Working Drummer

Latest Episodes:

237 – Louis Newsome: A Unique Weekly Steady, “Renewing Your Mind,” Changing Grip to Change His Sound Sep 26, 2019

Show notes

Louis Newsome moved to Atlanta in 2012. In addition to church gigs in Atlanta, his bread and butter has been a weekly Thursday steady at Suite Lounge, where he is part of a house band backing a different touring artist every week. Highlights of the long list of artists he’s played with in this capacity include Nathan East, Jeff Lorber, and Keiko Matsui. Louis spent the first part of his career working the triangle of Toledo, Cleveland, and Detroit, and got extensive touring and recording experience with Dwele, Ledisi, Chubby Checker, and many others. Recently been a recurring featured guest in tribute shows to Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl, and performed with Sheila E. at the 100 Black Men of America Conference in Las Vegas.

In this episode, Louis talks about:

* His weekly gig at Suite Lounge, and the business model of a house band vs. a touring band* Time management – how to adequately prepare for whatever an artist is throwing at him that week* Being able to anticipate an artist’s needs/tendencies just by hearing their music and looking at their charts* Boredom vs. burnout* How the responsibilities of preparing for a one-off are the same as preparing for what could be a long-term gig* What brought him to Atlanta* The concept of “renewing your mind” in music and life* Why he switched to traditional grip after years of playing matched* “Play That Record Right”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

236 – Jerry Marotta: Working with Peter Gabriel and the Influence on Jerry’s Approach to Music, New Record with Tony Levin & Phil Keaggy Sep 19, 2019

Show notes

Following on the heals of his older brother Rick, Jerry Marotta jumped right into the music scene at a very young age finishing high school a year early and hitting the road with a band with a top 40 hit. For the next three decades Jerry divided his time between recording and touring with Peter Gabriel, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Tears for Fears, Indigo Girls, Paul McCartney, Sarah McLachlan, John Mayer and countless others.

Jerry is currently dividing his time between recording and touring and managing two studios: DREAMLAND and JERSVILLE. When not in the studio, Jerry is spreading his time between The Marotta Brothers Band (with Rick), The Fragile Fate with Rupert Greenall – from The Fixx, Flav Martin, Security Project with Trey Gunn, Reelin’ in the Years, and Annie & The Hedonists.

Jerry’s latest recording project is called The Bucket List that features Phil Keaggy and Tony Levin.

In this episode, Jerry talks about:

* His first major gigs as a teenager including drumming for Orleans* The new record with Tony Levin & Phil Keaggy – The Bucket List* Working with Peter Gabriel * Peter’s use of technology and the challenges inherent * The influence that Peter had on Jerry’s approach to music * Jerry’s current projects

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

235 – Jason “JT” Thomas: Playing with Snarky Puppy and FORQ, “Phrase-Based” Soloing, Memories of Roy Hargrove Sep 12, 2019

Show notes

Jason “JT” Thomas, is a drummer/producer/singer/writer in high demand for both live and studio work for an array of artists such as Snarky Puppy, Phillip Phillips, CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Forq, and many others. JT’s high level of preparation for each artist he works with, along with being a consummate professional on and off stage, is what continues to keep him busy performing on stages and in studios all across the world. He is currently touring with Snarky Puppy and FORQ, and maintains a presence in his hometown of Dallas, where he plays with the Daystar Christian TV Network and various and corporate groups when not on the road.

