The Drum Shuffle

Mark Damian is a very busy musician. He is in high demand as a drummer, producer, composer, and recording engineer. A Detroit native, he began playing the club scene at an early age making a name for himself as an outstanding drummer with tremendous work ethic. Since relocating to Los Angeles, he has expanded his portfolio to include production, television scoring, engineering, and music supervisor for national television productions. He has spent the last several years performing and producing Josie Pace as well as touring with Laith Al-Saadi. Mark is a perfect example of how drummers can expand their careers into areas other than touring and make music their full-time occupation. Mark has a ton of great insight and advice that will serve as inspiration for all musicians in every genre.

A special bonus episode of The Drum Shuffle from our brothers and sisters at Ludwig Drums discussing the current COVID-19 pandemic. Josh Touchton from Ludwig stopped by to discuss their message below:

Dear Drummers,

As we stand against the adversity of COVID-19, we want to take a moment to wish you all strength and wellness. The health and well-being of our global community continue to be our biggest priority. It is crucial now more than ever to come together as a community during these challenging times.We are forced to traverse a very unfamiliar path, but through compassion, strength, and support, we can all continue to make the impact of which we know music has the unique power to do.

We will do our best to keep production at our estimated rates, but the collective effort of the world to curb the spread of COVID-19 will subsequently cause delays. Be sure to check out our list of dealers currently offering delivery and curb-side pickup for your drumming needs. Hats off to all of them keeping the drum scene alive and vibrant. Also, massive thanks and respect to all of you keeping us safely entertained with your beats!

Our hearts go out to everyone indirectly and directly impacted by the virus. We are here to work and support as a united community to help build towards a better tomorrow.

Thank you for your continued business and support.

-Ludwig Drum Co.

David Northrup has a drumming resume that includes Boz Scaggs, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Joe Diffe, Rick Derringer, John Waite, Pam Tillis, and The Oak Ridge Boys. He has played with so many iconic artists in his career that it is hard to comprehend. Originally from just outside Syracuse, New York, David grew up on a steady dose of Rock and Roll in his formative years. He started drumming in his early teens and eventually moved to Central Florida to pursue a career in music. David made connections during this time that opened many doors for his career for years to come. David has also recently released a brilliant solo album, Shapes, that is stellar in every regard. On episode 097, David and Jamie discuss a wide-range of topics covering a large portion of David's career, including his new release that everyone should own...Make sure to check out this interview with one of Nashville's most successful drummers in recent times.

On episode 096, our good friend Mark Poiesz returns to talk about everything he's up to while touring with Tyler Farr is temporarily shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Like many other touring drummers, Mark has been busy teaching and recording remote tracks for folks, but he has also found some unexpected educational opportunities to pursue while he has some time off. He has found some unique ways to expand his career offerings within the drumming world and he shares that announcement with us on this episode. Mark is a great resource of ideas, advice, and inspiration in our drumming community and it's always great to catch up and learn new things from him. He is also a tremendously talented drummer that brings his "A" game to every show, session, and lesson.

Stephen Taylor is the owner and founder of Stephen's Drum Shed, one of the premiere online drum schools in the United States. Prior to building a thriving drum education business, he played thousands of gigs on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, was a successful recording and touring artist with Lovers and Liars, and studied with the likes of Henrique De Almeida and Dr. John Wooten. On episode 095, Stephen and Jamie discuss his early years in Mississippi, his move to New Orleans and playing up to 10 hours each day, his touring life, and the decision to start Stephen's Drum Shed. Stephen is also very well-known for his excellent YouTube videos breaking down iconic songs and grooves. He is a world-class educator and shares many great ideas and advice in this interview.

