Shows / Working Drummer
Working Drummer
With 500 episodes and counting, Working Drummer Podcast is the source for those interested in what it’s like to be a professional drummer. Hosted by Matthew Crouse and Zack Albetta, Working Drummer covers it all with a dynamic range of pro drummers who represent many different genres and scenes. Each weekly interview features a different performer, sometimes with a less recognizable name, but always with an impressive and distinct body of work. This unique approach has garnered a loyal audience…
Episodes
Working Drummer292 – Andrew Atkinson: Playing with Oz Noy and Gregory Porter, Building a Foundation in Miami, Becoming an Individual in New York
Andrew Atkinson’s drumming draws on the seductive beats of his native Jamaica, the percolating rhythms of his childhood home Miami, and the world of jazz that…
Working Drummer291 – Mike Dawson: The New Modern Drummer Podcast, Continuing to Learn in all Stages of Life, Effective Use of Time
Michael Dawson is a New Jersey–based drummer, educator, and clinician and is currently managing editor for Modern Drummer, the world’s most widely read…
Working Drummer290 – Billy Brimblecom: Losing a Leg to Cancer, Moving from KC to Nashville and Back, Heading Up the Steps of Faith Foundation
Billy Brimblecom’s career has taken him from drumming to philanthropy, and from his hometown of Kansas City to Nashville, and back to Kansas City. Over his 25…
Working Drummer289 – Jason Cooper: Balancing the “Day Gig” with a Thriving Home Studio, Cymbals that Work in the Studio, The Good & Bad of Social Media
Jason Cooper is a native of Memphis TN and played his first professional gig at 11 years old. Since then, he has gone on to play in many local bands and has…
Working Drummer288 – Adam Alesi: L.A. Gigs of All Shapes and Sizes, A Few Key Relationships, Taking Big Studio Experience into the Home Studio
Drummer Adam Alesi is in high demand for session and live work in Los Angeles and around the greater Southern California region. As a student of drum legend…
Working Drummer287 – Neil LaFortune: Hosting the “Gretsch Afternoon Drum Break”, Working with Tribute Acts, Adapting to the Socioeconomic Climate of Your Scene
Neil LaFortune has covered many styles throughout the years from Classic Rock, Funk, R&B, Country, Latin, Pop, Jazz, and Blues based cover bands, to original…
Working Drummer286 – Cooking Drummers: Marcus Finnie and Zack Albetta Talk Food
Marcus Finnie and Zack Albetta both have a deep and abiding passion for food and cooking. So since a lot of us are probably doing more cooking these days, we…
Working Drummer285 – Mike Hansen: Recording the New Hurricane Album, “Cross-blending” with Acoustic and Electronic Drums, Covering Ted McKenna’s Drum Parts on a Rory Gallagher Tour
Originally from Chicago and spending over 35 years and in the Los Angeles music scene, Mike Hansen had the opportunity to work with many great artists such as…
Working Drummer284 – Christopher Allis: The Never-Ending Journey of Home Recording, Reassessing Our Relationship with Music, Balancing Career and Caregiving
Christopher Allis has been active on the LA scene for over a decade doing session, touring, commercial and jingle work. He has lent his talents for TV spots…
Working Drummer283 – Danny Gottlieb: New Duo Record with Mark Egan, Drumming for Pat Metheny, Studying with Joe Morello
Danny Gottlieb is one of the most popular drummers in jazz and contemporary music. While best known as the drummer in the original Pat Metheny Group, of which…
Working Drummer282 – Jack Jones: Making YouTube Videos with Rick Beato, Diving Into Creativity and Improv During COVID, Playing in a Hard-Working Cover Band
Jack Jones has been performing and teaching music for 25 years. Jack has has toured the U.S. and Japan extensively with jam band luminary Col. Bruce Hampton…
Working Drummer281 – Stephen Taylor: Stephen’s Drum Shed, New and Creative Ways to Teach Drums, Staying Focused on Family while Building a Career in Music
Stephen Taylor is the founder and owner of StephensDrumShed.com as well as the creator of the Drum Better Daily system. The website is membership based and…
