Thumper & Generation One
Thumper & Generation One has mastered one of the most entertaining and nuanced styles of jazz entertainment we've come across in recent years, and their new single ‘In This Love 2gether’ shows why you'll be hearing a lot more of them.
With undeniable musical talent and a fine-tuned production served straight up, Thumper & Generation One is a group that any jazz music enthusiast will thoroughly enjoy. The mastermind behind the band, Craig Thumper Samuels who does all of the studio recording by himself, has hit the nail on the head with this one. His band Generation One consists of some of the best musicians Omaha Nebraska has to offer. The success of their latest awarding-winning work has not gone unnoticed by the critics, with one recently writing: ‘Original, rhythmic and artfully conceived, Thumper & Generation One defies all convention to create a jazz song that is edgy and truly innovative.’ Yet there’s something special about Thumper & Generation One that sets them apart from other jazz acts. In a musical generation characterized by manufactured pop acts, Thumper & Generation One's originality and sincerity do more than stand out. They reveal qualities that cannot be engineered in the studio. There’s also an unpretentious realness to this group out of Omaha and judging by their growing fan base, they may be precisely what the new generation didn't know it was missing. Independent reporter Blake Wright recently caught up with Thumper & Generation One to get an inside look at this exciting new group and to learn what they have in store for fans this year.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: Of the craziest things that have happened to me during my music career. The one that holds the top spot is also the most inspiring. I went to a Prince Concert in Kansas City in 1996 and as a member of his music club we were allowed to enter early to witness his sound check. During this time Prince would talk to the members that were there as they raised their hand and asked questions. I raised my hand and told him I admired his work and asked him if I could shake his hand. He then asked me if I played (an instrument), and I told him yes. He then told me to "Come on up". I went up on stage and jammed with him and his band for about 10 minutes. After that I shook his hand and went back to my seat. I learned a lifetimes worth of knowledge in that 10 minutes. There are a few others but that one will always top my list.
BLAKE: Your song ’In This Love 2gether’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: The initial reaction that I had the very first time that I heard one of my songs on the radio was a huge sigh of relief. I felt like all of my hard work was starting to pay off, and I had climbed another step towards my ultimate goal. I said to myself "God must have decided that it was time for me to have the one blessing that I had been asking for since I started playing at 4 years old.”
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: There are several inspirations behind my radio single, but they all tie into one 4 letter word. LOVE !!! Seeing all of the situations that the world is in, and has been in for quite a long time, I wanted to do my part to help people learn to love each other again. One of the other inspirations is that on all of my CD's I like to pay homage to artists that have inspired me to keep playing music and spreading love as far as my music will carry it. This particular original song was done by the late great Al Jarreau. What better artist to sing the original version of one of the greatest songs of love to date.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: This question kind of ties in to question 3 in that seeing all of the bad situations that the world is in, and has been in for quite a long time, I wanted to do my part to help people learn to love and take care of each other again, I have created my songs (Vocal and Instrumental) based on both the positive and negative experiences that I have witnessed through people I know and also from stories that I hear about through TV, radio, and word of mouth. (plus I have had a few of my own). So there are a lot of situations, (again, both positive and negative) that I draw inspiration from, but one of them that I feel strongest and hear about most is Domestic Abuse. (not just in the United States, but all over the world). For that reason I have founded and created JADA (Jazz Against Domestic Abuse). It is a non-profit organization that raised awareness to domestic abuse through Jazz music and concerts.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: That's a good question....I guess the best way I would characterize myself as an artist / musician is "Just a normal musician struggling like many many other greats who has been given a blessing to do something for as many people as possible to change their lives for the better. To take away the pain and thought of misfortunes of fans, friends, and strangers, even if its just for a brief moment. Hopefully longer, or forever, LOL, but I'll take a brief moment if I can get it." and when that painful memory comes back to that person, they can think about music I wrote and forget again. Kind of like a positive version of getting drunk on my music. LOL x's 1000 !!!
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BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: My experience in working with and putting together my team has been great !!! Since the beginning of my music career I have had trust issues from being used, hurt, and disrespected. I was once told by a guitar player that I once looked up to that "You'll never be any good, You need to quit trying"... Look at me now !!! LOL. Because of that and other hurtful things, I have a really hard time trusting people. But things are starting to change in that I know that God is looking out for me and he will not put people in my path that will stop me from delivering my music messages, but instead, puts people in place to help me deliver it. Things are starting to fall in place and the foundation is planted. Now it’s time to build my mansion !!! LOL x’s 1000 !!!