In this episode, JT talks about

* The current lineups of FORQ and Snarky Puppy* Why he prefers to live in Dallas, even though he works in New York frequently* His friendship with Keith Carlock* How playing covers with corporate bands improved his jazz playing * Taking EVERY gig seriously as a craftsman – playing a cover song as if you’re playing with that artist* His “phrase-based” approach to soloing * Playing with bassist Kevin Scott* Playing with Roy Hargrove, and the reflections he’s had on Hargrove’s legacy and influence since his death in 2018

JT endorses Yamaha Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, Meinl Cymbals/Percussion, Evans Drumheads, Big Fat Snare Drum, and Lowboy Beaters.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

234 – Michael Grando: Drumming for Joe Diffie, The Value of Honesty and Reliability in the Music Business, Working with a Click Sep 05, 2019

Show notes

For several years, Michael Grando held the drum chair for national recording artist Chris Knight. He appeared on both his “Heart of Stone” album, produced by Dan Baird formerly of the Georgia Satellites (2008) and on Chris’ 2012 release titled “Little Victories” which was produced by Grammy award-winner Ray Kennedy and featured performances by Buddy Miller and John Prine. After seven years, two critically acclaimed records and countless live performances, Michael left Chris Knight in order to pursue new projects. In the spring of 2013, Michael joined multi-platinum recording artist Joe Diffie.

Michael has performed and/or recorded with a very diverse group of artists including such names as, Charlie Daniels, Jason Aldean, Dan Baird, Todd Snider, Warner E Hodges (Jason and the Scorchers), Bomshel, Cowboy Troy, Mike Aiken, Austin Cunningham, Shawn Mullins, Kristen Hall, Francine Reed, Col. Bruce Hampton,”Big Bill” Morganfield, Blueground Undergrass, and many many more.

In this episode, Michael talks about:

* Drumming for Joe Diffie* Making his way to Nashville from New York via Atlanta * The value of honesty and reliability in the music business * Working with Dan Baird in the studio* Developing a healthy relationship with the click* Moving from your hometown to a music town

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

233 – Brendan Buckley: 20 Years with Shakira, Touring with International Artists, Preparing with No Expectations Aug 29, 2019

Show notes

Brendan Buckley is best known for touring and recording with Shakira. He grew up in New Jersey and attended the University of Miami. In 2004, Buckley moved out west to Los Angeles and has since amassed an impressive pop resume that includes Miley Cyrus, Tegan & Sara, Leehom Wang, Perry Farrell and many, MANY others.

In this episode, Brendan talks about:

* Why LA is a good home base for him and why he moved there in the first place* Extroverts vs. introverts in the music world* Why image is important, but not in the way we think * Spending his college years exploring the many directions the Miami music scene had to offer * Approaching his career path with openness to possibility rather than specific goals * His long tenure with Shakira, and the schedule management and negotiating skills required to fill the gaps* What he covered in his recent clinic at Musicians Institute in LA * Good enough vs. better than it has to be

Brendan Buckley endorses DW drums, Vic Firth drumsticks, Remo drumheads, Sabian cymbals, and Roland electronics.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

232 – Todd Sucherman: Drumming for Styx, The Importance of a Relaxed Grip, Applying Complex Ideas Aug 22, 2019

Show notes

Todd Sucherman is one of the most in-demand drummers on the planet. In addition to a 20+ year tenure with the legendary rock band Styx, Sucherman is a leading clinician and session artist. In 2018, the readers of Modern Drummer magazine named him “#1 Progressive Rock Drummer” plus”#1 Recorded Performance” for “The Mission” (Styx). His Methods and Mechanics instructional DVD series has won multiple awards. Read more about Todd here.

In this episode, Todd talks about:

* The importance of a relaxed grip* His set up and the logic behind it* Application of complex ideas on the gig* His time studying with Gary Chaffee* Being an ambassador for education* His experiences with Styx* Recording process with the 2017 Styx record, The Mission

Todd Endorses: Pearl Drums, Promark Sticks, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Carmichael Thrones and Audio Mics

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

231 – Larry Wilson: Constructing a Career and Creating a Life in Atlanta Aug 15, 2019

Show notes

Larry Wilson grew up in Jacksonville, FL and studied music at Florida State in Tallahassee with Leon Anderson. He moved his young family to Atlanta in the fall of 2017 and has gotten busy with a variety of Gospel, R&B, and jazz artists, as well as hosting what has quickly become one of the city’s most popular weekly jam sessions. He has recently released a jazz album called Our Thing, a tribute to the music of saxophonist Joe Henderson. He also hosts a monthly live stream called “Jazz for Lunch” on Instagram and Facebook.

