London-based drummer and bandleader Pete Cater has built on the traditions of Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, and many others to carve a niche for himself as the U.K.’s keeper of the big band flame. The son of a semi-pro drummer in Birmingham, Pete was gigging with his dad’s colleagues by the time he was in his early teens. Throughout his 20s, he had plenty of work locally in Birmingham and on resorts and cruise ships, but after awhile he felt the need to see what he could do in London. He moved there at age 30

In this podcast, Pete talks about:

His “apprenticeship” – sitting in with and eventually working with the bands his dad played in

How moving to London at the relatively late age of 30 was actually an asset, in that he went there with a lot of seasoning and experience that younger drummers there didn’t have

The integral role that arts funding from the British government played in getting his band going

Concepts of big band drumming, and how they translate to other styles

Playing with authority to gain the band’s trust

The ways in which Buddy Rich is misunderstood, and which lesser-known and sometimes maligned Buddy album is one of his favorites.

What he considers the best book about Buddy

How to emulate your idols in a way that fits your body and your playing

Pete Cater endorses Premier Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, and Vater Drumsticks

This episode is sponsored by Sonor Drums