The Drum Shuffle

On episode 155, we are joined once again by Mark Poiesz. Not only is Mark a superb drummer, he is also a certified coach. He has mixed together both of these attributes to create The Big Three: Steps to the Big Stage, a multi-part course designed to help musicians advance their careers to the next life-changing gig. If you know anything about Mark, it's that he is always willing to help anyone. This course is no different...It is designed to help. Full stop. We had a great discussion around some of the things musicians can do to continue moving up the ladder of this crazy business that we all love. Mark is one of our favorite humans, and we can't wait for you all to hear this episode.

John Sparrow has been drumming for Violent Femmes since 2006. A class-act in every sense of the word, John spent some time with us to discuss the Femmes' recent tour, being in an iconic band, the insanity of the music business, always keeping your bags packed, restoring old drums while off the road, and so much more. This is such a great conversation that will brighten your drumming day, guaranteed!

Jamie Wollam has been drumming for Tears For Fears since 2010. After wrapping up the band's North American tour and a promotional tour of Europe, Jamie sat down with Jamie to discuss his backstory, the new Tears For Fears record, his pandemic day job, and they also discuss the difficulty of maintaining sobriety as a musician. This is such an important and educational interview, we know you're going to enjoy this one! Jamie is such a great guy and is a monster player that everyone should be hip to.

On episode 152, Jamie sits down with Dennis Diken of The Smithereens to discuss The Lost Album, a recording from 1993 by the band that was recently brought out of their archives. A true Smithereens record in every sense of the word, it is a can't miss for anyone that loves the band. Jamie and Dennis also talk about the earliest days of the group, getting back to the sheer joy of drumming, and of course, Ringo! Dennis is a true gentleman that has immense knowledge of all things rock n' roll. This is a must-listen episode of The Drum Shuffle.

Chris Parker has played with almost every artist under the sun in his legendary career. Along with filling the seat in the Saturday Night Live band for several years, he has been a staple of the greater New York music scene since the 1970s. The Chris Parker Trio have just released Tell Me, a brilliant jazz trio record that features his compositions along with his incredible playing. On episode 151, Chris joins Jamie to talk about the new release along with many of his other stops along the way.

Mark Kelso joins Jamie on episode 150 to discuss The Dragon's Tail, the newest release by Mark Kelso and the Jazz Exiles and so much more. The album is a must-have for any drummer's musical collection. Mark has played with a who's who in the music world and has been teaching for many years. He is a wealth of knowledge and information. This interview covers a wide range of topics and is sure to inspire everyone who listens.

Doug "Cosmo" Clifford stops by The Drum Shuffle once again to discuss another Cosmo's Vault release. This time it's California Gold, a recording from 1978 with Bobby Whitlock and Donald "Duck" Dunn. The fact this record hasn't seen daylight for 44 years is simply astounding. It is a FANTASTIC album that would have certainly been "California Platinum" had it been released back in 1978. Doug and Jamie discuss some of the reasons that it never got released, why the band didn't take off, (spoiler alert: The Blues Brothers strike again...), and how the record came together 44 years ago. It's always a treat when we get to have Doug on the podcast, so don't miss it.

Anthony Taddeo is one of Cleveland's busiest drummers, percussionists, and composers. After studying with Jamey Haddad and a stint in the New York scene while studying at The New School, he returned home to Northeast Ohio and settled into a busy sideman schedule. He formed Alla Boara as the vessel to release music that he was truly passionate about. Music that defined him as a person; Italian folk music that is much older than himself, yet re-imagined with his own modern compositional touch. Le Tre Sorrelle, is Alla Boara's first release and is well worthy of your attention. Out on October 21, 2022 with tour dates to follow, the album is a stellar and very unique freshman release. On episode 148, Anthony joins Jamie for an in-depth conversation about his studies, time in New York, and most importantly, a deep-dive into Italian folk music that is entertaining, enlightening, and highly educational for everyone that listens.

Dafnis Prieto is a non-stop music creation machine. His non-stop work ethic finds him releasing his ninth album as a bandleader, Cantar, featuring Luciana Souza on September 16, 2022. Dafnis is well-known as a composer, bandleader, and incredible drummer, but this newest release finds him taking center stage as lyricist as well. On episode 147, Jamie and Dafnis discuss the album, its recording process, and the songs that show a vibrant new role for an incredible musician. The thing that always shines through every time we have Dafnis on the show, is his sheer joy for music and the process of bringing it to the listener. There is a lot to take in during this interview that we know you will love. Enjoy!

On episode 146, Jamie is joined once again by the great Peter Kogan to discuss his fantastic new album, Just Before Midnight. Peter discusses the writing and recording process for the album as well as his approach to each step in the creative process. The record hits the streets on June 24, 2022 and should be a part of everyone's collection. Peter always offers a wealth of knowledge when he stops by!