Drummers Pathway Podcast

This episode features my conversation with drummer Curt Bisquera, also known as "Kirkee B." Curt is a Grammy-nominated session and touring drummer who's been laying down grooves for some of the biggest names in music for over three decades.

Born in Santa Maria, California, Curt started drumming almost as soon as he could walk and later studied at the Percussion Institute of Technology, where he crossed paths with legendary session drummer Jeff Porcaro, a connection that helped launch his career.  He's gone on to work with artists like Mick Jagger, Elton John, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Céline Dion, Johnny Cash, Sarah McLachlan, Seal, Bonnie Raitt and more.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of embracing simplicity and letting the song take centre stage, look back at his time studying at the Percussion Institute of Technology, explore how his connection with Jeff Porcaro led to unexpected opportunities, and dig into the challenges of navigating social media while building a professional career.

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This episode features my conversation with drummer Fred Eltringham. After moving to Nashville in 2007, Fred quickly established himself as a sought-after session musician, recording with hundreds of artists, including Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Tears for Fears, Vince Gill and more.

Fred has been playing with Sheryl Crow since 2012 and has previously toured with a wide range of notable acts, including k.d. lang, The Chicks, The Wallflowers, Juliana Hatfield, Ben Kweller, and Boston power-pop rockers Gigolo Aunts.

He is also a two-time recipient of the Academy of Country Music's Drummer of the Year award.

In this episode, we get into his early experiences and the journey that brought him to Nashville, explore how genuine connections can open doors to unexpected opportunities, and reflect on some of the career-defining moments along the way.

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https://fredeltringhamdrummer.com
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This episode features my conversation with drummer Herman Matthews. Born and raised in Houston,Texas, Herman began his musical journey at age seven and went on to become one of the most in-demand drummers in the business. Now based in LA and celebrated for his powerful and soulful groove, he is known for his work with Tom Jones, Tower of Power, Kenny Loggins, Timothy B Schmit, Hugh Laurie, Richard Marx and many more. In 2022, Herman founded the progressive blues, rock and soul band Phatback, Earl & Me.

In this episode, we talk about his early inspirations, his take on why simplicity matters, and look back on some of the career-defining moments he's had.

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Phatback, Earl & Me!

This episode features my conversation with Bucky Berger. As an in-demand freelance musician in the Toronto music scene for over 5 decades, Bucky has collaborated with a wide range of local and international artists.

In this episode, we talk about his early musical inspirations, the importance of being adaptable to any musical scenario, and reflect on some of the experiences that have shaped his path.

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For this episode, I welcome back Rich Redmond for his second appearance on the podcast, and this time, he is joined by Jon Hull, his drum tech of more than 15 years.

Rich is a drummer, educator, and motivational speaker based in Nashville and Los Angeles. Working alongside country superstar Jason Aldean for over 20 years, his professionalism, positivity and relentless work ethic has made him one of the most in-demand drummers working today.

Jon is a Nashville-based drummer and technician who’s best known as the drum tech for Rich Redmond, where he's spent years doing the detailed, hands-on work that keeps a drummer sounding his best, from the recording studio to arenas across the world.

In this episode, Rich and Jon break down what it really takes to make the drummer-tech relationship work, from building trust on the road to staying grounded when the grind gets tough. They also dig into the importance of humility, keeping an open mind, and holding onto your goals even when the path forward feels uncertain.

Rich Redmond BIo
Rich Redmond is an award winning touring and recording drummer based in Nashville and Los Angeles. As an in demand artist, Rich has recorded/toured/performed with: Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Ludacris, Kelly Clarkson, Bryan Adams, Bob Seger, Joe Perry, Morgan Wallen, Slash, Paul Rodgers, Billy Gibbons, Chris Cornell, Cody Johnson, Chuck Leavell, Warren Haynes, LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna, Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Alabama, Darius Rucker, Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Travis Tritt, Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney, Michael Ray and many more....

