Working Drummer

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

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

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 Drummin

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.

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 Cym

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 Gam

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 Monr

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 vocab

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

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.

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 ta

Dame Drummer lives in Oakland, tours with Fantastic Negrito, and is about to release his latest original project, a double-length album called Loveolution. Dame grew up in Cleveland where he cut his teeth on the local scene playing funk, R&B, and whatever else came along. He moved to Oakland in 2012 at the urging of some friends who already lived there. His Rust Belt work ethic quickly and creative spirit put him in high demand Oakland and he’s been busy ever since, both as a collaborator and a leader. In this episode, Dame talks about: * The drum chair with Fantastic Negrito, and sharing it with other drummers* Combining drumming, singing, and rapping* How drums and rap influence each other* Why it’s important to be “more than a drummer” * The underdog identity of his hometown of Cleveland, and how it gave him a strong work ethic* His move to Oakland and working his way onto the scene there* The history and legacy of Oakland Funk, Hip-Hop, and R&B* Viewing each gig as a point on the arc of your career,

For the last few years, Derek Mixon has been the drummer for country singer and songwriter Chris Stapleton. Derek played drums on all of Chris’s award winning solo albums to date. Originally from West Monroe, Louisiana, Derek drew inspiration from his surroundings that included his father who was a professional musician. The musical sensibilities he learned early in life as well as his time in Nashville over the last 20 years has been the preparation that was needed to play the role of drummer supporting one of the most prolific writers and modern country music.  Derek has also worked with Sam Lewis, Jedd Hughes, Rodney Crowell, Tracy Bird, She daisy, Jack Pearson, Sarah Buxton, Sam Bush, Jamey Johnson, Jace Everett, Jim Lauderdale and Al Perkins  In this episode, Derek talks about: * Performing on Austin City Limits* Derek’s intro to music through his dad* His start in Nashville * How to support the songwriter * Derek’s drum tunings in the studio  Derek endorses: Ludwig Drums, Remo drumheads, Vic

Damian Erskine is known for his ability to fit into most any musical situation, extraordinary reading and improvising skills as well as being an educator and columnist. He has played in the studio or on the stage with Peter Erskine, Gino Vannelli, The Jaco Pastorius Big Band, Bob Sheppard, John Beasley, Jeff Lorber, The Buddy Rich Alumni All-Star Band, Antonio Hart, Charmaine Neville, and many others as well as being featured on the GospelChops.com “Shed Sessionz Vol. 1” DVD. Damian is an adjunct professor at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. In addition, he regularly teaches abroad with JAE (Jazz Education Abroad) in Shanghai, Beirut, Cyprus, and Bangkok as well as teaching camps in the US at • Gerald Veasley’s Bass Bootcamp, the National Guitar Workshop, and Berklee College of Music’s Guitar Week. Damian has written for Bass Player Magazine, Bass Musician Magazine, as well as continuing to maintain a popular weekly column at NoTreble.com. Damian has also authored two books, “Right Hand

Rick Marotta is known for his recordings and touring with such luminaries as James Taylor, Jackson Brown, Steely Dan, Carly Simon, Paul Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Larry Carlton, Warren Zevon and Bette Midler. Rick began playing drums at 19 when a friend went into the army and left his set of drums to Rick. It wasn’t long before Rick began playing with R&B bands in the New York area, recording with David Spinozza and the group Giant as well as The Riverboat Soul Band. Rick’s current activities include writing music for movies and television, recording jingles and producing.His scoring for TV can be heard on Everybody Loves Raymond, Yes Dear, and the Hank Azaria Show. In this episode, Rick talks about: * His master class at Drum Paradise in Nashville* Staying open to input and fresh ideas* Skills that are needed to record in the studio * Bringing your personality to your playing * Playing gigs with his brother Jerry* Composing music * Cutting “Hour That the Morning Comes” for James Tayl

Once a year, we get together with our buddy Nick Ruffini of Drummer’s Resource to catch up on developments in our lives, podcasts, and careers. In this episode, Zack, Matt, and Nick talk about: * Los Angeles: Nick’s first impressions, Zack’s memories, the good, the bad and the ugly * Nick’s new company, Revoice Media * Playing drums vs. other music-related jobs, and how ego and identity plays into that mix * Insecurity surrounding money * Matt’s outlook on the Nasvhille scene * Examples of drummers who had amazing gigs, then took a step back from music to do something different

Accomplished drummer and spiritual teacher Steve Sinatra has dedicated fifteen plus years to making his living as a full time professional studio and touring musician. He’s toured and shared the stage with many nationally recognized artists such as Sarah Buxton, Pat Green, Richard Marx, Vertical Horizon, Billy Gilman, Joe Nichols, Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes and many others.  After spending ten plus years performing with these notable artists, he had achieved the dream that he embarked on as a child. Still feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled, he was inspired to dig deeper as to why. That tough question lead him to spending the last four years examining and finding answers to some of life’s tough questions. As he refines and organizes the information, he roots to it through self experience and teaching it to others. The unique blend of experiences and teaching modalities he uses are all linked to three categories, Source, Science, and Sound. www.sourcesciencesound.com is also the website where Steve can be f

Accomplished drummer and spiritual teacher Steve Sinatra has dedicated fifteen plus years to making his living as a full time professional studio and touring musician. He’s toured and shared the stage with many nationally recognized artists such as Sarah Buxton, Pat Green, Richard Marx, Vertical Horizon, Billy Gilman, Joe Nichols, Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes and many others.  After spending ten plus years performing with these notable artists, he had achieved the dream that he embarked on as a child. Still feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled, he was inspired to dig deeper as to why. That tough question lead him to spending the last four years examining and finding answers to some of life’s tough questions. As he refines and organizes the information, he roots to it through self experience and teaching it to others. The unique blend of experiences and teaching modalities he uses are all linked to three categories, Source, Science, and Sound. sourcescincesound.com is also the website where Steve can be found

Tarik Abouzied has played and traveled with a vast array of incredible musicians. His groups have collectively produced seven original albums: two from Pocket Change, an instrumental funk septet in the vein of Tower of Power, three from Hardcoretet, a modern instrumental jazz quartet, one from McTuff, an incredible funk/jazz Hammond organ trio, and one from his current project, Happy Orchestra. Happy was awarded 4Culture’s Arts Project Grant and its debut album, Baba, reached #5 on the KEXP NW Music Chart and was nominated NW Recording of the Year by readers of Earshot Jazz. Aside from these groups, Tarik has performed with Victor Wooten, George Porter Jr., John Medeski, Chris Wood, Jeff Coffin, Brian Haas, Jessica Lurie, Nigel Hall, Mike Stern, Bob Franceschini, Damian Erskine, and many more. As an educator Abouzied has led clinics and classrooms at universities and schools internationally. He was a coordinator and teacher for the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra’s Jazz Scholars Program, which provides free

Petar Janjic was born in Kraljevo, Serbia, also known as Kingstown. At 5, his father, a well known Serbian drummer, gave him a drum set and at the age of 10, Petar began studying with legendary a Serbian drummer Slobodan Stojanovic. In high school, Petar toured all over Europe before his eventual move to the United States. In 2008 he studied Music Performance & Percussion at the McNally Smith College of Music and eventually became one of its percussion instructors.   During his time in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in Minnesota, Petar’s passion for learning and persistence won the trust of Prince drummer Michael Bland and the music community that surrounded him. Petar eventually became Michael’s first call sub. Currently, he continues to tour and record with Cory Wong and just moved to Nashville in pursuit of more music and recording opportunities.  In this episode, Petar talks about: * Moving to the U.S. from Serbia to study music  * Becoming the sub for Michael Bland in Dr. Mambo’s Combo in Minneapolis  *