In this episode, Larry talks about

* The weekly jam at Ten ATL and how he became its de facto host* His experience at Florida State and its growing reputation* The concept of apprenticeship in music* Having his sites set on New York, but deciding against it in favor of Atlanta* Constantly tweaking his set up to play games with himself and explore* Blending the physicality of gospel drumming with the phrasing and nuance of jazz and classical music* Getting in on the beginning of what he feels is a boom in Atlanta

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

230 – Jim Rupp: Owner of Columbus Pro Percussion, Drumming with the Woody Herman Orchestra, Teaching in the Information Age Aug 08, 2019

Show notes

Jim Rupp has done extensive touring with the bands of Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, and Glenn Miller. Jim spent close to ten years with Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Diane Schuur, and has also performed and toured with artists such as Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Joe Lavano, Hank Marr, Buddy DeFranco, Maria Schneider, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, John Fedchock, Natalie Cole, the Cleveland and Columbus Jazz Orchestras, and the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra. These touring credits, plus his educational background, have prepared him well for clinics and performances at colleges and high schools around the country. He has given workshops at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference. In this capacity he is a clinician for Noble and Cooley drums, Zildjian cymbals, Pro Mark drumsticks, and Remo drumheads.

As a teacher, Jim has taught at Indiana University and the University of Michigan, as well as his current appointment at The Ohio State University. He is also the co-author of an acclaimed drum set method book, “Baby Steps to Giant Steps”. Jim is currently First Vice President of the Percussive Arts Society and is a past chair of the drum set committee for the PAS. He was also a board member of NAMM, the International Music Products Association. He also founded, and is president of Columbus Pro Percussion Inc, one of the countries largest and most respected percussion specialty stores.

In this episode, Jim talks about:

* His teaching approach * Working with the Woody Herman Orchestra * The mental aspects of performing* Teaching in the information age * The challenges of getting backline for jazz gigs* The history of Columbus Pro Percussion

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

229 – Robert Boone: On the Road with the Count Basie Orchestra Aug 01, 2019

Show notes

Robert Boone recently graduated from Florida State University with his Masters Degree in Jazz Studies and is currently drummer for The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. He has collaborated with leading artists such as Eric Reed, Marcus Roberts, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Scotty Barnhart, Marcus Lewis, Lester Walker, Rodney Jordan, Bill Peterson, and Leon Anderson. Boone received an undergraduate degree in Music Performance at Kennesaw State University, studying with percussion professor John Lawless and jazz drum set professor Justin Chesarek, and was selected to participate in the 2015 Disneyland All American College Band.

In this episode, Robert talks about:

* How he got the Basie gig* How relying too much on reading can limit your musicianship* His take-aways from a summer with the Disney All American College Band* Different ways to decipher big band charts and set up phrases* Why Sonny Payne is his favorite Basie drummer* How to make the most of a college program* Avoiding a negative/competitive mindset toward your contemporaries* How to stay plugged into your scene if you’re on the road a lot

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

228 – Dave McAfee: Drumming for Toby Keith, Remaining Pro Through Tough Times, USO Tours Jul 25, 2019

Show notes

Dave McAfee has been the drummer for every one of Toby Keith’s tours since 2000. Shows with Toby include stadium shows and festivals topping 80,000 fans, televised performances, country awards shows, USO tours as well as a Super Bowl performance for Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Other artists Dave has performed and/or recorded with include Wade Hayes, Bryan White, Scotty Emerick, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sammy Hagar, David Allen Coe, Steve Wariner, Glen Campbell, Terri Clark and many more.

In this episode, Dave talks about:

* Touring with Toby Keith * Defining success and happiness * Overcoming technical difficulties on the gig* Significant changes in the industry * USO touring

Dave endorses: Yamaha drums, Paiste cymbals, Aquarian heads, Vic Firth sticks, Woodshed Art, The Grombal, Buttkicker

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected