Working Drummer

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 offers a way to learn the drums online in an organized and goal oriented fashion. Stephen has written three drum method books and also offers downloadable video drum lesson packs and individual lessons on his site.

Stephen began playing professionally at the age of 16. During his formative years, he studied under drumming phenom Henrique De Almeida (Current Associate Professor of Percussion at Berklee College of Music). In his late teens and early twenties, he cut his teeth playing nightly in clubs on Bourbon Street, in New Orleans, LA. After three years of gigging up to ten hour days, he relocated to pursue his education. While obtaining his degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi, he studied under Dr. John Wooton.

Stephen currently maintains a busy teaching and playing schedule in Nashville, TN. He has played and toured with independent and major label artists including Danielle Peck (Big Machine Records), Jason Jones(Warner Music), Meshach Jackson, and many others. In late 2008, Stephen began playing with an original project, Lovers and Liars. They signed with Universal Republic Records between 2010 and 2011, had several songs featured on MTV, and had the opportunity to share the stage with Hoobastank, Finger Eleven, Civil Twilight, Candlebox, Hurt, Cavo, Hinder, Fuel, Eve 6, Hawthorne Heights, Red, Thriving Ivory, Theory of a Deadman, Saving Abel, Framing Hanley, 10 Years, Seether, Shinedown, and many others. Stephen also has a passion for teaching with current and past students having achieved or been featured on MTV, NBC, The Grammies, VH1, The Real World, the Dove Awards, and various college scholarships. In addition, Stephen was part of a feature article in the October 2013 issue of DRUM! Magazine entitled “The Drum Stars of You Tube”.

In this episode, Stephen talks about:

* His online drum school: Stephens Drum Shed* Finding new and creative ways to teach drums* Lear...

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Beth Goodfellow is an LA-based drummer, percussionist, and vocalist. She studied classical percussion at San Jose State while playing gigs around the San Francisco Bay Area, simultaneously serving as a drummer in the California Air National Guard Band of the West Coast. While residing in San Francisco Elizabeth appeared on two episodes of America’s Got Talent as a drummer in The Emily Anne Band and subsequently relocated to Los Angeles. Since moving to L.A. Elizabeth has released two albums of her original music, recorded with artists including Boygenius, Per Gessle, and Crossrecord, and has toured with Iron & Wine and Madison Cunningham.

In this episode, Beth talks about:

* Her varied background of drumset, percussion, classical music, musical theatre, military band, and songwriting* What leading creative projects taught her about working as a side player on others’, and vice versa* The National Independent Venue Association* The Restart Act* The questions musicians need to be asking ourselves, each other, and our employers during and after COVID* How Ableton aligned perfectly with the layered and looped way she likes to make music

Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com

David Northrup is the 2nd drummer in the Beier ad. You can find his solo CD here.

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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 recording credits includes Taylor Swift, BonJovi, Jewel, James Bay, Maren Morris, Bob Seger, Carrie Underwood, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and new artists Carly Pearce and Moon Taxi.

Eric has traveled around the world and throughout the United States performing with artists such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Take 6 and Bob Seger. He currently tours with Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band and frequently performs live with Mac McAnally.

An accomplished composer and producer, Eric has written original underscores for TV and film. These shows include Dateline NBC, 20/20, Fox Sports, the Discovery Channel, The NFL Network, National Geographic and the film, The Fantastic Four – Rise of the Silver Surfer. Other projects include A Drummer Boy’s Christmas and Sunday Drive.

In this episode, Eric talks about:

* Taking advantage of the downtime to grow, learn, write and record from home* “Owning the instrument” learning all the tones and possibilities an instrument can deliver* Working with Jimmy Buffett* Creating percussion parts that are felt but not always heard* From household items to gardening tools to create percussion sounds * Building a sample library

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SPONSOR – BEIER SNARE DRUMS

Spotify link to Damon Johnson Live record with Jarrod Pope playing the 6.5×14 Beier Snare

Eric endorses Meinl Percussion, Paiste Cymbals, Mike Balter Mallets, The Trashkat and Shure Microphones

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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 Douglas, Bill Frisell, and many other jazz greats. His releases include his compelling debut ‘303’ (2014), the raw and bracing trio follow-up ‘Rise of Orion’ (2016) and the chamber quintet release ‘Flatbed Buggy’ (2018). His latest release, “PaNOptic,” is a collection of four suites for solo drumset, the proceeds of which are going to MusiCares to benefit musicians in need during the pandemic. Check it out

In this episode, Rudy talks about:

* The making of his new record* Communicating emotional or story-driven ideas on the drumset* How Denver shaped his development as a student and young professional* How gospel and jazz share an “in the moment” ethos* What he took from his experience as a public school music teacher

Rudy endorses Canopus drums, Vic Firth sticks, Gibraltar hardware, and Sabian cymbals.

This episode is sponsored by Beier snare drums – CHECK THEM OUT HERE!

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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 and drumming. Since his move to Nashville, Tennessee he has played and/or recorded with Americana singer/songwriter Will Hoge and Lilly Hiatt, among others.

In this episode, Allen talks about:

* Tapping into the underground music scene even from a small town in Mississippi* “DIY Touring”* Growing your music community organically * Horror stories from the road* Moving to Nashville* Being excited about the music you’re playing * Recording the last two Will Hoge records

BEIER SNARE AD INFO AND LINKS BELOW

Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com

Mark Beckett is the drummer featured on the “snare drum of the week”

David Northrup is the 2nd drummer in the Beier ad. You can find his solo CD here.

