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Bob Malone: The Internationally Respected Instrument Designer and Builder - On Craft and Kaizen
Manage episode 479312216 series 2833043
Bob Malone has quite literally helped shape the sound of modern trumpet playing around the world. He's been designing trumpets for nearly 40 years and is widely recognized as one of the premier trumpet designers in the world. His instruments are played in major orchestras across the globe, and his influence can be heard through the artistry of many of the finest trumpet players of our time.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Bob for almost 50 years, and watching his evolution—from passionate trumpet player to visionary instrument designer—has been nothing short of inspiring. So it was a real pleasure to sit down with him and explore the journey that has defined his life’s work.
In Part 1, we kick off our conversation by diving into how Bob has applied the Japanese concept of Kaizen—the philosophy of continuous improvement—to his work over the years. From there, we go back to his early days as a trumpet player and explore how his passion for the instrument led him to the world of design and craftsmanship. He shares how key figures like Larry Minick and Tom Stevens mentored him and helped shape his path, leading to the founding of Bob Malone’s Brass Technology, and eventually, his pivotal role at Yamaha Corporation.
Bob also recounts his first major design collaboration with trumpeter Bobby Shew—a project made possible through the support of his close friend, Kenzo Kawasaki.
In Part 2 [Subscriber Content], we get into some of Bob’s experiences working with a remarkable roster of trumpet luminaries, including Håkan Hardenberger, John Hagstrom, Allen Vizzutti, David Bilger, Chris Martin, Tom Rolfs, Wayne Bergeron, Bo Nilsson, and conductor Andris Nelsons. His stories are a fascinating glimpse into the minds of these incredible musicians and the collaborative process behind great instrument design.
And since Bob has spent so much of his career on the road, we also talk about his favorite travel destinations, memorable meals, and how he manages the inevitable jet lag that comes with a global career.
Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
- Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners.
- Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students.
- Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions.
- The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music!
- Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely!
- Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.
Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
191 episodes
Manage episode 479312216 series 2833043
Bob Malone has quite literally helped shape the sound of modern trumpet playing around the world. He's been designing trumpets for nearly 40 years and is widely recognized as one of the premier trumpet designers in the world. His instruments are played in major orchestras across the globe, and his influence can be heard through the artistry of many of the finest trumpet players of our time.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Bob for almost 50 years, and watching his evolution—from passionate trumpet player to visionary instrument designer—has been nothing short of inspiring. So it was a real pleasure to sit down with him and explore the journey that has defined his life’s work.
In Part 1, we kick off our conversation by diving into how Bob has applied the Japanese concept of Kaizen—the philosophy of continuous improvement—to his work over the years. From there, we go back to his early days as a trumpet player and explore how his passion for the instrument led him to the world of design and craftsmanship. He shares how key figures like Larry Minick and Tom Stevens mentored him and helped shape his path, leading to the founding of Bob Malone’s Brass Technology, and eventually, his pivotal role at Yamaha Corporation.
Bob also recounts his first major design collaboration with trumpeter Bobby Shew—a project made possible through the support of his close friend, Kenzo Kawasaki.
In Part 2 [Subscriber Content], we get into some of Bob’s experiences working with a remarkable roster of trumpet luminaries, including Håkan Hardenberger, John Hagstrom, Allen Vizzutti, David Bilger, Chris Martin, Tom Rolfs, Wayne Bergeron, Bo Nilsson, and conductor Andris Nelsons. His stories are a fascinating glimpse into the minds of these incredible musicians and the collaborative process behind great instrument design.
And since Bob has spent so much of his career on the road, we also talk about his favorite travel destinations, memorable meals, and how he manages the inevitable jet lag that comes with a global career.
Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
- Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners.
- Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students.
- Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions.
- The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music!
- Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely!
- Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.
Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
191 episodes
All episodes
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