Working Drummer

Ra Kalam Bob Moses spent his youth growing up in New York City and living in the same building as Art Blakey, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Elvin Jones, Rahsaan Roland Kirk. This early experience had a profound effect on this young musician. Ra Kalam would go on to work with jazz luminaries such as Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow, Jack DeJohnette, Tisziji Muñoz and many others.  He was also a member of the group The Free Spirits in the 1960’s, considered one of the first Jazz rock bands ever.  Many were introduced to Ra Kalam’s drumming by way of Pat Metheny‘s very first solo record Bright Size Life in 1976 with Jaco Pastorius on bass.  Ra Kalam is also a composer and leader on many recorded projects, going back decades. In this episode, Ra Kalam talks about:    His thoughts on the documentary being made about him    Growing up in the same building as Art Blakey, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Elvin Jones, Rahsaan Roland Kirk in New York    Getting beyond your tendencies and patterns    His relationship wi

Terence F. Clark is a Memphis based drummer, producer, composer, artist and overall creative. He has played with a huge variety of artists from different regions and genres, Keith Urban being the most recent. Known for his impeccable and soulful performances, professionalism and discipline of craft, Terence has traveled the world building relationships with and through music. As Terence finds inspiration in his travels and engaging other cultures, he always lends inspiration with his unique brand of performance, solid groove, creativity, musical knowledge and excellence. It's always been more than “just about the music”, for Terence; it's about serving the artist, creating the very best and discovering a community of artists with which to learn from and create with along the way.

Originally from a small town in Kentucky, Caleb Crosby moved to Nashville to study music at the Belmont University. In a short amount of time, Caleb met a young Tyler Bryant, and they form what’s now known as Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown. The group has released an impressive one body of work since they began recording around 2011. There’re touring credits include opening and being direct support for groups like AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Jeff, Beck, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.  Caleb splits his time between the band, their new record label, freelance drumming and raising a young family.  Just recently, Caleb was the drummer with Dolly Parton during her halftime show at a Dallas NFL game. In this episode, Caleb talks about    Capturing the moment in the studio    The power of positive energy    Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown    Being in a band and freelancing    Playing with Dolly Parton    Building a record label    Creating parts in the studio    Family

Adam Deitch is the centerpiece of the instrumental funk juggernaut Lettuce, and is also a beatmaker, producer, and sideman for a wide range of projects. On the heels of Lettuce’s latest release entitled Unify from 2022, Adam is out with “Roll The Tape” a new record featuring his own quartet and special guest John Scofield. He also operates the Deitch Academy, an online drumming course. In this episode, Adam talks about: His new quartet record and the soul jazz icons it harkens back to The value of using professionals to record, mix, and master, as opposed to DIY Including solo drumming and brushwork on the record The influence and mentorship of John Scofield How IEMs have made for a more connected and intimate live experience Why he calls Denver home, and a snapshot of the scene there

Brandon Green is a biomechanics specialist, fitness educator, gym owner and drummer. Brandon’s online presence, often recognized as “Drum mechanics”, explores educational biomechanics perspective on fitness, drums and life. In this episode, Brandon talks about:    Combining his passions of fitness and drumming    Future plans for more online educational content    Seat hight the works for you and your body type    Exercises that specifically benefits drumming    Active stretching vs passive stretching    Defining post-activation potentiation (PAP) and its benefits https://www.youtube.com/@brandondrummechanics https://www.instagram.com/drummechanics

Jose “Pepe” Jimenez has played drums professionally since the age of 16 and is known for his versatility in different musical styles. He’s product of the Escuela Libre De Musica (Puerto Rico Performing Arts School), Musicians Institute and the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. Pepe has played with Lady Gaga, Santana, Giovanni Hidalgo, Jerry Gonzales, Mark Anthony, and The Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to name a few. Recordings include Ricardo Arjona, Olga Tanon, Armando Manzanero, Elvis Crespo, Ilan Chester, and Glenn Monroig among others. Since movingh to Las Vegas in 2002, he has worked in various production shows and bands including Storm, Mamma Mia, Cirque du Soleil Zumanity, Criss Angel Believe, The Lion King, Latin Grammys, Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, Pop Evolution Orchestra and his solo project The Groove Culture.  In this episode, Pepe talks about: Getting handpicked by Lady Gaga to be part of her Vegas orchestra, and what that show entails How to make the click your friend Playing with the

Paul Eckberg has drummed for Owsley, Danielle Bradbery, Jana Kramer, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Whitney Duncan, Andrew Peterson, and many other Nashville-based artists. He spends most of his time recording in Nashville. In this episode, Paul talks about:    Growing up in Minneapolis MN    The realities of the music business    Human interaction, not “networking”    Skills to being a great sideman    Having a strong count-off game    Life decisions being informed by his faith