On episode 094, Jamie is joined by Carlton Banks, founder and CEO of Collision Drumsticks. Carlton started playing at a very early age and was touring his native England by the age of 9 with SRS, a hugely popular young band. After many years with SRS, a chance jam session in a pub landed him a gig touring with super DJ, Rob Orton. The duo played some of the largest festivals in Europe over the next few years. While all this musical success was happening for Carlton, he was still attending university and eventually obtained his law degree. At this crossroad in his life, he made the decision to forego life on the road and launched Collision Drumsticks, which is now the largest drumstick brand in the UK. Carlton has a very specific vision for the brand and the drumming community as a whole. In this interview he shares his unique perspective and approach while giving tons of great advice for drummers of all ages and abilities.

The very first record Walfredo Reyes Jr. bought with his own money was Chicago Transit Authority. Fast-forward approximately 40 years in Wally's life; he's playing drums for that very band, now known as Chicago. Along the way, he has recorded and toured with Santana, Traffic, Jackson Browne, Lindsey Buckingham, Barry Manilow, and a host of other musical icons. Born in Cuba and raised in Puerto Rico, Wally grew up in a rich musical family legacy. On episode 093, Wally discusses how he couldn't escape percussion and drumming, how fortunate his musical journey has been, and the hard work he's put in over the years as both a drummer and percussionist. Wally was just finishing up a residency in Las Vegas with Chicago when Jamie caught up with him. You won't find a more generous, joyful, or grateful drummer than Wally. If you can listen to this episode without feeling motivated and happy, something is wrong! Enjoy this one fully.

Scott Hessel returns to The Drum Shuffle to discuss the upcoming Gin Blossoms summer tour with Barenaked Ladies and Toad the Wet Sprocket and catch up on everything that has been happening in his career over the past two years. Scott was Jamie's guest on episode 002 in the very beginning of the show and it's always great to catch up with Scott. "Hess" is one of the greatest guys in the music business and is such an inspiration for drummers to never give up on the dream of drumming as a career. On episode 092, Scott and Jamie discuss playing in front of Stewart Copeland at a master class, stealing a cymbal from a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Lincoln Logs endorsement opportunities, and other shenanigans that cause feverish laughter throughout the interview. Scott is family at The Drum Shuffle and it's always a great hang to have him on the show. If you can listen to this episode without laughing, you should seek immediate medical help. Please enjoy!

Nate Morton returns to The Drum Shuffle on episode 091 to catch everyone up on his busy drumming life. It's hard to believe that it's been almost 2 years since he was last on the show on episode 009. While Nate continues to stay busy on NBC's "The Voice", he has also released an album, and is in the planning stages for a potential clinic tour before The Voice starts back up later this year. Nate and Jamie talk about life as a "TV" drummer, Nate's fear of heights, and playing in the world's greatest and most-popular "cover band." Nate always has great stories to share, laughter to evoke, and a ton of real-world drumming knowledge to lay out. He is one of the drumming world's most approachable and nicest guys, so you'll certainly enjoy this episode.

What more can we say?  Dafnis Prieto returns to The Drum Shuffle to talk about winning a Grammy, an upcoming release from his sextet, and his brilliant new book, Rhythmic Synchronicity: Individual and Collective Rhythmic Skills.  The book is the result of a course he teaches at Frost School of Music at the University of Miami for non-drummers.  It is highly useful tool for all musicians to gain a deeper understanding of time and rhythm.  Dafnis is one of the greatest Afro-Cuban and Latin Jazz drummers in the world and he is always willing to share his knowledge and experiences to help others further their drumming skills.

Zach Martin split his early years between Lexington, Kentucky and Portland, Oregon. Growing up with a musician father, he started drumming and hasn't looked back since the age of eight. Zach returned to Portland after high school and played in many different genres and situations before moving back to Kentucky.  He actually took a hiatus from drumming for about a year until a friend remembered that he could play and asked him to start a band.  Since that time, Zach has become one of the busiest drummers in the Central Kentucky music scene playing with several different artists for over 150 shows last year alone. On episode 089, Zach joins Jamie in the studio to talk about his early start as a drummer, the burgeoning (or re-emerging) scene in Kentucky music, and his goals for the future. And, in true drummer tradition, there is a hearty discussion on drum gear and how to find great deals everywhere! Zach is a super-talented and busy young drummer that will continue to move the ball forward no matter what.

