Episodes
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Episode 5 of The Drum Panel
This week's guests are my co-host Eric Urrea (Marina City / Sessions) and good buddy Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum).
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In this episode, we dive into:
If you could reinvent one aspect of your drumming, what would it be, and why?
What's the one piece of advice you wish you'd known as a young drummer starting out?
How important is style to a drummer’s career—can visuals be as impactful as skill?
What ingredients create a drum tone that stands the test of time?
Have we lost the ability to have a hit song without the use of a click?
With AI's influence growing, what do you think drumming will look like in the near future?
Is the quest for 'perfect' recordings draining the soul out of live music?
Why do so many drummers gravitate toward intricate playing—are we losing the groove?
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Today I’m joined by Jesse Boyle, my good buddy and the drummer for the boundary-pushing band Chase Atlantic. Known for blending genres like alternative, R&B, and electronic music, Jesse’s unique approach drives the pulse behind Chase’s immersive live soundscapes. We’ll dive into the top five influences that shaped his drumming and musical journey and we get into a newer career he’s started…all because he gave himself permission. I think it’s important for everyone to stay tuned through the end of the episode.
JESSE'S BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - Reggatta De Blanc
Artist - The Police
Release Year - 1979
Key Track(s) - Message in a Bottle, Walking On the Moon
Drummer - Stewart Copeland
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Album - By The Way
Artist - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Release Year - 2002
Key Track(s) - By the Way, Don’t Forget Me
Drummer - Chad Smith
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Album - Only by the Night
Artist - Kings of Leon
Release Year - 2008
Key Track(s) - Closer, I Want You
Drummer - Nathan Followill
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Album - The Colour and The Shape
Artist - Foo Fighters
Release Year - 1997
Key Track(s) - My Hero, Everlong
Drummer - Dave Grohl / William Goldsmith
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Album - TOTO IV
Artist - TOTO
Release Year - 1982
Key Track(s) - Rosanna
Drummer - Jeff Porcaro
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Episodes manquant?
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Hey friends, Ben Hilzinger here. I wanted to take a few minutes to talk to you about a pretty exciting shift I’m making with this podcast. After much thought, I’ve decided to change the name of the podcast. Moving forward, it will be known as Drummers on Drumming.
Let me tell you a little about how I got here.
This whole thing started as The Big Fat Snare Drum Podcast, just a fun way to connect with drummers I admire—talking about stories, gear, grooves, and whatever else came up. It was a blast. But after a while, I wanted to dive deeper into the stories that shaped the way drummers think and play. That’s where the Big Fat Five concept came from: drummers sharing the five records or moments that influenced them the most.
The Big Fat Five format really connected with people, and I loved it. But over time, I realized the name was becoming a little limiting. I’ve got so many ideas for other segments—like The Drum Panel, where multiple drummers join me for roundtable discussions—and I didn’t want to feel stuck in one format. I needed a title that gave me space to try new things and keep the podcast fresh.
And honestly, if I want to keep doing this—and growing the show—I need to make sure it’s easy for new listeners to find. Big Fat Five isn’t exactly the most discoverable name if someone’s searching for “drumming podcasts.” So this rebrand to Drummers on Drumming not only reflects the direction I want to take, but it’ll also make the show more findable for people who haven’t discovered it yet.
Now, here’s how the change will happen. Right now, the podcast is still called Big Fat Five, but I wanted to give everyone a heads-up before the switch. One week from today, both the name and the podcast icon will officially change to Drummers on Drumming. So, if you see the new name and artwork in your podcast feed next week, don’t worry—it’s still the same show you know and love, just with a new name and more room to grow.
Oh! And speaking of exciting new things, I’ve been working on a book—also called Drummers on Drumming—and it’s almost ready! The book dives deep into the Big Fat Five concept, with insights from some truly amazing drummers. I’m currently wrapping up the book cover as I record this, and I plan to have it available by Black Friday. So keep an eye out for that—it’ll make a pretty sweet gift for the drummer in your life...or, you know, yourself.
