107 – Wayne Salzmann: Living and Drumming in Austin, Gigging Early and Often, Partnership Between College Program and Pro Scene, The Importance of “The Hang”

Wayne Salzmann has been at the top of the Austin scene for nearly a decade. Even before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a Master’s degree in jazz performance, he was working his way into the many musical circles Austin has to offer. He has since compiled a long list of performance credits including Steve Miller, Kris Kristofferson, Joe Satriani, Mike Stern, Joe Bonamassa, Bobby Mcferrin, Jeff Coffin, and Oz Noy. He also holds down regular gigs with his own trio and with Austin favorites Bob Schneider and Eric Johnson, and is a member of the adjunct jazz faculty at UT Austin.

In this episode, Wayne talks about:

Why Austin is the self-proclaimed “live music capital of the world,” and why it’s a destination for musicians from all regions and backgrounds

The small but mighty jazz program at UT Austin, and how he uses the Austin scene as a training ground for his students.

His early musical life in Stevens Point, WI, the town that was the basis for That 70’s Show

Creating a live music scene in his small college town where there wasn’t one before

Receiving a grant to travel to New York for an independent study project with Bill Stewart, Billy Martin, Joey Barron and Ari Hoenig.

His gigs with real-life guitar hero Eric Johnson, singer-songwriter Bob Schneider, and his own groups, The Wayne Salzmann Trio and Groove Society.

Wayne Salzmann endorses Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans heads, and DW Drums, pedals, and hardware.

This episode is sponsored by Mapex drums.