Working Drummer280 – Beth Goodfellow: Loops and Layers with Drums, Percussion, and Voice, How COVID will Effect the Lives and Livelihoods of Working Musicians
Beth Goodfellow is an LA-based drummer, percussionist, and vocalist. She studied classical percussion at San Jose State while playing gigs around the San…
Working Drummer279 – Eric Darken: Percussionist, Composer, Performing with Jimmy Buffett, From Congas to the Garden Weasel
For over 30 years Eric Darken has worked as a studio and touring percussionist for some of the biggest bands and artists in the world. Just a few of his…
Working Drummer278 – Rudy Royston: An Album of Solo Drumming, Storytelling on the Drumset
First-call New York drummer Rudy Royston has honed a thoroughly engaging voice as a composer and bandleader, and has also performed as a sideman with Dave…
Working Drummer277 – Allen Jones: Drumming for Will Hoge, “DIY Touring”, Horror Stories from the Road
Growing up in southern Mississippi, Allen Jones spend his formative years creating his own music career through “DIY touring” and discovering his love of music…
Working Drummer276 – Otis Brown III: Playing with Esperanza Spalding and Joe Lovano, The New School Environment, Racial Justice in Jazz
Otis Brown III is a Grammy-nominated jazz drummer, composer, and recording artist who is a go-to session and touring sideman. He is best-known for his work…
Working Drummer275 – Peter Retzlaff: Teaching at The Collective School of Music in NYC, Exposure to Multiple Cultures Through Music, Important Mentors in His Early Years
Peter Retzlaff is a New York City-based drummer. As a performer, Peter is equally at home in jazz, rock, funk, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, odd…
- Working Drummer
274 – Repost! The Black Drummers of Nashville 2017 Encore Edition: Building Relationships Upon the Common Ground of Music, Creating a Support System
In this episode we have the opportunity to share the unique perspective of a group of talented black musicians who make their living in Nashville, Tennessee…
Working Drummer273 – Charlie Hunter: Master of the Hybrid Guitar, His Favorite Drummers, Valuing Uniqueness Over Versatility
With a career spanning three decades and almost 20 albums, Charlie Hunter consistently ups his game as an innovative writer and bandleader. He has worked with…
Working Drummer272 – Grady Saxman: Drumming, Engineering & Producing, Techniques for Small Room Recordings, Studio Etiquette
In the short time he’s been in Nashville Grady Saxman has gained a solid reputation in Nashville Tennessee as a Drummer, engineer and producer. From just drum…
Working Drummer271 – Fabio De Oliveira: Playing with George Ezra, Combining Pop Drumset and Brazilian Percussion, Looking for Balance After Covid
Raised in London to Brazilian parents, and described as having the perfect mix of Brazilian passion and British sensibility, Fabio’s natural feel and broad…
Working Drummer270 – James Beier: Beier Drums, Bringing Back the 15″ Snare, An Honest and Personal Approach to Business
But every once in a while there’s an opportunity to discuss the business of creating the tools that we all love. And, the lessons that we all can take away…
Working Drummer269 – Dave Weckl: His Brand, His Favorite Bassists, His Physical Evolution
For more than 35 years, Dave Weckl has developed and maintained a reputation among fans, peers, and the international music community, as one of the great…
Working Drummer268 – Joel Stevenett: Drumming in the Pro Session Scene in Salt Lake City, Finding Common Ground when Networking, Reflections on Neil Peart
Originally from Alberta, Canada, drummer Joel Stevenett spent over ten years in Nashville before his eventual move to Salt Lake City where he currently lives…
Working Drummer267 – Jordan Rose: Movement and Touch, Overcoming Hearing Loss, Making Your Sound Fit Anywhere
A native of Houston, Texas, drummer Jordan Rose has performed at festivals and venues throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Asia, and the Middle East…