So there you have it—a new chapter for the podcast. It’s the same vibe, the same passion, just with a new name and more freedom to explore new ideas. I can’t wait to bring you along for this next phase.
Thank you so much for listening, supporting, and being part of this journey. I’ll see you next time on Drummers on Drumming.
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Episode 4 of The Drum Panel
This week's guests are my good buddies Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum), and Mark Stepro (The Wallflowers, Butch Walker).
SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE
In this episode, we dive into:
If we could steal one drummers’s feel and add it to our own, who would it be?
What is an example of a perfect drum take on record?
What does “pocket” ACTUALLY mean?
What is the role of drummers in songwriting credits?
Does music theory really make one a better musician?
What’s the first thing we notice about a drummer that makes them come across as “amateur”?
Check out Steward Copeland on Drumeo HERE
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Our guest today is one of Berlin’s rising stars in the drumming world, Julian Wieder. At just 25, he’s already making serious moves across the RnB, Hip-Hop, and Indie scene, both on stage and in the studio. I first discovered Julian thanks to the algorithm gods on Big Fat Snare Drum’s Explorer page—and once I saw his playing, I knew I had to get him on the show. His feel is unreal, blending pocket grooves with a sense of freedom that feels completely natural and effortless. Plus, he’s not just a drummer…he’s an educator, and a bit of a clinic master in the making.
In this episode, we’ll dive into the top records that shaped his sound, and he introduced me to a new favorite of mine that I can’t wait for you to hear. So I hope you enjoy the top records that helped shaped Julian Wieder into the drummer he is today.
JULIAN'S BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - The Joy Of Motion
Artist - Animals as Leaders
Release Year - 2014
Key Track(s) - The Woven Web, Tooth and Claw
Drummer - Matt Garstka
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Album - Continuum
Artist - John Mayer
Release Year - 2006
Key Track(s) - Waiting On The World To Change, Gravity
Drummer - Steve Jordan
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Album - Wallflower
Artist - Jordan Rakei
Release Year - 2017
Key Track(s) - Eye To Eye, Sorceress
Drummer - Jim Macrae
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Album - Chris Dave and The Drumhedz
Artist - Chris Dave
Release Year - 2018
Key Track - Whatever
Drummer - Chris Dave
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Album - Past Present and Futures
Artist - Chick Corea
Release Year - 2001
Key Track(s) - Fingerprints, Rhumba Flamenco
Drummer - Jeff Ballard
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Honorable Mentions:
Nas - Illmatic
Ghost Note - Swagism
Yussef Kamaal - Black Focus
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Our guest today is Gabe Smith, the current CEO of Drums for Gracie Abrams Inc. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, now based in New York City, Gabe has also worked with incredible contemporary artists like Wet, Tei Shi, Eden, Frankie Cosmos, Kimbra and many more. Last summer, he opened for Taylor Swift and is about to rejoin that tour after some headline shows with Gracie Abrams. He’s a busy guy! It took some finessing since we’re both on tour, but we made it happen. I loved his picks, and I’m excited for you to hear this one. Please enjoy the top 5 records that shaped Gabe Smith into the sought-after, hardworking musician he is today. Cheers!
GABE'S BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - Abbey Road
Artist - The Beatles
Release Year - 1969
Key Track - She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
Drummer - Ringo
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Album - Songs In The Key of Life
Artist - Stevie Wonder
Release Year - 1976
Key Track - Knocks Me Off My Feet
Drummer - Stevie Wonder
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Album - When The Pawn...
Artist - Fiona Apple
Release Year - 1999
Key Track - A Mistake
Drummer - Matt Chamberlain
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Album - Friendly Travelers Live
Artist - Wolfgang Muthspiel, Brian Blade
Release Year - 2007
Key Track - Gnadenwald (Live)
Drummer - Brian Blade
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Album - Donny Hathaway
Artist - Donny Hathaway
Release Year - 1971
Key Track - She Is My Lady
Drummer - Al Jackson Jr.
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Episode 3 of The Drum Panel
This week's guests are my good buddies Gunnar Olsen (Puscifer, Carina Round), Neal Daniels (Matchbox 20, Liz Phair), Mike Robinson (Blame My Youth, Food On Tour Podcast).
