On The Hook with Matt Wilson

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt's book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Kat Edmonson joins Matt to discuss Kat Edmonson is an award-winning songwriter and singer "with an equal foothold in jazz, cabaret, and vintage cosmopolitanism pop" (The New York Times). She has been featured on Austin City Limits, Tiny Desk Concerts, A Prairie Home Companion, and The Late Show. The New York Times describes her music as "fresh as a spring bouquet," while NPR says, "Hearing Edmonson makes it virtually impossible to do anything but stop and listen." Kat holds a deep and longstanding commitment to creating the highest quality recordings possible, working with multi-GRAMMY®-award-winning producers and audio engineer legends Frank Filipetti, Fernando Lodeiro, Ed Cherney, Phil Ramone, and the recording giant Al Schmitt (24-time-GRAMMY®-award-winner) who said of Kat, "She is a tremendous talent … with a style and charm that reaches fans in the worlds of blues, rock, pop, and beyond." In 2013, The Songwriters Hall of Fame awarded Kat the Abe Olman Scholarship Award for Excellence in Songwriting. "Intuitive about melody and handy with a turn of phrase (The New York Times), the songsmith has been writing since she was a little girl, having published over 40 songs. JAZZIZ magazine says, "…her lasting contribution might very well be her songs." NPR says, "She's a savvy student of '60s film soundtracks, jazz-pop stylists, and Brill Building songcraft, nodding to her influences at every turn. But her take on those stylized musical languages is so fresh and fluent that the referencing never feels cumbersome." Her original song "Lucky" was featured in the Coca-Cola "Footprints" ad from the 2014 Winter Olympics. The Texas native began crafting her signature sound while performing in Austin's local club circuit for years before releasing her debut LP, Take To The Sky, in 2009. In addition to her headline tours, Kat has gone on the road in support of Lyle Lovett, Chris Isaak, Gary Clark, Jr., Jaime Cullum, and Shawn Colvin and has opened shows for Smokey Robinson, George Benson, Amos Lee, Michael Kiwanuka, Asleep at the Wheel, Nick Lowe, and Willie Nelson. Kat Edmonson lives in New York. In winter 2022, Kat made her theatrical debut in "The Hang,": a new jazz opera by Taylor Mac and Matt Ray. Upon its opening, the off-off Broadway show received "Critic's Pick" in The New York Times, highlighting Kat's "extraordinary artistry." About her performance, Vulture praises the burgeoning actress for her "weightless, soaring scat arias," The Wrap says, "Kat Edmonson emerges as the Teresa Stratus of off-off-Broadway." "The Hang" imagines the final hours of the life of Socrates as he asks his friends to use every moment left to think on virtue. Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the "Piano Man" in the First National Tour of Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's Tony-award-winning musical Movin' Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on P Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt's book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Phil Pritchett joins Matt to discuss the expectations and realities of the working musician. Topics include Phil Pritchett is a Texas-based rock and roll singer-songwriter, entertainer, and producer. www.philpritchett.com. Support the show

Season 2, Episode 3 - Geoff Smith, Katie Pinder Brown, and Ken Gustafson join Matt to talk about the longstanding tradition of the piano bar. Topics include Guests Geoff Smith is a prolific American music producer and performer. His work includes custom music creation for all forms of media and live- musical performance. Geoff's most recent projects include producing the new Cast Recording for the Musical KINGDOM COME and touring with the Wallflowers on bass guitar. Geoff grew up in Franklin in a musical family and studied music at Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music in the early 90s. While in college, Geoff began working for Opryland/Gaylord as a theme park performer in their Nashville and San Antonio, Texas parks. While in Texas, Geoff joined Howl At The Moon Dueling Pianos in 1995 and became the founding Entertainment Director for Crazy Pianos in Rotterdam, Holland, in 1997. While living in Europe, Geoff studied songwriting and studio production at Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Upon returning to the States, Geoff Smith became one of the original founding members of The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar management team in 2001 (www.thebigbangbar.com). He co-founded Rock and Roll Pianos, a live event music company (www.rockandrollpianos.com). Geoff is a session musician and educator in Nashville and has been the touring bassist for the Wallflowers in 2018 and 2019. Other artists Geoff has played with include Will Lee, Phil Keaggy, Gabe Dixion, Sugar and the Hi-Lows, and Jim Messina. Geoff teaches grammar school music at Franklin Classical School. He is also a partner and the producer of www.ringtonefeeder.com - an innovative ringtone service. Geoff Smith has been an active supporter and composer for the Songs of Love Foundation since 2006. Geoff has had TV and commercial placement for his music (heard on the Voice, American Pickers, MTV Awards, and various ads for companies such as Blackberry and GoDaddy.) Geoff has produced the Original Cast Recording of the musical KINGDOM COME by well-known CCM and Soul Musician and his father, Moose Smith. Awards include: Winner of the Big Gig Jingle Contest for the Nashville MTA 2008 Winner of the 2007 Carolina Beach