Drummer Nation (audio only): Recent Episodes
michael vosbein
Chester takes us through his early years in Baltimore, his auditions for Frank Zappa and Weather Report, his embrace of bigger kits, technology, and his subsequent move to Nashville, where he remains a vital presence in the music scene. Adam Nussbaum cohosts.https://chesterthompson.comhttp://www.adamnussbaum.nethttps://drummernation.com/
Drumeo's Kyle Radomsky Talks Shop
April Samuels harnesses the power of drumming in the fight against breast cancer.
In follow-up to "It's About Time," critically acclaimed Porcaro biography, "Moments In Time" is a collection of stories and anecdotes from world-class musicians, producers, and engineers as well as personal remembrances offered from childhood friends and early bandmates. Flans explores how Jeff grew to greatness, and what it was like to play with him at the height of his powers. A must read for Porcaro fans. Adam Nussbaum cohosts.
Michael and Adam discuss why so many jazz bands are led by drummers. Includes over forty artists and key recordings.
In this insightful session from the 2024 Chicago Drum Show, Michael Vosbein and Rob Cook share their extensive knowledge of the cymbal industry. Michael talks about his career in the cymbal world, detailing his experiences with Bosphorus Cymbals and the creation of Crescent Cymbals. Rob provides historical context and touches on the intricacies of cymbal manufacturing, from the Turkish origins to modern-day production challenges.
Michael Vosbein interviews 2 industry veterans, Ringo Starr's drum curator, and three owners of new boutique percussion companies.
Billy Cobham 80th birthday reel with video from Peter Erskine, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Todd Sucherman, Chad Wackerman, Rob Wallis
The amazing Billy Cobham shares stories from his early years in part one of this interview. Adam Nussbaum cohosts.
Steve Swallow is credited with legitimizing the electric bass as a jazz instrument, and his influence is undeniable. He shares with us his first-hand knowledge of music history and offers keen insight into his work with a litany of world-class drummers. Adam Nussbaum cohosts.
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Neal Smith walks us through the day he took one home. Adam Nussbaum cohosts. https://imaniwinds.comhttps://nsjazz.comhttp://www.adamnussbaum.comhttps://drummernation.comhttp://www.michaelvosbein.com
Ed discusses his article, FIFTY YEARS OF RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT PRACTICING, PLAYING & IMPROVISING ON THE DRUM SET
A lot of great drummers have been born in month of the January. We look in depth at five of these masters of time you should be familiar with. Their names are Gene, Sid, Max, Kenny and Jimmy. Adam Nussbaum cohosts.
A lot of great drummers have been born in month of the January. We look in depth at five of these masters of time: Their names are Gene, Sid, Max, Kenny and Jimmy. Adam Nussbaum cohosts.
Is it Who You Know or What You Know? A fresh look at Roy Burns' “Concepts” articles written in the 1980s for Modern Drummer Magazine. Adam Nussbaum cohosts. Episode 2
A new look at Roy Burns’ popular “Concepts” articles from the 1980s. Do they still hold true? Adam Nussbaum cohosts.
Jim Toscano discusses his career as a drummer, teacher and media advisor. Adam Nussbaum cohosts.
Thye 4th annual Music City Drum Show was a big success and a lof of fun. Look for this annual shindig to continue next year.
Paul Wertico discusses the many stylistic elements of his playing, his love for flat ride cymbals, and his new CD, "Drums Without Boundaries."
William FLudwig iii, known affectionately as "B3," discusses his family history and present-day drum company with hosts, Vosbein and Nussbaum.
Adam Nussbaum and I welcome three great jazz drummers who happen to be from the same small town, Joe Hunt, Harold Jones and Jeff Hamilton. Their evident love and respect for one another fuels great stories and remembrances, related with humility and good-natured ribbing. This is a fun and inspiring show you don't want to miss.
Guest - RIMS inventor Gary Gauger. Guest cohost - Classic Drummer Magazine owner, Steve Bryant.
I am joined by my new co-host, Adam Nussbaum. Look for fun and free-wheeling discussions on all things drumming, about every other week. Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2looBh8mpoe_rRYEoMP4RQ Support: patreon.com/drummernation https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mivoU Gear list: Cams: Logitech Brio, iPhone Xr Lights: Pro Master 380 lights (2) Newer Softboxes (3) ADJ Mega Par Profile Plus (7) Audio: Heil PR40 Microphone dbx 286 Vocal Processor Yamaha MG10XU usb Mixer Software: Switcher Studio, Final Cut Pro
A candid and inspiring conversation with Rick Allen. Rick discusses his early years with Def Leppard, his tragic accident, learning how to play again, his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as his subsequent work as a painter and humanitarian.