Dirty Honey is a band that proves that Rock and Roll is still alive and well.  The power-groove drumming of Corey Coverstone is currently propelling the band to sold out shows across the country.  The first and only band to top the Billboard charts without record label support, these young men mean serious business without taking themselves too seriously.  On episode 088, Jamie catches up with Corey on the road (literally) to talk about his start as a drummer, his newfound fame, and what he sees and hopes for going forward with Dirty Honey.  Corey also talks about his studies as a drummer of all genres and shares some great advice for everyone.  He is certainly a drummer to watch over the next few years as this young band reaches its full potential.  Corey has a fantastic outlook on not only his future, but on the music industry as a whole.  If you aren't yet hip to him and Dirty Honey, this is an episode you cannot miss.

Jamie is joined once again by Dena Tauriello to discuss her career on Broadway as an in-demand drummer.  When Dena was on the show last, (episode 051) she was just wrapping up the Head Over Heels musical.  She is now working on the Little Shop of Horrors production and recently completed the recording of the cast album for the show.  On episode 087, Dena and Jamie discuss what the transition is like between two Broadway shows, how to keep the same material fresh night after night and how Broadway differs from other typical gigs for drummers.  Dena is one of the most positive and insightful musicians around.  She always offers up great advice, tips and food-for-thought for others.  This interview is no exception to that.  Dena is a world-class drummer that everyone should know and follow.

Rod Elkins started drumming professionally at age 12 in his dad's country band, The Elkins Brothers.  Growing up in a musically-rich family tradition in Huntington, West Virginia, his early start has paid dividends for him.  Not only was he paying dues with his family's group, he also spent his youth forming bands with his classmates, ultimately ending up doing hundreds of gigs in his hometown earning his stripes.  He attended Marshall University's College of Music as a Jazz studies major giving Rod undeniable abilities as a drummer.  More recently, he can be found manning the throne with Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps.  Tyler's music is taking the country and Americana genres by storm, with unlimited growth potential.  They just completed a three-night sellout of a 7,000 seat arena and are about to head to Europe before joining Sturgill Simpson on a 43-show arena run through late May 2020.  Rod's humble demeanor is obvious in this interview, but his playing is always spot-on making him one of the up-and-coming drummers you should watch and know.

Fred Eltringham had a very busy 2019.  Not only is he Sheryl Crow's full-time touring and recording drummer, he also recorded with Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, among many others.  He also appears regularly on Skyville Live as the house drummer for that incredible show.  On episode 085, Fred and Jamie discuss his start as a drummer in the Philadelphia suburbs, his early influences, moving to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, and landing his first gigs in the Northeast.  Since those days, Fred has been a member of The Wallflowers, The Dixie Chicks, and since 2012, Sheryl Crow.  You would be hard-pressed to find a busier drummer than Fred.  He is simply one of the great drummers in the world of music today, and he is a genuinely good dude that is trying to leave the world better than he found it.

On episode 084, our friend Doug "Cosmo" Clifford stops by for an in-depth look back on his amazing career with Creedence Clearwater Revival and Creedence Clearwater Revisited.  It could be argued that CCR was the world's first Americana band, but without question, they were the flag-bearers for American Roots music from 1968 through 1972.  In that short four-year span, they released seven classic albums that have withstood the test of time and remain in constant rotation everywhere.  With over 30 million albums sold worldwide and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, Doug Clifford has influenced countless drummers and musicians over the past 50 years of his storied career.  Doug shares with Jamie his memories of recording the classic CCR catalog, talks about his unrelenting work ethic, the formation of the Revisited project, and the decision to retire from touring at the end of 2019.  Doug is one of the most genuine and down-to-earth rock stars you'll ever run into in the music business.  He shares his memories freely and honestly in this outstanding discussion on The Drum Shuffle.