The Drum Shuffle

Mike Fraser has been a recording professional since the late 1970's.  He literally started as a janitor at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver.  He quickly moved his way up to assistant engineer helping a young Bob Rock with punk demos and the late Bruce Fairbairn on his sessions.  Mike caught a lucky break when Bob Rock had to leave the studio for a tour and found himself in the engineer's chair on Aerosmith's comeback album "Permanent Vacation". Then, almost by accident, he ended up providing the final mixes on that great record as well.  On episode 019, Jamie and Mike talk about his legendary career as an engineer and mixer recounting some of the great albums he has shaped sonically.  A short list of credits include Aerosmith, Whitesnake, The Cult, Blue Murder, AC/DC, Coverdale/Page, Metallica, Blackberry Smoke, and The Wild.  If you've ever wondered what it's like to be in the room when your favorite artist records a timeless album, this episode is for you.

Rod Morgenstein is a legendary drummer.  On episode 018, Jamie chats with Rod about the formation of The Dixie Dregs in the mid-1970's and their classic fusion album "Free Fall."  They also discuss Rod's time in Winger, his 20 years of teaching at the prestigious Berklee College of Music and his collaborations with Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater fame.  Rod is one of Jamie's all-time favorite drummers, so this was a very special interview for Jamie.  Rod is a monster behind the kit while being one of the nicest guys in the music business. 

On Episode 017, Jamie talks with Mike Pride whose projects include From Bacteria To Boys, Drummer's Corpse, I Hate Work, and Locksmith Isidore.  Truly one of the busiest drummers in New York, Mike talks about growing up in a musical family in southern Maine, his move to New York and being true to yourself and your vision as an artist.  He also candidly discusses teaching the next generation of drummers and being part of the only avant-garde jazz group to ever play a stadium show.  Mike is a class-act, a great drummer and is truly inspirational as an artist.

Liberty DeVitto's drumming has been featured on classic albums by Billy Joel that have sold in excess of 150 million copies.  On episode 016, he recalls growing up in Long Island, seeing the Beatles for the first time, and joining Billy Joel's band in 1974.  Lib is known as "The Songwriter's Drummer" and is a true historian of rock & roll.  Lib and Jamie also discuss the great documentary Hired Gun that Lib is widely featured in.  This is a highly educational episode for anyone that loves great music.

Bryan Hitt grew up in a town of 900 people in rural, east Texas.  On episode 015 of The Drum Shuffle, Bryan recalls his start in his school band and moving to Alaska during high school.  Bryan talks with Jamie about his move to L.A. in 1980, his career beginning to grow, and ultimately landing his gig with REO Speedwagon in 1989.  Bryan's story is truly inspirational for musicians and anyone that is chasing their dreams.  Don't miss this great conversation.

On episode 014, Jamie talks with legendary drummer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Doug Clifford.  Doug is a founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Jamie and Doug discuss the formation of CCR, the incredible albums that were recorded over a remarkable 30 month time period, playing Woodstock in 1969 and continuing the legacy of CCR's music in Creedence Clearwater Revisited.  Doug is truly one of the nice guys in the music business and offers memories on an incredible 50 year career in the spotlight.  Do not miss this episode!

On Episode 013, Jamie talks with Brendan Hengle of Trapt about his musical upbringing, the formation of Hope for the Dying and getting the call to join Trapt.  They also discuss Trapt's plans for a new album, upcoming tour and the acoustic tour that is about to wrap up.  Brendan is a multi-talented musician and super person, so you certainly need to hear his inspirational story.

Episode 012 features Jason Smay of JD McPherson's outstanding band.  Jamie and Jason discuss his upbringing in Rochester, New York, his incredible traditional grip technique and his jazz influences.  They also talk candidly about Jason's time with Los Straightjackets and his decision to join JD McPherson's band, the recording of JD's latest album, Undivided Heart and Soul, and the upcoming tour season.  Jason is incredibly well-versed in all things drum-related and is one super cool guy.  This is a must-listen episode.

On Episode 011, Jamie chats with Johnny Rabb of Collective Soul about their new live album and the upcoming tour season.  They also recount Johnny's start as a drummer (and soccer player), his time at Berklee College of Music and becoming the World's Fastest Drummer for a number of years.  Johnny also offers some wonderful and heartfelt thoughts about his contemporaries in the drumming world and gives outstanding advice to others that are pursuing a life in the music business.  This is a fantastic conversation that applies to everyone.

On Episode 010, Jamie talks with Aaron Comess of The Spin Doctors about growing up in Dallas, moving to New York and forming The Spin Doctors.  They also chat about the NYC music scene and Aaron's fantastic new record, Sculptures.

On episode 009, Jamie sits down with Nate Morton of NBC's hit show, The Voice.  Jamie and Nate recount Nate's start as a drummer, his time and Berklee College of Music, moving to Los Angeles and finding his first major gigs.  They also talk about Nate's time playing with Cher and Paul Stanley, his time on CBS's Rockstar: INXS and Rockstar: Supernova and landing the gig on The Voice.  Nate also tells The Drum Shuffle crowd about a typical week in his life as the drummer on The Voice.  This is an episode to remember!

On this episode, Jamie talks with Scott Pellegrom about outside the box drumming, his studio work, The Scott Pellegrom Trio, creating his signature products for Dream Cymbals and his incredible videos on social media.

On this week's episode, Jamie asks what words should we use and not use when describing drummers.  He also has a fantastic conversation with Josh Touchton, US Brand Manager of Natal Drums, about Josh's upbringing, how he got his start in instrument manufacturing and marketing, vintage gear collecting and even Nelson!  Yes, that Nelson.  This is a great show that you do not want to miss!

On Episode 006, Jamie sits down with Bryan Scott, CEO of Rockstar Marketing, to discuss social media strategies and SEO for musicians.  This is a HIGHLY educational and helpful episode that every musician should hear!

On Episode 005, our special "gear episode", Jamie talks with Thomas Filbert, COO of Vratim, about their awesome drum shoes and growing a business from scratch and with Phil Guay, Resorce Manager and Artist Relations Director of Los Cabos Drumsticks, about the company's beginnings, their awesome sticks and more.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for great drum-related gear.

On episode 004 of The Drum Shuffle, Jamie chats with Phil Varone of Red Dragon Cartel about his start as a drummer, joining Saigon Kick and Skid Row, and his new project with Jake E. Lee, Red Dragon Cartel.