“It’s a Great Day in LA” – This Is This goes into production on August 11th as Ndugu goes before the camera, followed by legendary reed man, Bennie Maupin, sharing his unique perspectives on August 14th.
Ndugu Chancler is a jazz funk drummer, percussionist, studio musician, composer and producer.
Chancler was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and began playing drums when he was thirteen years old. While in high school, Chancler played with Willie Bobo and the Harold Johnson Sextet. Chancler graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a degree in music education. By then he had already performed with the Gerald Wilson Big Band, Herbie Hancock, and recorded with Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Bobby Hutcherson, among many others. Ndugu also played with Weather Report on the album Tale Spinnin’
Bennie Maupin is a Detroit Michigan jazz multireedist. He performs on various saxophones, flute and bass clarinet.
He is probably best known for his participation in Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi sextet and Headhunters band, and for performing on Miles Davis’s seminal fusion record, Bitches Brew. Maupin has collaborated with Horace Silver, Roy Haynes, Woody Shaw, Lee Morgan and many others. He has also performed on several Meat Beat Manifesto albums. He is noted for having a harmonically-advanced, “out” improvisation style, while having a different sense of melodic direction than other “out” jazz musicians such as Eric Dolphy.
Bobby Colomby Interview
Bobby Colomby, one of the original members of Blood, Sweat, and Tears carved some time out of his busy day to sit down with us an talk about Weather Report. Bobby shared his stories about hearing Weather Report for the first time, and what he thought the bands affect would be on the world of not only Jazz, but music as a whole. Bobby also shared his stories about working and producing Jaco Pastorius first solo album, before Jaco had joined Weather Report.
Alphonse Mouzon Interview
Jazz drummer Alphonse Mouzon who played on Weather Reports debut album, came by today to talk about his time with Weather Report. Alphonse spoke about meeting Joe and Wayne, and what went through his mind the day he received the call about joining Weather Report.
Arturo Sandoval Interview
Yesterday we had the chance to interview Cuban Jazz Trumpeter, Pianist and Composer Arturo Sandoval. Arturo spoke about the time in 1979 when Weather Report was a part of the 3 day HAVANA-JAM festival, and the impact Weather Report had on the people in attendance. Arturo talked about how he felt when the curtains first opened to see Weather Report playing Birdland.
Brian Auger Interview – Behind The Scenes
Brian Auger, founder of Oblivion Express came down today to talk about Weather Report. Brian Auger spoke with us about how Weather Report influenced his music, and his band. He also touched on how great it was to be playing along side Weather Report.
Take a peek at some of the photos from today’s interview.
Interviewing Brian Auger on Monday September 8th.
We have another interview lined up for you. This time we are interviewing Brian Auger. Jazz and Rock keyboardist who formed the band Oblivion Express. We’ll be posting some behind the scene photos from Brian’s interview.
Reed Man Bennie Maupin Interview
Reed man Bennie Maupin stopped by Downtown Los Angeles, and gave us his perspective on Weather Report. Here you can see some photos taken during his interview.
Ndugu Chats About Weather Report
Yesterday in the heart of Los Angeles, the start of the Weather Report documentary ‘This Is This’ began production. Ndugu sat down with us and gave a wonderful interview about the time he first met Joe and Wayne, and how he became involved with Weather Report.
August 11th. This Is This begins Production.
“It’s a Great Day in LA” – This Is This goes into production on August 11th as Ndugu goes before the camera, followed by legendary reed man, Bennie Maupin, sharing his unique perspectives on August 14th.
Ndugu Chancler is a jazz funk drummer, percussionist, studio musician, composer and producer.
Chancler was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and began playing drums when he was thirteen years old. While in high school, Chancler played with Willie Bobo and the Harold Johnson Sextet. Chancler graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a degree in music education. By then he had already performed with the Gerald Wilson Big Band, Herbie Hancock, and recorded with Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Bobby Hutcherson, among many others. Ndugu also played with Weather Report on the album Tale Spinnin’
Bennie Maupin is a Detroit Michigan jazz multireedist. He performs on various saxophones, flute and bass clarinet.
He is probably best known for his participation in Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi sextet and Headhunters band, and for performing on Miles Davis’s seminal fusion record, Bitches Brew. Maupin has collaborated with Horace Silver, Roy Haynes, Woody Shaw, Lee Morgan and many others. He has also performed on several Meat Beat Manifesto albums. He is noted for having a harmonically-advanced, “out” improvisation style, while having a different sense of melodic direction than other “out” jazz musicians such as Eric Dolphy.
Chat with Director – Tony Zawinul
Chat Live with Tony Zawinul, Monday, July 28th at 9pm ET / 6/PT on iRock JAZZLIVE! Join the chat by using this link http://www.spreecast.com/events/chat-live-with-filmmaker-tony-zawinul
Tony Zawinul is the eldest son of the late, legendary Jazz Pianist, Joe Zawinul and Executor of the Zawinul Estate, Tony Zawinul is a multi-media artist, musician and film director.
We Need Your Help!
Weather Report is about more than music; it is about the way you conduct your life, it’s about the fine art of listening and sharing. So, as we begin production of the documentary we want to bring you, our most appreciative and generous fans, with us to share the journey.
If you have any Weather Report memorabilia that you’ve collected through the years, we want to include it in our film and the accompanying book.
We are looking for anything that you have that documents your love for Weather Report. Whether it’s a picture you took while the band was on stage, a ticket stub from one of their many concerts, or even a signed poster from one of their tours. Anything you have that you want to share – maybe even a personal anecdote – please send it to us.
We’ll need you to do the following things;
– Scan or provide a picture of your memorabilia, in the highest quality possible. 600dpi is the minimum quality resolution we will need.
– Email us your picture or scan to info@thisisthisfilm.com, include your full name, and information on your memorabilia. i.e. dates, location, etc. The more information, the better.
If we decide on using your stuff, you will receive full credit for your material.
THANK YOU FANS!