Today, I’m sitting down with incredible drummer Lucas van Merwijk.

In this episode, we look back at his impressive career behind the drums. We talk about his deep connection to Latin music, his passion for teaching the next generation of drummers, and the exciting projects he is working on right now.

Since we both have a history of playing internationally, we also dive into some great stories about his unique experiences and massive success performing in China.

Here’s what we chat about:

• His Musical Journey: Looking back at the biggest milestones in his career.
• The Latin Groove: Why Latin music is at the absolute heart of his drumming style.
• Music Education: His approach to teaching and passing on the craft.
• Current Projects: The bands, ensembles, and music he's creating today.
• Success in China: His experiences touring, playing, and making a name for himself in the Chinese music scene.

Website Lucas van Merwijk

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My Music, Schedule, Piano Transcriptions(PDF) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com

I also host another Podcast: "Self Management and Networking for Musicians" , my successful clinic with short Episodes for Musicians with great tips for your Music Career.

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Paul Berner is known not just for who he has played with, but for how he plays—with a deep, resonant soulfulness that anchors every track. In this episode, we sit down to discuss his time with legends like Lionel Hampton, but we also dive deep into his craft. We explore how he develops his signature beautiful sound, his melodic approach to the bass, and the emotional depth he brings to the instrument.

Visit Paul's Website

Send me a text message with your questions, comments or requests for topics.

My Music, Schedule, Piano Transcriptions(PDF) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com

I also host another Podcast: "Self Management and Networking for Musicians" , my successful clinic with short Episodes for Musicians with great tips for your Music Career.

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

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Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

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In this episode, I sit down with my long-time friend and musical colleague, the incredible pianist Bram Wijnands. While we both started our journeys studying music together in the Netherlands, Bram took a path that led him straight to the cradle of jazz: Kansas City.

Though he was born in the Netherlands, Bram has been living and playing in the US for decades, establishing himself as a true heavyweight in the Swing and Stride genres.

We go way back to our student days, trading stories about our early musical education, but we also get technical. Bram gives a masterclass explanation of Erroll Garner’s distinctive style, breaking down exactly how Garner achieved that signature lag and rhythmic drive. And he plays some of his own arrangements.

Watch Bram on YouTube

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My Music, Schedule, Piano Transcriptions(PDF) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com

I also host another Podcast: "Self Management and Networking for Musicians" , my successful clinic with short Episodes for Musicians with great tips for your Music Career.

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to my music on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal

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Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials

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In Dutch, but you can also watch this Episode on YouTube with English Subtitles or Listen with Automatic Translation.

Pianist en Wereldreiziger Mike del Ferro vertelt openhartig over muziek, discipline en creatief ondernemen. Hij wordt geïnterviewd door advocaat en jurist Edgar Stam van "Team Juridische Zaken".

Dit gesprek is onderdeel van de podcast "Bulletproof Ondernemers", waarin Edgar diverse ondernemers spreekt over hun uitdagingen en successen.

🎙️ Host: Edgar Stam: https://hub.htjz.nl
Connect with Edgar on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgar-stam-329401/
Edgar's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BulletproofOndernemers

🎧 Luister / volg deze Podcast op Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DsWVa23ltilGXPZBjGltq?si=9a9f60d618754cb3

Wat als je creativiteit kunt inzetten als businessmodel — wereldwijd?

Mike del Ferro reisde door 120 landen, speelde met de grootste artiesten ter wereld
en ontdekte dat muziek niet alleen kunst is, maar een ondernemersvaardigheid.

Hij bouwde een internationale carrière zonder plan, zonder zekerheid,
maar met discipline, nieuwsgierigheid en totale toewijding aan zijn vak.

Je hoeft geen wereldster te zijn om groot te denken.
Je hoeft geen perfecte strategie te hebben om wereldwijd impact te maken.
Je moet alleen durven vertrouwen op je unieke geluid — letterlijk of figuurlijk.

Mike laat zien dat elke ondernemer — creatief of niet —
kan groeien door discipline + nieuwsgierigheid + lef.

Van de favela’s van Brazilië tot opera-huizen in Europa,
van jazzclubs tot grote festivals —
Mike gebruikte elke plek als springplank,
en elke ontmoeting als inspiratie.

Zijn carrière is geen toeval.
Het is het resultaat van duizenden uren vakmanschap
en beslissen dat je blijft spelen — óók als niemand luistert.

