Working Drummer

Tom Knight came to prominence in the 90’s as a first call of producer Dallas Austin. Through Austin, Tom toured and recorded with TLC, Adam Nitti, Michael McDonald and many others. After more than a decade of solid road work, Tom took a step back from touring and playing live, and began a somewhat accidental second career in voice-overs. As a voice actor, Tom’s credits include Disney, BMW, and an Emmy-Award winning performance for Crown Royal. Tom is still active as a session drummer, mostly in his home studio in Atlanta. In this episode, Tom talks about: * The influence and friendship of Dave Weckl* An intensive season of shedding with Jeff Sipe* Being able to hear and feel music in different ways as you get older* Teaching at the Atlanta Institute of Music & Media* The recording process with producer Dallas Austin* Getting into the voice-over profession Tom endorses Yamaha drums, Zildjian cymbals, and Vic Firth sticks.

JC Clifford is best known for his work with and promotion of Drumtacs. He is the owner and president at Scorpio Marketing & Management LLC.  JC’s vocation took a left turn around 2012 that steered away from the auto industry and into the world of music business with a focus on the drumming community. His interpersonal, communication and overall organizational skills as well as a strong work ethic has enabled JC to create a steady business that has taken him all over the world. JC has worked with many drummers like Rich Redmond, Daniel Glass, Thomas Lang, Troy Luccketta and Mike Dawson. In this episode, JC talks about: * The pros and con of social media * His trip to Germany with Daniel Glass for Daniel’s Jazz Intensive * Cancer can Stick it foundation with April Samuals * Troy Lucketta’s program, “Troy Shows Up” * JC’s history in the auto industry and how it shaped his work ethic* Drumtacs

“J-rod” isn’t your typical product of a family of musicians; rather, he grew up in a family who loved listening to music, and exposed him to Gospel and R&B. Through church and school he worked on his music, participating in bands and teaching himself bass guitar, keyboard, and music production. By 2006 he began posting drum cover videos to YouTube, the base of his ever-growing social media following, currently totaling 103K followers on Facebook and Instagram, not to mention his 43K YouTube subscribers. After graduating from the Atlanta Institute of Music (studying music performance), J-rod joined The 4 Korners in 2013. As well as The 4 Korners, J-rod also drums for Alex Bugnon and Byron Cage. Besides being a full time performing musician, he continues to program live shows and produce for different artists under his business name: J-rod Sullivan Productions, LLC. J-rod has worked with the likes of Jidenna, Seven Streeter, Xscape, Bebe Winans, Everette Harp, Nick Colionne, Kenny Latimore, Chantae Cann, Ave

Matt Tecu is a Los Angeles based studio and live touring drummer. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri. Matt has played on hundreds of recordings and thousands of live concerts world wide throughout the years. He has recorded and/or performed with such artists as Jakob Dylan, Cat Power, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Stephen Stills, Nora Jones, Beck, Regina Spektor, Stephen Stills, Roger McGuinn, Daniel Lanois, Fiona Apple, Jackson Browne and Sam Morrow to name a few. He presently can be seen and heard in the new documentary/concert film ‘Echo In The Canyon’, as the house drummer for the whole project. Matt lives in Los Angeles and continues to record and perform with some of musics legends as well as new up and comers like Sam Morrow. He also has taught private drum lessons for years. In this episode, Matt talks about: * Serving the song* Playing “ideas” in sessions* Echo and the Canyon documentary * The importance of Ringo* Matt’s journey  Matt endorses: Paiste cymbals, Pork Pie drums, Aquarian heads

As the drummer in Atlanta’s ’70s juggernaut Yacht Rock Revue, Mark Cobb performs for thousands of rabid fans every week. From the Irving Plaza in Manhattan to the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles, he brings to life the sounds of the most iconic studio drummers of all time — the Purdie shuffle, Russ Kunkel’s artful tom fills, Jeff Porcaro’s relentless grooves, Steve Gadd’s perfect precision — with stunning accuracy.  He’s performed at the Rose Bowl, the College Football National Championship, the NCAA Final Four, for 35,000 fans on the 4th of July at Turner Field, and on music cruises with Kid Rock, Weezer, KISS, Train, Zac Brown Band, Dinosaur Jr., Emmylou Harris and Heart.   Mark’s infectious enthusiasm for music and drumming was heightened during his time at the prestigious Indiana University School of Music. However, it was not until after he received his degree and spent a year in Los Angeles that he grew into the seasoned player he is today. In this episode, Mark talks about: * The good, bad,

Nashville drummer Zack Stewart was born in Owensboro, KY. Zack began playing drums at the age of 10 when his parents bought him a snare drum and soon found himself playing in local bands and participating in his school’s music program. After high school Zack went on to attend the University of Kentucky and then the Percussion Institute of Technology in California. At PIT, Zack had the opportunity to study with some of the best players and teachers in World. While at PIT he was offered a full-time touring position with The Van-Dells. This led to him relocating to Nashville in the spring of 2005. Since coming to Nashville, Zack has gone on to work with many different artists including Josh Thompson, Rick Monroe, Sean McConnell, Josh Gracin, Lindsey Ell and has toured all the over the US, Europe, and parts of South America. Currently Zack tours with country singer Jerrod Niemann. When he’s not on the road Zack maintains a busy teaching schedule as well as conducting clinics and master classes throughout the Sout

TONY, GRAMMY and EMMY award winning Andrés Patrick Forero is the original drummer for the Broadway production of Hamilton, and is considered to be one of the best “crossover” drummer/percussionists in the industry. In 2002, Andrés connected with Tony award winning composer-lyricist Lin Manuel Miranda and Grammy award winning composer Alex Lacamoire. Andrés played a key role in the development of the drum book for In the Heights. Andrés can be found on the original cast recording that was released in 2008. This amazing musical partnership would be rekindled a few years later when Andrés was asked to join Lin and Alex again in the musical development for another Tony Award nominated musical; Bring it On. In 2015 Andrés joined Lin and Alex during the development of Hamilton, An American Musical where he spent several months with the company during its off Broadway run. In 2016, Hamilton won the Grammy for Best Original Cast Recording and has since been certified Triple Platinum. The musical also set a record

Michael Mercurio is the Vice President, and a financial advisor for Stephen and Associates Financial Planning, with offices on Music Row in Nashville, TN and in West Palm Beach, FL. Michael works with clients in almost all financial stages of life throughout the country to create strategies that protect and maximize assets, retirement income, estate, and financial opportunities. Michael works with clients in almost all financial stages of life throughout the country to create strategies that protect and maximize assets, retirement income, estate, and financial opportunities. Michael believes and has proven time and again that virtually everyone has substantial growth potential that they are not even aware of. He has helped numerous clients grow and protect their wealth throughout his years as a financial strategist. People can get in touch with Michael at Michael@SandAWealth.com or request contact through http://www.sandawealth.com In this episode, Michael talks about: * Myths and misconceptions o

Mike Levesque has spent his career in the Boston area. His touring and recording experience includes David Bowie, Seven Mary Three, Natalie Imbruglia, Susan Tedeschi, and many more. He plays on approximately one original record per month and fills out the rest of his schedule with 150-200 live dates per year, still saying yes to almost everything and preferring to be out playing than sitting at home on a given night. He is also currently in the process of launching Buckabeat, using the huge archive of material he’s recorded over the years with producer Sean McLaughlin, and a new model for selling samples and loops. In this episode, Mike talks about: * Still saying yes to almost every gig* The producers and studios in Boston he’s forged relationships with over the years* “Playing drums like a songwriter”* His recent fascination with Reggae drumming* His thoughts on the great shuffle debate* Building a new business and a new business model with “Buck-a-Beat”* Why he prefers doing sessions in person with a

Dave Stark is a highly in demand session and touring drummer, as well as one of the world’s top drum instructors and clinicians. He’s been playing music since the age of 5 and drums since the age of 7. Born and raised in New York, Dave studied with legendary teachers Dom Famularo, Jim Chapin, Al Miller, Frankie Malabe, Gary Chaffee and an abundance of other great drummers. After attending Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, Dave’s career took off quickly back in NYC where he became a first call session artist. He also started a teaching career which to this day, has many top drummers seeking out his advice and guidance. For over 25 years, Dave has traveled around the world doing clinics for Zildjian, Yamaha, and ddrum/clavia. In this episode, Dave talks about:  * Defining success in the music business* Important teachers for Dave like Dom Famularo and Jim Chapin* Being prepared when work is scarce * His involvement in PAS* Parallels between drumming Yoga Dave endorses GMS drums, Zildjia

Leonard “Pudge” Tribbett is currently the touring drummer for R&B legend Anita Baker. Pudge hails from the Philadelphia area, where he came up in the family business of Gospel Music under the leadership of his cousin Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing. After attending college on a football scholarship, Pudge went straight into full-time playing and hasn’t looked back. In addition to Anita Baker, Pudge’s resume also includes Roberta Flack, Ray Chew, Regina Bell, and Sheila E, and he is also part of the creative team behind Soul Surplus sample packs. In this episode, Pudge talks about * Anita Baker’s “in the moment” approach to live shows* Getting involved in Greater Anointing as a teenager, and the foundation it laid for his career* Splitting time in college between football, academics, and music* What he learned on a tour opening for Don Henley* “Don’t play what’s in front of you, play what’s in you” * The mentorship of fellow Philadelphian Brian Frasier Moore* His relationship with gear Pudge Tr

Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada Jay Tooke grew up playing bass, drums, guitar, and piano. Before his eventual move to Nashville, TN he spent 15 years dividing his time between traveling the world playing and singing with many artists like Michelle Wright, Chad Brownlee, Doc Walker, Dean Brody, Jodi King and One More Girl as well as writing songs and honing his craft of producing records.  Looking to expand his musical horizons and opportunities, Jay eventually made Nashville TN his permanent home around 2012 where Jay continued to produce as well as build upon his reputation as a solid, tasteful drummer. All of this lead to a 3 1/2 year relationship with the band The Steel Woods. During the week of this podcast recording, Jay announced his decision to leave the band. With recording and producing projects on the horizon, Jay will stay busy expanding his roles in music all while leaving room for growth in an ever changing industry.   In this episode, Jay talks about: * Building relationships and c

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 ju

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 r

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 “phras

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

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, Sabia

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

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

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 app