Working Drummer

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036 – William Ellis: Touring with Montgomery Gentry, Drawing Inspiration from Multiple Styles Oct 22, 2015

Show notes

William Ellis is an in-demand drummer based in Nashville, TN and for almost six years, has been the drummer for the country duo Montgomery Gentry. His extreme versatility within a myriad of styles has served him well whether touring or recording. Artists like Travis Tritt, Martina McBride, Hunter Hayes, and many others have relied on his drumming expertise and versatility.

William was also involved with two band projects: Blue Merle and EMP Project. In doing so, he was able to compose, co-produce, perform in the studio, and tour extensively opening for such artists and festivals as Counting Crows, Train, Dave Matthews Band, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza, etc.

William has become a regular part of the Nashville Drummer Jam and you can see him perform at the Nashville Drummer Jam 7 December 14th, 2015 at the Exit In in Nashville.

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This interview was conducted September 23rd, 2015

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035 – Jeff Hartsough PAS Executive Director: PASIC 2015, Rhythm Discovery Center, Percussive Arts Society History Oct 14, 2015

Show notes

Jeff Hartsough is the Executive Director of the Percussive Arts Society as well as the Rhythm Discovery Center in Indianapolis Indiana. Since it’s start in 1961, PAS has stayed true to its Mission to inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers throughout the world. PAS also maintains it’s Vision to be the global leader in percussion and drumming by providing unparalleled and interactive resources and experiences in percussion education, performance, and research.

The museum and interactive displays at the Rhythm Discovery Center shows the Society’s commitment to the preservation of percussion history as well as it’s cultural significance throughout human history.

November 11th – 14th in San Antonio Texas is the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention, (or PASIC). This four day event is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary and continues to be a major highlight of the organization. Artists from all areas of the percussion world will be participating in the many events throughout the convention. Events that include clinics, classes and panel discussions will cover drumset, education, symphonic, electronics/technology, marching, world percussion, health and wellness, ensemble and keyboard as well as professional development.

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This interview was conducted September 22nd, 2015

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034 – David Parks: Creating Opportunities, Nashville Drummers Jam, Turning Passion into Gigs Oct 08, 2015

Show notes

David Parks is known as not only a versatile and in demand drummer, but has also grown his reputation as a creative visionary solely based on the success of the Nashville Drummer Jam and it’s growing popularity since it’s start in 2012. The Drummers Jam even caught the attention of Modern Drummer who featured a two page spread on the Jam. David is in the process of finalizing the details of the seventh installment of the Drummers Jam December 14th in Nashville Tennessee at The Exit In.

David’s drumming experience began at the age of 13 and is highlighted by his work with Van-Dells and a nine year run most recently with the group Locash Cowboys. Since leaving Locash, David has redefined himself as a freelance player tackling many new gigs including his most recent work touring with Casey James as well as tracking percussion for Kings X drummer, Jerry Gaskill’s solo record.

David’s love and passion for music and all things Drumming continues to drive him onto bigger and better things.

This interview was conducted September 20th 2015

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033 – Tom Hurst: Touring, Teaching, Organizing and Everything in Between Sep 28, 2015

Show notes

Tom Hurst is known for so many projects that he is involved in that its hard to narrow it down to one that most would identify him with. The artists he’s worked with include The Backstreet Boys, Gary Allan, Wang Chung, Chuck Wicks, Tiffany, Joe Nichols, Sister Hazel, Peter Noon of Herman’s Hermits, James Otto and is currently touring with Tracy Lawrence.

On the educational front Tom is a University of Florida graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in Music specializing in Ethnomusicology. Tom has taught at every level of music education. Tom is the co-founder/owner, and financial manager of Infinity Percussion, and Infinity 2, two independent youth arts competitive percussion performance ensembles with over 90 members combined annually.

Throughout his career Tom has additionally undertaken multiple non-performance music business related endeavors including Tom Hurst Presents: Loud Jamz promotions company that includes a jam session at Douglas Corner the first monday of (almost) every month that features many of Nashville’s best musicians.

Along with guitarist Chris Nix, and drummer David Parks, Tom helps organize the increasingly popular Nashville Drummers Jam that showcases an iconic drummer with many of Nashville’s top drummers performing songs from the featured drummer. December 14th 2015 is the next performance.

Additionally Tom served as a Disney staff musician performing in numerous ensembles throughout his two decades plus career with the company.

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This interview was conducted September 11th, 2015

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032 – David Northrup: Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Sharing a Recording with Jeff Porcaro, Seeing Failure as a Blessing in Disguise Sep 23, 2015

Show notes

After nine years working with Travis Tritt and making a name for himself, David has found a gig with The Oak Ridge Boys that has been the perfect fit for him and his family. David’s solid drumming abilities are a key component in maintaining the reputation that The Oak Ridge Boys have been known for for decades and the committed fans have come to expect. David embraces opportunities like this and has learned and grown from tough situations in the past that would have caused many to have given up.

Despite his busy road schedule with “The Oaks”, David keeps a foot in the session world as well as the clinic world averaging 12 drum clinics a year throughout the country.

At the age of 24, David’s drumming caught the ear of the legendary guitar player Les Dudeck that led to an opportunity for David to track drums on remaining songs that were left unfinished opposite drumming great Jeff Pocaro.

This interview was conducted September 10th, 2015

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031 – Josh Birkhimer: All Styles, Full Time Musician in Denver, Kid Rock Stand in Sep 10, 2015

Show notes

Josh Birkhimer has a super diverse skill set that allows him to adapt to any situation and tackle any style of music. From latin and jazz to heavy rock, Josh continues to stay busy through employing many of these styles. His versatility and solid drumming led him to a career as one of the busiest musicians in Nashville for over 15 years. He has had the opportunity to work with Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Big & Rich, Jim Lauderdale, Raul Malo, Jo Dee Messina, Andy Griggs, Earl Thomas Conley, Eddy Raven, Mark Wills, Jo-El Sonnier, Lionel Cartwright and many others. Josh moved to Colorado Springs in 2011, and he is currently the Music Director for Lucci Music Studios. He is splitting his time between the premier horn band in Denver, The Tent Show Kings, the Springs loudest hard rock band, Savage Amusement, amazing jazz guitarist, Wayne Wilkinson, and he is also a member of the worship team at Red Rock Church. Josh is a trained facilitator of the Health Rhythms Protocol; which is a scientific based program that utilizes drumming and rhythm to improve physical, mental, emotional, and psychological health.

This interview was conducted September 5th 2015

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030 – Jason Sutter: Touring with Smash Mouth, Chris Cornell, Marilyn Manson, Foreigner Sep 02, 2015

Show notes

Currently based in LA, Jason Sutter is known as a badass rock drummer who’s worked with so many strong rock acts like Marilyn Manson, Foreigner, Chris Cornell, Vertical Horizon and is currently on tour with Smash Mouth.

Jason started playing drums at the age of nine and with the support of nurturing parents a world class private teacher Jim Pietrzak, Jason played his first professional gig at the age of 13. With a masters degree in orchestral performance from the University of Miami, Jason is comfortable performing a wide range of music including classical, jazz, drum Corps and all styles of pop and rock. Jason’s undergraduate degree in music education from North Texas State makes him an effective and popular clinician. Jason play drums on all but two tracks for the 2009 Vertical Horizon record Burning The Days. The other two tracks were recorded by Neil Peart.

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This interview was conducted August 8th 2015

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029 – Greg Morrow: ACM Drummer of the Year, Giving Engineers What They Want, Touring to Sessions, Head Combinations Aug 26, 2015

Show notes

Greg Morrow has been an inspiration for many drummers including myself, not only for his superb drumming but for his humble demeanor.

Born in Ripley Tennessee and raised in Memphis, Greg was exposed to great music at an early age. During these formative years, this was one of the things that became a catalyst for Greg’s love of music, drums and making a career out of these things. At the young age of 11 years old, Greg’s band at the time performed on a local TV show, Swing Shift. He also had his first recording session during this time.

Touring and recording with Christian artists Degarmo and Key in the 1980’s lead to touring with Amy Grant that lead Greg to Nashville where his recording chops were quickly recognized. Since that move from Memphis to Nashville over two decades ago, Greg’s been a first call session drummer favorite among producers for his super solid pocket and musicality that elevates the performance of any track he’s on.

Some if the many recognizable artists he’s worked with include Joe Cocker, Amy Grant, The Dixie Chicks, Reba McEntire and John Oats. In just the last year, Greg’s recording credits range from new artists like Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker to classic artists like Jim Ed Brown and Alabama.

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This Interview was conducted August 7th, 2015

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028 – Gary Forkum: Owner of Forks Drum Closet, Supporting the Nashville Drumming Community Aug 19, 2015

Show notes

Gary Forkum is the owner of Forks Drum Closet in Nashville Tennessee.

What started as a closet full of cymbals and sticks in the back of a music store in 1982, has grown into the premier pro drum shop in music city. Customers have direct access a knowledgable staff and a showroom full of high end percussion that is unique to most retail experiences. The store also offers private lessons, gear rentals, repairs and they host an Ebay store.

From Students to seasoned pros, customer loyalty has been at the root of Fork’s success. For over three decades, this drum shop has been at the center of the Nashville drumming community.

Along with most of the staff, Gary is an active drummer juggling up to four different bands including The Midnight Riders, (an Allman Brothers tribute band) the World Famous Channel Cats and his original project, The Blues Apostles.

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This interview was conducted August 6th 2015

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027 – Willie Cantu: Drumming for Buck Owens, Hanging w/ Tony Williams in NY, Scottish Pipe Drumming Aug 12, 2015

Show notes

Originally from Corpus Christi Texas, one of the most defining moments in Willie Cantu’s music career was at the young age of 17 when he became an original member of the Buckaroos led by Buck Owens in the 1960’s. During the three and a half years Willie performed and recorded with Buck Owens, the band earned numerous awards that included Grammys and CMA’s. In 1966, Buck Owens and the Buckaroos were only the second country act to have appeared at Carnegie Hall.

Willie has always been an avid fan of jazz and jazz drumming. During a visit on tour with Buck, Willie had the rare privilege to meet and hang with the great Tony Williams as well as many other jazz greats.

After leaving Buck in late 1967, Willie married a canadian moved to Toronto were he got more involved in performing in jazz groups like the Pharoah Sanders Quartet. Shortly thereafter, Willie moved to San Francisco were he continued his education in all things percussion.

In 1983 Willie moved to Nashville were he began playing country again as well as Scottish Pipe Band Drumming. He started two Scottish Pipe Bands in Tennessee including the Tennessee Scot’s Pipe Band.

He became the house drummer at the Nashville Palace from 1989 to it’s closing in 2005. Willie continues to teach privately and perform locally in Nashville.

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