Episodes
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Born and raised in Georgia, Marlon Patton is a New York-based drummer and music producer/engineer. Hailing from a long line of drummers dating back to his grandfather, Phil Patton who played in the Chicago big band circuit, Marlon keeps his schedule interesting and packed full of all types of music. He is the first call for so many musicians not just because of his impeccable time, but because of the incredible musicality of what he delivers. He plays within a huge dynamic range, making him the perfect match for quiet piano jazz performances to hard- hitting rock gigs. He can play with everything from precision to reckless abandon and make it truly his own. He currently is a member of Kenosha Kid, Weisshund, Nelson Patton, Lonnie Holley, The Trey Wright Trio and The Mace Hibbard Quintet.
He has toured, performed and/or recorded with Liv Warfield, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Jim White, Larkin Poe, Lonnie Holley, Jeff Coffin, Shahzad Ismaily, Col. Bruce Hampton, John Patitucci, Randy Brecker, Rufus Reid, Marcus Printup, and Wycliffe Gordon. He has recorded for labels such as Sony, Universal, Jagjaguwar, RH Music, Yep Roc, Ropeadope plus many more independent releases. His drumming has been in soundtracks on Adult Swim, ABC, and HBO.
In the studio, Marlon has carved a name for himself recording, mixing, and producing. Some recent projects he's worked on are Lonnie Holley’s MITH, Liv Warfield’s Live at Cafe Wha, Jim White's Where It Hits You, Leah Calvert’s Satellite, Daniel Clay's 10,000 Things, Kenosha Kid's Fahrenheit 451, ILL's Gotten Gains, and Blair Dunlop/Larkin Poe's Killing Time.
In this episode, Marlon talks about:
Being willing to abandon "correct" technique in favor of a sound, feel, or idea
How New York has changed his musical priorities and identity
What true collaboration really means
Improvising vs. "composing in the moment"
Moving away from Atlanta with the goal of expanding, personally and musically
Tapping into old relationships in a new place
Sharing studio space with Jordan Rose and mixing Liv Warfield's latest record -
Ken Coomer is a producer best known for his drumming in Uncle Tupelo and later Wilco. He was the drummer and co-founder of the Nashville-based band, Clockhammer, in the late 1980s/early 1990s. As a member of Wilco, Coomer has performed on A.M., Being There, Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
Ken has also played on or produced albums by Steve Earle, Frontier Ruckus, Arlo McKinley, Sons of Bill, Tim Finn, Will Hoge, Jars of Clay, Emmylou Harris, Toy Horses, Malcolm Holcombe, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal and Shaver.
In this episode, Ken talks about:
Drumming skills that hold value in the studio
Why drummers can make great producers
Touch and feel over fancy gear
How he started producing
Working with latin artists
Mixing remote tracking with in-person recording
Staying focused on the future -
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Sam Merrick is a Nashville based drummer, currently holding the drum set chair at & Juliet on Broadway at the Sondheim Theater in New York City. Previously, he spent nearly five years and played over 1200 performances with the national tour of Hamilton: An American Musical.
He has also recorded and/or performed with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Toots and the Maytals, Jalen Ngonda, Saun & Starr (Daptone Records), The Denver Symphony, People's Champs, Kendra Morris (Colemine Records), and many more. Commercial clients include HBO, Levi Strauss, Chase, AT&T, and This American Life Podcast Network.
In this episode, Sam talks about:
Balancing maintaining a Broadway chair with other musical opportunities
Relearning how to trust his instincts outside the highly controlled environment of a Broadway show
Moving from the note-for-note specificity of Hamilton to the longer leash of & Juliet
Working with producer Max Martin
Maintaining a "healthy ecosystem" of subs -
Joel Rothman is the renowned author of almost 100 drum and percussion method books, many of which are among the most popular books used by teachers in private music studios as well as schools and universities worldwide.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Joel studied drums and percussion, as well as piano, with well-known teachers such as Sam Ulano, Ed Shaughnessey, Jim Chapin, Joe Morello, Saul Goodman, and others. He first opened his own private drum studio, then later, after graduating from university, he taught in the New York City school system for many years. During that time Joel was a free-lance drummer playing with various bands and orchestras at private functions, nightclubs and musical shows.
Writing his first book at fifteen, Joel also established his own highly successful publishing company JR Publications, which has been going for over half a century.
In this episode, Joel talks about:
The inspiration for writing drum books
Using humor when writing
Joel’s System(s) for teachers to use
How he started
Studying with Ed Shaughnessy
Connecting with teachers
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Dave Brandwein is a drummer, originally from Chicago, who spent 4 years in Los Angeles, CA and has now relocated to Nashville, TN. Dave's current main gig is with pop artist Forest Blakk (drums/playback) with whom he played a 2022 theater run supporting Dean Lewis, various fly dates/festivals throughout the same year, and headlining US/Canadian tours in 2023. Dave has also spent the last 12 years playing drums, running playback, and doing session work for various other artists. Dave teaches private lessons to students of all ages, and does session work, tracking remotely from his studio in Nashville or in-person at studios around the country.
How playing for great songs usually means you can do less
Coming up in Chicago, spending some time in LA, and ultimately landing in Nashville
The pros and cons of his collegiate jazz experience
The first eight years of his career after college, on the grind in Chicago
When and why he started to think and look beyond the Chicago scene
His experience in LA, and the difference between posing and assimilating
The song-learning value in wedding gigs, and treating those gigs like “going to the gym”
Being in a relationship with another musician and how that’s only right for some musicians
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Chuck Fields launched his musical career playing rock, blues, and R&B all while studying jazz at the University of Memphis. In the early 90’s he moved to Nashville and landed his first touring gig with Paul Brandt. Through the years Chuck has toured with several of Nashville’s recording artist such as, Martina McBride, Keith Anderson, Michelle Wright, Mark Selby, Johnny Reid and Terri Clark.
