Mar 05 2025 76 mins 1
In the recent podcast chat, bassist and educator Steve Billman sat down with Ryan to explore his musical journey and teaching philosophy. A longtime faculty member at Los Angeles College of Music, Steve has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists across jazz, fusion, and contemporary styles including: Frank Gambale, Billy Cobham, Liza Minnelli, Daniel Ho, Tak Matsumoto, Alex Acuña, and Mike Stern.
Their conversation started with their musical backgrounds and influences, with Steve sharing his move from Orange County to Los Angeles and his deep focus on rhythm studies for bass players. Steve discussed his innovative curriculum, which emphasizes odd time signatures and polyrhythms, drawing inspiration from South Indian music. Steve Billman also highlighted his self-published educational materials and his vision for Master Music Now, a platform designed to make learning more accessible.
They touched on his band, Odd Dogs, the loss of a key member, and upcoming recording plans. Wrapping up, they exchanged recommendations for artists who specialize in complex rhythms and looked ahead to future collaborations.
Steve Billman Links:
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