Working Drummer

Gerald French was born and raised in New Orleans in one of the city’s most prominent musical families. Over his career, he has played with most of New Orleans musical royalty, including Harry Connick Jr., Charmagne Neville, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Dr. John. In 2014, he became the leader of the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band. He is only the fifth person to lead the group in its 107-year history, and the third member of his family to do so, preceded by his uncle Bob French and his grandfather Albert “Papa” French.

In this podcast Gerald talks about:

His annual tours of Japan with Tom Fischer and the New Orleans All-Stars

Succeeding his uncle and grandfather as the leader of The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, and the long history of that group

Drumming and singing

Transitioning from sideman to leader

“Being a soldier”, not a star, in the music industry

His work as an educator with the Traditional New Orleans Jazz Camp

Teaching young musicians how to properly play traditional New Orleans music, and preventing that tradition from being lost or diluted

How New Orleans musicians have historically

His experience during and after Hurricane Katrina

His involvement in the Wild Magnolias Mardis Gras Indians

Gerald French endorses Taye Drums, Sabian Cymbals, and Innovative Percussion Sticks

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums.

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Pat Torpey was born in Cleveland, Ohio. At age 7, he first played the drums and in high school, Torpey immersed himself in all available music programs, concert, orchestra, marching and stage bands. In 1983, Torpey moved to Los Angeles and became a regular on the American Bandstand and Solid Gold TV shows performing with artists like Ben E. King, Mike + The Mechanics, Melissa Manchester and Bob Geldof. In 1985, Torpey auditioned for the British pop–rock singer John Parr, who was riding high on his #1 hit “St. Elmo’s Fire” and had landed the opening slot for Tina Turner on her Private Dancer tour. When that tour ended he became the drummer for Belinda Carlisle on her first solo tour, opening for Robert Palmer.

In 1987, Pat joined The Knack. Playing around Los Angeles with The Knack was the pathway to Mr. Big. Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert were starting a new band and were on the hunt for a drummer. They saw Pat playing with The Knack and were impressed with his energy and style.

Mr. Big secured a recording contract with Atlantic Records but before the band started work on the first CD Torpey was tapped to play drums with Robert Plant on his Now and Zen tour when Plant’s drummer Chris Blackwell was injured.

In 1992, Mr. Big’s international hit song “To Be With You” was no.1 in the U.S. and fifteen other countries and top five in many more. For fourteen years Mr. Big toured the world, headlining as well as opening for Aerosmith, Rush, Bryan Adams and The Scorpions to name a few, garnering a reputation for their world class musicianship and totally ‘live’ performances.

Pat has been noted as a great backing vocalist (with high vocal range) and he often sings some cover songs in the Mr. Big show during his encore. Also he sings some tunes from The Beatles during his drum solo. Because of Mr. Big’s popularity in Japan and Asia, Pat released two solo albums (as a singer) overseas, Odd Man Out and Y2K in 1998 and 1999.

He announced on July 25, 2014 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would be unable to perform all of his normal drumming duties on the band’s 2014-15 world tour in support of the album …The Stories We Could Tell. “I’ve been dealing with Parkinson’s symptoms for the past couple of years and only recently received a confirmed diagnosis as symptoms worsened,” Torpey said. “I intend to fight the disease with same intensity and tenacity that I drum and live my life by and will continue recording and performing, as always, to the best of my ability.”

Torpey recently acted as a “drum producer” on Mr. Big’s latest album, Defying Gravity, and still plays percussion on tour, though Matt Starr has taken over lead drummer duties

In this episode, Pat talks about:

Touring around the world over the years

The early days of Mr Big

Meeting Mitch Mitchell

Getting his start in L.A.

Mr Big questions from David Parks

Pat being honored at the Nashville Drummer Jam

His diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 2014

Recording and touring with the help of drummer Matt Starr

Pat’s inspiration for his drum solo while singing

Pat endorses: Promark drum sticks,Remo drumheads, Tama drums, Zildjian cymbals

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums

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Ian Chang was born in Hong Kong and moved to New Jersey as a teenager to attend boarding school. He had studied classical piano and percussion in Hong Kong, but quickly became interested in all the other genres New York had to offer. He had begun a pre-college classical percussion program at Julliard, and was on track to attend there after high school, but decided against it at the last minute to focus on drumset, jazz, hip hop, and beyond. He is the drummer for Son Lux, an acclaimed trio whose compositions, recordings and performances are a mix of acoustic and electronic mediums. He was one of the beta testers for Sunhouse’s Sensory Percussion, a new electronic percussion system that gives the drummer an unprecedented range of sounds, sensitivity, customization, and improvisational possibilities.