Music Award For Best Duo and Collaboration for the song "Rhythm" with the Impressions. You can find out more about Geoff can be found at his website: www.thegeoffsmith.com Katie Pinder Brown is an accomplished, versatile singer and piano entertainer based in Orlando whose dynamic voice, charismatic presence, and impressive repertoire have dazzled and delighted international audiences. Katie adeptly tackles various genres, from musical theatre and jazz to pop/top 40, from classical to rock 'n' roll. She has made a name for herself in Florida and beyond as a vocal chameleon, a human jukebox, and a musical Jill-of-all-trades. So far, her career has brought her to 25 US states, 18 countries, and four continents, and her goal is to rock all seven before she retires. She hopes her newly created Carole King tribute show Natural Woman will take her all the way. As a dueling piano player, she facilitates an extraordinary range of song requests with aplomb and expertly collaborates with countless partners instantaneously on her travels. She also founded her Certified Women-Owned production company Piano Party, which is emerging as an industry leader in world-class piano entertainment and specializing in all-female shows. Katie comes from a very musical family in Georgia who sowe Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt's book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Stuart Malina joins Matt to discuss Movin' OutIn a wide variety of concerts, from masterworks and grand opera to pops, Stuart Malina's ease on the podium, engaging personality, and insightful interpretations have thrilled audiences and helped break down the barriers between performer and listener. This year marks Stuart's 22nd season as Music Director and conductor of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. In June 2022, he was named Music Director of the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra in Greenwich, CT, where he will begin conducting concerts in September of 2023. Throughout his career, he has conducted and directed multiple orchestras around the world. His Carnegie Hall debut was in 2007, where he conducted the New York Pops in an all-Gershwin tribute, including Rhapsody in Blue, which he conducted from the keyboard. He's also an accomplished pianist; Stuart has impressive credits as a soloist and chamber musician. He has performed concertos in Harrisburg, Greensboro, Charleston, New York, and Chautauqua, most often conducting from the keyboard. As a composer and arranger, he has created dozens of orchestral works, ranging from entire pops shows to works for symphony orchestra. His most recent composition, Common Fanfare for an Uncommon Orchestra, received its world premiere by the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra in September 2017. Stuart's activities also extend to Broadway. In 2003, he won the Tony award for orchestration with Billy Joel for the musical Movin' Out. He acted in Terrence McNally's Tony Award-winning play Master Class, opposite Zoe Caldwell and Audra MacDonald, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. He has also served as associate conductor of the national touring company of West Side Story and as conductor of the Charleston production of Porgy and Bess. In May 2020, Stuart received an honorary doctorate from Lebanon Valley College. He has received the Joanne Rogers Award for contribution to the artistic life of Pennsylvania, the Jump Street Spectrum Award, the Lebanon Valley College's 2012 Founders Day, the Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts from Theater Harrisburg, and Leadership Harrisburg's Platinum Award for Servant Leadership. Stuart holds degrees from Harvard University, the Yale School of Music, and the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied conducting with Otto-Werner Mueller. He studied piano with Drora and Baruch Arnon and with Keiko Sato. He resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Marty. They are the proud parents of two children, Sara and Zev. Stuartmalina.com Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the "Piano Man" in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's Tony-award-winning musical Movin' Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events of all sizes. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt’s book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Ross Shafer joins Matt to discuss In addition, Ross shares some cool stories from his years in comedy and television. Ross Shafer is a six-time Emmy Award-winning TV broadcaster & comedian and has hosted talk and game shows on NBC, ABC, FOX, MGM, and USA Network. He is the author of ten business books on growth, motivation, customer experience, and accountability. A writer/producer of 14 Human Resource films. Ross has served as the keynote speaker for over 2,500 events worldwide and is a national Speaker Assn. Hall of Fame recipient. https://rossshafer.com Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the “Piano Man” in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Tony-award-winning musical Movin’ Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt’s book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Dan Holmes joins Matt to discuss Dan Holmes is a professional musician, songwriter, entertainer, and founder of Allrequestpiano.com. Dan and his partner, Heather Ray, perform over 200 shows a year as All Request Piano. Through Dan’s management, allrequestpiano.com maintains an online presence that generates tangible and profitable returns. Dan is a respected musician and performer in the Central Texas area and beyond—Danholmesgroup.com Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the Piano Man in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Tony-award-winning musical Movin’ Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events of all sizes. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt’s book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Tim Levy joins Matt to discuss Tim Levy is an author, speaker, marketing and business consultant, film and TV producer, and performer. His Australian-based company Tim Levy and Associates consults companies worldwide on marketing, content, and online strategies. Tim also formed Resonant Blue Studios, a new production company focused on short and feature film production targeting meaningful stories that bring a little light and laughter into the world. Timlevy.net Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the “Piano Man” in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Tony-award-winning musical Movin’ Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events of all sizes. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt’s book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, the Reverend Merrill Wade joins Matt to discuss (The Reverend) Merrill Wade is a recently retired Episcopal priest living in Austin, Texas. Raised on Air Force bases in Florida, Morocco, and Kansas, his family settled in Fort Worth, Texas in the mid-1960s. Merrill graduated from the University of Texas in 1976. He worked in the oil and gas industry for the next nine years, the last six years as a petroleum land manager in Jackson, Mississippi. In 1986 he made a career change, and after having attended and graduated from General Theological Seminary in New York City, he was ordained an Episcopal minister in 1989. Merrill served three congregations in Mississippi (Vicksburg, Long Beach, and Meridian) over the next 13 years. In 2002 he and his wife Crystal and their two young children were called to Austin, Texas, where Merrill served as the Rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for 17 years, retiring in the Fall of 2019. A music lover, Merrill and St. Matthew’s launched a singer-songwriter series in Austin called the Soul of a Musician Series in 2013. The Soul Series affectionately focused on the heart and soul of the musicians seeking to honor their creativity and vocation. Merrill has spoken on music issues at the South by Southwest Music Conference four times and, on occasion, is interviewed on local “sports talk” radio as an informed live music curator. Merrill is excited about offering his 31 years of non-profit leadership experience in the South and Southwest in support of the staff and board of This is Noteworthy. Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the “Piano Man” in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Tony-award-winning musical Movin’ Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events of all sizes. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt's book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Debbie joins Matt to discuss A licensed mental health counselor and organizational psychologist with extensive field experience, Debbie has advised individual and corporate clients across all industries and established herself as a speaker, instructor, and author since founding her company, Thoughts In Order, in 1997. In 2012 she moved to Austin, Texas, and sharpened her focus to the music industry, digging into the systems that drive every aspect of a music career, including booking, touring, production, marketing and promotion, recording and distribution, copyright and royalties, and the wellbeing and protection of artists and their creative gifts. Her past and current project portfolio range from large-scale conference and festival production to one-on-one consultation and coaching of music creators and industry professionals. Her educational background includes an MS in mental health counseling, MA in industrial/organizational psychology, and BFA in journalism.​ ​Debbie's latest book, The Organized Musician, helps independent artists around the world to get their act together and live their dream of a career in music. Well-received as the basis of her South by Southwest presentation "Time Management for Musicians," The Organized Musician has become a workbook, touchstone, and traveling companion for artists throughout the U.S. and beyond. Her next book, Modern Music Patronage, will teach music fans how to give substantive support to the artists they love in the post-pandemic age of independent music. Debbie has offered books and courses for her organizing and productivity-industry peers for over twenty years as an educator. She is the author of books including Newbie Pitfalls and Ethical Pitfalls for Professional Organizers; the developer and instructor of "Fundamental Organizing and Productivity Principles," a flagship course of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, as well as other courses in the NAPO curriculum; and a frequent conference presenter. Debbie is also honored to be a curator of the Austin Public Library's Electric Lady Bird streaming music catalog, a South By Southwest Music Conference Advisory Board member, and a Professional Member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the "Piano Man" in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's Tony-award-winning musical Movin' Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events of all sizes. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt’s book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Rickey joins Matt to discuss THE ULTIMATE “MR. HAPPY,” Rickey Paul Getwood, Jr is a Professional Fitness Trainer, Certified Jay Shetty Life & Success Coach, Drummer, and Author of the best-selling book, “Reprogram Your Happiness.” Rickey has taken communities by storm with his captivating aura of happiness, high-energy inspirations, and life-altering awareness messaging. Affectionately coined with the name “Mr. Happy,” Rickey’s story and coaching sessions continue to impact hundreds of individuals all across the world. Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the “Piano Man” in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's Tony-award winning musical Movin’ Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in the area of Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events of all sizes. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show