Be prepared for the gig and get called back again and again. (Video focus corrected a minute or so into the show)
Re-edit: Clayton traces his musical journey from the Los Angeles jazz scene to his work with Sammy Davis, Jr. and Tony Bennett.
Legendary New Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich on Second Line, the Big Four, and Melodic Rhythm.
Edited repost of a previous interview, now with added content about our award-winning software, Virtually Erskine.
New edit of an interview from a few years ago. David Garibaldi discusses his formative years in Oakland and key elements of his innovative style.
Stanton Moore updates us on life in New Orleans during Covid, including Galactic, Tipitina's, the Stanton Moore Drum Academy, a new release from Garage A Trois, and teaching at LSU.
Born in Cuba, raised in Puerto Rico, and honing his musical style in the U.S., Walfredo Reyes, Jr. learned drums from a master, his own father Walfredo, Sr. Combining his skills as a percussionist with his love of the drumset, Walfredo has developed a truly global rhythmic style that has kept him in demand with the likes of Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood, Sergio Mendez, Gloria Estafan, and Boz Scaggs. He currently plays drum set with the Classic band, Chicago as he continues to compose, record, produce and teach.
Robyn Flans is an entertainment journalist, known especially for her insightful Modern Drummer Magazine interviews with many of the biggest names in the industry. Robyn has authored four music books, many album liner notes, and currently hosts a live drummer radiocast. She co-authored Ed Shaughnessy's autobiography, Lucky Drummer. Her newest offering is a biography of the great drummer, Jeff Porcaro. Robyn continues to work in print, audio and video genres and hosts the website, www.robynflansdrummerinterviews.com. https://hudsonmusic.com/product/its-about-time-jeff-porcaro-the-man-and-his-music/ https://hudsonmusic.com/product/lucky-drummer/
Danny Gottlieb is best known as the drummer in the original Pat Metheny Group. Danny appears on over 300 CDs, including 4 Grammy winners. He has worked with Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Randy Brecker, and Gary Sinese’s Lieutenant Dan Band, to name just a few. Danny’s teachers include Joe Morello, Mel Lewis, Ed Soph, and Jack DeJohnette. He currently teaches at the University of North Florida, and frequently works in the Nashville music scene.
Dave Mattacks is an English-born rock and folk drummer. He was on the London music scene in the early days, working at the famous shop, Drum City. Dave played with several jazz bands before joining the influential British folk-rock band Fairport Convention, with whom he worked, on and off, from 1969 until 1997. Along the way, Dave worked with Paul McCartney, Elton John, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, and Jethro Tull. In 1998, he moved to Massachusetts, where he is a sought-after studio musician, record producer, and member of the band Super Genius.
John Ramsay's interest in playing drums began at the age of ten. He went on to study with jazz greats Joe Morrello, Max Roach, and Alan Dawson, leading to a two-year stint as the second drummer for Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. He was one of the first teachers at the renowned Berklee College of Music, where he developed a holistic teaching philosophy which presents music as an avenue for students to discover their own humanity and form a happy life. After 38 years of teaching, John recently retired from Berklee. He’s authored several method books and continues to be active on the jazz scene.
Vocalist Cathy Rich, daughter of the great jazz drummer Buddy Rich, began her career as a child, singing with her father's band. Honoring his wish for the band to continue after his death, she and husband, drummer Gregg Potter, record and tour the world fronting the Buddy Rich Band. Gregg began his career after winning a national drum contest in his home town of Chicago. Tasked with the challenge of filing the chair of arguably the world’s greatest drummer, Gregg responded with a keen understanding of big band jazz, and a great sense of humor. It's a far-ranging and fun-filled interview with them both, offered on the 103rd anniversary of the birth of the legend himself.
John Mahon has been Elton John's percussionist for more than two decades. In this far reaching interview, Mahon talks about his initial move to L.A., drum lessons with David Garibaldi, auditioning for Sir Elton, adapting to life on the road, and much more. Assisting me in the discussion is Phil Hood, co-founder of DRUM! Magazine.