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In this episode, we dive into:
The value of high-end gear: Is it really worth the investment?
The existence of drum heroes: Do they still inspire us today?
Yes...we talk about Oasis...
Insights from the guys on the current landscape of drum endorsements.
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Our guest today is Daniel Glass. Daniel is a renowned drummer, educator, and historian known for his deep expertise in the roots of American drumming, particularly in jazz, swing, and early rock 'n' roll. A member of the pioneering retro-swing band Royal Crown Revue, Glass has performed with a wide array of top artists, blending historical influence with modern flair. His passion for drumming history is reflected in his books, clinics, and instructional videos. The project that introduced Daniel to me was his three-hour documentary called “The Century Project” which explores the evolution of the drum set and drumming styles from 1865 to 1965. Glass is also celebrated for his dynamic, groove-focused playing and his ability to bridge the gap between past and present drumming traditions. Go check out all his happenings at danielglass.com, but for now, please enjoy the 5 records that helped shape Daniel Glass into the drummer he is today. Cheers!
DANIEL'S BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - Made In Japan
Artist - Deep Purple
Release Year - 1972
Key Track(s) - Highway Star, Space Truckin', The Mule
Drummer - Ian Paice
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Album - Three Quartets
Artist - Chick Corea
Release Year - 1981
Key Track(s) - Quartet No. 1, Quartet No. 2, Part 2
Drummer - Steve Gadd
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Album - Buffalo
Artist - Frank Zappa
Release Year - 2007 (from a 1980 live concert)
Key Track(s) - The Torture Never Stops
Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta
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Album - Lyric
Artist - Billy Childs
Release Year - 2005
Key Track(s) - In Carson's Eyes, Into the Light, Scarborough Fair, American Landscape
Drummer - Brian Blade, Marvin "Smitty" Smith
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Album - From Darkness
Artist - Avishai Cohen
Release Year - 2015
Key Track(s) - Beyond, Abie, C#-, From Darkness
Drummer - Daniel Dor
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Honorable Mentions:
Album - Blue
Artist - Joni Mitchell
Release Year - 1971
Key Track(s) - All I Want, This Flight Tonight
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Album - The Concert at Carnegie Hall
Artist - Benny Goodman
Release Year - 1938
Key Track(s) - Don't Be That Way, Honeysuckle Rose, Sing, Sing, Sing
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Album - Drumsville
Artist - Earl Palmer
Release Year - 1961
Drummer - Earl Palmer
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Album - Live at the Royal Festival Hall
Artist - John McLaughlin
Release Year - 1989
Key Track(s) - Mother Tongues
Drummer - Trilok Gurtu
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Album - Tiny Resistors
Artist - Todd Sickafoose
Release Year - 2008
Key Track(s) - Allision Miller
Drummer - Everyone Is Going
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Episode 2 PART DEUX of The Drum Panel
Welcome to The Drum Panel—a segment where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions on polarizing and controversial drum topics submitted by our listeners.
Today's episode is the second half of a conversation between myself (Ben), my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum & drummer for Winnetka Bowling League).
SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE
Today we discuss:
If you're overly critical of gear, are you showcasing your lack of skill?
Should snare drums and floor toms always between flat (Eric is surprisingly passionate about this subject)?
If you don't know what the singer is singing, can your take still suit the song?
We do it...we talk the world of endorsements.
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Our guest today is Taye Dever, a young drummer from North Carolina who recently came onto my radar and quickly grabbed my attention. Taye draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including R&B, Pop, Folk, Rap, Gospel, and more. While his musical style is eclectic, he seems to be a fresh face in the music scene. I’m honored if this is your first introduction to his work. We dive right in, so here are the records that have shaped Taye Dever into the musician he is today. Cheers!
TAYE'S BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - Not Guilty
Artist - The New Life Community Choir featuring John P. Kee
Release Year - 2000
Key Track(s) - Rain On Us
Drummer - Calvin Rodgers
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Album - Thirsty
Artist - Marvin Sapp
Release Year - 2007
Key Track(s) - Praise Him In Advance
Drummer - Calvin Rodgers
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Album - Confessions
Artist - Usher
Release Year - 2004
Key Track(s) - "Caught Up" Aaron Spears' drum performance @ 2006 Modern Drummer Festival
Drummer - Aaron Spears
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Album - Pure Energy DVD
Artist - Various drummers
Release Year - 2009
Key Track(s) - Rekindled featuring Tony Royster Jr
Drummer - Tony Royster Jr.
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Album - Paramore
Artist - Paramore
Release Year - 2013
Key Track(s) - Ain’t It Fun?, Still Into You
Drummer - Ilan Rubin
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Episode 2 of The Drum Panel
Welcome to The Drum Panel—a show where a rotating group of professional drummers engages in roundtable discussions on polarizing and controversial drum topics submitted by our listeners.
For today's panel, we have my co-host Eric Urrea and special guest, Kris Mazzarisi (owner/founder of Big Fat Snare Drum & drummer for Winnetka Bowling League).
SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE
Today we discuss:
does practicing to a click make your playing sterile?
those who can't, teach. True or False?
does using less drums/cymbals make you more creative?
you should never put anything in your bass drum! True or False?
do drum shells tune themselves?
do you need to put a button at the end of every live song?
are the most musical drummers...non-drummers?
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Today's guest is Philo Tsoungui, an independent drummer based in Berlin, Germany. Philo has played with many incredible artists both in Germany and internationally, including a recent stint with The Mars Volta.I can't praise Philo's playing enough; it just works. While it can be categorized as Hip Hop, it's so much more than any single genre, as you'll discover in this episode. Philo shares many incredibly valuable insights, and we actually kicked off our recorded conversation by discussing practice routines (in an ideal world).So, without further ado, please enjoy the top 5 influences that shaped the incredible Philo Tsoungui. Cheers!PHILO's BIG FAT FIVE:-Album - Black OrpheusArtist - Keziah JonesRelease Year - 2003Key Track - AfrosurrealismfortheladiesDrummer - Joshua McKenzie / Jose Joyette-Album - The Bedlam in GoliathArtist - The Mars VoltaRelease Year - 2008Key Track - Wax SimulacraDrummer - Thomas Pridgen-Album - Black RadioArtist - Robert GlasperRelease Year - 2012Key Track - Afro BlueDrummer - Chris "Daddy" Dave-Album - Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group: Live Los Angeles on Sept 14th, 2010 (video)Artist - Omar Rodriguez Lopez GroupRelease Year - 2010Drummer - Deantoni Parks-Album - Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Performance Artist - Lenny "The Ox" Reece & The Lesson GKRelease Year - 2018Key Track - The WeekendDrummer - Lenny "The Ox" ReeceFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.
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Today, my good friend and fellow professional drummer, Eric Urrea, and I are excited to launch the pilot episode of a new segment on our podcast, tentatively named “The Drum Panel.”
Drummers are known for having strong opinions, and we aim to delve into many of these in a roundtable format. For this first recording, it’s just the two of us, but our vision is to feature multiple drummers from diverse backgrounds in each episode to foster engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking discussions. We invite you to join us on this journey.
SUBMIT YOUR CONTROVERSIAL MUSIC OPINIONS HERE
Today we discuss:
are there too many rudiments?
the hate towards Lars & Ringo
are triggers cheating?
virgin bass drums
do drum shells actually matter?
has social media ruined what it means to be a drummer?
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
This week’s guest is Adolfo Torres. Adolfo's musical journey started in Cali, Colombia, and from a young age, his passion for music was evident, leading his parents to enroll him in drum lessons. This early start paved the way for his education at the Drummers Collective in NYC and later at Berklee College of Music on an American Tour Scholarship.
After his studies, Adolfo moved to Austin, TX, playing with artists like JT Coldfire and Jennifer B and the Groove Kings, where he learned about the life of a working musician. In 2013, he returned to Colombia, forming the band M.I.J.O, which blends Classic, Modern, and Progressive Rock. All that being said, I’ve been a big fan of his for a long time and go check out a few of his videos before you listen to our chat. It will set the stage for a lot of what we talk about. I hope you enjoy the five records that shaped Adolfo Torres into the musician he is today. Cheers!
ADOLFO'S BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - The Inner Mounting Flame
Artist - The Mahavishnu Orchestra
Release Year f- 1971
Key Track(s) - The Noonward Race, Vital Transformation, You Know You Know
Drummer - Billy Cobham
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Album - Paranoid
Artist - Black Sabbath
Release Year - 1970
Key Track(s) - War Pigs, Rat Salad, Fairies Wear Boots
Drummer - Bill Ward
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Album - Red
Artist - King Crimson
Release Year - 1974
Key Track(s) - One More Red Nightmare, Starless
Drummer - Bill Bruford
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Album - Badmotorfinger
Artist - Soundgarden
Release Year - 1991
Key Track(s) - Rusty Cage, Slaves & Bulldozers
Drummer - Matt Cameron
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Album - Amputechture
Artist - The Mars Volta
Release Year - 2006
Key Track(s) - Tetragrammaton, Meccamputechture, Viscera Eyes, Day of the Baphomets
Drummer - Jon Theodore
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HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Band of Gypsys - Hendrix
Presence - Led Zeppelin
Bridge of Sighs - Robin Trower
Tony Williams Lifetime: The Collection
Master of Reality - Black Sabbath
10,000 Days - Tool
Deloused in the Commatorium - The Mars Volta
Down on the Upside - Soundgarden
Gretchen Goes to Nebraska - King’s X
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
Our guest today is none other than Jost Nickel, a renowned German drummer, composer, and educator. Jost is part of the golden generation of drummers from Germany, alongside his friends and fellow drumming legends Anika Nilles, Marco Minnemann, and Benny Greb.
Currently, Jost keeps busy with Jan Delay and Disko No. 1, but his talent has graced many hit records both in Germany and beyond. He's also had the privilege of playing with jazz greats like Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, Barry Finnerty, and many more.
In addition to his impressive performance career, Jost has authored four highly successful instructional books: Jost Nickel’s GROOVE BOOK, Jost Nickel’s FILL BOOK, Jost Nickel’s SNARE BOOK, and Jost Nickel’s BEGINNER BOOK.
I absolutely love Jost’s playing. It's always so crisp, clear, snappy, and incredibly creative, yet it always feels good. Today, we're diving into the five records that have helped shape Jost Nickel into the phenomenal drummer he is today. Cheers!"
JOST'S BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - The Dream of the Blue Turtles
Artist - Sting
Release Year - 1985
Key Track - Shadows in the Rain
Drummer - Omar Hakim
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Album - Master Plan
Artist - Dave Weckl
Release Year - 1990
Key Track - Tower of Inspiration
Drummer - Dave Weckl
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Album - True Colors
Artist - Level 42
Release Year - 1984
Key Track - Kansas City Milkman
Drummer - Phil Gould
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Album - This Time
Artist - Al Jarreau
Release Year - 1980
Key Track(s) - Spain (I Can Recall)
Drummer - Steve Gadd
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Album - Synchronicity
Artist - The Police
Release Year - 1983
Key Track - King of Pain
Drummer - Stewart Copeland
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
This week's guest is Nick Wilkerson. For the past decade, Nick has been the drummer for the critically acclaimed Louisville, KY rock band, White Reaper. Recently, he decided to embark on a solo journey as an independent artist, and I’m eager to see what he creates next.
I always invite drummers on this show who truly move me with their playing. I discovered Nick’s videos on Instagram and was immediately impressed before I even realized he was the drummer for White Reaper, a band I really admire. Check out his videos, and you'll understand why.
I was stoked to have this conversation with Nick, and it’s moments like these that make me love what I do. Now, enjoy as we explore the five records that helped shape Nick Wilkerson into the musician he is today. Cheers!
