What have you been up to lately and what is in the near future for you?

I’m really excited about my brand new podcast “Making It” Live on Fireside… Tuesday’s at 2 (PT). Tune in at fireside.com/terrywollman

So often I get asked questions about the creative process, so I created this show to focus on what it takes to have a lasting career in the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment business. You’re really in for a treat, as I have invited my friends, some of the best and brightest creatives, to share their stories.

I’m also producing a debut single for Connie Jackson (singer, actress, activist, and producer with credits ranging from “DREAMGIRLS” on Broadway to her recurring role on “NCIS”.  I also produced a Dick Van Dyke song for a movie. It’s a documentary about vitality and about people in their 90’s and 100’s that are doing fun, active, interesting, playful, inspired things. Norman Lear, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, and Dick Van Dyke are a few of the featured people. Because Dick Van Dyke is a singer and a dancer, the producer of the movie asked if I could produce a song for the movie and I said, ‘Absolutely.’

I knew I wanted to be a musician when…

I heard “sitting on the dock of the bay” for the first time in junior high school.

Who were your Teachers of influence?

Michael Gibbs, my composing teacher (and friend) at Berklee, taught me the rules and then showed me how to break them.

Do you have a dream band?

I have recorded all of my albums with my dream musicians since i started making records. Read the liner notes and you’ll see what i’m talking about.

What is your sound and approach to making music?

Growing up in Miami and my travels around the world influences my sound. My approach to music leans heavily on crafting a simple, yet memorable, melody and supporting it with an unexpected rhythmic or harmonic structure.

What was your first jazz,  or pop record that you bought?

The Monkees.

Any special road or in-studio story you’d like to share? Your best or worst experience?

One of my personal favorite experiences was my first time performing with Al Jarreau. It was on a late-night talk show that I was music directing. We played “Take Five” with complete abandon.  It was quite a thrill and a moment that I have not forgotten.

My worst experience and there are many to choose from, was probably on my very first tour. It was 1981 and I was playing with Billy Preston in Germany. When it came time for my feature guitar solo on (The Beatles) “Get Back”, the spotlight hit me just at the exact moment my rental amp quit working. There is no book, or class, to tell you what to do in a situation like that. So I played my solo as if the amp was still on… but without a sound. That was another moment that I will not likely forget!

Do you have a favorite recording studio you worked in?

I love capitol studio in Los Angeles. I’ve also had my own home studio, in one form or another, over the past 25 years.

Your favorite live performance venues?

Disney hall in Los Angeles has the “most” amazing acoustics but is challenging to perform in with electric instruments. I love playing outdoor festivals like the red rock (colorado) where you get to play under the open sky, but I would say my favorite outdoor venue is the “Festival of Arts” in Laguna Beach (California) where I have the pleasure of performing every summer.

Your favorite recording in your discography and why?

It changes every time I listen to music. Why? Because I keep discovering new things each time I go back.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?

Honesty and integrity.

Do you have a specific teaching approach?

To combine theory and technique with joy and passion. Music is supposed to be fun.

Did you know…

My 2 brothers and i are all born on the same day… different years.

What music you are listening to now?

Luther Vandross – Greatest Hits
Beatles – Greatest Hits
Bach – Brandenburg Concertos
Jimi Hendrix – Greatest Hits
Terry Wollman – The very best of (ok… another narcissistic artist. What a shock.)

How would you describe the state of music all the various genres today?

I have faith that the art of crafting a melody is not going to become a lost art. The trend of contemporary music being driven by beat, before melody or lyric, has been interesting but unfulfilling to a certain degree. Don’t get me wrong… I love a good loop or rhythm track, but melody is still King in my book.

Tell me a little about any special project that you felt good about that you been  involved with?

One of the special things that I did was co-produce Melissa Manchester’s 20th album “You Gotta Love The Life”. We had the most amazing time bringing in special guests artists Al Jarreau, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Joe Sample, Dave Koz, Keb’ Mo’, and a magnificent band. I also co-produced a great album for Melanie Taylor entitled “The Road I’m On”.

What are some of the essential requirements you believe to keep pop, jazz, soul music, and basically any well-written music alive and growing?

Learning to play your instrument, looking to the future by acknowledging the past (learn the music that has influenced the world before our time), collaborating with other musicians that you admire and respect.

What is your greatest fear when you perform?

That i don’t hit the notes. My hands are permanently numb from a bicycle accident (c 5-6/67 spinal fusion) so my playing is sometimes affected by the numbness.

What is your favorite song to whistle or sing in the shower?

I find myself singing the oddest things in the shower… sometimes songs on the radio or albums of my friends, other times song ideas that i am working on, and occasionally ear worms that you can’t get out of your head (it’s a small world after all…) sorry!!!

By Day….. what do you do?

Practice, write, exercise, handle business, repeat.

If I weren’t a musician and producer, I would be teaching water skiing at club med, running a snorkel rental shop on a tropical island, or be part of a safety/rescue team.