Matt Brennan is an author, musician, and academic. He is currently an Associate Professor in Popular Music at the University of Glasgow. His newest book is Kick It, A Social History of the Drum Kit. In it, he addresses the seeming contradiction between the centrality of the drum kit on one hand and the general disparagement of drummers on the other. He examines the roles of artists and manufacturers against a dynamic backdrop race relations, global migration, and the tensions between high and low culture.
During the US quarantine of 2020, Sean Kennedy revisited the popular 1700’s rudimental snare drum solo, "The Downfall of Paris." After discovering a little known fife part, Sean penned an arrangement for a percussion section with brass quintet. Friends Clayton Cameron and Bernie Dresel were enlisted as additional snare drummers. Over a two week period, the musicians began submitting their audio and video performances to Kennedy, who had them edited into a unique performance. Sean was joined by Clayton and Bernie for this interview, offered as our salute this week’s Independence Day holiday.
Todd Sucherman, best known as the drummer for the band Styx and as an award winning educator, has a new album out under his own name, called Last Flight Home. Coproduced and cowritten by longtime friend, J. K. Harrison, Todd's, sensitive groove based drumming serves to reveal his talents as a solid song writer, producer and arranger, and surprisingly, as a first rate singer.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Duduka Da Fonseca started playing drums when he was thirteen. He moved to New York City in 1975 and was the founder and leader of Brazilian All Stars, Brazilian Express, and the New York Samba Band. He was a teacher at the Drummers Collective and wrote an instructional book, Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset. He is a founding member and co-leader of Trio Da Paz and leads the Duduka DaFonseca Trio. (Pt two of two)
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Duduka Da Fonseca started playing drums when he was thirteen. He moved to New York City in 1975 and was the founder and leader of Brazilian All Stars, Brazilian Express, and the New York Samba Band. He was a teacher at the Drummers Collective and wrote an instructional book, Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset. He is a founding member and co-leader of Trio Da Paz and leads the Duduka DaFonseca Trio. Part one of two.
Pelle Berglund’s new book, "Buddy Rich, One of a Kind,” offers a precise and highly detailed accounting of the events in the life of one of the foremost musical geniuses of the twentieth century. From Buddy’s early days as a child Vaudeville star, to his emergence as the most in-demand sideman of the swing era, to his eventual success with his own band, Berglund dots the landscape with the names of hundreds of musicians, band leaders, performances, and recordings. Buddy’s personal relationships with celebrities including Frank Sinatra and Johnny Carson are detailed. Never before seen photos complete this first rate accounting of the life and music of arguably the greatest drummer of all time.
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Bill Goodwin began his professional career at the age of seventeen with saxophonist Charles Lloyd. During the 1960s, he worked with Art Pepper, Bud Shank, George Shearing, and many other jazz luminaries. In 1969, Bill moved east to work with Gary Burton and settled in the Pocono Mountains. In 1974, he became a founding member of the Phil Woods Quartet, remaining with Woods for some forty years as a drummer and record producer, and winning three Grammys. Crossing genres, he’s also worked with Tom Waits's and Jefferson Airplane. He’s been teaching at William Paterson University in New Jersey since 1970.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and pioneering jazz-rock drummer, Danny Seraphine, is a founding member of the legendary band Chicago.The iconic group has earned 23 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums, as well as 21 top-ten singles. In 2016 Danny and the band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Critically acclaimed as an instrumentalist and a composer, Danny Seraphine is considered a founding father of jazz rock drumming, and was ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the top 100 drummers of all time. We had a great conversation about his highly influential style and how he developed it, as well as the content of today's music scene.
New Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich is an expert in the unique Second
Line musical drumming tradition. He is highly sought after for his contributions
in styles from jazz and Dixieland to blues and R&B. No drummer's trip to New
Orleans is complete without hearing Johnny play at one of the many local
venues. What do you ask a living legend to talk about on his own show? Anything he
wants to...Unscripted.
Classic Conversations: From the Classic Drummer archives, an interview with Poison drummer Rikki Rockett, recorded at the 2017 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.
At the age of 23, Los Angeles drummer Paul Kreibich got his first major jazz gig with jazz singer Carmen McRae. Paul later auditioned for Ray Charles, was hired on the spot, and toured with him for four years.
Paul became a first call LA drummer, working with jazz luminaries Mose Allison, Anita O'Day, Rosemary Clooney and Lee Konitz. His recording credits include Dianne Reeves, Bob Cooper, Conte Candoli, Cedar Walton, Kenny Burrell, Gene Harris, and many others.