NICK'S BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 Soundtrack
Artist - Various
Release Year - 2001
Key Track(s) - Boy Who Destroyed The World (AFI), If You Must (Del The Funkee Homosapien), Amoeba (Adolescents)
Drummer - Various
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Album - American Idiot
Artist - Green Day
Release Year - 2004
Key Track(s) - Jesus of Suburbia, St Jimmy, Homecoming
Drummer - Tre Cool
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Album - Bad Brains
Artist - Bad Brains
Release Year - 1982
Key Track(s) - Attitude, Banned in DC, Big Takeover
Drummer - Earl Hudson
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Album - Live At Leeds
Artist - The Who
Release Year - 1970
Key Track(s) - Heaven And Hell, Can’t Explain, Happy Jack
Drummer - Keith Moon
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Album - Wonderful Rainbow
Artist - Lightning Bolt
Release Year - 2003
Key Track(s) - Assassins, Two Towers, Crown of Storms
Drummer - Brian Chippendale
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
This week's guest is Isaiah Weatherspoon, a Philadelphia-based drummer who started playing at the age of four. He went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Production and Engineering. Over the years, Isaiah has performed with an impressive roster of artists, including Lizz Wright, Greg Phillinganes, Lauren Talese, Leehom Wang, Justin Timberlake, Sister Sledge, and many more.
I first noticed Isaiah when I saw a video on Instagram of him using one of our Big Fat Snare Drum Steve's Donuts on his floor tom during an outdoor concert. He was going crazy on the drums, and I was truly impressed. His positive energy and outlook made this conversation a real pleasure. Plus, we dive into a fascinating topic: synesthesia, a perceptual phenomenon that Isaiah proudly embraces.
So, without further ado, here are the five records that have shaped Isaiah Weatherspoon into the musician he is today. Cheers!
Check out his book: MUSIC IS COOL! Music Coloring Book for Kids
ISAIAH'S BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - Not Guilty
Artist - John P Kee
Release Year - 2000
Key Track - Rain On Us
Drummer - Calvin Rodgers
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Album - Purpose By Design
Artist - Fred Hammond and Radical For Christ
Release Year - 2000
Key Track - Jesus Be a Fence Around Me
Drummer - Marvin McQuitty
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Album - In A Dream
Artist - Gretchen Parlato
Release Year - 2009
Key Track - Butterfly
Drummer - "No drums on this record. But I believe Kendrick Scott plays on album"
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Album - Ten Summoner's Tale
Artist - Sting
Release Year - 1993
Key Track(s) - Seven Days
Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta
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Album - Choose Your Weapon
Artist - Hiatus Kaiyote
Release Year - 2015
Key Track - By Fire
Drummer - Perrin Moss
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
This week’s guest is Eric Somers-Urrea…a Chicago-based drummer, educator and producer who I very-much admire both on and off the kit. His main project is a band called Marina City and his sincerity / kindness as a person matches his incredible prowess on the drums. I just can’t say enough good things about him.
This is a edited and re-airing of my conversation with Eric from a few years ago so some references are a little dated, but I'm pushing this to the top of the feed because I might be switching things up a bit and, to keep things cryptic, let's just say I want you to get to know Eric a little bit more. Stay tuned. Please enjoy our chat about the 5 main influences that shaped Eric into the drummer he is today, but first…we play a little game. Cheers!
