right recording studio for this special album. In addition, Dan served as the copyist for Ken's music and also as a consultant during the mixing of the music. This podcast episode is full of fascinating stories and behind the scenes details of how a complex orchestral recording of new original music successfully comes together.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A SIGNED CD & DOWNLOAD OF "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE GUITAR PARTS, MUSIC SCORES AND INDIVIDUAL INSTRUMENT PARTS FOR "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

KEN & HARPIST LORI ANDREWS - "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

Virtuoso jazz harpist Lori Andrews was one of the first musicians Ken called when he started writing and orchestrating the music for "Music For Guitar And Orchestra". Lori is one of the few true jazz harpists on the planet and she and Ken speak in detail about how Ken used the harp on this new album. They also discussed some of the techniques Lori has created to make jazz music “groove” on a harp and the way she learned to solo on an instrument which is not known for improvisation. This is an amazing insight into the harp and as an added bonus, an incredibly informative journey into how a classically trained harpist becomes a jazz virtuoso.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A SIGNED CD & DOWNLOAD OF "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE GUITAR PARTS, MUSIC SCORES AND INDIVIDUAL INSTRUMENT PARTS FOR "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

KEN SPEAKS W/MUSICIANS - "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

Ken hangs out with 2 of the virtuoso musicians who played on Ken's new album "Music For Guitar And Orchestra". Dave Perkel (trombone), MaryAnn Perkel (cello) and Ken talk about everything from putting together an amazing custom orchestra for Ken's groundbreaking new music to the differences between performing as part of an orchestra in a concert vs. performing in the recording studio to the specific challenges of playing this emotional and interesting music. Fascinating behind the scenes stuff that you won't find anywhere else.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A SIGNED CD & DOWNLOAD OF "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE GUITAR PARTS, MUSIC SCORES AND INDIVIDUAL INSTRUMENT PARTS FOR "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

KEN PREVIEWS "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

Ken and his special guest Jay Rowe listen to Ken's groundbreaking album "Music For Guitar And Orchestra" and talk about the music - how it was composed, orchestrated, recorded and much more. This podcast is an excellent way to preview this breakthrough album with some very interesting commentary from Ken and Jay.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A SIGNED CD & DOWNLOAD OF "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE GUITAR PARTS, MUSIC SCORES AND INDIVIDUAL INSTRUMENT PARTS FOR "MUSIC FOR GUITAR AND ORCHESTRA"

A Behind The Scenes Preview of "Bonfire" w/Ken Navarro

Ken takes you behind the scenes and into his recording studio for an in depth preview of many of the 13 songs from his new album for 2016 "Bonfire". For more information, please visit: kennavarro.com

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A SIGNED CD OF "BONFIRE"

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A DOWNLOAD OF "BONFIRE"

Ken speaks with Snarky Puppy keyboardist Bill Laurance

Ken has an in depth conversation with keyboardist and composer Bill Laurance. Best known for his three #1 solo albums including his brand new one "Aftersun" as well as numerous Grammy Award winning albums with Snarky Puppy, Bill is currently on tour with Snarky Puppy and spoke with Ken from the road.  Music excerpts included in this podcast are Ken Navarro's "The Stars, The Snow, The Fire" from his album "Dreaming of Trains" and Bill Laurance's "Never Ending City", "Swag Times" and "Money In The Desert" from his album "Flint" and "Soti" and "A Blaze" from his latest album "Aftersun". For more information, please visit:  billlaurance.com, kennavarro.com

Introducing Saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr.

Ken speaks with saxophonist Tony Craddock Jr, a young and gifted musician who has already released two excellent albums including 2014's "Convection" featuring Ken on the composition "1102 Bradfield Hall".  Ken and Tony discuss how Tony is successfully making his way in the competitive world of music and smooth jazz as well as the the importance of time management, practice and building a career in music, one brick at a time.  Tony and Ken will be performing a special concert together on Feb 14, 2016 in Tysons Corner, Virginia.  You can get your tickets here.

"Juliet" - In the Studio with Ken Navarro

Ken takes you into his recording studio for an in depth look at the instruments he played and the arrangement of his #1 hit song "Juliet" from his 2015 album Unbreakable Heart.  For more information on Ken Navarro and his music, please visit: kennavarro.com

In the studio with Ken Navarro - "Frenchmen Street" part 2

Ken takes you into his recording studio for an in depth look at the instruments he played and the arrangement of his song "Frenchmen Street" from his 2015 album Unbreakable Heart.  For more information on Ken Navarro and his music, please visit: kennavarro.com

In the studio with Ken Navarro - "Frenchmen Street" part 1

Ken takes you into his recording studio for an in depth look at the form and structure of his song "Frenchmen Street" from his 2015 album Unbreakable Heart.  For more information on Ken Navarro and his music, please visit: kennavarro.com

The Making of "Unbreakable Heart"

Ken previews each song on "Unbreakable Heart", his new album for 2015. He takes the listener on a behind the scenes journey through each song, explaining why and how he composed them and the ways he recorded the guitars and created the arrangements - Monday Podcast Series, episode 8.  For more information, please visit: kennavarro.com

Ken talks with keyboardist James Lloyd

Ken has a conversation with keyboardist James Lloyd who released his first solo album this year, after a storied career with with the group he co-founded almost 40 years ago, Pieces of a Dream. James talks about being discovered at the age of 16 by Grover Washington, touring with Grover  (including his first tour with a broken hand!), his process for composing and recording and the creative, improvisational way he learned to be an exceptional cook - Monday Podcast Series, episode 7.  For more information, please visit:  jameslloydmusic.com, kennavarro.com

Ken talks with saxophonist Elan Trotman

Elan Trotman moved to Boston, Massachusetts from his home in Barbados to attend the Berklee College of Music. He decided to stay and pursue his musical ambitions in the USA and has since become a sought after and in demand contemporary jazz saxophonist. This was the first time Ken and Elan had spoken and so these two musicians spent some time getting to know one another - Monday Podcast Series, episode 6

Ken talks with smoothjazz.com president Sandy Shore

Sandy Shore is the founder and president of Smoothjazz.com, the leading smooth and contemporary internet jazz radio station and website. Ken and Sandy have known each other for 20 years and talk about the past and future of contemporary jazz and radio - Monday Podcast Series, episode 5

Ken talks with saxophonist Eric Darius

It's been 12 years since Ken produced Eric Darius's first national album "Night On The Town". They had a lot of catching up to do - Monday Podcast Series, episode 4