Working Drummer

Latest Episodes:

227 – Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez: His New Big Band Album, Revolutionary Rock Roots, Jul 18, 2019

Show notes

Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1963, ‘El Negro’ Hernandez has been a force on the international scene since 1990. Whether performing with jazz legends like McCoy Tyner or Michel Camilo, rock stars like Carlos Santana and Stevie Winwood or in notable Latin American ensembles like the Tropi-Jazz All Stars of the late Tito Puente, ‘El Negro’ has also shown himself to be one of the most versatile musicians in the international music scene today. He is the author of Conversations in Clave, one of the drumming world’s most widely used and well-respected method books, and he has just released his first big band album as a leader, Italuba Big Band Live, which is also available on DVD.

In this episode, El Negro talks about:

* Growing up in Havana, the son of the only jazz DJ in Cuba, and the grandson of a trumpet player* Going to prison for playing rock music* Spending two years in Rome before moving to New York* The young Cuban musicians he recruited to play on his new big band record* The overlaps between Afro-Cuban and big band music and history* The longevity of Conversations in Clave, and his advice to Afro-Cuban beginners.* Challenges and ideas he’s still chasing

Horacio endorses Pearl drums and percussion, Istanbul Mehmet cymbals, Promark sticks, Evans drumheads, Shure microphones, and Protection Racket cases.

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226 – Daniel Glass: Making Yourself More Employable Through an Understanding of History, The Importance of Teaching Fundamentals Jul 11, 2019

Show notes

Daniel Glass is an award-winning drummer, author, historian and educator. He is widely recognized as an authority on classic American drumming and the evolution of American Popular Music. Daniel was a member of the pioneering swing group Royal Crown Revue from 1994 to 2014. He has recorded and performed all over the world with many top artists, including Brian Setzer, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Jose Feliciano, Michelle Shocked, Mike Ness, Freddie Cole, Marilyn Maye, the Hot Sardines, the Budapest Jazz Orchestra, Air Supply’s Graham Russell and KISS frontman Gene Simmons. For two years running, Daniel was voted one of the top five R&B drummers in the world by readers of Modern Drummer and DRUM magazine. Since 2011, he has been the house drummer every Monday night at New York’s legendary Birdland Jazz Club.

As an educator, Daniel has published five books and three DVDs, including the award-winning titles The Century Project, The Roots of Rock Drumming, and The Commandments of Early Rhythm and Blues Drumming. He is a regular contributor to publications like Modern Drummer, DRUM and Classic Drummer. He has performed hundreds of clinics and master classes globally, appearing at many of the world’s top educational conferences and music festivals. In 2013, he co-curated an exhibit on the history of the drum set at the Rhythm Discovery Center in Indianapolis, IN, for which he was awarded the Percussive Arts Society’s “Distinguished Service Award.” Daniel currently resides in New York City.

In this episode, Daniel talks about:

* Playing cabaret style gigs* The importance of knowing history when learning styles * His podcast, “The Daniel Glass Show” * The importance of teaching the fundamentals * The story and evolution of the hi-hat

http://danielglass.com/daniel-bio/daniels-gear/

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225 – Johnny Radelat: Playing with Gary Clark Jr., Playing a TV Gig for a Week, The Austin Scene Jul 04, 2019

Show notes

Johnny Radelat has been touring and recording with Gary Clark Jr. since 2012. Born to Cuban immigrants in Jersey City N.J., Johnny came of age in Miami, FL, and currently resides in Austin TX. Prior to teaming up with Gary Clark Jr, he honed the skills and subtleties of playing/touring with reggae, R&B, soul, and Funk bands, while still embracing a bombastic/caveman-ish approach to drumming.

In this episode, Johnny talks about

* Guesting for a week with the 8G Band on Late Night with Seth Meyers* What attracted him to Austin after getting his start in Florida* How Austin supports musicians in tangible ways (healthcare, etc.)* The first gigs he played in Austin, and how they challenged him* How moving to Austin and playing with Gary changed his approach* Gary’s esoteric way of expressing what he needs from Johnny * How “dancing” behind the drums can reinforce your feel

Johnny endorses Gretsch drums, Sabian cymbals, Promark sticks, and Evans drumheads.

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224 – Rick Brothers: Drumming Life After Nashville, Drumming for Former Bad Company Singer Brian Howe, Lessons Learned After 15 years in a Music Business Town Jun 27, 2019

Show notes

Rick Brothers has performed with over 40 artists at events such as the GRAMMYs, Billboard Music Awards, CMT Music Awards, the AMAs and the Super Bowl XXXIX pregame show. During his decade and a half in Nashville Tennessee, Rick worked with various national artists including Ty Herndon, Jo-El Sonnier, Sarah Johns, Doug Stone, Gretchen Wilson, Colt Ford and most recently Bad Company’s former lead singer Brian Howe.

