The Drum Shuffle

Sasha Mashin is THE premiere jazz drummer in his native Russia.  On episode 035, Sasha takes some time from his vacation to catch up with Jamie and talk about his career.  Growing up in Saint Petersburg, Sasha recalls getting his first drum set, practicing in the stairwell of his apartment building and getting his hands on new music via the neighborhood record collector dubbing cassettes for him.  Sasha is a true student of jazz music and is building a drumming career to be reckoned with.  He has started his own jazz label, Rainy Days Music, and is releasing fantastic music worldwide. 

On episode 034, Jamie is joined by jazz-master Jay Lawrence.  Jay has played with a stunning collection of icons in the entertainment world.  From Sammy Davis Jr. to Loretta Lynn, he has been there.  He has also recorded percussion parts for some of the biggest Hollywood films of the last two decades.  Now residing in Utah where he teaches at BYU, Jay talks about growing up behind the kit, his influences, how to stay busy as a drummer and his stellar new album Sonic Paragon.  Jay has a wonderful and inspirational personal story to share and he does so on this episode.

TJ Taylor, just home from a tour with SOIL, stopped by The Drum Shuffle studios to talk to Jamie about growing up in Kentucky, being given his first drum set, playing along to his favorite drummers and eventually joining Tantric and now, SOIL.  TJ's work ethic and unique drumming style has garnered him tons of attention over the past few years and he continues to grow as a musician.  TJ also covers his influences, approach to songwriting and his hybrid left-handed way of playing.  TJ's story is certainly educational and inspirational.  Don't miss out on this conversation.

Grant Menefee is a well-known drum instructor in the Baltimore, Maryland area.  He is quite simply a teacher to the stars.  Former students include Jon Theadore, Matt Halpern and Nate Morton.  A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Grant has been teaching and playing for many years.  He has also written for many major drum publications.  His lasting legacy is that he continues to teach the craft of drumming to countless students each week.  On episode 032 he shares a wealth of information and knowledge with Jamie to share.  Enjoy!

Brendan Buckley is a drummer's drummer.  He has been recording and touring with Pop mega-star Shakira for almost 20 years.  His performance resume also includes Daniel Powter, Jackson Browne, Julio Iglesias, The Bodeans, Miley Cyrus and Shelby Lynne.  On episode 031, Brendan and Jamie talk about his early days as a musician, taking lessons from the great Tommy Igoe, his first big break and his approach to recording and touring with various artists.  Brendan is simply one of the great drummers in the business today.  He shares a ton of great knowledge and insight that is sure to be inspirational to everyone.

Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz has been drumming for Weird Al Yankovic for 38 years.  Bermuda is an ultra-versatile drummer, musical historian and archivist for Al's band.  On episode 030, he and Jamie discuss his first drumset, presented to him by Bill Ludwig personally, his musical education and meeting Al on the Dr. Demento radio show.  That chance encounter in 1980 has led to many world tours, Grammy awards and millions of albums sold around the globe.  Bermuda is also very active on several drum-related internet forums and has always been available to others to answer questions and provide advice.  He is truly a statesman of the drumming community.

Jerry Gaskill has been drumming since the tender age of four.  On episode 029, Jamie talks with Jerry about his long and illustrious career in King's X.  King's X is one of the most influential bands in the genres of rock, metal and prog of all-time.  Jerry also discusses some of the giant shows that he's played as well as the band's wonderful relationship with their legion of fans.  He also hints at a new King's X album project in the near-future.  Jerry is truly a kind soul that shares deeply inspiring thoughts and stories this week.

Matt Chamberlain is a first-call in-demand session drummer.  His list of credits includes Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, A Perfect Circle, Willie Nelson, Neko Case, Tori Amos, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, The Wallflowers, and Sheryl Crow to name just a few.  Matt also spent a season as the drummer on Saturday Night Live with guitar great GE Smith as the bandleader.  On episode 028, Matt talks about his legendary career, his world-class studio Cyclops Sound and his massive drum collection.  Matt is a class-act at the top of the drumming world and he shares tons of great knowledge on this week's show.

