The Drum Shuffle

Chris Parker has played with almost every artist under the sun in his legendary career. Along with filling the seat in the Saturday Night Live band for several years, he has been a staple of the greater New York music scene since the 1970s. The Chris Parker Trio have just released Tell Me, a brilliant jazz trio record that features his compositions along with his incredible playing. On episode 151, Chris joins Jamie to talk about the new release along with many of his other stops along the way.

Mark Kelso joins Jamie on episode 150 to discuss The Dragon's Tail, the newest release by Mark Kelso and the Jazz Exiles and so much more. The album is a must-have for any drummer's musical collection. Mark has played with a who's who in the music world and has been teaching for many years. He is a wealth of knowledge and information. This interview covers a wide range of topics and is sure to inspire everyone who listens.

Doug "Cosmo" Clifford stops by The Drum Shuffle once again to discuss another Cosmo's Vault release. This time it's California Gold, a recording from 1978 with Bobby Whitlock and Donald "Duck" Dunn. The fact this record hasn't seen daylight for 44 years is simply astounding. It is a FANTASTIC album that would have certainly been "California Platinum" had it been released back in 1978. Doug and Jamie discuss some of the reasons that it never got released, why the band didn't take off, (spoiler alert: The Blues Brothers strike again...), and how the record came together 44 years ago. It's always a treat when we get to have Doug on the podcast, so don't miss it.

Anthony Taddeo is one of Cleveland's busiest drummers, percussionists, and composers. After studying with Jamey Haddad and a stint in the New York scene while studying at The New School, he returned home to Northeast Ohio and settled into a busy sideman schedule. He formed Alla Boara as the vessel to release music that he was truly passionate about. Music that defined him as a person; Italian folk music that is much older than himself, yet re-imagined with his own modern compositional touch. Le Tre Sorrelle, is Alla Boara's first release and is well worthy of your attention. Out on October 21, 2022 with tour dates to follow, the album is a stellar and very unique freshman release. On episode 148, Anthony joins Jamie for an in-depth conversation about his studies, time in New York, and most importantly, a deep-dive into Italian folk music that is entertaining, enlightening, and highly educational for everyone that listens.

Dafnis Prieto is a non-stop music creation machine. His non-stop work ethic finds him releasing his ninth album as a bandleader, Cantar, featuring Luciana Souza on September 16, 2022. Dafnis is well-known as a composer, bandleader, and incredible drummer, but this newest release finds him taking center stage as lyricist as well. On episode 147, Jamie and Dafnis discuss the album, its recording process, and the songs that show a vibrant new role for an incredible musician. The thing that always shines through every time we have Dafnis on the show, is his sheer joy for music and the process of bringing it to the listener. There is a lot to take in during this interview that we know you will love. Enjoy!

On episode 146, Jamie is joined once again by the great Peter Kogan to discuss his fantastic new album, Just Before Midnight. Peter discusses the writing and recording process for the album as well as his approach to each step in the creative process. The record hits the streets on June 24, 2022 and should be a part of everyone's collection. Peter always offers a wealth of knowledge when he stops by!

Bernie Dresel returns to The Drum Shuffle podcast to discuss his brilliant new album, The Pugilist. This record is a barn-burner of a big band swing album that simply sounds phenomenal and should be on repeat in your library. Bernie's playing is truly at the top of the drumming world. Bernie also discusses a few of his many movie and television soundtracks that he has been working on. Any fan of great drumming can learn a lot from Mr. Dresel. This is a can't miss episode and The Pugilist is a can't miss record.

Dave Potter's resume includes stints with Jason Marsalis and Marcus Roberts. He is one of Atlanta's busiest drummers and educators. On episode 144, Dave and Jamie discuss his latest release as a band leader, Retro Groove. Retro Groove is Dave's interpretation of nine classic tunes ranging from Chaka Khan to Peter Gabriel to Living Color that is absolutely fire-breathing jazz-funk fusion power. This album is a must-have in any drummer's collection.

Dan Schnelle has played with great artists such as Billy Childs, Larry Goldings, Alan Ferber, Sara Gazarek, Laurence Hobgood, etc. His career speaks for itself. Dan is now stepping out as leader and composer on his first album, Shine Thru, available May 13, 2022 via Outside In Music. On episode 143, Jamie and Dan discuss the album, his approach to composing, the recording process, and all his educational and career stops along the way. This interview contains a wealth of information and insights. If you are not hip to Dan's playing, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Shine Thru on May 13.

Jerry MacDonald's 30 plus year career in music is worthy of some best-selling novel or Hollywood blockbuster treatment. Jerry is best-known for his time playing in The Wrens who released what many consider to be one the greatest indie-rock records of all time in 2003, Meadowlands. That also happens to be the most recent release from The Wrens. A full 18 years later, after a few hints of a long-awaited follow-up that has yet to materialize, 3/4 of The Wrens formed under the moniker Aeon Station and released the brilliant debut album Observatory in late 2021. It may be as close as the world ever gets to a "new" album from The Wrens. In this wide-ranging interview, Jerry and Jamie discuss much of Jerry's backstory in drumming, the music business and what "success" means, the founding of both The Wrens and Aeon Station, and so much more. If any young drummer or other musician needs to find a reason or motivation to continue chasing their artistic dreams, they will absolutely find it in this episode...