Episode 114: The Zambi Files ~ Jeff Sipe

Seth and Rob were allowed into Jeff Sipe's rehearsal space to talk about how Sipe's drumming/producing career unfolded, and the many roles Col. Bruce Hampton played in Jeff reaching his musical self-actualization.The hosts first learn how the young, aspiring Virginia drummer found his way to the Berklee College of Music, and about how he became buddies with Steve Vai right around the same time Vai was working toward being a full-time member of Frank Zappa's touring band.  Sipe talks about why he ultimately chose to leave Boston and move to Atlanta, and how he met and began playing with Col. Bruce Hampton.  Bruce initially shocked Sipe quite a bit - but they soon found their space together.Jeff discusses how this led to him being a major part of the "Monday Night Jams" - which started in Little Five Points in Atlanta - and how Aquarium Rescue Unit sprouted out of these legendary nights (Sipe brought Oteil Burbridge and Jimmy Herring into the fold).Jeff discussed the ARU years with such effusiveness that the powerful meaning that era of his career has to him is undeniably palpable.  The band was wildly spontaneous and had many crazy nights, countless moments of spontaneity and a slew of interesting fans. We hear about some humorous interactions with these show attendees during, and between performances. Jeff also offers insight into why ARU came to an end.Sipe also explains Colonel Bruce's clairvoyance, and the extremely positive influence it had on some.  He also talks about the one time he had an out of body experience - and it happened while playing with Col. Bruce.We also hear about the recording, teaching, producing and playing he is doing these days - much of close to his current home with musicians like Travis Book, but also all over the southeast with New Dawn Starkestra and others.We discuss Hampton 70!, and how The Colonel's initial greeting when they saw each other at rehearsal surprised him. Jeff shares some very personal insight about his view of that at-once-both-tragic-and-poetic, legitimately historic 2017 show at The Fox Theater in Atlanta.We learn about the comedic genesis of the Zambiland Orchestra and why Jon Fishman requested a certain specific Hoover vacuum cleaner to play while performing one of the years he joined in the fun.Jeff talks about touring with The Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh, and the cryptic way Lesh gave Jeff feedback on his drumming.....Jeff shares his memory of when he finally heard, "the brown note!"He even reveals that while his mentors are slowly going away, he still has a few left........including Grant Green Jr. - and Grant will be the focus of the next episode of this podcast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.