During his five year tenure with Colt Ford, Rick recorded drums on four of Ford’s albums. He also recorded with a number of artists and producers including music legends such as Dan Huff (Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Taylor Swift) and Jonathan Cain of Journey.

In this episode, Rick talks about:

* Making the move to Florida after a decade and a half in Nashville * Drumming for Brian Howe, the former singer for Bad Company * Responsibilities of a band leader * The self confidence that’s needed to survive in the music business* Using a Zendrum on gigs

Rick endorses: CRUSH Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Peavey Power amps, Aquarian Drumheads, Qwik Stix Stick holders and accessories, Gibraltar Hardware, and Groove Juice Cleaner

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223 – Chad Gamble: Playing with Jason Isbell, Arranging by Instinct, Believing in Talent Jun 20, 2019

Show notes

A professional musician for over twenty five years, Chad Gamble grew up in Tuscumbia, AL in the Muscle Shoals Area. Upon graduating from the University of Alabama, he made moves to Shreveport, LA and Memphis, TN gaining valuable experience along the way, including being nominated twice as “Premier Drummer” by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Memphis Chapter. He has toured internationally with The Bluebirds, Gamble Brothers Band and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Chad has been with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit since 2008 and has returned to his hometown where he lives with his wife and daughter.

Chad received a Grammy for his work on “The Nashville Sound” released in 2017. In 2015, Chad played drums on the Grammy Award winning album “Something More Than Free.” In 2016, he played on the Grammy Nominated Song, “Mother’s Children Have a Hard Time” with the Blind Boys of Alabama. When not on tour, Chad stays busy in Muscle Shoals with recording sessions and teaching lessons.

Chad Gamble endorses Gretsch drums, Vic Firth sticks, and Zildjian cymbals.

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222 – Megan Jane: Drumming for Hannah Dasher and band Side Piece, Providing a Sonic Pallet for Singer/Songwriters Jun 13, 2019

Show notes

Megan Jane brings a simple stylistic philosophy to her playing – “less is more.” After attending Berklee College of Music for two years, Megan moved to Southern California and began getting as much experience playing live and working with varied artists as possible. She decided to make the move to Nashville in order to gain more opportunities in her musical career.
Since moving to Nashville, Megan has played drums live and in the studio with several artists like Kree Harrison, Misa Arriaga, Sonia Leigh, Fiona Culley, Hailey Steele, Steve Grand, Hannah Dasher the band Side Piece and others. She has also had the opportunity to play with Joan Osborne as well as to sit in on auxiliary percussion with Dr. John at the Americana Music Awards. She has experience playing all types and sizes of show and stage and has opened for artists ranging from Chris Young to DEVO.
Megan has also been involved with several projects as a studio musician including working with Grammy award winning Sony producer Josh Monroy (Ludacris, Quincy Jones) on various projects. She has recently recorded for Nashville-based Fiona Culley, Wild Ponies, Ellen Angelico and Amelia White, as well as London-based Worry Dolls.
In this episode, Megan talks about:
* Performing on the Grand Ole Opry* The mind / body connection * Working with the band Side Piece and singer Hannah Dasher* Channeling Jim Keltner & Marco Giovino in creating a sonic pallet * Normalizing seeing women on stage * Knowing when to be flexible or firm when keeping time
Megan endorses Murat Diril cymbals & Vic Firth sticks

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221 – Clayton Craddock: Drumming for “Ain’t Too Proud,” Constructing Your Own Safety Net Jun 06, 2019

Show notes

Clayton Craddock’s drumming career spans decades and numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals. Clayton is currently the drummer of the Broadway Show Ain’t Too Proud-The Life AndTimes Of the Temptations now playing at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway. Clayton has also held the drum chair and recorded the cast albums for the musicals Altar Boyz, tick…tick… BOOM!, Memphis the Musical and Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill with Audra McDonald.

After earning his bachelor’s in business administration from Howard University in Washington, Clayton stayed in the D.C. area, managing record stores by day and immersing himself in the local music scene by night as a drummer for blues and rock bands. In 1993, Clayton took a leap of faith and moved to New York City to pursue a career in music.

In this episode, Clayton talks about:

* The development and upward trajectory of Ain’t Too Proud * The process of launching a musical from the conception and initial workshopping to the full production* Learning the vocabulary of choreographers to understand what they want from a drummer* Emulating Benny Benjamin and other drummers who were part of The Funk Brothers, Motown’s “Wrecking Crew.”* Taking low money for workshops and readings in hopes that you can get in on the ground floor of something big * The many shows he’s played for over the years, either on a permanent or sub basis* The role of the Musicians Union in New York and the musical theatre scene* His experience at Howard University in Washington DC* His white collar career after college, and making the leap to full time drumming* How building your network is constructing your own safety net

Clayton endorses Innovative Percussion.

