Working Drummer

Latest Episodes:

277 – Allen Jones: Drumming for Will Hoge, “DIY Touring”, Horror Stories from the Road Jul 09, 2020

Show notes

Growing up in southern Mississippi, Allen Jones spend his formative years creating his own music career through “DIY touring” and discovering his love of music and drumming. Since his move to Nashville, Tennessee he has played and/or recorded with Americana singer/songwriter Will Hoge and Lilly Hiatt, among others.

In this episode, Allen talks about:

* Tapping into the underground music scene even from a small town in Mississippi* “DIY Touring”* Growing your music community organically * Horror stories from the road* Moving to Nashville* Being excited about the music you’re playing * Recording the last two Will Hoge records

BEIER SNARE AD INFO AND LINKS BELOW

Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com

Mark Beckett is the drummer featured on the “snare drum of the week”

David Northrup is the 2nd drummer in the Beier ad. You can find his solo CD here.

Allen endorses Sabian Cymbals and Evans Drumheads

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276 – Otis Brown III: Playing with Esperanza Spalding and Joe Lovano, The New School Environment, Racial Justice in Jazz Jul 02, 2020

Show notes

Otis Brown III is a Grammy-nominated jazz drummer, composer, and recording artist who is a go-to session and touring sideman. He is best-known for his work with Joe Lovano in Us Five, and Esperanza Spalding, though he has been on dozens of sessions and is as noteworthy for backing singers as he is instrumentalists.

Brown III was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. His mother was a vocal music teacher and choir director, and his father a school band instructor and noted percussionist who played with Al Green and James Brown.

The younger Brown III began his musical studies on alto saxophone at the age of seven under his father’s tutelage, and showed early promise. He played not only in school but in church. After moving to Newark where he attended high school, he played alto in jazz orchestra and snare drum in the marching band, both of which were directed by his dad.

Brown III attended Delaware State University where he came under the tutelage and mentorship of jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd, an influence that would prove to be profound.

After completing his studies at Delaware State, he earned a scholarship to New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York — his classmates included pianist Robert Glasper, saxophonist John Ellis, vocalist Bilal Oliver, and trumpeter Kenyon Harrold. In New York, Brown III studied with Larry Goldings, Lewis Nash, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Carl Allen, and others.In this episode, Otis talks about

Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com

In this episode, Otis talks about:

* Reconnecting with some of the music that inspired him early on* Growing up the son of musicians and music educators* The accessibility of heroes in New York* His experience at The New School, and his perspective on music education* His thoughts on racial justice in the music world, and how music can and should deliver a message

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275 – Peter Retzlaff: Teaching at The Collective School of Music in NYC, Exposure to Multiple Cultures Through Music, Important Mentors in His Early Years Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

Peter Retzlaff is a New York City-based drummer. As a performer, Peter is equally at home in jazz, rock, funk, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, odd meter, and New Orleans drumming styles. Peter has played with Kenny Werner, Greg Osby, Diane Schuur, Ray Vega, Maynard Ferguson, Pete McCann, Kim Bock, Loren Stillman, The BMI Big Band, The Jamie Begian Big Band, and his own group, Steeplechase recording artists Flow.

As an educator, Peter is Director of Curriculum and a full-time instructor at The Collective School Of Music (formerly known as The Drummer’s Collective). In addition, Peter teaches at the New School in New York City.

Peter is the author of two books, Turn It Up And Lay It Down: Baby Steps To Giant Steps and Contemporary Jazz Styles For Drums.

Peter received a B.A. in Jazz and Commercial Music and a B.A. in Business Administration from Capital University. He has also received a M.M. in Jazz Studies from the Manhattan School of Music and is the recipient of three National Endowment for the Arts Grants.

Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com

Featured Beier snare recording is Eddie Bayers drumming for Scotty Simpson

In this episode, Peter talks about:

* Why he moved from Columbus Ohio to New York City* Teaching at The Collective School Of Music* The books he published* The influence and inspiration of growing up in Columbus Ohio* The influence of diverse cultures in music* Teaching in New York in the midst of Covid-19

Peter endorses Innovative Percussion, Zildjian, Remo, and Canopus

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274 – Repost! The Black Drummers of Nashville 2017 Encore Edition: Building Relationships Upon the Common Ground of Music, Creating a Support System Jun 18, 2020

Show notes

In this episode we have the opportunity to share the unique perspective of a group of talented black musicians who make their living in Nashville, Tennessee. They share stories of resilience and realism in an unpredictable work environment.

Our guests include Keio Stroud, Derek Phillips, Jeremy Roberson, Marcus Finnie and Hubert Payne. Their respective artist gigs include Big and Rich, Chase Rice, Hank Williams Jr., Kirk Whalum, Little Big Town as well as other live and studio work that keeps these drummers busy.

In this podcast, this round table discusses:

* Building relationships upon the common ground of music* Being the only black person at an arena gig* Influencing the culture on and off the kit* Learning how to develop thick skin* Being mistaken as the band’s security* The influence of urban music in country music* Hands = knowledge / Ears = wisdom* Creating a support system

Recommended resources:

Duncan Trussell Podcast with guest Mehcad Brooks (ep 387)

Drummers Resource Podcast with Host Daniel Glass – Black Sounds Matter pt 1

Drummers Resource Podcast with Host Daniel Glass – Black Sounds Matter pt 2

Black Lives Matter

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273 – Charlie Hunter: Master of the Hybrid Guitar, His Favorite Drummers, Valuing Uniqueness Over Versatility Jun 11, 2020

Show notes

With a career spanning three decades and almost 20 albums, Charlie Hunter consistently ups his game as an innovative writer and bandleader. He has worked with the likes of Norah Jones , Mos Def, John Mayer, D’Angelo and countless others. He is widely considered the authority on the seven and eight – string guitar, and continues to stun audiences with his ability to simultaneously bust out tasty bass parts, melodic leads and swinging rhythms.

Hunter has previously recorded for the venerable Blue Note label, Concord, Ropeadope, GroundUP and others. His recent independent venture is steered by his motivation to release music that most inspires him. Critics have touted his genius technique, but it’s his profound artistic sensibility that propels his original music. Hunter’s signature style of writing and performing has secured his place as one of today’s great guitarists.

In this episode, Charlie talks about:

* Developing his three-part playing style* The drummers he’s played with over the years, and what they have in common* The key to effective duo playing* Projects with singers Kurt Elling and Lucy Woodward, and why Derrek Phillips is the drummer for both* “The music education industrial complex” and how it is especially a disservice to drummers * Using quarantine to dismantle and reconstruct his playing and approach* How the live music industry could be reimagined from the ground up

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272 – Grady Saxman: Drumming, Engineering & Producing, Techniques for Small Room Recordings, Studio Etiquette Jun 04, 2020

Show notes

In the short time he’s been in Nashville Grady Saxman has gained a solid reputation in Nashville Tennessee as a Drummer, engineer and producer. From just drum tracks and demo recordings to singles, ep’s and fully produced records, Grady’s credits include many indie artists and writers to higher profile artists like Luke Combs and Uncle Kracker.

In this episode, Grady talks about:

* His path to engineering and producing* The distinction between phase and polarity * Recording techniques for small rooms* The importance of mixing yourself when tracking * Playing drums on a Luke Combs single * Moving into the role of producer* The importance of being tech savvy in the modern scene * Studio etiquette

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271 – Fabio De Oliveira: Playing with George Ezra, Combining Pop Drumset and Brazilian Percussion, Looking for Balance After Covid May 28, 2020

Show notes

Raised in London to Brazilian parents, and described as having the perfect mix of Brazilian passion and British sensibility, Fabio’s natural feel and broad understanding of various musical styes makes him one of London’s most versatile and in demand drummer/percussionists.

In 2011 Fabio graduated with a First Class Honors Degree in Music Performance and Production from the London Centre Of Contemporary Music.

In 2014 Fabio landed the job as stickman for number one selling artist George Ezra, giving him the opportunity to tour extensivley performing on some of the world’s biggest stages including Glastonbury Pyramid Stage, Madison Square Gardens, Montreux Jazz Festival, Coachella Music Festival and The Brits. Fabio has also backed George Ezra on TV shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, The Late Show with James Corden, The Graham Norton Show, Alan Carr Chatty Man and Top Of The Pops.

In this episode, Fabio talks about

* What he’s been working on during lockdown* Translating non-drumset sounds to the drumset* His Brazilian heritage, and growing up as part of London’s Brazilian community* The positive and constructive environment of the London Centre of Contemporary Music* How making friends and getting gigs are one and the same* The importance of a supportive partner* Ways he’s going to adjust his professional priorities and life balance moving forward

Fabio endorses Istanbul Agop Cymbals, Vic Firth, Remo, Protection Racket, Porter & Davies, and Roland.

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270 – James Beier: Beier Drums, Bringing Back the 15″ Snare, An Honest and Personal Approach to Business May 21, 2020

Show notes

But every once in a while there’s an opportunity to discuss the business of creating the tools that we all love. And, the lessons that we all can take away from such a discussion. James Beier talks about his process, work flow and what motivated him to build a snare drum that fit his vision of what a snare could be for the working drummer. With confidence, I’d say he’s done that and more. In addition to building a “workhorse” durable snare, he has single handedly reintroduced the 15” snare back into the drumming world.

In this episode, James talks about:

* James’ personal approach to introducing his drums to people * How he started Beier drums* Detailed description of what he offers* His amazing 4×15” snare* Creating a business and a work load that works for him* The importance of listening to others

“One of the few traditionally manufactured instruments left in the industry today”

“Beier Drums introduces a very alternative snare drum, something that may sign the time. As we all know-13, 12 and 10 inch snare drums have established the majority type of the used snares as current alternatives to the classical 14 inch standard over the years. Now, thanks to Beier, the 15 inch snare will be a valid alternative too”

“A Timeless, Traditional, Classic, Original & Unchanging Series Of Snare Drums”

“The only drum company ever to specialize in Steel for snare drums, and dedicate itself to the revitalization of it in the world of drums…”

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269 – Dave Weckl: His Brand, His Favorite Bassists, His Physical Evolution May 14, 2020

Show notes

For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great living drummers. His contributions to iconic music, music education, and the gear that drummers use, are many. Modern Drummer magazine has inducted Weckl into their Hall of Fame (2000) and named him “one of the 25 best drummers of all time.”

He’s perhaps most well known for his ongoing tenure with the Chick Corea Elektric and Akoustic Bands, as well as side man duties for Michel Camillo, Mike Stern, Oz Noy, and many others. Weckl’s solo career began in 1990 with the release of Master Plan. In 1998, Weckl realized his long-time goal of forming a world-touring band. The Dave Weckl Band released five studio records, including: Rhythm Of The Soul, Synergy, Transition, Perpetual Motion, and Multiplicity. The band also released a hot live album, LIVE (And Very Plugged In) plus a compilation of DWB and instructional videos entitled The Zone.

Instructional videos have always played a big role in Weckl’s career. His original product, entitled Contemporary Drummer + 1, was one of the first play-along products ever published for drums. His Back To Basics and The Next Step releases were best-sellers in the ’90s and also continue to sell today.

In 2015, Weckl formed an acoustic jazz group with longtime friend/collaborator Tom Kennedy (bass), Gary Meek (sax), and Makoto Ozone (piano/B3). The group was called The Dave Weckl Acoustic Band. To date, the band has released a CD entitled Of The Same Mind and a live DVD filmed at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood.

More recently, Weckl has returned to touring with the Elektric Band, Mike Stern, and Oz Noy, while completing sessions in his Los Angeles-area home studio. He has also formed an online school with comprehensive lessons, new play along products, and live footage from current tours.

In this episode, Dave talks about:

* The development and expansion of his online teaching school* Creating and maintaining a drumming brand (at any level)* Playing “with” Chick before actually playing with Chick, and having to find a different, “burning” time feel with the Elektric Band* Bassists: Tom Kennedy, John Pattitucci, Anthony Jackson and others* Changes in his physical approach and their connection to changes in his mental/emotional approach* His passion away from the drums – track racing – and what it has taught him about drumming and himself

Dave Weckl endorses Sabian cymbals, Yamaha drums, Vic Firth, Remo heads, LP percussion, Shure mics, QSC monitors, ZOOM cameras, and Carmichael Throne top.

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268 – Joel Stevenett: Drumming in the Pro Session Scene in Salt Lake City, Finding Common Ground when Networking, Reflections on Neil Peart May 07, 2020

Show notes

Originally from Alberta, Canada, drummer Joel Stevenett spent over ten years in Nashville before his eventual move to Salt Lake City where he currently lives and works as a first call session drummer. During his years in Nashville, Joel found himself on the road with such acts as JoDee Messina, The Wilkinsons, and SHeDAISY, among others.

His recording credits include the recording of Sony Playstation, X-BOX and Nintendo Wii video game soundtracks, including popular titles like Twisted Metal Head On, Dance Dance Revolution, and Disney’s Ultimate Band. Joel’s inventive and physical flair can be heard on numerous TV theme songs such as the NBA and The Today Show as well as movie soundtracks like Meet Joe Black, August Rush and Along Came Polly.

In this episode, Joel talks about:

* The work and attraction of Salt Lake City* Being proactive in seeking work* Film score and video game sessions* Finding common ground when networking* Reflecting on Neil Peart’s life and his influence * Preparing for a tribute to Neal

Joel endorses: DW drums, Paiste Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, HUMES AND BERG, VIC FIRTH Sticks, Shure Microphones, Porter and Davies

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