Focusing on Hook #47 in Matt’s book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Matthew Friedman shares how he transformed from practicing law in New York City to playing the role of the Piano Man in Movin’ Out on Broadway. A tale complete with rockstar encounters, overcoming naysayers, building skill and confidence, witnessing tragedy, and years of waiting and hoping, Matthew’s story exemplifies the patience and persistence needed to pursue a dream and greater purpose. Matthew Friedman is a singer/composer/multi-instrumentalist from New York, NY. Matthew was “The Piano Man” for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd National Tours of Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Tony Award-winning musical, Movin’ Out, performing across the United States, Canada, and Japan. He was one of only eleven people to hold this position, dating back to the show’s premiere in 2002. He also played keyboards for Jersey Boys on Broadway for more than eight years and the guitar/keyboard chair for the most recent production of Smoky Joe’s Cafe. Matthew leads his corporate event band, Stiletto, which covers the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, and other classic rock greats. He also performs dueling pianos all over the eastern seaboard. In 2019, he was invited to play the part of “The Piano Man” once again—this time for the legendary Lords of 52nd Street, Billy Joel’s original band. Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the “Piano Man” in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Tony-award-winning musical Movin’ Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events of all sizes. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt’s book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Nicole Brogdon (MAC,LPC,LMFT) joins Matt to discuss: • How to regulate emotions onstage and within relationships, • How to maintain perspective during significant changes and moments, • How to apply a process-oriented approach to performance and life. Nicole Brogdon is a licensed professional counselor in Austin, TX. She treats professional musicians through the Sims Foundation, which provides low-cost therapy for local music industry professionals. Nicole works with those facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and assimilation issues and is particularly interested in creativity. Early mornings, she writes —and occasionally publishes— stories and poems. Supportive of strugglers and artists everywhere, Nicole feels that her calling is” to help you tell your story!” Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the “Piano Man” in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp’s Tony-award-winning musical Movin’ Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events of all sizes. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show

Drawing on the concepts presented in Matt's book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, Darrell and Matt tell a few stories, discuss tools and techniques, and share strategies anyone can use to prepare mentally and consistently deliver in high-pressure performance situations. Darrell May is a former MLB player with over 16 years at the professional level. Darrell started his pro career with the Atlanta Braves when he was drafted at age 20. During his career he played for the Pirates, the Angels, the Royals, the Padres, the Yankees, the Twins, the Reds and two teams in Japan. He was a member of the 1995 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves, as well as other post season teams. While playing in Japan, he was an All-Star and won a Japan World Series with the Tokyo Giants. After retiring Darrell went to MLB Scouting school and has spent his time since developing, coaching and mentoring young athletes. Currently, he works with a California-based sports agency as Vice President of Player Development, and head of the Texas division. Darrell is also an advisor to the MLB RBI program in Austin and a member of the Positive Coaching Alliance. He lives in central Austin with his wife of 20 years, Heather, and his two daughters, Grace a rising senior, and Brynley a rising freshman, both at SMCA. Matt Wilson gained national exposure as the “Piano Man” in the First National Tour of the Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp's Tony-award winning musical Movin’ Out. In 2005, the Texas State Senate honored Matt with a resolution for his achievements in the area of Fine Arts, and he was accepted to the 2016 - 2018 Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster. Matt continues to tour with his band, headlining numerous public, private, and social events of all sizes. In 2021, Matt released his first book, Hooks: Lessons on Performance, Business, and Life from a Working Musician, available on Amazon and iBooks. Support the show