Here is an interview with guitarist Jamie Glaser. He has played and toured with bands such as Manhattan Transfer, Jean Luc Ponty, and Brian Adams. He has also worked on commercial music being involved with projects like Married With Children and Seinfeld!

Can you tell me about the people you have played with and your career in the music industry?

To begin with my father Hy Glaser was a pop songwriter. He had no giant hits but he was a very respected lyricist in the Tin Pan Alley days in New York. He had his songs recorded by people like Sarah Vaughn, Joe Williams, Nat King Cole and Sinatra. He was my biggest influence, my best friend, and my partner.
Because of his career my first guitar teacher was Joe Breeze, the guitarist for the Ed Sullivan show. My studies started at 9 years old with Joe. Later in high school etc I studied with Tommy Lucas and Don Arnone..two premier studio players in New York. They were mentors, and allowed me to attend
sessions, something I do with my students now, to give me an idea of the scene, but even more to provide a place where I could break in. Believe it or not...I have never sent a package (tape, picture etc) for any of the incredible work that I have done or do. I was also playing string bass and was accepted to Julliard...but like everyone else I wanted to be a guitar hero....and since I only stand about 5/7 I knew that if I continued on bass I would never get all the women I dreamedof...how's that for honesty?

So it was off to Berklee and that was the key I believe to my personal success. Not only is Berklee incredible but the years I was there 1973-77 were magical. Teachers included Pat Metheny, Gary Burton, and a other greats. The chairman of guitar was my guardian angel..and he was a sub for my father..his
name WILLIAM LEAVITT.
He gave me the tools, the confidence the direction and a love for what I do ..which is the most important thing.
Incredibly, my classmates were greats like VINNIE COLLUITA, JEFF BERLIN, AL DIMEOLA, TIM LANDERS, MIKE STERN, AND STEVE SMITH. Steve gave me my big break. Although most young musicians know him from Journey he was with lots of jazz bands. One day he came to me and said..."Hey Jamie..Alan Holdsworth is leaving the Jean Luc Ponty band u want me to get you an audition"..Well I didn't even know who the heck Ponty was yet..but I saw his name in Billboard, found tons of records (MAHAVISHNU<ZAPPA<ELTON JOHN) and by the time Steve called back I was dying to try out.
A week later I auditioned and it went fairly well. I had to sight-read ENIGMATIC OCEAN..which wasn't released yet...and Ponty thanked me. 6 days later, I get the call that dreams are made of. Jean Luc Ponty.....HI Jamie...Can you join the band?????be in Ohio in two days...
Well you can imagine this day in my life!!!! I went from playing a few sessions, weddings , Bar mitzvahs.....to a beautiful theatre in Cleveland. I arrived at the hotel Steve Smith, Alan Zavod, Daryl Steurmer, (Phil Collins gtr) and Ralphe Armstrong walk in the lobby...and theysay..hey what ya doin here./.you wanna come see the show????
I told them I WAS IN THE BAND,,,,and after some hugs and welcome to the group stuff.....I was on the road for the first time in my life. I could go on and on but let's say it was the sweetest day of my
life...period...and Ponty remains one of my dearest friends.

How did you land those gigs with the big name acts? (Manhattan Transfer, Jean Luc Ponty, Bryan Adams)

Well first of all the way I landed almost every gig I've ever had is from playing in the casual business!! Weddings, parties, Bar Mitzvahs etc. I never have solicited work using a package (tape bio etc.) In fact I continue to this day, to play those parties, for financial gain, networking and to keep up with the music of today. Manhattan Transfer Chick Corea, Lenny White all the fusion guys got to know my work on record and in concert..so they called me when they needed someone.
Bryan Adams was another story...
When Jean Luc was doing well..I moved to L.A. and found I was quickly becoming type cast as a jazzer. I like Jazz ..but I love Rock N Roll..and I wanted to let people know that I was capable of being authentic in other styles. I called many record labels..and simply asked if they would hook me up with a major rock act. After a couple of days...Hernando Cartwright who was at A and M records...called and said Jamioe..you wanna play with this guy from Canada..I think he's gonna be a big star...I said of course and thank you!!!
That record with him opened my career ..and gave me the freedom I was looking for. Plus he was and still is fantastic. I'm not sure he knows how much he did for me!!

What was it like touring with those (major label?) bands?

I am spoiled rotten. From the first day I was with Ponty..I had the best experiences. We flew everywhere, 4 star hotels, great food, and road managers that were great baby sitters. All I can say is that there is nothing like touring with a class act!!
That’s not to say that the road is easy, but in my case I never had to do the gety in the van, no sleep, no money tours. I did my first bus tour last year with Manhattan Transfer.....I like hotels and flying better...but the bus was amazing..t,v,vcr.plush bunks, plenty of food....and the company of the band ...the singers had their own bus, and the crew had theirs.

Did you get an equipment endorsements while touring with these bands?

