The Musicians Mentor

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 ca...

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 U...

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-T...

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 Gene Simmons Solo...

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...

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...

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 wo...

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 wit...

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 suc...

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 scho...

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 thr...

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 mus...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 o...

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&...

Today on the show I talk with - Jack Daley. Jack is an American based bassist/producer/songwriter - who in addition to being a member of the Lenny Kravitz band for roughly 15 years, is now a member of the Alternative Rock band 'Spin Doctors' - and has worked with an array of artists (over the years), including - Beyonce, Joss Stone, The Lighthouse Family, Natalie Imbruglia, M People, Rob T...

In episode 83 of the show, I speak with the extremely insightful - Dave Elitch. Dave Elitch is an American drummer/educator who (over the years has) worked with an array of artists/bands during the course of his career. Some of these names include The Mars Volta, Weezer, Miley Cyrus, The 1975, Justin Timberlake and many, many more. In addition to his role as a musician, Dave has also made quite th...

On today's episode of the show I talk with Louisiana Rock Legend, Derrick LeFevre. Derrick is an American born musician who has had quite an amazing career as a lead vocalist - he is currently the frontman/singer for the monstrous 'Rock Show Nola', local favorites 'Contraflow' and several others. He was also in the hard rock band 'Lillian Axe' from 2004 to 2010 and cont...

In episode 81 of the show I chat/interview drumming icon, Jason Sutter. Jason is an American born drummer/musician who has performed/recorded/toured with an array of diverse artists/bands during the course of his career. Some of these include Chris Cornell, Foreigner, New York Dolls, Smash Mouth, Cher, Marilyn Manson, American Hi-Fi, Butch Walker and many, many more. Currently Jason is on the road...

In this weeks episode of the podcast I talk with Carson Station singer/songwriter - Mark Carson and lead guitarist - Timmy Baudier. Mark Carson is an accomplished songwriter who has had over 40 of his songs recorded/cut by various other artists over the years - including Chapel Hart and John Papa Gros. Timmy Baudier is his right hand man in the band and has worked in a variety of bands as a sidema...

In this weeks episode of the show, I talk to one of my absolute all time favorite drummers - Nate Morton. An American born musician, Nate currently holds the drum throne for 'NBC's The Voice', but has also worked/performed with an array of diverse artists during the course of his career, some of these include - Vanessa Carlton, Paul Stanley, Madonna, Chaka Chan and many many more. Nate...

This week on the show I talk with Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame inductee, singer/guitarist/songwriter and Zebra frontman - Randy Jackson An absolutely legendary figure on the American Rock scene, Randy and his band 'Zebra' shot to mainstream success in the early 1980's with hit songs like, 'Who's Behind The Door' and 'Tell Me What You Want' - and are still going stro...