Allen endorses Sabian Cymbals and Evans Drumheads

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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 with Joe Lovano in Us Five, and Esperanza Spalding, though he has been on dozens of sessions and is as noteworthy for backing singers as he is instrumentalists.

Brown III was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. His mother was a vocal music teacher and choir director, and his father a school band instructor and noted percussionist who played with Al Green and James Brown.

The younger Brown III began his musical studies on alto saxophone at the age of seven under his father’s tutelage, and showed early promise. He played not only in school but in church. After moving to Newark where he attended high school, he played alto in jazz orchestra and snare drum in the marching band, both of which were directed by his dad.

Brown III attended Delaware State University where he came under the tutelage and mentorship of jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd, an influence that would prove to be profound.

After completing his studies at Delaware State, he earned a scholarship to New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York — his classmates included pianist Robert Glasper, saxophonist John Ellis, vocalist Bilal Oliver, and trumpeter Kenyon Harrold. In New York, Brown III studied with Larry Goldings, Lewis Nash, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Carl Allen, and others.In this episode, Otis talks about

Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com

In this episode, Otis talks about:

* Reconnecting with some of the music that inspired him early on* Growing up the son of musicians and music educators* The accessibility of heroes in New York* His experience at The New School, and his perspective on music education* His thoughts on racial justice in the music world, and how music can and should deliver a message

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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 meter, and New Orleans drumming styles. Peter has played with Kenny Werner, Greg Osby, Diane Schuur, Ray Vega, Maynard Ferguson, Pete McCann, Kim Bock, Loren Stillman, The BMI Big Band, The Jamie Begian Big Band, and his own group, Steeplechase recording artists Flow. 

 As an educator, Peter is Director of Curriculum and a full-time instructor at The Collective School Of Music (formerly known as The Drummer’s Collective). In addition, Peter teaches at the New School in New York City.

 Peter is the author of two books, Turn It Up And Lay It Down: Baby Steps To Giant Steps and Contemporary Jazz Styles For Drums.

 Peter received a B.A. in Jazz and Commercial Music and a B.A. in Business Administration from Capital University. He has also received a M.M. in Jazz Studies from the Manhattan School of Music and is the recipient of three National Endowment for the Arts Grants. 

Check out Beier Snare’s here – https://www.beierdrums.com

Featured Beier snare recording is Eddie Bayers drumming for Scotty Simpson

In this episode, Peter talks about:

* Why he moved from Columbus Ohio to New York City* Teaching at The Collective School Of Music* The books he published* The influence and inspiration of growing up in Columbus Ohio* The influence of diverse cultures in music* Teaching in New York in the midst of Covid-19

Peter endorses Innovative Percussion, Zildjian, Remo, and Canopus

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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. They share stories of resilience and realism in an unpredictable work environment.

Our guests include Keio Stroud, Derek Phillips, Jeremy Roberson, Marcus Finnie and Hubert Payne. Their respective artist gigs include Big and Rich, Chase Rice, Hank Williams Jr., Kirk Whalum, Little Big Town as well as other live and studio work that keeps these drummers busy.

In this podcast, this round table discusses:

* Building relationships upon the common ground of music* Being the only black person at an arena gig* Influencing the culture on and off the kit* Learning how to develop thick skin* Being mistaken as the band’s security* The influence of urban music in country music* Hands = knowledge / Ears = wisdom* Creating a support system

Recommended resources:

Duncan Trussell Podcast with guest Mehcad Brooks (ep 387)

Drummers Resource Podcast with Host Daniel Glass – Black Sounds Matter pt 1

Drummers Resource Podcast with Host Daniel Glass – Black Sounds Matter pt 2

Black Lives Matter

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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 the likes of Norah Jones , Mos Def, John Mayer, D’Angelo and countless others. He is widely considered the authority on the seven and eight – string guitar, and continues to stun audiences with his ability to simultaneously bust out tasty bass parts, melodic leads and swinging rhythms.

Hunter has previously recorded for the venerable Blue Note label, Concord, Ropeadope, GroundUP and others. His recent independent venture is steered by his motivation to release music that most inspires him. Critics have touted his genius technique, but it’s his profound artistic sensibility that propels his original music. Hunter’s signature style of writing and performing has secured his place as one of today’s great guitarists.

In this episode, Charlie talks about:

* Developing his three-part playing style* The drummers he’s played with over the years, and what they have in common* The key to effective duo playing* Projects with singers Kurt Elling and Lucy Woodward, and why Derrek Phillips is the drummer for both* “The music education industrial complex” and how it is especially a disservice to drummers * Using quarantine to dismantle and reconstruct his playing and approach* How the live music industry could be reimagined from the ground up

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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 tracks and demo recordings to singles, ep’s and fully produced records, Grady’s credits include many indie artists and writers to higher profile artists like Luke Combs and Uncle Kracker.

In this episode, Grady talks about: 

* His path to engineering and producing* The distinction between phase and polarity * Recording techniques for small rooms* The importance of mixing yourself when tracking * Playing drums on a Luke Combs single * Moving into the role of producer* The importance of being tech savvy in the modern scene * Studio etiquette 

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