In 1979 my vintage Gibson 335 was stolen by coke dealers in Miami! I called Gibson..and they weren't interested in helping at that time. I went to a music store and I met a Japanese man who was very concerned for me. It turns out he was introducing the first pro line of Ibanez. He took my hotel
no. and the gig location and said he'd see me at soundcheck. Well the most wonderful surprise..he along with several others all carrying brand new guitars!!!! They said ...Please Mr. Glaser..would you try one of our guitars.
I was never shown so much respect in my entire life...I fell in love with the Ibanez artist E.Q and then they said....can we PLEASE GIVE THIS TO YOU... I thought I was dreaming.....well that was the start of one of my most cherished endorsements. I am also proud to endorse ADA, A.R.T. GHS STRINGS, KORG, AND RANDALL AMPS GUILD ACOUSTIC GTRS.

What type of payment structure were you on as a member of these bands? Did you receive a weekly paycheck?

I received a salary (a good one for Jazz bands) around 2,000 a week. and a per diem (cash, spending money) of 50 dollars per day above my salary. I was an employee and never contracted as a member!!!

With any of these bands, did you help write or record any of the music or were you hired on just to tour with the bands?

I am on many Jean Luc Ponty records in fact after 7 years off..we got together this year because of fan mail...and did a new live album. We rehearsed for 3 days..and recorded....I wish we had had more time...but there are some good things on this record. I played on one Transfer album..and Lenny White with guest Chaka Khan...this record (STREAMLINE) I had my composition Struttin owhich I wrote specifically for our bass player ..MARCUS MILLER. I helped with arrangements,,and I normally had some freedom ..but with allthese artists everything, was written out. That is my forte anyway...reading
music!

How did you get hired to do the spots for Seinfeld and Married With Children?

I was playing weddings with Jonathan Wolff..the composer of those shows as well as many others!!! He asked if I would consider playing in Vegas with John Davidson...after the gig..he called me when his career got moving. The first shows we did were Dynasty, Hotel, and Who's the Boss. Jonathan Wolff is a dear
friend, a genius, and one of my music guardian angels.

Did you write or co-write any of this TV music?

Actually not on those shows, but thanks to Jonathan, and my work ..I have composed music for several shows. Right now WORLD OF WONDER (discovery) Stuntmasters (syndication) and Bikini Jam (syndication also)

How were you paid for the TV work? (lump sum ect...)

I am a union musician, When I can get it I get double scale. Thats about 400 plus for 3 hours or any part of 3 hrs...usually I work for about 25 minutes. Lots of shows pay me single scale..but I get a t.v residual check every August..one advantage to be doing work, that is on contract, with the union On my own shows, I asked for 10,000 dollars up front and I receive residual checks from BMI 4 times a year..and checks from overseas...2 times a year.

What advise can you give to musicians and or bands that are trying to get signed?

First....don't make the usual mistake, If for example there is a band that's doing really well...don't create one like them. Modeling others is a great way to suceede..but know that a and r people get hundreds of solicited tapes aweek and 1000 of unsolicited. By the time they hear you, meet you and sign
you...the style you've modeled is out!!! So look inward to create something unique. In other words don't do your version of Van Halen, Nine inch Nails, Oasis etc.. The most important thing is when selling yourself, your band, your music...is research. Always do your homework.Find out who is gonna listen, what their tastes are, and most of all WHAT THEY NEED. If you always think about adding value to
someone elses life or career...you cannot lose!!!! Be aware that everyone at the labels are important..they will create a buzz for you.
Treat the receptionist, the mailroom,even the security guard with respect, and you'll be amazed how quickly you'll get what you want. Lastly, it's always a good idea to find an attorney to present your
product..there are many that will work on spec. Getting a manager...is a total waste of time till you're up and running, unless it's a giant like Bill Graham of Herb Cohen etc

What advise can you give on how to land those big gigs touring with a major label band?

Network your ass off...offer help to musicians, bands, roadies in your area. In L.A. and New York..musicians do well hanging at the music unions and at rehearsal halls that have major acts.
If you've ever considered education, being at a music school like Berklee College or Musicians Institute is a great way to get touring, Artists look there for the up and coming players...and the students (like in my case help each other when they get a gig.

What about the musician that wants to break into the commercial side of the biz doing radio and TV spots, what advise can you give them?

Learn how to read music!!!!!! Be open, know all styles, and learn as many doubles as you can. I play (all these are tuned like my gtr) Banjo, Mandolin, Ukelele, etc.
Ask a successful musician if they will mentor you like I do with my students. Ask if you can be their apprentice, and go with them when they work. I have many students who are doing studio stuff after joining me and making connections.

In closing, I want to tell the reader that if you're in music for the money or the fame and thats it....you'll probably never make it happen. But if music is something you respect, adore and is your personal bliss, there is no way you will ever lose.

Keep reading the Tip Sheet...it's already helped me and some of my buds out...Steve and his staff are doing a great service for all of us, let him know that his work is important!!!