Breakfast with Vinnie!

This podcast is what a podcast can ideally be: a host talking about whatever he wants to talk about, because he’s earned the right to do so. When he sticks to music, in particular drumming, and things related either directly or indirectly to the music business, “Breakfast With Vinnie” is a very insightful listen. Some episodes, in particular the shorter ones which are essentially thought-pieces or topical essays, can be astoundingly insightful, if not touching. His tribute to Chick Corea stands out in that way. It’s worth listening to more than once. When Vinnie and his guests veer into politics, philosophy and social issues, however, it’s anybody’s guess what’s about to happen. At times it can get a bit awkward, if not cringeworthy, in its simplicity and naïveté. This can happen, for example, when subjects like the US Constitution come up (no, it’s not the best thing out there, and its inherent 18th-century flaws are one of the reasons why the American political system, and American society more generally, are now ungovernable and the US is quickly reaching a pre-revolutionary state of disorder and disintegration). The recent interview with David Wolfe is an example of this freewheeling format veering off the road and dangerously close to a ditch. There was exactly zero self-interrogation or questioning of what Wolfe thinks about the way the world works, neither by himself nor Vinnie. While Wolfe obviously knows a lot about health and nutrition, he started to sound like Bill Maher after a few joints and a shot of vinegar when he left his wheelhouse. Vinnie’s relatable, small-town Pennsylvania-boy style usually keeps him from becoming overbearing or straying too far, but that’s also likely what keeps him from challenging people who occasionally spout obvious nonsense. Maybe Vinnie should do a little exploring by finding a political scientist, sociologist, or historian who also plays the drums so they can mix it up a little bit with more valuable insights on things not related to music and drumming, while letting Vinnie shine while talking about what he knows best. Then get back to the podcast’s sweet-spot by talking about music and the musician’s life with people like John McLaughlin and Gary Chafee…

The only podcast of one person rambling you should ever listen to. Amazing insights on the broader picture of music. Thank you ❤️

I like how you focus on the positive character qualities of individuals and how that transcends the music business or any other business we the listeners are engaged in. I love drumming, but the content of your podcast makes me want to be the best fruit cutter at Publix Supermarkets that I can be while being disciplined at practicing my snare drum at home. Thank you for sharing your experiences as a top notch drummer and the interactions with those in the music industry, and connecting the dots for us.

Hosted by a drummer regarded as one of the finest living musicians; this podcast is truly a joy for the thoughtful musician. Whether or not you are a drummer, you’ll likely enjoy the rhapsodic meanderings of Mr. Coliata’s train of though on topics directly and indirectly musical. I am very much looking forward to new episodes! Enjoy!