64. Nathan East: Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Get Lucky, Session Stories, Perspective, Drummers, Quincy
Digest
This podcast is an in-depth interview with renowned bassist Nathan East, covering his extensive career and collaborations with legendary musicians. The conversation begins with his early influences and experiences, leading into a detailed discussion of his four-decade-long relationship with Eric Clapton, highlighting their professional and personal bond. He shares anecdotes about working with Phil Collins, emphasizing Collins' unique drumming style and collaborative spirit. The interview also explores his collaborations with Quincy Jones, including the near-miss on the "Off the Wall" sessions, and his experiences with Michael Jackson. East reminisces about Quincy Jones, highlighting their close relationship. The discussion then shifts to his collaborations with various drummers, including John JR Robinson, Harvey Mason Sr., Ringo Starr, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Jeff Porcaro, comparing their unique playing styles. The podcast also delves into the creation and legacy of "We Love LA," and concludes with reflections on fatherhood, the importance of role models, and his son Noah's musical career.
Outlines
Early Career, Influences & Collaborations with Legends
Nathan East's early career, influences, and collaborations with legendary musicians like Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Quincy Jones, and Michael Jackson are discussed, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working with diverse artists.
The Nathan East Interview: A Deep Dive into Four Decades of Music
The formal interview begins, focusing on East's extensive career and collaborations. The host expresses admiration for East's work and personality.
The Eric Clapton Collaboration: A Four-Decade Partnership
A detailed exploration of Nathan East's four-decade-long relationship with Eric Clapton, including anecdotes about their collaborations and personal moments.
Collaborating with Phil Collins and Quincy Jones
Discussion of Nathan's work with Phil Collins, focusing on Collins' drumming style, and his collaborations with Quincy Jones, including the story of almost missing the "Off the Wall" sessions.
Remembering Quincy Jones and Master Drummers
Reminiscences about Quincy Jones and a discussion of various drummers Nathan has collaborated with (John JR Robinson, Harvey Mason Sr., Ringo Starr, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Jeff Porcaro), comparing their playing styles.
"We Love LA" and the Importance of Fatherhood
The discussion covers the song "We Love LA," its creation, and its legacy, followed by reflections on fatherhood and the influence of music on his children.
Musical Legacy and Future Projects
The interview concludes with reflections on fatherhood, role models, and future plans, including a father-son album with Noah East.
Keywords
Nathan East
Acclaimed American bassist known for his smooth style and extensive collaborations across genres.
Eric Clapton
Legendary British blues and rock guitarist and singer-songwriter.
Phil Collins
English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, known for his distinctive drumming style.
Quincy Jones
Highly influential American record producer and musician.
Session Musician
A musician who performs on recordings for various artists.
Michael Jackson
Iconic pop singer and dancer.
John JR Robinson
Highly influential session drummer.
Ringo Starr
Former drummer for The Beatles.
"We Love LA"
Popular song associated with Los Angeles sports teams.
Q&A
What was it like playing bass for Eric Clapton?
Nathan describes his relationship with Clapton as a brotherhood, forged through decades of collaboration.
How did the song "Easy Lover" come together?
The song was written and recorded quickly, almost spontaneously.
What's the most important lesson you've learned from Eric Clapton?
The importance of listening, both in conversation and in music.
Can you describe a memorable session with Michael Jackson?
Nathan recalls arriving at the studio and seeing Michael Jackson emerge from a car, looking exactly like he did in his music videos.
How did you get your start in the music industry?
Nathan's early career began with a local San Diego band, leading to collaborations with Cannonball Adderley and eventually Quincy Jones.
What was it like collaborating with Quincy Jones?
The speaker describes Quincy Jones as a highly talkative and engaging collaborator.
Can you describe the unique playing styles of some of the drummers you've worked with?
The interviewee details the distinct styles of several drummers.
How did you foster a love of music in your children?
Nathan East explains how he exposed his children to music from a young age.
Show Notes
Episode 64: Nathan East. One of the most recorded musicians of all time, and truly one of the greatest humans—that’s Nathan East. I had the best time hanging out with him, diving into his perspective and stories, and cracking up along the way. We talk about his 40-year relationship with Eric Clapton, recording some of the biggest songs ever, and co-writing one of my personal favorite records. His outlook on life is incredible, and I believe that’s a huge part of why he’s had nonstop opportunities since his teenage musician years.
Nathan has played on over 2,000 recordings with legends like Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder, George Harrison, Kenny Loggins, Daft Punk, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock…the list goes on and on. As a bassist, he’s been half of the groove behind a laundry list of the greatest drummers of all time: Vinnie Colaiuta, Ringo, Ndugu Chancler, Jeff Porcaro, Phil Collins, Harvey Mason, John JR Robinson, and more. I hope you enjoy this conversation with the one-and-only Nathan East! I tried my best to make it special from every other interview he’s done. Much love!
‘Go with Elmo Lovano’ is a weekly podcast where Elmo interviews creatives and entrepreneurs in music on HOW they push forward every day, got where they are in their careers, manage their personal lives, and share lessons learned and their most important insights.
(0:00:00 ) INTRO
(0:04:31 ) NATHAN’S BASS
(0:06:31 ) PHIL COLLINS “EASY LOVER”
(0:10:28 ) DAFT PUNK “GET LUCKY” SESSIONS
(0:18:13 ) ERIC CLAPTON
(0:19:10 ) TEARS FROM HEAVEN
(0:24:12 ) GETTING THE GIG WITH ERIC CLAPTON
(0:28:37 ) “CHANGE THE WORLD” SESSION
(0:32:35 ) GREATEST LESSON FROM ERIC CLAPTON
(0:36:01 ) PHIL COLLINS
(0:37:21 ) SOLO ALBUMS
(0:37:51 ) FIRST GIG AT MSG WITH BARRY WHITE
(0:38:44 ) EARLY LIFE, GETTING NOTICED
(0:42:16 ) RECORDING WITH BARRY WHITE
(0:43:27 ) JUGGLING GIGS, FINANCES
(0:45:56 ) QUINCY JONES SESSIONS
(0:50:20 ) CALLS FROM QUINCY JONES
(0:52:28 ) DRUMMERS
(0:53:28 ) JOHN JR ROBINSON
(0:54:31 ) HARVEY MASON SR., FOREPLAY
(0:56:13 ) RINGO STARR
(0:58:08 ) VINNIE COLAIUTA
(0:58:57 ) JEFF PORCARO
(0:59:32 ) RANDY NEWMAN “I LOVE LA”
(0:59:45 ) GEORGE BENSON “LADY LOVE ME”
(1:00:12 ) RICKY LAWSON, CARLOS VEGA, LA TALENT
(1:01:17 ) “I LOVE LA” SESSION
(1:03:13 ) BEING A DAD
(1:05:43 ) HOW TO PRESENT MUSIC TO KIDS
(1:07:42 ) AGING, HAPPINESS
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