Mike Holstein is a multi-instrumentalist, luthier, and woodworker that performs jazz regularly in and around Western North Carolina. He welcomed me to his studio filled with instruments, many of which he made, to discuss music and ways to address physical issues that come with playing large instruments like the drum set and upright bass. We discuss the roles drummers play in jazz and what it's like to play in a band full of drummers. He shares how he navigated some of the baggage that can come with attending music school.
He has an incredible knack for music. I was blown away by his ability to hear a new song I shared with him and play along with it after only hearing two notes.
Unfortunately, I was not able to open the video file I recorded while we were there. Toward the last 10 minutes of the talk you'll hear us referencing different things in the studio and for a short while we are too far from the microphones, but I think it's still worth the listen.
Please check out his instagram to see him create with the Linn Instrument and drum set.
You can often see him live in Asheville at Little Jumbo playing with Bill Bares and Justin Watt in the Asheville Art Trio. You can also check out his project Me/Him with Jason Moore. Other collaborations include Holly Hopkins, Jay Sanders, Rick Cline, and many others.
Thanks for listening. Don't forget to like, sub, comment, and rate! It really helps me keep this project going.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/likethecow/?hl=en
Other links as discussed:
https://reveriedrums.com/
https://www.rocnsoc.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapman_Stick
https://www.littlejumbobar.com/
https://spillwaybridgeco.com/
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/bill-gerhardt/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_DeJohnette