The Drum Shuffle

Tom Van Schaik's drumming career is exemplary. A graduate of University of North Texas, he had already begun playing professionally in the Dallas scene in his teens. Tom is the original drummer of The Dixie Chicks, a member of the Austin City Limits All-Star Band, and for the past 24 years, has been recording and touring with Robert Earl Keen. On episode 131, Jamie catches up with Tom just as Robert Earl Keen announced his Feeling Good Again Tour. Tom recounts his early days of playing, making a name for himself in the Texas music scene, and joining Robert's band and eventually becoming the musical director for the group. He has recorded and played with an astounding list of artists around the world. Tom's playing is outstanding and his outlook and attitude are exactly what we all should aspire to emulate in our drumming lives.

Jeff Fabb grew up on Long Island in New York and started drumming as an 11 year old. By the time he was 20, he made the move to Los Angeles to chase his musical dreams. Being 3,000 miles from home and starting fresh in a big city didn't deter him or his ambitions of playing professionally. After finding success and several tours with In This Moment, he joined James Durbin's band. In 2013, he got a call for some fill-in shows with Black Label Society. About a year later, the call came to officially join BLS and he hasn't looked back since. On episode 130, Jamie and Jeff discuss his entire career, catch up on the latest Black Label Society news, and talk extensively on why being grateful and having humility is so important in the music industry. Jeff is one of the great guys in the business and we know you'll love this interview.

Dylan Howard is the groovy and creative drummer of Aeges. This L.A. band is known for a strong work ethic, non-stop touring, and undeniably catchy hard-edged rock. Dylan is a non-stop working drummer that openly shares his story with Jamie in this great interview. He discusses his entire career, including his time in The Vitals. Make sure to check out Aeges when they resume touring in 2021 and look for the video of their new single, "Colors" which is out now. We know you'll love it.

Michael Waldrop is arguably one of the most diverse percussionists in the world. He is comfortable in a jazz or commercial music setting as a drumset player and he is equally at home in a classical orchestral setting. He is a virtuoso marimbist, whether performing his own music, or that of other composers. Michael is also adept at hand drumming, having studied with some of the greatest hand percussionists in the world. On episode 128, we catch up with him to discuss his new release, Time Frames, which equally showcases his drumming and mallet skills. The record is out now on the Origins label everywhere fine music is available.

Cam Tyler is our guest today. As promised during the interview, instead of "show notes" here is the Cryptic Cadet bio.

Zeke Martin is a drummer's drummer. Having a famous drummer for a father, he almost chose tennis over music. Luckily for all of us, he eventually took up the family trade. Zeke makes his home in Boston these days where he is the founder and leader of Zeke Martin and The Oracle along with a full teaching schedule at Northeastern University. On episode 126, Zeke joins Jamie for a wide-ranging conversation covering his entire career and loads of great advice for all musicians.

Stefano Ashbridge was born in Italy and moved to the United States when he was 7 years old. He started drumming at age 16 and began teaching shortly after that. After moving to Los Angeles and playing in numerous bands, he continued teaching eventually founding drumlessonsinla.com. Stefano has an incredible dedication to his teaching practice and continues performing in LA as often as possible. On episode 125, Stefano joins Jamie to discuss his journey, his teaching practice, his approach to being a true teacher of drumming, and offers his perspective on success. There is a ton of great advice and information packed into this great interview.

Need we say more than, Benny Greb is our guest today? Benny is one of the preeminent educators in the world of drumming, having produced the amazing instructional videos The Language of Drumming and The Art and Science of Groove. His new book, Effective Practicing for Musicians: The Ultimate Guide For How To Become Better At Your Instrument furthers Benny's teachings on how to improve and truly understand how to overcome hurdles as a musician. On episode 124 Benny and Jamie engage in a wide-ranging conversation on Benny's career, educational products, instrument innovations, and they even discuss the now infamous, SpongeBob Squarepants drum set video!

Steve Barney's journey as a drummer is a story of wonder and amazement. His Dad and uncle took him to a Genesis show at age nine, solidifying his desire to become a drummer. His story is familiar amongst burgeoning musicians; forming bands, playing pubs, talent shows, and festivals as a youngster. Steve eventually moved from his small, seaside hometown for Liverpool and became a member of a successful band that eventually signed a major-label record deal. That deal ended and eventually, so did the band. Like so many others before him, Steve started seeking work and gigs from within his network in the industry. He did not have to wait long. On episode 123, Steve joins Jamie to discuss how one gig led to another, and another, and another to eventually include albums and tours with the likes of Atomic Kitten, Jeff Beck, Annie Lennox, Mike and the Mechanics, and Anastacia. Steve's work and words are inspirational, motivating, and helpful for all musicians.

Stefan Chippeaux has been in the Nashville music scene for a few years. Having made the move from his hometown of Tampa, Florida, he wanted to broaden his career and opportunities as a young drummer. Since arriving in Nashville, he has been "climbing" the ranks and getting progressively busier every month. One of the Nashville scene's hardest workers, he is truly a drummer to watch as his career continues to grow. On episode 122, Stefan joins Jamie to discuss his early years, the decision to make the move to Nashville, and how a strong work ethic has blossomed into a busy career. This is a highly educational and inspiring episode.