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220 – Harry McCarthy & Jon Hull: The Business of Drum Teching, Cartage, Professional Backline May 30, 2019

Show notes

Harry McCarthy has offered his technical skills on the road and in the studio for major artists such as Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Mark Knopfler, Carly Simon, Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Madonna, Toto, James Taylor, Keith Urban and numerous others. He was raised in the same metro New York neighborhood as successful drummers, Rick and Jerry Marotta. In 1989, he established Drum Paradise Los Angeles, with partner Jeff Chonis.

Throughout the late 80s and early 1990s, Harry toured extensively with many high profile acts. In 1994, McCarthy relocated to Nashville and established Drum Paradise Nashville, Inc. Throughout his career, McCarthy has assisted legendary drummers, including Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Don Henley, Rick Marotta, Jerry Marotta, Max Weinberg, Richie Hayward, Bernard Purdie, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jim Keltner, Mitch Mitchell and many others.

Jon Hull was born and raised in Chillicothe, OH. He started playing drums at age 13. Thoughout high school and college he played and recorded in various bands, and marched indoor drum corps. After finishing college and relocating to Nashville, he began working as a drum tech both on tour as well as in the studio. He has since worked with such artists as Jason Aldean, Paramore, OAR, Young the Giant, Story of the Year, and others.

Harry and Jon’s latest venture is The Drum Pad, a new teaching facility for drummers of any age or skill level.

In this episode, Jon and Harry talk about:

* What is involved in being a drum tech * The “Drum Pad” in Drum Paradise* The origins on Drum Paradise * How Jon got the job of drum teching for Rich Redmond* Dealing with emergencies * Harry’s experience working the Super Bowl halftime show with Bruce Springsteen * Importance of understanding technology * Harry’s tech work with Jeff Porcaro * Managing your time and expectations in the music business

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219 – Mathieu Gramoli: The Paris Scene, The Band HER, Using Technology to Make Human Choices May 23, 2019

Show notes

Mathieu Gramoli is a French-American drummer, composer, teacher and producer, who is best known for recording and touring with the band Her. Born in Paris, his musical talent became apparent at the age of fifteen when he picked up drumming during high school to play rock and funk with some friends. After high school he went to the Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris III to study Applied Foreign Languages for two years before attending the Centre des Musiques Didier Lockwood, graduating in 2004.

Professor André Charlier entrusted him to replace him as the drummer for Captain Mercier. He then entered the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de Paris and went on tour the same year. In graduate school, he met and performed with musician Ricardo Herz and played with Marco Pereira, Philippe Baden Powell, all members of the Brazilian scene.

He has toured with French artists Lou Marco, L, Nina Attal, Corneille, Gaël Faye and had his first experience as a co-leader with the band Tekere with which he recorded two LPs. As a studio musician, he recorded on Eric et Ramzy’s movie Seul Two, Sofia Ribeiro and Guillaume Duvignau’s Porto LP, Orquestra do Fuba’s Quem Mando and Fabrica do Sonhos.

In this episode, Matthieu talks about:

* The challenge of playing simple but funky grooves with Her* His musical education in Paris* Getting involved in Paris’ Brazilian music scene and traveling to Brazil* Getting into Hip Hop, and how Brazilian phrasing overlapped with it * Some of his favorite venues and musicians in Paris* Learning how to communicate with musicians who don’t speak “drum,” – what people say doesn’t always express what they want.* The value of recording drums at low volume, and some micing techniques* Wanting to lead more projects, but knowing that nobody does it alone *

Mathieu endorses Bay Custom Drums.

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218 – Jarred Pope: Heavy Drumming with Tom Keifer (Cinderella), Damon Johnson (Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy), “Thee Rock and Roll Residency” in Nashville May 16, 2019

Show notes

After his thoughtful move to Nashville from his home state of California in 2012, Jarred Pope has found strong and steady work in the heavy rock world. Throughout his career, Jarred has and continues to earn respect among a highly reputable group of musicians within many genres that includes rock, hard rock, country and pop.

Jarred has worked with Gene Simmons, Whiskey Falls, Hannah/McCuen, Julianne Hough, Jimmy Hayslip, Waylon Holland, Crosby Loggins, Beasto Blanco, Dennis Hamm, Mother Funk Conspiracy. In recent years, Jarred has been working with The Tom Keifer Band (lead singer from Cinderella) as well as Damon Johnson (Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders) with whom he recorded on a new record, – Memoirs of an Uprising.

In April of 2014, Jarred started playing drums for the Thee Rock and Roll Residency that was started by guitarists Jeremy Asbrock and Phil Shouse. It became a regular and longest-running, star-studded, Rock N’ Roll extravaganza in Nashville, TN.

In this episode Jarred talks about:

* Working with Tom Keifer and the trust and respect that Tom extends to his band mates* Jerred’s drum tech Jeff Brown and the benefits of having a drum tech* Jarred’s early experience in California * His short stint with Gene Simmons* “Thee Rock and Roll Residency” in Nashville* Touring and recording with Damon Johnson * The parallels between playing golf and playing drums

Jarred endorses Gretsch Drums, Aquarian, Vater and Gibraltar

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