In this podcast, Ian talks about:

The process of creating his new solo album “Spiritual Leader”

Making electronic music sound less “gridded.”

The development of Sunhouse Sensory Percussion, and what sets it apart from other electronic percussion

Ways to approach electronics that make them seem less daunting and lower the wall between electric and acoustic

How Sensory Percussion has changed his approach to coordination, speed, orchestration, etc.

Some musicians’ preoccupation with sound and timbre rather than groove and melody

His first exposure to music, an extremely regimented classical program in Hong Kong

Chinese attitudes toward a career in music, and current music trends in China

His first years in New York – catching the jazz bug and playing tons of hip hop gigs, and how those both contributed to the drummer he’s become

The origins of his band Son Lux, and their creative process

How music’s focus has shifted from melody, harmony and groove, to sound and timbre

Finding ways to use electronics that make the most sense and are the most inspiring to YOU.

Ian Chang endorses C&C Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, Istanbul Cymbals, Sunhouse Sensory Percussion, and Roots EQ

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums.

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For more than 24 years, Jeremy Roberson has been perfecting his precise, unpredictable, high-energy style of drumming. Using a combination of techniques, he has developed his own original style, which is as exciting to listen to as it is to watch. His ability to adapt to any genre of music while maintaining precision, timing, and his uniquely smooth style has earned him numerous accolades, and has led him to be known by musicians and fans alike as none other than “Mr. Finesse.” At the age of 3, Roberson, born in Columbia, SC, began honing his skills on the drum set, emulating the style of his older brother Tony, nine years his senior. Before long he began marching with the W.J. Keenan High School Band- at age 11. He continued marching with the band throughout his high school career, eventually gaining regional recognition and numerous awards. After high school he attended Johnson C. Smith University where he furthered his studies and marched on the University’s band. After college he rapidly began to merge into the local, regional, and nation scene, playing with acts such as Tony Terry, Wycliffe Gordon, Crossfade, Weaving The Fate, to name a few. Currently Roberson is touring with country artist Chase Rice.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about:

The importance of knowing how to running tracks and loops

His experience performing in Korea for the troops

Knowing John Blackwell growing up and the influence that he had

Touring with Chase Rice

His approach to soloing

Deflecting stereotypes

Being selfless on stage

The origin of his nickname – Jeremy “Finesse” Roberson

Getting the Chase Rice gig

Grooving with tracks

Jeremy endorses: Zildjian Cymbals, Vater Sticks, Tama Drums, Evans Drumheads, Gibraltar Hardware

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums

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In today’s music landscape, Kevin Kanner is a rare breed of drummer; focused intently and passionately on straight-ahead jazz. While many of his generation have looked for ways to widen the scope of the drumset and the role of the drummer, and cross breed jazz with other genres, Kevin’s musical ambition has remained simple and singular: to swing. Like his heroes, Philly Joe Jones, Mickey Roker, his fellow West Coast jazzer Shelly Manne, and his mentor Jeff Hamilton, Kevin brings a fiery but concentrated intensity to the music. This “dyed-in-the-wool” identity has become his calling card and is the reason he has been sought after by the likes of John Pizzarelli, Eric Reed, Walter Smith III, Terrell Stafford, Gerald Clayton, and many more of the best in the current jazz world.

Kevin is based in his hometown of Los Angeles, which has a rich jazz history of its own. What it has historically lacked in Kevin’s estimation, is a place for the straight-ahead, take-no-prisoners, small-group, instrumental jazz to which he has dedicated himself for so long. But Kevin and a few equally dedicated cohorts are on a mission to win a place at the L.A. table for the brand of swinging they love. He originated and continues to run a Monday nigh jam session at The Mint in L.A., a venue not otherwise known for jazz, but one that has proven a weekly home for the L.A. jazz community. After performing as a sideman for his entire career, Kevin is also venturing into leading his own sextet.

In this podcast, Kevin talk about:

Starting and continuing The Mint Jam

Forming a close relationship with Jeff Hamilton as a teenager that continues today

Learning jazz language through experiencing it in its whole form

What all the music he loves has in common

The two essential elements he feels jazz must not lose

Playing with John Pizzarelli

Why he left L.A. and why he returned

The strengths and weaknesses in jazz pedagogy

Recognizing the differences between different types of jazz, and giving each their due

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums.

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Finding a drummer with the chops and knowledge necessary to recapture a wide range of various styles authentically, is no small task. To make you believe you’re hearing the original recording is even more rare. Jason Harrison Smith does this and so much more. Currently playing simultaneously with Blues legend Albert Lee and guitar virtuoso Carl Verheyen, Jason’s a busy guy and likes it that way. His past credits outline his versatility, including time spent with Enrique Iglesias, Five For Fighting, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, Mike Keneally (former Zappa guitarist), guitar legend John Jorgenson, Kelly Sweet, Julia Fordham, Buzz Feiten, Wings’ Denny Laine and many, many more. On his debut solo recording, “Think Like This”, he’s joined by bassist Dave Carpenter and keyboardist/drummer Gary Husband. The music showcases a precocious, updated and unconventional take on the standard Jazz trio format.

In this podcast Jason talks about:

The business of entertaining the masses

Advice for those balancing the day job and a music career

Taking time off the road

Recording with keyboardist/drummer Gary Husband

Inspiring the next generation

Jason’s inspirational teachers

Working with Mike Keneally (former Zappa guitarist) and learning so much

Jason endorses: Innovative Percussion, Aquarian Drumheads, Pork Pie Drums, Paiste Cymbals

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums

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Doug Auwarter has spent most of his 40-year career in Kansas City and has been equally active as a performer and educator. He began his career playing across spectrum of American music – jazz, rock, funk, etc. In the 80’s he fell in love with Brazilian music and culture, and although he continues to play a wide variety of music, he is known and loved as Kansas City’s resident guru for all things Brazilian, from the proper Partido Alto feel to the proper Moqueca de Peixe (fish stew).

Doug is the cofounder and co-leader of the Sons of Brasil, an instrumental Brazilian jazz group currently in its third decade, and the long-time drummer for jazz vocalist Angela Hagenbach. He has taught drumset, percussion, latin combo, world music, and jazz history, and music appreciation at numerous colleges and universities in and around KC including University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri Western State University, Northwest Missouri State University, and Johnson County Community College, and is the author of two self-published books, “Essential Latin Styes for the Drumset” and “Essential Rock for the Drumset.”

In this podcast, Doug talks about:

How a bout with cancer and a stroke have affected his playing, and his outlook on aging as a musician

Discovering and digging into Brazilian music

Some of the common misconceptions about Brazilian music and Latin styles in general

Teaching, from private drum lessons to college world music classes

How listening, not physical exercises, is the focus with his advanced students

Doug endorses Paiste Cymbals.

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums.

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Based in Los Angeles but originally from Long Island, New York, Evan Stone (Drummer/Producer/Bandleader) currently fronts his original project the Translucent Ham Sandwich Band who released their debut album in 2016 entitled: ‘Music From The Future’ which has received airtime on numerous radio and cable television stations around the world. 

Evan Stone has toured the United States with trumpeter/bandleader Maynard Ferguson and traveled throughout Australia and New Zealand with pop artist Toni Childs. Evan formed the Progressive/New Thing Rock band Salty The Pocketknife which released their debut recording in 2003. When not leading his own bands throughout the west coast, Evan has toured in the past with the Greg Adams Band (Tower of Power) and pop artists Aly & AJ.

In addition, Evan Stone has played with Kei Akagi, John Beasley, Brian Bromberg, David Garfield, Gilbert Castellanos, Darek Oles, Bob Sheppard, Chuck Manning, Doug Webb, Steve Cardenas, Theo Saunders, Otmaro Ruiz, Luther Hughes, Bob Cooper, Dr. Art Davis, Llew Matthews, Rob Mullins, and Anthony Wilson. Fish.