Paul continues to tour, record and perform locally. He's now on the music faculty at Cal State Fullerton and teaches privately.
Tina Raymond is a drummer based in Los Angeles. She attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the California Institute of the Arts, and studied jazz drum set with Joe LaBarbera, Jeff Hamilton, and the late John Von Ohlen. Her playing style blends traditional jazz vocabulary with African polyrhythms and classical percussion techniques. Raymond is an assistant professor of music at Los Angeles City College in Hollywood, CA where she teaches jazz and percussion as she continues to perform, adjudicate, and present workshops world-wide. Tina has shared the stage with many jazz luminaries. Her debut album, entitled “Left Right Left," is on Orenda Records.
Matt Wilson is truly inspiring. Undeterred by personal obstacles, his playing, like his personality, embodies humor, warmth, surprise, and always an infectious sense of swing. It’s no wonder he is one of the most in-demand players and educators on the modern jazz scene. For this interview, I decided to ask him to respond to some of the many quotable quips he’s known for. What emerges, is a glimpse of the inner joy that drives him.
Rob Wallis is the President/CEO of Hudson Music and Drum Guru. He owned Drummer's Collective for over 30 years and was the executive producer of some of your favorite DCI Music Video tapes. He's worked with and is respected by some of the biggest drummers in the world and has produced literally several hundred books, videos and dvd’s over the past 35 years. The secret to his success is persistence and never taking 'no' for an answer.
Bill Platt studied at the Eastman School of Music under William Street. A stint in the US Army Band was followed by 40 years as Principal Percussionist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Bill recorded well over 100 recordings covering much of the Symphonic orchestral literature. Bill is the solo snare drummer on that orchestra’s acclaimed recordings of Ravel's Bolero. Also an avid jazz drummer, Bill teaches occasionally for his friend Peter Erskine at USC. Bill serves on the advisory board of the Percussive Arts Society and has performed at PASIC with its Symphonic Emeritus.
Wayne Salzmann is a versatile and active drummer, best known for his work touring and recording with Grammy winning guitar virtuoso, Eric Johnson. He is one of the most in demand session and live drummers in Austin, Texas, where he is currently the drum set instructor at the University of Texas at Austin. He has also performed and/or recorded with guitarists Joe Satriani, Mike Stern, Robben Ford, and Albert Lee. Wayne has been featured on dozens of albums and music videos in the Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk, R&B, Brazilian, African, and Classical genres. He’s recorded commercials, TV shows, and Hollywood film soundtracks, and toured extensively throughout the world. He also writes and arranges music for his own project, Wayne Salzmann’s Groove Society.
Rich Redmond is based in Nashville and L.A., where his versatile drumming is the sound behind many of today’s top talents. Rich has performed with Kelly Clarkson, Garth Brooks, Chris Cornell, and scores of others. With Jason Aldean, Rich has recorded 23 #1 singles. He’s been on Leno, Conan, Ellen and Jimmy Fallon as well as Saturday Night Live, and the Grammys. Rich was voted “Best Country Drummer” and “Best Clinician” by Modern Drummer and “Best Country Drummer” by Drum! Magazine. Rich loves to mentor and teach. As a member of the production team, New Voice Entertainment.
New York-based jazz drummer, sideman, bandleader, entrepreneur, and educator, Carl Allen has been a mainstay on the jazz scene for nearly three decades. While still in college, Carl joined Freddie Hubbard and served as his Musical Director for eight years. He also played with jazz luminaries Michael and Randy Brecker, Benny Golson,Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, and many others. Carl taught at The Juilliard School and served for a time as its Director of Jazz Studies. He leads The Carl Allen Quartet as well as The Art of Elvin, a band dedicated to two of his drum influences, Art Blakey and Elvin Jones.
From age 4, Mike Clark was a prodigy, sitting in with bands in Texas and New Orleans, from which he credits his ability to synthesize many different regional styles. By the time he reached his early twenties he was known as one of the founders of the distinctive East Bay Sound coming out of Oakland, California. Mike gained worldwide recognition as one of America's foremost jazz and funk drummers while playing with Herbie Hancock in the early 70's. His incisive playing on Hancock's "Actual Proof" garnered him an international cult following and influenced generations of drummers throughout the world. Mike has performed with jazz luminaries including Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, and Gil Evans. https://www.drummermikeclark.info