In this episode, Mark talks about: What he finds rewarding about musical theatre  Other Vegas-specific gigs he’s done over the years Touring heavily at age 55 and staying connected to home life  Using gear that suits you as a player but also fulfills the needs of the show you’re on  Staying engaged by being detail oriented  Having your boss’s trust The virtue of contentment 

Martin Lynds is a musician and editor who tours most often with Chuck Mead and His Grassy Knoll boys but has stayed busy performing and/or recording with many others, including Cheap Trick’s Tom Petersson, Kevin Gordon, Marah, Bobby Bare, Rodney Crowell and Marty Stuart. In this episode, Martin talks about:    Exploring styles outside your comfort zone    Finding your people without being concerned with the hustle    His experiences living in Washington D.C.    Finding a “clubhouse” to meet other musicians and create experiences    His gig with Chuck Mead    Backline nightmares    The hidden beauty of traditional country drumming

Danny is originally from the Boston area but has called Memphis home for the last decade, where his main gig is touring with Nicole Atkins. He has toured with John Paul Keith and John Nemeth, and is active in Memphis’s many recording studios. In this episode, Danny talks about: Being an opening act for major headliners How Memphis provides ample opportunities to record in proper studios, so Danny hasn't set up a home rig How he was able to keep gigging remotely during Covid Mentoring under Howard Grimes and his contribution to the Memphis sound His appearance on Letterman as an 11-year-old prodigy

Brian Tichy is one of the most in demand performers today. Brian studied music at, and has a degree from, the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Brian has performed and recorded with artists: Billy Idol, Foreigner, Whitesnake, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Ozzy Osbourne, WASP, Don Felder, B'Z, Lynch Mob, Vinnie Moore, Michael Schenker, Seether, Velvet Revolver, Zakk Wylde's Pride & Glory, The Dead Daisies, Glenn Hughes, Slash's Snakepit and is also the founder of the popular celebration events, Bonzo Bash and Randy Rhoads Remembered. In this episode, Brian talks about:    Drummers that connect with the people    Touring with the Dead Daisies    Being able to adapt on sessions    Different tours/sessions and managing it all    Playing with Don Felder    Recording the album Pride and Glory w/ Zakk Wylde    Great playing over good networking    Hand and feet exercise for desks and floors only : 0

Allison Miller is a New York-based drummer, bandleader, educator, and producer. She studied with Michael Carvin and Lenny White and went on to play with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ani DiFanco, Brandi Carlisle, and many others. She's active as an educator in many capacities including at The New School in New York, and her new album, Rivers In Our Veins is out now. In this episode, Allison talks about: Getting started with big bands in DC, and studying classical percussion in college The role that traditional bepop vocabulary plays in developing a modern jazz drumming voice The importance of experiencing jazz in a live setting Her new record and raising awareness about the role and health of America's rivers How her jazz credentials and experience led to pop opportunities Playing with Dr. Lonnie Smith

David Garibaldi has became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming. As a writer and performer David has worked with such artists as Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Mickey Hart's Planet Drum, Boz Scaggs, The BBC Orchestra, Gino Vannelli, Talking Drums, The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Ray Obiedo, Wishful Thinking, and many others. David is once again performing and recording with the Tower of Power. David was Modern Drummer Magazine - readers Poll Winner "R&B/Funk" category six times. Five consecutive years from 1980-1985, and again in 2003. His name now permanently resides in that polls honor roll category for his lasting contributions to the percussive arts. David's first book, "Future Sounds", was rated one of the 10 greatest drum books by Modern Drummer Magazine (August 1993) In this episode, David talks about:    The importance of good overall health    The early days of recording with Tower of Power    Creating art and being yourself    Adjusting

This week we’re joined by Christina Albetta (Zack's wife), Liz Shadbolt (Matt's wife) and Kevin Leon, drummer for St. Paul & The Broken Bones and his wife Erin Johnson. Over the years Matt and Zack and many guests have talked about life partners and balancing relationships with our music careers, and we thought it was high time to hear from the other side of this equation about what it’s like to do life with a drummer. A long term committed relationship with a musician or any type of creative presents some unique challenges in terms of money, time, kids, trust, and so much more, and Christina, Liz and Erin offer some valuable perspective on all of it. In this episode, the couples talk about: How finances and other responsibilities in a relationship are never 50/50 Being willing to do whatever you have to do to support kids Creating your own traditions and celebrations on your own schedule How you can support your drummer without feeling obligated to come to every single gig Trusting your partner during t

Danny Douchette is one of the rare Nashville Tennessee natives living and working in his home town as a musician. He has been working at Fork’s Drum Closet since 2005 and currently manages the legendary drum shop. Known as a skilled metal drummer, Danny can be seen around music city performing at one of the many community supported events like “Rare Hair”, “Industrial Night” and “The Rock and Roll Residency” just to name a few.  In this episode, Danny talks about:    Local events that connect musicians with each other    Growing up with a parent who was a professional musician    The underground nature of metal    Managing Forks Drum Closet in Nashville, TN    The challenges of maintaining an original band

Mike Dillon's decades-long career as a vibraphonist, percussionist, and drummer has included work with Ani DiFranco, Les Claypool, Stanton Moore, Rikki Lee Jones, and many others. He has also led bands in his own right, the latest of which is Punkadelick, with Brian Haas on keys and Nikki Glaspie on drums. Their new record is called Inflorescence. When not on the road, Mike splits his time between New Orleans and Kansas City. In this episode, Mike talks about: His new trio, Punkadelick with Brian Haas on kers and Nikki Glaspie on drums Finding his place at North Texas as a percussionist rather than a drumset player Committing to mastering the blues and jazz harmony in the improvisatory context The influence of Johnny Vidacovich as an improvisor How the scenes of Kansas City and New Orleans have shaped him How his wife, visual artist Peregrine Honig, has influenced his art and creative process

Originally from South East London and currently residing in Nashville, TN, Jonathan 'Ginger' Hamilton developed his love for music growing up in church. By age fourteen was holding it down for the UK's leading worship leaders and groups. A few years later, he made his Pop music debut and has gone on to work with artists like, Jessie J, Olly Murs, Lianne La Havas, N Dubz, JLS and Westlife. Since 2017, he has been the touring drummer for Sam Smith. *** Use code: JGHDRUMS15 for 10% off at hyperice.com In this episode, Jon talks about:    Managing drumming and repetitive stress injuries    Acclimating to Nashville, TN from London    Influence of Caribbean and African music in gospel music in the UK    Bringing positivity to every situation and gig    Preparing for the gig you want    Drumming for Sam Smith    The touring rig for the 21st century    Mentorship    His clothing line, Drum and Drummer

Tina Raymond is an accomplished drummer, composer, bandleader, and educator based in Los Angeles, CA. A unique voice in the contemporary improvised music scene, Raymond blends traditional jazz vocabulary with African polyrhythm and classical percussion technique. She is the Director of Jazz Studies at Cal State Northridge, and her new trio album Divinations will be released October 6th. In this episode, Tina talks about: Creating a jazz program where students don’t feel like they’re in competition with each other  Putting boundaries around her professional life, whether it’s as an educator or a performer How she tries to help her students become well rounded people, not just good jazz musicians  Her new record “Divinations” and its tarot theme  Building drum solos around accompaniment Making her record “drums forward” both in performance and mix

   Chris DiGirolamo has been the owner and operator of Two of the Show Media since 2006. Chris started studying drums at the age of five and still performs to this day. From his time at Berklee College of Music, to his tenure at the well known Systems Two Recording Studio in Brooklyn, NY, to engineering at the legendary Record Plant Recording Studio in California, music has always been number one. When Chris started Two for the Show Media, a private music publicity firm in Queens, NY, the mission was to provide hard work, honesty, trust, and guidance to the independent musicians of today. With two Grammy wins and over thirty nominations, Chris has fulfilled his goal times ten.    A fraction of the clients he has worked with include: Dafnis Prieto, Jamie Wollam, Cindy Blackman Santana, Simon Phillips, George Coleman Junior, JR Robinson, Bobby Sinabria, Steve Gadd and Manu Katche. In this episode, Chris talks about:    The benefits of technology with PR    Responsibilities of a publicist    Artist developme

Lucy Ritter grew up in New Jersey with a good dose of NYC. She attended music school at Indiana University where Steve Houghton encouraged her to focus on drumset rather than classical percussion or music education. She left school to join the first national tour of the musical An Officer and a Gentleman, and followed that up with the first national tour of Jagged Little Pill. She recently decided to leave that tour and move to LA full time. In this episode, Lucy talks about Following through to make IG connections IRL Learning how to record audio and video for college during COVID How Steve Houghton encouraged her to focus on drumset rather than classical percussion and music education  How different types of music come with different lifestyles/subcultures  All the different ways professionalism has to be present in how you present yourself.  Seeking out female mentors