The Drum Shuffle

Bernie Dresel returns to The Drum Shuffle podcast to discuss his brilliant new album, The Pugilist. This record is a barn-burner of a big band swing album that simply sounds phenomenal and should be on repeat in your library. Bernie's playing is truly at the top of the drumming world. Bernie also discusses a few of his many movie and television soundtracks that he has been working on. Any fan of great drumming can learn a lot from Mr. Dresel. This is a can't miss episode and The Pugilist is a can't miss record.

Dave Potter's resume includes stints with Jason Marsalis and Marcus Roberts. He is one of Atlanta's busiest drummers and educators. On episode 144, Dave and Jamie discuss his latest release as a band leader, Retro Groove. Retro Groove is Dave's interpretation of nine classic tunes ranging from Chaka Khan to Peter Gabriel to Living Color that is absolutely fire-breathing jazz-funk fusion power. This album is a must-have in any drummer's collection.

Dan Schnelle has played with great artists such as Billy Childs, Larry Goldings, Alan Ferber, Sara Gazarek, Laurence Hobgood, etc. His career speaks for itself. Dan is now stepping out as leader and composer on his first album, Shine Thru, available May 13, 2022 via Outside In Music. On episode 143, Jamie and Dan discuss the album, his approach to composing, the recording process, and all his educational and career stops along the way. This interview contains a wealth of information and insights. If you are not hip to Dan's playing, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Shine Thru on May 13.

Jerry MacDonald's 30 plus year career in music is worthy of some best-selling novel or Hollywood blockbuster treatment. Jerry is best-known for his time playing in The Wrens who released what many consider to be one the greatest indie-rock records of all time in 2003, Meadowlands. That also happens to be the most recent release from The Wrens. A full 18 years later, after a few hints of a long-awaited follow-up that has yet to materialize, 3/4 of The Wrens formed under the moniker Aeon Station and released the brilliant debut album Observatory in late 2021. It may be as close as the world ever gets to a "new" album from The Wrens. In this wide-ranging interview, Jerry and Jamie discuss much of Jerry's backstory in drumming, the music business and what "success" means, the founding of both The Wrens and Aeon Station, and so much more. If any young drummer or other musician needs to find a reason or motivation to continue chasing their artistic dreams, they will absolutely find it in this episode...

Simon Phillips needs no introduction. His playing with artists such as Jeff Beck, The Who, Toto, Jack Bruce, and Judas Priest has now spanned six decades. In addition to countless recordings and tours with an A-list of music icons, Simon has been composing and recording his own music under the Protocol banner since 1989. On episode 141, Simon joins Jamie to discuss the upcoming and brilliant Protocol V album as well as allowing Jamie to delve into his storied past. Simon's career is legendary, his playing is other-worldly, and he continues to be a true ambassador for the drumming community.

Rich Wiley is not only a talented guitarist and songwriter, he is also the co-founder of TnR Products, the makers of True Vibe drum isolation mounts. On episode 140, Jamie and Rich catch up on all things TnR, talk about being successful in the music business (whatever that means) and how a guitarist helped invent the best floor tom isolation product of all time.

Simone Prattico joins us for episode 139 to discuss his unique career that is based out of Italy, France, and the US. He has just released his second album as leader, Oriundo. The album is fantastically composed and played and the production is top-shelf. Simone and Jamie discuss not only this great new record, but also Simone's early years as a student of the late Robero Spizzichino, making the decision to base his career from three different countries, and how to be yourself behind the kit. Simone's playing is wonderful and his personal story is inspiring.

Lucas Garcia of Down Again stops by on episode 138 to cover a lot of ground. We catch up on his start into music, the formation of Down Again, and the band's new EP, video, and tour plans for the near future. Lucas is a great up-and-coming drummer in a fantastic band. If they aren't already, Down Again and Lucas should be on your radar!

Russ Kunkel has a legendary list of albums that contain his drumming. It is simply mind-boggling and too vast to list here, but some artist highlights include Warren Zevon, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, Bill Withers...The list goes on and on and on. Russ has been playing and recording with Leland Sklar, Danny Kortchmar, and Waddy Wachtel, for many years on some of these records. That core group along with Steve Postell have recently released a self-titled album, The Immediate Family, which is simply incredible. On episode 137, Jamie and Russ talk about his legendary career and this stellar new album from this super group of A-list players. You don't want to miss this one!

Jared Schonig joins Jamie on episode 136 of The Drum Shuffle to discuss his fantastic new double album release, Two Takes: Volume 1 - Quintet and Volume 2 - Big Band. This is an ambitious release with differing takes on some brilliant material that sounds simply stunning. Jared is classically-trained, yet his Jazz drumming chops are very organic and shine on this release. Even though this is his debut as a leader, Jared has played with who's who in the Jazz world and he has filled the Broadway seat for The Color Purple and Moulin Rouge over the past few years. This is a can't miss episode.