Brandon Goodwin and his band, B's Bees, is a staple of the thriving jazz scene in Montreal.  On episode 027, Brandon discusses his start in music, B's Bees' new release Kanata, their recent tour of the US, and his ability to work as composer, bandleader and drummer of the group.  He also shares some great knowledge for any musician to take to heart.  Brandon is undoubtedly headed for huge success in the coming years as this interview demonstrates.

On episode 026, Jamie catches up with master educator, Robb Ryan.  Robb is a highly sought after drum instructor in Canada that is an expert in Gary Chaffee's techniques and methods.  Jamie and Robb discuss his beginnings as a drummer, his lifelong pursuit of education and some of his many apperances on leading educational outlets such as Drumeo.  Robb is a fantastic drummer that everyone should have at least one lesson with.

DJ Bonebrake is the legendary drummer of X.  X is quite simply one of the most influential punk bands of all time.  On episode 025, DJ and Jamie discuss DJ's start as a drummer in a Buddhist temple, the formation of X and the Los Angeles scene of the late 70's and early 80's.  DJ also talks about his work with Ray Manzarek and The Germs.  DJ shares lots of great stories and advice on this week's show. 

Peter Erskine certainly needs no introduction.  In the world of drumming, his name is legendary.  Peter has performed with Weather Report, The Yellowjackets, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell and countless other groups at the highest level of musical artistry.  On episode 024, Peter takes time to chat with Jamie about his influences, the history of jazz drumming, his fantastic new album, On Call, with The Dr. Um band and the many accolades that he's recieved over the years.  Peter's humility and desire to share his knowledge with other musicians is readily apparent in this wonderful conversation.

Dafnis Prieto moved from his home country of Cuba to the Untied States in 1999.  Since that time, he has been blazing a trail in the world of jazz music as a drummer, composer and bandleader.  On episode 023, Jamie and Dafnis discuss his upbringing in Cuba, his move to the US, forming the Dafnis Prieto Big Band and their newest release, Back to the Sunset. Dafnis was recipient of the prestigous MacArthur Fellowship in 2011 and also teaches at the University of Miami.  He is truly a masterful jazz drummer and bandleader and his advice and insights are an inspiration to all.

Michael Miley has been bringing the thunder with Rival Sons since 2005.  Widely known for their work ethic, great albums and non-stop touring, Rival Sons have established themselves as one of the flag-bearers of Rock n' Roll in the 21st century.  On episode 022, Jamie and Miley discuss their current tour in support of 2016's Hollow Bones record, the recording of the band's yet-to-be-titled upcoming album, Rival Sons' writing process and working and recording with Dave Cobb.  Miley's playing has been widely compared to the legendary John Bonham and he shares a ton of great advice and tips during this interview.

On episode 021, Jamie catches up with legendary jazz drummer Jeff Williams from his home in England to discuss his 50-year career behind the kit.  Jeff has played with jazz greats such as Stan Getz, Dave Liebman, Richie Beirach, and Lee Konitz among others.  Jeff talks about his formative years as a player, studying with the great Alan Dawson and landing some of his early gigs.  Jamie and Jeff also discuss his group's new album, Lifelike, that was recorded live in London highlighting Jeff's abilities as a drummer, composer and bandleader.  Jeff also offers loads of fantastic advice and insights on "letting go of thought" while playing. 

Chad Gamble grew up in the Muscle Shoals region of Alabama playing drums from an early age.  He paid his dues in the Beale Street blues clubs of Memphis before forming The Gamble Brothers Band with his brother Al.  After three albums and extensive touring with GBB, he was asked to do some fill-in shows with former Drive-By Truckers guitarist Jason Isbell who was establishing himself as a solo artist.  Soon after, Chad was asked to join Jason's band full-time.  This band would eventually become known as The 400 Unit.  On episode 020, Chad talks with Jamie about his early years, joining forces with Jason and recording quite possibly several of the greatest Americana albums of all-time.  Chad is a monster groove machine and one of the most down-to-earth, nice guys in the music business.  His story provides inspiration and a message of persistence for all musicians.