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: No ma'am / sir, No one in my immediate family plays. I have two brothers who played sports and then there's me. I am 5 years younger than my middle brother, so when we were growing up there were a lot of things I couldn't do because I was to young or to small. I took to music early because I could do it by myself and have done it that way ever since. I am really close to my father who still supports me then at 4 years old until this day. I am so blessed to still have him with me.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: The thing that I find most rewarding is the fact that I have been given the talent to be able to create music and lyrics that touch the lives of people all over the world. Those who may be going through tough times or people who are just inspired by my music. I learned to play all of the instruments, sing, write, produce, compose, teach and record music to be able to help people of all ages, races, and all other aspects of humanity so they can all relate to my music or influence in some way. It’s great to be able to reach so many people with the gift of playing, writing, and recording the music that is in my heart. And with my strong ties and commitment to JADA (Jazz Against Domestic Abuse) I can help even more people like domestic abuse victims get out of bad situations and relationships. I think that the most challenging or difficult thing is not being able to reach more people than I do. I know that I am making a difference, but I guess I want world peace over night. I know "Over Night" won't happen, so I am blessed to reach one person at a time. If I reach one new person every day then I'm satisfied.......for now !!! LOL
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: Who are my role models in music ?... ME !!!, LOL !!! NO, Seriously, There are a lot of musicians, singers, and songwriters that I listen, or look up to. I learn something from everyone that catches my eye, (OR EAR) LOL !!! I listen to ANY and ALL types of music (IF IT'S CLEAN), I can't listen to negative music with bad language or bad influence. I will turn it off in a heartbeat, (or a drum beat) LOL. Any good clean genre is good for me. Jazz, Rock, Blues,...and so on. But If I had to pick a few of my most influential artists, I would say.... Prince, Norman Brown, George Benson, B.B.King, Robert Johnson, Peter white, and more. There are different people for different instruments, Saxophone, Piano, Bass and so on. But above all...I am still my favorite role model. Simply because all of my role models have already got theirs. I have been and still am working to get mine and I am proud of myself !!! My non-musicial role model is my father !!!
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: That's another good question. I have had lots of memorable performances so I will tell you about the top two. As I do a LOT of benefit concerts for my community, these two are tied together in that fashion. The first was called "A Concert 4 Hunger". I do these Jazz concerts every year and at these concerts fans (old and new) donate canned food items as admission to the show and that food is given to the Foodbank of the Heartland for Thanksgiving meals for homeless families. The second yearly show I do is called "Toys 4 Tunez", same concept except people donate unwrapped toys that are given to the terminally ill children at a local Children’s hospital. There are other benefits that I do, but these are two of my favorites. The JADA tour will begin in 2018 !!!
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: There is so much advice I could give to upcoming artist, I could write a book. LOL. So, of the things I think are most important are... (Before I get into the creative advice, I would like to offer some personal advice...) STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. I have never used either and NEVER will. Now.... 1. Believe in Yourself, If you don't believe in yourself, No one else will believe in you. Above that, Believe in your dreams, turn your dreams into goals, turn your goals into plans, plan the route to your destination and walk towards it. DO NOT STOP TIL YOU GET THERE !!! and don't let anyone get in your way. If you want it, it's yours. GO GET IT !!! 2. Do your research in music (on the business and the artistic side) or whatever you decide to do in life. This is to protect yourself from getting cheated out of what you have worked for and or deserve. Take your time, your young, you have plenty of it. As I said...I could go on, but for the 3rd and last piece of advice. LOL. When creating your craft (Music, Visual Art, or anything else) Start from the beginning, You can't play the good stuff right away or overnight. Start with your scales and modes, start slow (Accuracy is more important than speed) Learn your theory, (How to read and write music) For visual artists (same concept) You can't paint a Picasso with one swipe of the brush. LOL. And last but not lease. Believe in God, for it is he who makes all things happen !!!
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
THUMPER & GENERATION ONE: The next step for me is to continue working on my JADA tour and organization. My current radio track "In This Love 2gether" is featured on my latest CD "Thumpology 101" which was released earlier this year along with my 8th CD. "The Best of VII". I am planning to release one more CD in 2017 that will be titled "On Top of the Covers", which will consist of smooth jazz versions of all of my cover tunes to date. I just might throw a couple bonus tracks in there too. My first CD of 2018 will be called "MAD MAC" (Make A Difference...Make A Change). The first track of that CD "Positive Attitude" is done !!!
BLAKE: Very exciting! It's been a blast talking with you. Thank you for your candid answers and we can't wait to hear your new music.
http://www.theakademia.com/artistkit/ThumperAndGenerationOne-InThisLove2gether.html
http://www.facebook.com/craig.t.samuels/