* In this podcast, Evan talks about:

* The effect that world events and politics has on music and art

* His band The Translucent Hamsandwich

* Studying with Peter Erskine

* The click and the drummers relationship with it

* The influence of programing and drum machines to drummers

* Evan’s beginnings

* His lesson with Vinnie Colaiuta

Evan endorses: Vater Sticks, Murat Diril Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Canopus Drums,

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums and their new Sublime Birch series

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Gintas Janusonis is the son of Lithuanian immigrants and grew up in Milwaukee. Berklee brought him to the East Coast and he soon made the jump to New York, where he has been active as a drummer and producer for most of his professional life. His list of credits ranges from jazz greats Branford Marsalis and Kurt Rosenwinkel, to hip hop royalty Wu Tang Clan and Kool G Rap, to singer/songwriter and America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jonah Smith. At the top of his list of current projects is Bandit 65, a trio with Rosenwinkel and Tim Motzer, in which he gets to flex his producer chops, incorporating various types of electronics and sound manipulation. On the more analogue end of the musical spectrum, he has been part of countless acoustic jazz projects and leads The Revelations, a funk/soul band and production collective.

In this podcast, Gintas talks about:

Rockwood Music Hall, which has become a hub for live music in New York

The ways he incorporates electronics and effects with Bandit 65, and that group’s improvisational dynamic

The differences between “Free Jazz” and other types of improvised music, and how he and his bandmates craft improvised music with producers’ ears.

Managing his time so that none of the roles he plays suffer, and using “mental practicing.”

The aspect of the New York scene that has improved the most over the years

Getting exposed to high art at an early age

Playing on America’s Got Talent 

His interest in Hip Hop, which dates back as far as his interest in jazz

Leading The Revelations

Gintas endorses Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, and Vater Sticks

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Kent Slucher was born in Louisville, Kentucky October 19, 1976. With an intensely musical ear he learned to appreciate music at a very young age. Some of the most influential bands for Kent growing up included; Led Zeppelin, KISS, Fleetwood Mac, Bad Company, and Journey. At 19, Kent got his first gig in his father’s band, Uncle Lijah. After that, he played in a top 40 house band hoping to be discovered.

In 2002, Kent got his first touring gig with singer/songwriter Anthony Smith. Since touring with Smith, Kent has had the opportunity to tour and record with Pam Tillis for five years as well as working with such artists as; Kelly Keagy(Night Ranger), Gatlin Brothers, Oak Ridge Boys, Suzy Boguss, James Otto, Bill Medley(Rightious Brothers), Mary Sue Englund, Reggie Vinson(Alice Cooper), Bobby Terry(producer/songwriter, Cowboy Crush and many more.

Kent currently plays with country music artist Luke Bryan. Luke has been fortunate enough to tour with artists such as; Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, Tim Mcgraw and headlined his own “Tailgates and Tanlines” tour in 2011. Luke has had many number ones and top ten hits including; “Do I”, “Rain is a Good Thing”, “Someone Else Calling You Baby”, “Country Girl Shake It” and “I Don’t Want This Night to End”. Kent performed with Luke on the CMA Awards, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Jimmy Kimmel Show, Ellen Degeneres, The Today Show, Regis and Kelly, and the CMT Awards.

With passion and determination to be the best player he can be, he has brought a uniqueness and energy to the bands he has played with. “I like to think of myself as a pocket player…groove oriented.” Although he started out “stealing licks from hundreds of influential drummers”, he feels he has developed a style of his own. Very technical and precise, he leaves no room for error. “When performing live, while staying true to the recorded version of the song, I try to make it my own.”

In this episode, Kent talks about:

Navigating the home recording thing

His responsibilities as the drummer for Luke Bryan

Keeping your cool when things go haywire

Becoming a full-time musician

His approach to clinics

Bus etiquette

His pre-show ritual of watching and finding inspiration from opening acts

How he spends his time off

Performing on T.V. (talk shows etc..)

Kent endorses: Ahead, Zildjian Cymbals, Ludwig Drums, Vic Firth Sticks

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