In dit gesprek met Edgar Stam deelt Mike:
1️⃣ Hoe je creativiteit omzet in een schaalbare carrière
2️⃣ Waarom discipline het grote verschil maakt tussen talent en succes
3️⃣ Hoe je overal ter wereld kansen ziet — en pakt
4️⃣ Wat AI betekent voor muzikan

Send me a text message with your questions, comments or requests for topics.

My Music, Schedule, Piano Transcriptions(PDF) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com

I also host another Podcast: "Self Management and Networking for Musicians" , my successful clinic with short Episodes for Musicians with great tips for your Music Career.

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to my music on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram

Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials

Questions, comments, requests for topics of this Podcast: mike@mikedelferro.com

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

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I recently sat down with Alexandre Piret, a dedicated researcher and musicologist who is currently conducting in-depth academic research on the life and music of Toots Thielemans.

In this episode, which is part of my Podcast series "Echoes of Toots Thielemans", where I interview Harmonica Players, Alexandre interviews me about my ten-year collaboration with Toots. It was a humbling experience to revisit those memories—not just the technical aspects of accompanying such a unique instrument, but the personal moments we shared on tours around the world.

We discuss the nuances of Toots' playing, the chemistry we built on stage, and the "echoes" of his influence that I still feel in my own music today. If you are interested in the history of jazz or the legacy of Toots, I hope you enjoy this conversation.

Send me a text message with your questions, comments or requests for topics.

My Music, Schedule, Piano Transcriptions(PDF) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com

I also host another Podcast: "Self Management and Networking for Musicians" , my successful clinic with short Episodes for Musicians with great tips for your Music Career.

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to my music on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram

Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials

Questions, comments, requests for topics of this Podcast: mike@mikedelferro.com

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

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Adam Glasser: Jazz Harmonica, South African Grooves & Musical Adventures!

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Adam Glasser, a musician whose chromatic harmonica playing bridges the worlds of bebop, township jazz, and global fusion. Born in South Africa and based in the UK, Adam has carved out a unique voice, drawing inspiration from the legendary Toots Thielemans while forging his own musical path.

We dive into his fascinating journey, from working with icons like Sting, Joe Zawinul, and Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) to exploring the deep grooves of South African jazz. Adam shares personal stories about his collaborations, his influences, and much more.

Adam Glasser's Website: http://www.adamglassermusic.com

This was a long-distance interview, and at times, the sound quality isn't perfect. Apologies for any interruptions!

Send me a text message with your questions, comments or requests for topics.

My Music, Schedule, Piano Transcriptions(PDF) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com

I also host another Podcast: "Self Management and Networking for Musicians" , my successful clinic with short Episodes for Musicians with great tips for your Music Career.

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to my music on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram

Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials

Questions, comments, requests for topics of this Podcast: mike@mikedelferro.com

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

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I have the pleasure of talking with Marco Riaskoff. For over 40 years, Marco was the driving force behind the legendary Master Classical Pianist (Meesterpianisten) series at the world-famous Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. This iconic series has hosted all generations of piano greats—from titans like Vladimir Horowitz, Martha Argerich and Alfred Brendel to modern masters like Daniil Trifonov, Maria Joāo Pires and Arcadi Volodos.

Marco has a treasure trove of incredible stories to share, shaped by decades of working with the most extraordinary pianists in history.

It was a challenge to edit this interview—there was so much fascinating material—but I think what remains paints a vivid picture of this remarkable man and his deep passion for music, especially the piano. Enjoy!

Send me a text message with your questions, comments or requests for topics.

My Music, Schedule, Piano Transcriptions(PDF) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com

I also host another Podcast: "Self Management and Networking for Musicians" , my successful clinic with short Episodes for Musicians with great tips for your Music Career.

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to my music on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram

Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials

Questions, comments, requests for topics of this Podcast: mike@mikedelferro.com

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

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In this episode, I dive into the world of Kamal Musallam, a pioneering Ud player who seamlessly blends the rich traditions of Middle Eastern sounds with the innovative energy of jazz, rock, and beyond. He collaborated with Billy Cobham and many other jazz greats.

Join me as Kamal shares his journey from his early influences to his unique fusion style that defies genre boundaries. We’ll explore his creative process, the cultural inspirations behind his work, and much more.

We will be touring and recording together in the fall of 2024, stay tuned!

Send me a text message with your questions, comments or requests for topics.

My Music, Schedule, Piano Transcriptions(PDF) and Socials on www.mikedelferro.com

I also host another Podcast: "Self Management and Networking for Musicians" , my successful clinic with short Episodes for Musicians with great tips for your Music Career.

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to my music on Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram

Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials

Questions, comments, requests for topics of this Podcast: mike@mikedelferro.com

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

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