229 – Robert Boone: On the Road with the Count Basie Orchestra

Robert Boone recently graduated from Florida State University with his Masters Degree in Jazz Studies and is currently drummer for The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. He has collaborated with leading artists such as Eric Reed, Marcus Roberts, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Scotty Barnhart, Marcus Lewis, Lester Walker, Rodney Jordan, Bill Peterson, and Leon Anderson. Boone received an undergraduate degree in Music Performance at Kennesaw State University, studying with percussion professor John Lawless and jazz drum set professor Justin Chesarek, and was selected to participate in the 2015 Disneyland All American College Band.

In this episode, Robert talks about:

* How he got the Basie gig* How relying too much on reading can limit your musicianship* His take-aways from a summer with the Disney All American College Band* Different ways to decipher big band charts and set up phrases* Why Sonny Payne is his favorite Basie drummer* How to make the most of a college program* Avoiding a negative/competitive mindset toward your contemporaries* How to stay plugged into your scene if you’re on the road a lot