Working Drummer266 – Louis Newman: Adapting to Change, Drumming for Gretchen Wilson, Son of Famous English Rock Drummer
Louis Newman was born in London England as the son of famous rock drummer Tony Newman and moved to Nashville at a very early age of two. Louis moved back to…
Working Drummer265 – Steve Hass: Finding Success in NYC then LA, Identity vs. Versatility, The Setup/Motion/Sound Connection
Over his multi-chapter career, Steve Hass has found success on both coasts playing with Ravi Coltrane, Richard Bona, and John Scofield, and The Manhattan…
Working Drummer264 – Kari Paavola: Living and Drumming in Vienna, Budapest, London and Helsinki, Providing Valuable Information for Freelancers
Kari Paavola is a freelance drummer who started his career in the club scene in Helsinki, Finland. Kari studied at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles…
Working Drummer263 – Quarantine Roundtable with Nick Ruffini: Resources for Musicians, Ways to Use the Downtime, Finding Your Voice
Our annual chat with Nick Ruffini of Drummer’s Resource happens to coincide with pretty much the weirdest and most challenging time most of us will go through…
Working Drummer262 – Jimmy Paxson: Drumming for the Dixie Chicks, Stevie Nicks, Ben Harper, Lessons Learned from Veterans like Waddy Wachtel & Joe Sample
Jimmy Paxson has toured, performed and/or recorded with Stevie Nicks, The Dixie Chicks, Alanis Morissette, Idina Menzel, Ben Harper, Ellen Harper, Charlie…
Working Drummer261 – Khari Parker: Chicago Born & Bred, Playing with George Benson and Destiny’s Child, The Importance of Playing in a Room with People
Khari Parker has spent his entire life in Chicago. He began playing drums in church and became interested in jazz and fusion during his high school and college…
Working Drummer260: – Kip Allen: Cultivating Your Own Voice & Sound, Working with Producer Jay Joyce, Building a Strong Instagram Following, Drumming for Devin Dawson
Kip is the touring and recording drummer for Nashville artist Devin Dawson. Drumming for Devin allowed Kip the opportunity to work in the studio with award…
Working Drummer259: Matt Brennan – Author of “Kick It: A Social History of the Drum Kit”
Matt Brennan is an author, musician, and researcher. His creative practice as a musician informs his teaching and research process, which also draws from…
Working Drummer258 – Creighton Doane: Drummer, Mutli-instumentalist and Producer, A Drummer’s Sensibilities when Arranging and Writing
Creighton Doane’s musical life began at a young age in a household where music formed the heart and soul of the home. A mutli-instumentalist and talented…
- Working Drummer
257 – Chris Brady: 23 Years with Aquarian Drumheads, The Legacy of Roy Burns
Chris Brady has been in charge of Artist Relations at Aquarian for 23 years. He also has a hand in marketing, product development, and whatever else he needs…
- Working Drummer
256 – Steve Brewster: Nashville Studio Great, Tapping Into the “Muse” When Recording, Applying Your Thumbprint to the Music
Steve Brewster has lived and worked in Nashville as a session player for over 20 years. A native Tennessean, Steve attended MTSU on a full music scholarship…
Working Drummer255 – Cole McSween: Touring and Recording with The Shadowboxers, Opening for Justin Timberlake, Making the Kind of Christian Music He Wants to Hear
Cole’s style ranges from Neo Soul to 70’s inspired yacht rock. His journey as a musician started as a drummer. Attending Georgia State University, Cole studied…
Working Drummer254 – Neil Peart Tribute: Jason Sutter, Peter Erskine, Ed Toth, Josh Birkhimer, Scot Corey, Lee Kelley and Zack Albetta Share Stories and Thoughts About Neil
Wherever Neil Peart ranks in your list of drumming greats, it’s safe to say that he has influenced more drummers and musicians than just about any other…
Working Drummer253 – Harold “HB” Brown: Touring with Jacob Banks, Straddling the CCM and Secular Worlds, Minimalism in Drumming and Production
Harold Brown is a drummer/producer from Atlanta, GA. He is originally from Savannah, GA but relocated to Atlanta in September of 2012. Harold has been playing…