ERIC'S BIG FAT FIVE:
Performance - Drum Corps International 2004 Finals
Release Year - 2004
Artist - The Cavaliers
Song Choice - https://youtu.be/KpUuMM1y2_o?t=140 (anywhere between 2:20-4:20ish)
Drummer - The Cavaliers Drumline
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Album - Quadrophenia
Release Year - 1973
Artist - The Who
Song Choice - The Real Me (1:30ish)
Drummer - Keith Moon
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Album - Deadwing
Release Year - 2005
Artist - Porcupine Tree
Song Choice - Glass Arm Shattering (3:30ish)
Drummer - Gavin Harrison
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Album - Mer De Noms
Release Year - 2000
Artist - A Perfect Circle
Song Choice - Judith (2:40)
Drummer - Josh Freese
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Album - With Teeth
Release Year - 2005
Artist - Nine Inch Nails
Song Choice - All the Love in the World
Drummer - Dave Grohl/ Trent Reznor
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HONORABLE MENTIONS:
"Glass Prison" by Dream Theater
"Heart Don't Stand a Chance" by Anderson .Paak (Tiny Desk Concert version 3:45)
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
This week's guest is Megan Spencer, a talented young drummer and educator from just outside Los Angeles. Megan recently caught my attention with her amazing cover of Marques Murrey's Million Dollar Baby remix, and I was instantly drawn to her unique tones and vibe. So, I’m excited to have her on the show! I'm always grateful for the opportunity to connect with new drummers who inspire ME and learn about the drummers who inspired THEM, in hopes of inspiring YOU. Thanks for hanging around. Today, Megan will share the five records that have significantly shaped her journey as a drummer. Enjoy the episode! Cheers!
MEGAN'S BIG FAT FIVE:
Album - Innervisions
Artist - Stevie Wonder
Release Year - 1973
Key Track - Higher Ground
Drummer - Stevie Wonder
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Album - Bad
Artist - Michael Jackson
Release Year - 1987
Key Track - Smooth Criminal, Bad, Dirty Diana, Man in the Mirror
Drummer - John (JR) Robinson
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Album - Ten Summoner’s Tales
Artist - Sting
Release Year - 1993
Key Track - Seven Days
Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta
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Album - Alive in South Africa
Artist - Israel Houghton & New Breed
Release Year - 2005
Key Track - Turn it Around, Still Standing
Drummer - Mike Clemmons
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Album - Loopified
Artist - Dirty Loops
Release Year - 2014
Key Track - Hit Me, Rolling in the Deep
Drummer - Aron Mellergard
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. -
This week's guest is Chris Fryar, primarily known for his work with the Zac Brown Band. He has also worked with Oteil and the Peacemakers, led by bassist Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers Band, as well as with Victor Wooten, John Popper, Steve Bailey, and many more.
Chris is powerful, creative, and consistent, yet very reactive and conversational with his playing. I was so happy to chat with him. I'll be honest—I haven't really said this in an intro before, but this conversation is what I envisioned when I started this podcast. Chris is incredible at sharing his story through his choices and offers invaluable advice along the way.
This is hands down one of my favorite episodes. Please enjoy my chat with Chris Fryar about the five records that shaped him into the musician he is today. And make sure you check out his honorable mentions. He's got plenty, and they'll all make you a better player. I promise.
Cheers!
CHRIS' BIG FAT FIVE:
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Album - Zenyatta Mondatta
Artist - The Police
Release Year - 1980
Key Track(s) - Shadows In The Rain, Driven To Tears, When The World Is Running Down
Drummer - Stewart Copeland
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Album - Ten Summoner's Tales
Artist - Sting
Release Year - 1993
Key Track(s) - Seven Days, St. Augustine in Hell, She's Too Good For Me, Shape of My Heart
Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta
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Album - Kind of Blue
Artist - Miles Davis
Release Year - 1959
Key Track(s) - So What, All Blues, Freddie Freeloader
Drummer - Jimmy Cobb
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Album - Live and In Living Color
Artist - Tower Of Power
Release Year - 1976
Key Track(s) - Knock Yourself Out (live), What Is Hip (live)
Drummer - David Garibaldi
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Album - Robben Ford & The Blue Line
Artist - Robben Ford
Release Year - 1992
Key Track(s) - You Cut Me To The Bone, Real Man, Prison Of Love
Drummer - Tom Brechtlein
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Aja - Steely Dan
Big Swing Face - Buddy Rich Big Band
TOTO IV - TOTO
Led Zeppelin IV - Led Zeppelin
Moving Pictures - Rush
Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack - various artists
Life On Planet Groove - Maceo Parker
At Fillmore East - Allman Brothers Band
HELP! - The Beatles
Rubber Soul - the Beatles
Revolver - the Beatles
John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman
Apple Juice - Tom Scott
Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit
Heavy Weather - Weather Report
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. - Montre plus
