Hey folks, it's Joe. This week, I'm in the midst of scoring five television series and collecting

several new interviews for upcoming episodes. So I'd like to share with you one of my favorite

trap-set conversations of all time, Brian Blade. See you next week. It's not only the belief in what you're doing,

but the dedication to it and the sharing of it with the hope that it will touch others as much as it has given you joy.

This is Joe Wong. Welcome to the Trap Set, where each week we explore the lives of drummers.

I want to play something for you. The You're hearing he died fighting by

You're hearing he died fighting by Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band,

featuring my guest Brian Blade on drums.

Blade is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana,

and was introduced to music at Zion Baptist Church,

where his father has served as pastor for over 50 years.

Brian exploded onto the scene in the early 90s, and over time has distinguished himself

as one of the all-time greats.

It would be reductive to call Brian a mere virtuoso, just as it would be reductive to say

he possesses one of the most original musical minds on the planet.

Brian's true genius lies in his ability to be completely present, emotionally vulnerable, and musically giving,

to filter cosmic voices through his own unique prism.

These gifts have led Brian to work with artists such as Kenny Garrett, Wayne

Schorter, Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Daniel Lanhua. Brian also

serves as band leader for the fellowship band and for his Mama Rosa project for

which he sings and plays guitar. I spoke to him at a hotel in Chicago before a recent performance.

And now my conversation with one of the all-time greats, Brian Blade. Your father was a pastor, right?

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