Working Drummer

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Working Drummer episodes

August 08, 2024481 - Kent Aberle: Playing with Blackberry Smoke, Replacing the Late Brit Turner, Renewed Perspective After Loss
Kent Aberle is a first call drummer from Atlanta, GA. Kent is currently performing with Blackberry Smoke. He has previously recorded and toured with Kristian Bush of Sugarland , James Hall (Pleasure Club, Marry My Hope), R.A.H. and numerous other artists. Kent has over 25 years touring experience both in the US and Internationally including China, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Canada, and others. Kent has performed on The Conan O’Brien Show, The Today Show with Kathy Lee and Hoda, The Talk, and has performed numerous times at the Grand Ole Opry as well as the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and major festivals around the world.
In this episode, Kent talks about:
The old school guitar-driven American rock band that it Blackberry Smoke
Having long-standing relationships with the band and its individual members
Teching and subbing for Brit Turner after Brit got sick
The idea of someone's drumming matching their personality
Being welcomed into the band by members and fans alike
Investing heavily and committing exclusively to one gig

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1 hr 8 min
August 01, 2024480 - Dennis Holt: From Nashville to L.A. Back To Nashville, Studio Legend, Staying Active
Dennis Holt is one of Nashville's most gifted musicians, whose drumming abilities cross nearly every genre from Americana to Country to Rock, Jazz, Ambient and R & B. Seasoned global performer, Dennis’ diversity has proven itself in recording with Taylor Swift, AD/Kansas, Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, and Deniece Williams to name but a few.
Dennis, a first call drummer for top tier artists while living and working in both LA and Nashville, has played and toured the globe and literally performed and recorded on thousands of songs.
When it comes to production, Dennis’ knowledge and experience from years in the studio will help you achieve the best results possible. Dennis leads with soul and always strives for perfection. He is an innovator as he looks for new ways to push creative boundaries. Music,drumming and producing is Dennis’ driving force as he brings a wealth of experience and unparalleled enthusiasm and energy to each and every project.
In this episode, Dennis talk about:
Remote tracking
His formative years
Staying active
Surviving a bad bicycle accident
Negotiating the work load when remote tracking
The importance of maintaining your gear
Recording and performing with Kerry Livgren from the band Kansas
Being able to read anyones chart style

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1 hr 58 min
July 24, 2024479 - Jamie Eblen: Playing on Broadway's "The Outsiders," Stylistic Authenticity in Music Theatre, Investing Yourself in a Process
Jamie Eblen is currently on the new hit Broadway musical The Outsiders, which just won the Tony award for best new musical. He also originated the drum chair for the smash hit Dear Evan Hansen, which also won best new musical Tony as well as the Grammy for best original cast recording. He has collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Jason Robert Brown and Pasek & Paul, as well as The RT’s and Mike Tedesco. Jamie began playing drums at the age of 10 in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised. Since moving to New York, Jamie has recorded four Original Broadway Cast albums in addition to a wide variety of session work and live performances throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.
In this episode, Jamie talks about
Going from doing anything and everything to committing more heavily to more specific gigs/playing
Shedding the impulses of gig envy and "grass is greener" syndrome
The Outsiders, the new Broadway musical he's on which just won the Tony Award for Best Musical
Playing off-Broadway shows such as The Connector, and being part of the development process on a show moving towards Broadway
The aspects of The Outsiders that are not the typical Broadway m.o. in terms of playing, mic'ing, and more
How Broadway and the shows that occupy it are essentially "in the real estate business"

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1 hr 27 min
July 18, 2024478 - David Chiverton: Leading by Example, Double Drumming in the Band - Smoogies, Learning to Sound Like a Pro
David Chiverton is a Miami Florida native who continues to work and live in south Florida. The cultural diversity in Miami as well as his upbringing in the gospel church both played a heavy role in shaping him into the musician he is today. He has toured internationally with various major talents such as Lauryn Hill, Jon Secada, Donnie McClurkin and Sheila E to name a few. His range of musical versatility includes Jazz, Gospel, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and the ability to freestyle on cue.
Not only does David teach as an Adjunct professor at University of Miami, He is also member of the group The Smoogies. The band leans into the diverse background of it’s members to influence its sound and direction. Also, David shares the stage with Harvel Nakundi, another drummer for a powerful double drumming sound.
The “Chivertone Sessions” on YouTube showcases David’s diverse skill set.
In this episode, David talks about:
   The mojo in south Florida
   Maintaining a forward momentum
   Learning to sound like a pro
   The business of endorsements in 2024
   Double drumming in the band Smoogies
   Drumming with Sheila E
   Leading by example

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1 hr 38 min
July 11, 2024477 - Charles Ruggiero: Playing Alongside Gadd, Maintaining Humanity and Individuality in the Digital Age, Sobriety and Creativity
Charles Ruggiero has been active since the early 90s, cutting his teeth on the New York jazz scene and landing his first big gig with Chuck Mangione. His New York cohort included such future giants as Joshua Redman, Peter Bernstein, Jane Monheit, Brad Mehldau, and Chris Potter, to name a few. In addition to his jazz exlpoits, Charles found a home on the metal scene as a member of Slunt, and replacing Matt Sorum in the supergroup Circus Diablo. He relocated to LA in 2007 and didn't miss a step, performing with Larry Goldings, Eric Reed, Bob Sheppard, Bob Reynolds, David Ryan Harris, and many others. He has released multiple albums as a leader and performed as sideman on countless others, and also records for Loop Loft.