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Jon Hull Bio
Jon is the drum tech and playback tech for Rich Redmond of the Jason Aldean band. He and Rich have toured together for he last 15 years. Throughout his time touring as a drum tech, Jon has had the privilege of working with other artists and bands in the studio and on the road as a tuning tech and fill-in drum tech. Some of these include: live- O.A.R., All American Rejects, Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves | studio- Whitechapel, Ne Obliviscaris, Story Of The Year, Paramore, Black Dahlia Murder. He focuses his time at home on family life as well as his spiritual and physical health through activities such as physical training, back country hunting, and church involvement.

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For this episode, I welcome back Tim Carman for his second appearance on the podcast. 

Tim recently relocated to Nashville, where he continues to be an in-demand touring and session musician and bandleader. He is also a member of the bands Parlor Greens and Canyon Lights.

As an educator, he is the author of 5 books including the highly regarded Haynes-ISM & Philly-ISM methods. His forthcoming book is entitled “The Shuffle Book - The Language, Lineage and Art of Shuffle Drumming” which is the first volume of this series.

In this episode, we talk about his recent move to Nashville, explore the key concepts from his upcoming Shuffle book, and why it’s crucial to play with other musicians to develop your creative confidence.

The Shuffle Book - Hudson Music

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https://timcarmandrums.com
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https://www.parlorgreens.com/
https://www.canyonlightsband.com/

Shuffle Examples
Shuffle Example #1
Shuffle Example #2
Parlor Greens -200 Dollar Blues

Photo by Mitch LaGrow

This episode features my conversation with Richard Millsap. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas and currently based in Los Angeles, Richard is an in-demand musician who has recorded numerous records as a multi-instrumentalist. He was a member of the Band of Heathens for a decade, and is currently the drummer with music icon John Fogerty.

In this episode, we reflect on the recent passing of drumming legend James Gadson and the profound influence he had on his career, the lessons learned as a student of Ed Soph at the University of North Texas, and why it's important to always make choices that reflect your desired path while navigating life’s obstacles.

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Photo by Joey Martinez 
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This episode represents a milestone for me as I celebrate the 100th episode of the Drummers Pathway Podcast and I want to take a moment to thank everyone for all of your encouragement and support throughout this journey.

To mark this occasion, I wanted to do something special, something that reflects what this podcast has always been about, which is bringing creative artists together to share their knowledge, experiences and helping to build our community. 

To celebrate my 100th episode, I welcomed back Ash Soan, Matt Starr, Victor Indrizzo and Jamie Wollam for another roundtable discussion on the topic of drum recording.

In our conversation, we explore their journeys into home recording, the importance of seeking outside perspectives, embracing the ways others may reinterpret your work, and why a commitment to lifelong learning is essential for any creative artist.

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Follow Matt:
https://www.therealmattstarr.com
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Follow Victor:
http://www.indrizzodrums.com
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This episode features my conversation with Wilson Laurencin. Wilson has been a fixture in the Toronto music scene for decades. In addition to his television work on Open Mike with Mike Bullard & Canadian Idol, he is active on the theatre scene and has been involved in productions including & Juliet, Lion King, Wicked, MJ The Musical, and more. 

He is also an in-demand freelance musician having collaborated with a wide range of local and international touring artists.

In this episode, we talk about his early musical inspirations, the essential characteristics of maintaining a professional music career, and why it's important to always make choices that reflect your desired path while maintaining a positive life balance.

Follow Wilson
https://www.wilsonlaurencin.com
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This episode features my conversation with Luke Renshaw.

Luke has been a fixture in the Victoria, BC music scene for years and is known for his work with the Juno-nominated band Jets Overhead.

Recently diagnosed with ADHD and with 6 years recovery time from drug and alcohol addiction, Luke is an advocate for neurodivergent and mental health awareness, sharing his experiences to empower others.

In this episode, we talk about his early musical inspirations, his journey overcoming addiction, and how an ADHD diagnosis gave him a clearer understanding of the mindset challenges he faced.

What touring sober taught me about resilience

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Jets Overhead
Leeroy Stagger