Tris Imboden Talks Rock 'n' Roll, In-Ear Monitors, Kenny Loggins, and More

Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast

This week’s Gig Gab is a must-listen as journeyman drummer Tris Imboden joins Dave Hamilton, bringing a wealth of musical history and wisdom. Dive into Tris’s fascinating career, from growing up in the musically rich Orange County, to the unforgettable moment he saw The Beatles live, despite barely hearing them over the screaming fans. You’ll love the tales of his early days with instrumental surf bands and how his band Honk’s soundtrack success in Hawaii set the stage for future opportunities. Tris’s story of playing a sold-out week at The Troubador, only to have the band implode right on the verge of breaking through, echoes the bittersweet reality of many musicians’ careers.

Fast forward to Tris’s transition into a sought-after studio musician, including his audition for the Kenny Loggins Band, and you’ll find invaluable lessons on perseverance and readiness. The discussion on in-ear monitors and the importance of protecting your hearing offers practical advice for every musician. Tris shares his preferences for in-ear mixes and reflects on the perks of working with Chicago for so many years. From playing on Ringo Starr’s drums backing up Ringo himself to insights on keeping a band together, this episode is packed with stories and tips that embody the show’s catchphrase: Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 438 – Monday, July 15th, 2024
  • July 15th: National Give Something Away Day
  • Guest co-host Tris Imboden
• 00:02:32 Tris Imboden’s time with Kenny Loggins
• 00:03:33 The key: Location… Growing up in Orange County helped!
• 00:04:00 Seeing The Beatles!
  • You Couldn’t Hear Them
  • The Byrds were watching … from two rows behind Tris
  • David Crosby Ran by in a Cape…and knocked Tris over!
• 00:06:53 Back to the proximity to LA being helpful
  • Instrumental Surf Bands
  • Robert Scovill on Gig Gab
  • Coughing up Furballs with Tris Imboden
  • Early in his career, Honk (with Tris Imboden) did the soundtrack for a surf movie with a number one hit in Hawaii
• 00:12:52 Be ready when you get the opportunity to do the hard work
  • Sold out a week at The Troubador
  • Imploded right on the verge of breaking through
  • Like a real life Guy Patterson from That Thing You Do
• 00:19:27 From Imploded Band to Studio Musicians… and we’re off!
• 00:20:01 Auditioned for Kenny Loggins Band
• 00:23:36 Let’s Talk In-Ear Monitors!
  • UE Pro Live
  • UE 11 Pro
• 00:28:42 Protect Your Hearing, folks
  • Loud instruments and monitors can take a toll
  • Dedicated/Sacrificed His Ears to Rock and Roll
• 00:32:36 In-Ear Mixes…and Mixers
  • Got spoiled by Chicago
  • Tris likes: full mix, bass heavy, not quite as much drums as the house, all instruments
• 00:38:07 Kenny Loggins drum freak… letting you get away with things on Pop Records
  • Kenny Loggins Footloose on Daryl’s House
• 00:43:29 Tris Imboden Yacht Stars
  • At the last minute…Tris Imboden played on Ringo’s drums…with Ringo singing live!
  • You Keep a Band Together by Having Personnel Changes
• 00:49:52 Gig Gab 438 Outtro
  • Follow Tris Imboden
    • Tris Imboden on All Music
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