Working Drummer252 – Matt Starr: Drumming for Mr. Big, Ace Frehley, Staying Relaxed and Centered when Playing, Asking Tough Questions when Coaching
Matt Starr is a drummer, singer, producer, career coach and public speaker. As a drummer, Matt has built a reputation for working with some of rock’s most…
Working Drummer251 – Eric Kalb: Playing with Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and John Scofield, Merging Groove and Improv, Finding Work that Suits You
Southpaw drummer Eric Kalb is a versatile musician who enjoys playing groove based music. A devotee of R&B and Soul drumming, his improvisational aesthetic is…
Working Drummer250 – Steve Goold: Identifying Weaknesses and Tackling It, Drumming for Owl City, Sara Bareilles, Mat Kearney, “Modern Drumming” and Using Electronics Tastefully
Steve Goold plays drums in recording studios and on live stages as well as working as the Lead Music Director at CCV in Phoenix AZ, where he lives with his…
Working Drummer249 – Tom Knight: Touring and Recording with TLC, A Second Career in Voice Overs
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…
Working Drummer248 – JC Clifford: Drumtacs, Pros and Cons of Social Media, Mentors Shaping a Strong Work Ethic
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…
Working Drummer247 – Jerrod Sullivan: Playing with The 4 Korners, Studying at the Atlanta Institute of Music
“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…
Working Drummer246 – Matt Tecu: Playing “Ideas” in Sessions, Drumming in the Echo In the Canyon Documentary
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…
- Working Drummer
245 – Mark Cobb: Playing with Yacht Rock Revue, Combining Clean Craft and Bombastic Showmanship
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…
Working Drummer244 – Zack Stewart: Creating the Kind of Work You Want, Parallels Between Karate and Music/Drumming, Touring with Country Singer Jerrod Niemann
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…
Working Drummer243 – Andres Forero: Original Drummer for Hamilton
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…
Working Drummer242 – Personal Finance For Musicians: Financial Expert Michael Mercurio, Myths and Misconceptions of Personal Finance, Q & A from a Live Audience
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…
Working Drummer241 – Mike Levesque: “Playing Drums Like a Songwriter,” Blues and More in Boston, “Buckabeat” Loops
Mike Levesque has spent his career in the Boston area. His touring and recording experience includes David Bowie, Seven Mary Three, Natalie Imbruglia, Susan…
Working Drummer240: Dave Stark – Defining Success in the Music Business, Working as a Clinician & Author, Parallels Between Drumming & Yoga
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…
Working Drummer239: Pudge Tribbett – Touring with Anita Baker, Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing, “The Philly Sound”
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…
Working Drummer238 – Jay Tooke: Drumming and Producing, Touch and Tone, Working with The Steel Woods and Life after the Band
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…
Working Drummer237 – Louis Newsome: A Unique Weekly Steady, “Renewing Your Mind,” Changing Grip to Change His Sound
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…
Working Drummer236 – Jerry Marotta: Working with Peter Gabriel and the Influence on Jerry’s Approach to Music, New Record with Tony Levin & Phil Keaggy
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…
Working Drummer235 – Jason “JT” Thomas: Playing with Snarky Puppy and FORQ, “Phrase-Based” Soloing, Memories of Roy Hargrove
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…
Working Drummer234 – Michael Grando: Drumming for Joe Diffie, The Value of Honesty and Reliability in the Music Business, Working with a Click
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…
Working Drummer233 – Brendan Buckley: 20 Years with Shakira, Touring with International Artists, Preparing with No Expectations
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…