This is one of my favorite tracks from this record. I remember during the session we used a really deep, almost marching band sized snare and put a lot of muffling on top to get that 1970’s snare drum thud. It was a lot of fun laying down tracks for this project. The song is…
Read moreAudra McDonald – “God Bless The Child” – LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL (The View 22-May-2014)
Here is a video of me working with one of the greatest performers of all time – Audra McDonald. I was fortunate to have played this show on Broadway. She is a force of nature. So good!
Read moreMemphis Tony Awards Performance 2010
This is one night I’ll never forget. Being on the stage of Radio City Music Hall? Playing on national TV in front of millions. Seeing 6,000 people in the audience in the audience? Looking in the first row and seeing Beyonce and Jay-Z? Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmm. I almost got distracted by her when I glanced…
Read moreAudra McDonald Sings Billie Holiday – From Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill
In January of 2014, I got a call to work on a new musical about Billie Holiday that would feature Audra McDonald. I had no idea just how huge the show would be—what an experience. Audra is a force of nature and was on top of her game every single night. It was amazing to…
Read moreThree Tips On How To Get Paid What You Are Worth For Gigs
I often hear musicians talk about the amount of money certain gigs pay. People chat about the tip jar having to be passed around because club owners pay so little. They might get paid a few dollars here and there for the gig, but hey, at least they get a meal out of it. They…
Read moreBehind the scenes: Ain’t Too Proud – #ainttooproud
Clayton Craddock is a stay-at-home father of two children in New York City. He has a B.B.A from Howard University’s School of Business and is also a 17 year veteran of the fast paced New York City music scene. He has played drums in a number of hit Broadway musicals including “tick…tick…BOOM, Memphis the Musical…
Read more“The Temptations Were Our Beatles”
“The Temptations were our Beatles” I stumbled across a series of Behind The Music episodes on YouTube last night and watched the story of Hall and Oates. Wow, I forgot how many hits they had. I loved so many of their songs. But, The Temps… I really didn’t know how much of an influence they…
Read moreReview: New Temptations musical throbs to life at Berkeley Rep
A propulsive new musical driven by group founder Otis Williams’ life story, “Ain’t” is making its world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre with its eyes on Broadway. Directed by a master of the genre, Des McAnuff, of “Jersey Boys” and “Tommy” fame, this ambitious Motown biography throbs with grit and groove. We learn the backstory…
Read moreOfficial trailer: Ain’t Too Proud
Working on this show has been such a great experience. The music is great, the musicians are amazing, the cast is fantastic and the creative team is top notch. This show is a must see! Book by Dominique Morisseau Music and Lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog Music by arrangement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing Orchestrations…
Read moreWhy new Temptations play is NOT a ‘jukebox musical’
“People always say I make musicals for people who hate musicals and there is some truth to that.” – Des McAnuff True indeed! I never liked musicals. I think way too many of them are corny. I once saw a musical where a singer was at a train station , waiting on her train to…
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