In this episode, Charles talks about:
Playing double drums with Gadd as the intro to his first big gig with Chuck Mangione
Trying to serve the music through his artistry
What a drummer timekeeping responsibility actually is
His perspective on New York and LA, having spent big chunks of his career in both places
His various side hustles, including teaching, mixing/producing, and creating album art
Trusting his creativity and artistic identity after getting sober

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1 hr 52 min
July 04, 2024 476 - MUSIC CITY DRUM SHOW CLINICIANS: Dre Energy, Greg Hersey, Hayley Cramer, Dante "Taz" Roberson, Jaheim Lee
In this episode we provide a preview of five of the six clinicians that will be performing for the 2024 Music City Drum Show in Nashville TN. The clinicians are Dre Energy, Greg Hersey, Dante "Taz" Roberson, Jaheim Lee, Hayley Cramer.

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1 hr 28 min
June 27, 2024475 - Josh Bailey: His New Touring Gig with Ben Platt, Running Tracks and Ears from the Drum Chair, Studying with Dafnis Prieto
Josh Bailey has been in New York for ten years, with a wide variety of live and session work to his credit. He is on staff at Studio G (Brooklyn based recording studio), recording drums and percussion for industry and independent artists & producers, and is currently subbing on Broadway's & Juliet and The Outsiders. He has acted as music director and drummer for artists building, arranging & operating live backing tracks, running IEM mixes and contracting musicians. Josh was seen drumming on Saturday Night Live in a digital short with Kyle Mooney and Beck Bennet (2019). As music director and drummer for pop singers Erin Bowman, Josh performed on Good Morning America, and Live! With Kelly and Ryan (2017).
In this episode, Josh talks about
The healthy vibe on the tour that comes from the top down
Posting only what you feel good about on social media, "posting with purpose"
MD'ing from the drum chair
Learning how to streamline track rigs and ears rigs for "skeleton crew" opening acts
His work at Studio G in Brooklyn
The idea of a "drum statement" and how it can flavor the song, show, and band
Studying with Dafnis Prieto and serving as final editor for his book "A World of Rhythmic Possibilities"

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1 hr 25 min
June 20, 2024474 - Dre Energy: The Different Scenes in Las Vegas, Playing the Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam show, The Power of Relationships
Dre Energy is a native of St. Louis MO, and was inspired a very early age by friends and family at his church to play drums. When the opportunity struck, he found his way to Las Vegas and began performing with Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam show where he held the drum chair from 2010 to 2016. During that time he learned so much about the industry and toured the world. Dre discovered an affinity for performing as a clinician which took them to many places around the world, including China, South Korea, England, and many other places
Dre is also known as an entrepreneur with his own line of snare drums, practice pads and even drums shoes. He works closely with Samsun cymbals and he has his own signature line called Dre Energy signature remix line.
In this episode, Dre talks about:
   Finding your people
   The power of relationships
   The variety of scenes in Las Vegas
   Playing the Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam show
   Touring China and other other unique locations
   Developing his own signature line of snares, shoes, cymbals

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1 hr 21 min
June 13, 2024473 - Larry Aberman: Making a Late Move to Nashville, Ways to Stay Present, Getting Feel Right at the Source
Larry Aberman has achieved in-demand status in New York, LA, Las Vegas, and Nashville recently moved to Nashville after a 12 year stint on the Cirque du Soleil show Zoomanity. Since moving, he has gotten busy playing with jazz, country, and everything in between, with Mandy Barnett, Pat Coil and others.
In this episode, Larry talks about:
How the time to leave his Zoomanity gig after 12 years became clear quickly
What social context means in music
Tools to make yourself present
How Southern musicians and scenes are more groove and blues based
Being conscious to not bring negative energy into a musical situation
Adjusting to Nashville's needs in terms of tuning and groove
Getting it right at the source with tone AND feel, so that grid correction is less necessary and less noticeable

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1 hr 22 min
June 06, 2024472 - Bart van der Zee: Host of the Drum History Podcast, Connecting with the Drumming Community, Meeting Charlie Watts
Drum History Podcast was created in October of 2018 and has been on a journey to document the history of the drums ever since. Topics range from the very early beginnings of man’s involvement with percussion up to modern day innovations that are changing the drum industry. The show has seen major growth since its launch and has become a resource for many drum historians and enthusiasts around the world.
Bart van der Zee is a lifelong drummer with a deep passion for learning the full history of the drums. He has been a working musician for many years performing live and as a session drummer. Bart has worked as an audio engineer and has worked on a wide variety of projects including albums, commercials, TV and Film, and a number of podcasts.
In this episode, Bart talks about:
   Work / family balance
   Drum History Podcast
   Inspiring the next generation
   The popularity of the “gear episodes”
   WW2 era drum manufacturing
   Meeting Charlie Watts
   Creative ways to stay connected to the drumming community

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1 hr 19 min

About Working Drummer

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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…