In this episode, Chuck talks about:
Touring Canada
Putting your own stamp on the artist music
Being able to write and read charts
Touring routine
Traditional grip
Drumming for country superstar, Terri Clark
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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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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 -
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" -
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 -
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 -
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" -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Rhode Island native Adam Marcello is a professional drummer, music director, educator, clinician, and programmer most notably recognized for his work with singer Katy Perry. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, his performances range from multiple world tours, the Super Bowl XLIX Halftime Show, Saturday Night Live, and American Idol to recordings for numerous movies and TV shows including theme songs for Modern Family, Arrested Development, and Deadwood. As a clinician and artist for Roland Drums, he has helped to develop techniques and instruments for hybrid electronic/acoustic drumming as well as programming for drummers and percussionists. These versatile techniques can be applied to live performance and studio recording to help maintain musicality and creativity on the drums.
In this episode, Adam talks about:
Treating the different aspects of your playing like actors treat different characters
Becoming Katy Perry's MD in the early stages of her career "out of necessity"
Owning being a control freak and also sharing responsibility and trusting collaborators
How to be manageable and coachable from the MD's perspective,
How to have greater awareness of the song and the show as a whole
His experience of living in Dublin, and living back in his hometown outside Providence -
Italian Drummer, Sound Explorer, music maker Piero Perelli is a musical maverick whose skills stretch from free improvisation to film scores, to performances with international artists and musicians, both live and in the studio. His original style is grounded in his journey as a musical explorer, touring around places like the United States, Europe, Africa and India.
Engaged both in the service of songs and in experimentation, Perelli maintains the creative center of his activity in the Tuscan countryside, where he has also created his own personal laboratory-studio, the SoundSet Studio.
As a drummer and percussionist, Piero has recorded with artists like Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard, Cat Power as well as producers like Robin Hannibal (Kendrick Lamar, Little Dragon), Vinicio Capossela, Paul Savoy (A-Ha) Simone Giuliani (Andrea Bocelli, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), Rodrigo DʼErasmo, Edoardo Bennato, Roberto Dell’Era, Niki La Rosa, Effenberg, Andrea Biagioni and many others, Piero has also recorded a library of their specific sounds and grooves and loops for the American That Sound made available to producers from all over the world.
He has recently been touring with Glen Hansard and The Swell Season as well as the well respected Italian singer/songwriter Vinicio Capossela.
His first solo album, Notte is a piece of work where Piero expresses his most intimate and experimental soul.
In this episode, Piero talks about:
Working and touring with The Swell Season and Glen Hansard
His journey of learning music and drums in a small town in Italy
Absorbing regional music throughout the world while touring
Recording his solo record “Notte”
Reacting to the acoustics in the space where you’re performing
Recording on a movie sound track with Eddie Vedder, Cat Power and Glen Hansard
Italian drummers that have inspired him
The influence of Tony Allen (father of afro-beat drumming) -
Brandon Combs is a drummer, programmer, and producer hailing from Lansing, Michigan. Destined to be a great musician, Brandon has been involved with the Grammy Foundation since the young age of 15, attending their Grammy Camp programs in 2009 and 2010 via full ride scholarship. Now living in Nashville, Brandon recently obtained his BM in Popular Music Studies from the University of Southern California (2015). Currently on tour with Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Bridges, Brandon’s skill, versatility, and professionalism have also allowed him to work with many different world-renown artists across multiple genres such as Keith Urban, Raphael Saadiq, Moses Sumney, Lupe Fiasco, NIIA, Gallant, Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy, and many more. Some of his most recently completed projects include recording drums on John Legend’s A Legendary Christmas album (2019) and the entirety of jazz-pianist Mark De Clive Lowe’s double album Heritage (2019). He’s also put his hands into music production, co-producing the song “Famous” off of The Internet’s Grammy-nominated album Ego Death (2016).
In this episode, Brandon talks about:
Covering the many vibes and sonic palates in Leon Bridges' evolving catalogue
Getting on the same page about drum sounds with FOH sound people
Archiving snare sounds in his studio
Organic relationships leading to his best and biggest opportunities
Studying with Ndugu Chancler and others at USC
What it means to know a whole song
His thoughts on Nashville vs. LA
His outlook as he's about to become a dad -
Justin Amaral first made a name for himself touring the country in the jam band scene, leading to shows with Mike Gordon of Phish and a profile in Modern Drummer’s (April, 2004) “On The Move” column. After world tours with alt-country guit-steel legend Junior Brown, Justin relocated to Nashville and quickly became first call for many of Nashville’s finest players and songwriters including Paul Burch, Tim Carroll, Fats Kaplin, Jon Byrd, Charles Butler and the late, great David Olney. In addition, Justin has performed and recorded with Jim Lauderdale (Late Night with Conan O’Brien), Laura Cantrell, Michelle Wright, The Wild Iris Brass Band feat. Jeff Coffin, Dennis Crouch, Milan Miller, Mike Farris, Layton Howerton, Tommy Womack, Chris West and many more. Justin maintains an active performing and recording schedule working at some of Nashville’s most prestigious studios like Blackbird, Creative Workshop and the Hen House as well as venues like The Bluebird, The 5Spot, The Exit/In and Roberts Western World.
In 2024 Justin released a collection of traditional hymns re-imagined as world beat instrumental duets called LIFE IN GROOVELAND - The Hymnal. Each track features a different instrumentalist.
In this episode, Justin talks about:
Heeding the call to do your own thing
The origin of his new record: LIFE IN GROOVELAND - The Hymnal
Creating your own opportunities
Jump starting the creative process
The inspiration of Drum and Fife
Practicing movement and visualization as a technique - Show more
