Jonathan Colman (Muscle Tough)

Welcome to one of the friendliest episodes ever! Jonathan Colman of Muscle Tough joins me for a great discussion about his unique career. He’s really the only artist in his family. But what a supportive family! Jonathan’s gateway into music was Weird Al. He got into music more as a rapper and breakdancer than musician; that is until he heard his first electric bass. Then it was love at first listen. Jonathan studied jazz performance at Duquesne and on the day he graduated, he left the ceremony in Pittsburgh for a gig in Philly. That led to him crisscrossing the country and living the rock and roll life. At one point, just as things were really picking up, Jonathan decided it was too much and he needed a break. He went home, moved in with his parents and became Lunch Lady Man John. But the rest was exactly what he needed. He got into teaching music, which he still does, playing sessions, and meeting Ross Bellenoit and Joe Baldacci, his band mates in the improvisational jam trio, Muscle Tough. Jonathan talks to me about being a pedal nerd, a bouillabaisse of influence & theft, and the concept of the key centerless jam. And why is he signing inflatable pizza rafts? Follow Jonathan @friendshipwizard on Instagram. Follow the band @muscletoughband. Check them out on Bandcamp. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on social media. We accept coffee donations at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Buy merch at performanceanx.threadless.com. And please enjoy some improv with Jonathan Colman of Muscle Tough on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices