Working Drummer

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. Click here for pictures This interview was conducted August 6th 2015

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 a

Raised in South Bend Indiana, Trey Gray moved to Nashville in 1990. Trey has built a strong reputation in Nashville as a solid and dynamic drummer starting with his work in 1994 with Faith Hill. Later, Trey went on to work with Jewel, Brooks and Dunn, Reba McEntire as well as Ronnie Dunn as a solo artist. In 2003, Trey was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease. Despite the disease’s hallmark symptoms of uncontrolled movement of the upper body, Trey continues to work as a drummer for many of these artists as well as write and produce in his two recording studios in Nashville and Indiana. With the help of some close friends, Trey started the Huntington’s Disease Foundation (HDFI) to help raise awareness of the disease as well as organize events that will generate income towards research for a cure. Also, through help with Vanderbilt University, Trey has started the Trey Gray Fund. Click here for pictures This interview was conducted July 30th 2015

At four years old, Tim Horsley began playing drums and by the age of eight, he was playing live shows with his fathers gospel group in Southern Illinois. This early experience created a foundation for Tim to become the in-demand drummer he is today in Nashville. Starting in 1998, Tim has played drums with some of the best known country artists. After a short stint with Suzy Bogguss, Tim toured for close to five years with Keith Urban. His work with Keith helped establish Tim as a formative player that lead to many other artist gigs like Gary Allan, Deana Carter and Jamie O’Neal just to name a few. Becoming an expert at recording the drums, is one of the many ways Tim continues to diversify his talents within the music industry. Dedicating his energy into getting the best drum sounds he can for tracking drums in his home studio has been an obsession that continues to pay off. You can easily access examples of these recordings on his web-site. From an educational angle, Tim utilizes his home recording experienc

Bassist David Santos shares insight into music and drumming that only a bass player can give. David has toured and recorded with Billy Joel/Elton John, John Fogerty, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Neville Brothers, Billy Preston and many others. As a consummate student of music, David has created opportunities to work with some of the greatest musicians of our time. This includes working with many amazing drummers. Some of the drummers we discuss in this podcast include Andy Newmark, Kenny Aronoff, Cindy Blackman-Santana and Liberty Devitto. David continues his work in Nashville as a first-call session musician and runs his own world-class White Rock Studios. David is also a respected educator and songwriter/producer. He provides instruction on piano, guitar and bass. Click here for photos This interview was conducted July 21st 2015

For the last five years, Kevin Murphy's been the power house drummer for country singer Randy Houser. Before his current road gig, Kevin toured for 11 years with the band Tonic. Growing up in the Northern Virginia/DC area, Kevin's exposure to music, like hardcore and "Go Go," became an undeniable influence on Kevin's playing and has served him well for the more than two decades he's spent as a full-time professional drummer. Kevin plays an active role in the Nashville drumming community and constantly works at maintaining strong friendships among his peers. Most recently Kevin was one of the drummers mentioned in the August issue of Modern Drummer's feature on the "Nashville Drummer Jam" and their tribute to Neil Peart. It's easy to hear an air of confidence in Kevin's voice but you can also hear it in his playing. His YouTube channel is well stocked with live footage of Kevin's dynamic playing. Kevin has also taken on the role of producer and songwriter. Kevin's producing and songwriting skills can be heard

Brian Fullen is a veteran drummer who's lived in Nashville for many years and worked for many artists including Shania Twain, Peter Frampton, Bob Carlisle, Allies, The Imperials, Vince Gilland Larry Carlton just to name a few. As a first call studio drummer, Brian's session work covers artist projects to movie sound tracks to music for TV commercials. Brian's been expanding his home studio work with sessions supporting chart topping Australian artists that have been at the forefront of an Australian country music renaissance. Some of these artists include Australian X-Factor finalists and Toyota Star Maker winners from 2013 and 2014. Brian's family has deep musical roots and at the age of fifteen, he was working professionally as a drummer. Studying in Columbus Ohio at Capital University and later receiving a Masters of Art from the University of Memphis, Brian used his educational experience to become a respected educator himself. As well as teaching at Belmont University in Nashville for twelve years, Brian

Drummer Rich Redmond has so many plates spinning there wouldn't be enough room in the podcast show notes to list them all. Best known as the drummer for country super star Jason Aldean (touring and studio), Rich also produces other artist's music with his partners at New Voice Entertainment. As a speaker and author, many of Rich's pursuits encompass the combination of education and motivation. You may find Rich at a music store putting on a drum clinic for aspiring drummers while on tour with Aldean and the next week speaking in front of business professionals motivating them to reach the next level with his program C.R.A.S.H. Course For Success. Living by example, Rich is constantly dreaming up new and innovative ways to find success in music, drumming, the entertainment industry and many other areas of business. Based in Nashville and Los Angeles, Rich adds songwriting and most recently acting to his impressive resume. Click here for pictures This interview was conducted June 18th, 2015

Many people know Steve Bowman as a founding member and original drummer for the band Counting Crows. Born and raised in Oakland California, Steve had the good fortune of growing up in a town with a history of successful bands like The Counting Crows. Steve established a reputation as a solid musician with his original and creative drumming on the band's 1993 debut album August And Everything After. In Late 1994, Steve left the band and went on to play with artists like Third Eye Blind, John Wesley Harding, and Penelope Houston. While on a trip to Nashville in 2006 to record with the band The Bittersweets, Steve discovered the charm of the music city and moved his family in 2007. Since that time, Steve stayed busy live and in the studio with artists like Big Kenny and many other songwriters. The devastating Nashville flood in 2010 and the damage it did to Steve's property forced him to make many changes in his life. What started as a dark period has turned into an opportunity for Steve rediscover and reinvent

Jerry Roe is the drummer and member of the band Friendship Commanders. Widely known as a prolific and naturally gifted drummer, Jerry's list of artists he's performed and/or recorded with is impressive. These include Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, The Wreckers, Legendary Shack Shakers, KD Lang, WPA (Works Progress Administration) and Gretchen Wilson. As the grandson of singer, songwriter and actor Jerry Reed as well as son of Nashville bassist Dave Roe, it's no surprise to learn that Jerry began playing drums at 1 1/2 years old. During a few years living and working in Los Angeles, Jerry not only worked with L.A. based bands like the Useless Keys but his studio sessions included working with bass legend Leland Sklaras well as Leland's all bass player band, JoStLe. This interview was recorded May 13th 2015 Click herefor pictures.

Currently on the road with Casey James and guitar great Reeves Gabrels, Jeff Brown has been able to stay busy as a full time drummer for many years. In just the last decade, Jeff has worked with many artists live and in the studio including Dreaming In English, Jen Foster, Bucky Covington, Thomas Rhett and Steel Magnolia. Jeff's recording experience includes recording for movie sound tracks, television as well as many independent artists in Nashville and Los Angeles. An artist at heart and creative soul, Jeff started a video series called The Players Din that features an improvised musical performance with fellow musicians. Jeff also operates his own home studio called Shrug Sound Studio. Click here for pictures. This interview was recorded May 12th, 2015

Originally from Quesnel British Columbia, Dan Sia has just finished his 11th year as full time cruise ship drum set player and multi percussionist. What started as an audition over the phone 11 years ago, Dan's work on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has tested his skills at adapting to almost every style of music imaginable. This includes drumming for musicals like Mama Mia, Chicago: The Musical and Hairspay as well as big band and combo playing. Not only is sight reading a must while backing up guest artists on the ships, Dan must be able to cover all the styles mentioned as well as Latin and pop styles. Most recently Dan was the featured drummer in a show called Sonic Odyssey with a 20 minute drum solo. Since our interview, Dan has moved back home to Las Vegas with the hope to put his many skills to the test in the Vegas strip. Click here for pictures. This interview was conducted on April 23rd 2015

Jamie Rogan is a passionate drummer that for the last ten years has been working for country singer Billy Currington. But Jamie is so much more than that. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in music education, he stayed in Alabama for two more years as a band director. In 2000 Jamie moved to Nashville. Jamie continues to juggle many things outside his full time road gig with teaching and session work. When not on the road, Jamie works with a Grateful Dead tribute band called The Stolen Faces. Click herefor pictures This interview was recorded April 7th 2015

Fred Eltringham has had arguably some of the coolest gigs you could have throughout the years he's been playing. While touring with RCA artists Gigolo Aunts from the mid to late 90's, Fred established many working and personal relationships with the bands they were sharing the stage with. This included The Wallflowers which eventually became Fred's gig for eight years after leaving the Gigolo Aunts. While on a break from The Wallflowers, Fred was recommended for the Dixie Chicks gig where more Nashville connections were made. After multiple moves between LA and New York, Fred moved his young family to Nashville in 2006 where he has become steadily busier as a live drummer working with Sheryl Crow as well as an in demand session drummer recording with strong talent such as Kasey Musgraves, Allison Moorer, KD Lang as well as producer T Bone Burnett. Click here for pictures. This interview was recorded April 6th 2015.

Before moving to Nashville in 1991, Steve Ebe spent his formative years in Memphis working with such legends as Carl Perkins and Donald "Duck" Dunn. Now, Steve is known throughout the Nashville music community as one of the busiest drummers in town. Whether it's teaching close to 50 students a week, or working with several bands who's primary focus is paying tribute to classic albums by performing them in their entirety, (The Long Players). Steve has carved a niche for himself that is truly unique. He still finds the time to work with other local bands as well, including a Steely Dan tribute called 12 Against Natureand an 80's party band with a strong reputation called Guilty Pleasures. For a little over 15 years, Steve has also been a member of a dedicated original band called Human Radio. This interview was conducted April 1st 2015. Click here for pictures.

Ed Toth has held down two power house gigs for close to 20 years. Between 1996 - 2005, Ed was the drummer and member of the band Vertical Horizon. Since 2005, Ed has been playing drums with the legendary Doobie Brothers. Ed shares with us the joys and challenges that he experienced as a member of Vertical Horizon from its humble beginnings to multi platinum status as well as what lead to his transition into the gig with the Doobie Brothers. We also cover the strong influence his musician father had on Ed's early education as well as his introduction to the music of the Doobies as a kid. Ed's drum tech, Jeremy Denton joined us for the interview and took some great pictures. All photos in Ed's gallery are Jeremy's. Here is what Ed had to say about Jeremy: "Jeremy Denton (jdenton03@gmail.com) is a Nashville based photographer. He's also my drum tech so he knows his way around the kit and knows what looks best for drummers. If you need some shots for you or your band, I highly recommend you drop him a line!" - Ed

Not only has George Lawrence been the drummer for Poco for over a decade, he's known throughout the Nashville drumming community as a natural mentor with years of experience performing live and in the studio. His reputation as an influential teacher includes a long list of successful alumni like drumming great Keith Carlock. In the early eighties George maintained steady work as a session drummer in Los Angeles and later at Muscle Shoals in Alabama. Some of George's current and past endeavors include owning his own drum shop, running the magazine "Not So Modern Drummer" as well as running the annual Nashville Drum Show. See photos here.

For the last 15 years, Ben Sesar has been the live and studio drummer for Grammy award winning singer, songwriter and guitarist Brad Paisley. This gig has given Ben a perspective on the music industry that few drummers get to experience. Ben offers his insight and philosophy on the business and what obstacles up and coming drummers might face. As a teacher, writer and professed life long student himself, Ben comes off as a true journey-man who is constantly looking for answers that plague his active drumming mind. And as a result of the depth of information we cover, we've decided to break this podcast into two parts. In part 2, Ben gets into practice techniques that he's designed to challenge himself as well as his students. He also explains the reason and origin of his cymbal set up and why they are angled the way they are. We have included the talents of photographer John Zocco in this podcast. You can check out all the great photographs from this interview on www.workingdrummer.net. This interview was rec

For over 15 years Jim Riley has been the drummer for the hugely successful country group Rascal Flatts. After earning a degree in music education from North Texas, Jim found his way to Nashville in pursuit of higher musical goals. In pursuit of these goals, Jim shares with us his story of determination and perseverance. After establishing his drumming skills among his peers in Nashville, Jim quickly found himself with his first artist gig working with Mark Chestnut. As the group Rascal Flatts was beginning to take shape, Jim was asked to be the drummer. In spite of the newness of the group and its ground breaking pop style, Jim saw it as great opportunity and a risk worth taking. Within the first two years, Jim found himself in the position of musical director for Rascal Flatts and continues to maintain that position in the group. Jim discusses his role as "MD" and how it's responsibilities has evolved over years as the band's success has grown. Jim is also a dedicated educator. Sharing real world performance

For the last 15 years, Ben Sesar has been both live and studio drummer for the Grammy award winning singer, songwriter and guitarist Brad Paisley. This gig has given Ben a perspective on the music industry that few drummers get to experience. Ben offers his insight and philosophy on the business and which obstacles up and coming drummers might face. As a teacher, writer and professed life long student, Ben comes off as a true journey-man who is constantly looking for answers that plague his active drumming mind. Due to the depth of information we cover, we've decided to break this podcast into two parts. Ben discusses the trials of the music business in this first part as well as his decision to reinvent himself by converting to traditional grip after playing match grip most of his life. He also explains how he divides drumming into the "what we play" and "how we play", and the benefits of understanding the difference. We have included the talents of photographer John Zocco in this podcast. You can check out