The Musicians Mentor

Today on the show I speak with Steve Vai Drummer - Jeremy Colson. In addition to Jeremy's work with Vai, he has also worked with acts/artists like - Billy Idol, Sebastian Bach, Marty Friedman and Michael Schenker - to name just a few.Jeremy talks to me about his 1995 Guitar Center Drum Off placing, touring, what he defines as success and so much more. For more information on Jeremy Colson, please search for him across all socials (...

Dan Lavery is a New Jersey based multi instrumentalist musician, most prominently known for his role as the bassist in 90's Alt/Rock band 'Tonic' - whose breakout hit 'If You Could Only See' was recognized as rock radio's most-played song of 1997.

Originally part of the band 'True', Dan decided to relocate to Los Angeles in the mid 90's to try and further his career. A decision that ultimately ended up being life changing for him.

D...

For today's episode I thought I'd share an archived interview from around twelve years ago, that I did with session drumming legend - Clem Cattini.

Based in Stoke Newington, UK - Clem Cattini is an English drummer who was not only a member of 'The Tornados' but so prominent in the 50's, 60's and 70's that he is actually regarded as one of the most prolific drummers in UK recording history, appearing on hundreds of recordings by arti...

On episode 100 of the show, I’m joined by South African multi instrumentalist/producer and 'Just Jinjer' bassist - Denholm Harding.

Denholm began his musical career in Cape Town at the age of 5, when he appeared on a nationally televised talent show open to all ages called ‘Follow That Star’ where he made it through to the finals. By Grade 7, he joined popular kids program K-TV as the ‘K-TV Kids’ B...

On today’s episode of the show, I’m joined by the frontman of 'Led By Vultures', multi-instrumentalist, and world-renowned drummer — Brian Tichy.

For decades, Brian has been known as one of rock’s most respected drummers, performing alongside some of the biggest names in music including Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Whitesnake, and Slash. He’s also currently a member of the&nb...

Today on the show I speak with drumming legend - Derrick McKenzie.

Derrick is a British based drummer/dj/producer known worldwide for his time with Acid Funk pioneers 'Jamiroquai' - a band who (at this point) he has been with for over 3 decades.In addition to his amazing career with Jamiroquai he has also worked with 'Purple Disco Machine', DR Packer and Matt Johnson (among others).

He has also been making numerous waves on the disco...

Today on the show I speak with percussion legend - Lenny Castro.

Lenny is an American based musician who at this point in his career is probably one of the most recorded percussionists in musical history, having played on hundreds (if not thousands of records). Some of the artists he has worked with include 'The Rolling Stones', The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Adele, Toto, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Elton John and even one of my absolute...

Today on the show I speak with 'The Daywalkers' band leaders - Alex Harris MacDonald (vocals/washboard) + Janson Lohmeyer keyboardist/vocals.

This was a tough interview for me to post because unfortunately Janson Lohmeyer tragically passed away, only a few days after we had this conversation. I wrestled with myself as to whether or not I should still put it out, but ultimately decided I would - as I believe it could serve as a nice ...

Today on the show I speak with keyboardist/producer/songwriter - Matthew Robert Fink - aka 'Dr Fink.

Dr Fink is a Minnesota based musician who rose to a 'Purple Rain' of fame as a member of Prince's band 'The Revolution.

He is a three time Grammy Award Winner, three time American Music Award winner and has received numerous RIAA awards for his work as a musician. In addition to his involvement with 'The Revolution', Dr Fink also wor...

Today on the show I speak with author/drummer/musician - Joey Cassata.

Joey Cassata is an American based author/drummer/musician who gained notoriety as a player in the early 2000's with his Rock band 'ZO2', the band even becoming the subject of a television series called 'Z-Rock' and exposed him to a large audience worldwide. From there, he continued to climb the ladder of success and became a member of the 'Trans Siberian Orchestr...

Today on the show I speak with Emmy award nominated British composer/musician - Ruth Barrett.

Ruth is currently one of worlds most sought-after film and television composers with just some of her work appearing in projects like The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, The Girlfriend, PBS’s Victoria, NBC’s Law & Order: Organized Crime, Big Beasts, Bloodlands, Collateral, The Old Guard 2, (...

On today's Musicians Mentor show I speak with American based drummer/educator/author - Gary Hess.

Gary's professional music career began in the 70's playing clubs dates throughout the United States and Canada. In September of 1980 he became the first enrollee at the Percussion Institute Of Technology (P.I.T) and upon graduating a year later was offered a teaching position with the school as an instructor, where he stayed on staff f...

Today on the show I sit down and speak with Louisiana local (but Canadian born) artist/engineer/musician/producer - Chris Butcher.

Many listeners may know of Chris from his work with artists/acts like 'Bonerama', 'Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Orchestra', 'James Andrew nd The Crescent City All-Stars' or even the 'New Orleans Jazz Orchestra' but he is also a three time 2026 Grammy nominee and producer/studio owner (Butcher Studi...

On episode 90 of the podcast - I speak with New York based drummer/songwriter - Aaron Comess.

Aaron is a full time 'band guy' and has been drumming with Alternative/Rock band 'Spin Doctors since their inception back in 1988. The band became a huge success in the 90's with songs like 'Two Princes' and 'Little Miss Can't Be Wrong' and have continued to release music and tour ever since.

We talk about the usual ups and downs that come...

On episode 89 (and our first for 2026) of the podcast I speak with Italian born (and based) guitarist and songwriter - Dario Parente.

Dario is a highly accomplished musician/guitarist who during his career has held various teaching positions, released several albums with his former band - 'Headless' (which featured former Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist) Goran Edman and has been touring as lead guitarist for former 'Queensryche' vocalist,...

On this weeks episode of the podcast (and the last for 2025), I speak with American multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter - Eliot Lewis.

Eliot is probably best known for his time with the bands - 'Average White Band' from 1989 to 2002) and then #hitmakers 'Hall and Oates, from 2003 to 2023), but was also the original featured musician on the 'Live From Darryl's House series and even worked on Joe Cockers - 'Unchain My Heart' and ...

On todays episode of the show I speak with American Rock guitarist/songwriter - Brian 'Damage' Forsythe.

Many of you will know of Brian from his time with hard rock band - Kix, who achieved notable popularity during the 1980's with hit songs like 'Don't Close Your Eyes' and 'Blow My Fuse'.

Additionally, he has also been part of bands like 'Rhino Bucket' and 'The Snake Handlers', written songs with Eric Stacy of 'Faster Pussycat and e...

On this weeks episode I speak with Canadian Rock musician/singer/producer - Lukas Rossi.

Many of you will know of Lukas from his time spent appearing (and then winning) the CBS reality show - 'Rockstar Supernova, which lead to him becoming the vocalist in a supergroup featuring Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted and Gilby Clarke.

Additionally, he has been successful as a songwriter and collaborator in other acts like - The Halo Method (alongs...

On today's episode of the show I talk with the highly talented - Valerie Franco, (AKA Didi Crocket of Spinal Tap).

Valerie is an American based drummer/musician - who in addition to appearing/performing/recording/touring with artists like Bonnie McKee, Haley Kiyoko and Gracie Potter (among others) is now also the latest drummer for the loudest band in the world - 'Spinal Tap'.

Valerie' was kind enough to take some time out of her s...