Drummers Pathway Podcast

Episode 64 - Adam Bowman (Finding Joy & Purpose In Living An Artful Life)

This episode features my conversation with Adam Bowman. 

Based out of Guelph, Ontario, Adam is an accomplished drummer and respected educator known for his musicality and versatility across different genres.

Throughout his career, Adam has toured extensively and contributed to numerous albums as a session player. In addition to his live and studio work, he is actively involved as an accompanist for modern and contemporary dance classes with IMAGEO Artworks and Dancetheatre David Earle.

As an educator, Adam is currently the drum set instructor at the University of Guelph, and also a facilitator for several community organizations that focus on creative expression and mental wellbeing through music.

In our conversation, we talk about how martial arts and the philosophies of Bruce Lee have inspired his approach to music and life. We also discuss the importance of living an artful life and despite the choices you have made in your life and career, that the bravest choice you can make is to change your mind.

Follow Adam:
https://www.adambowman.com
https://www.instagram.com/adambowmanmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/adam.bowman.16

Episode 63 - Mike Dawson (Drum Candy Podcast & Elements Of Professionalism)

This episode features my conversation with drummer Mike Dawson.

Based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mike is the Chief Creative Officer for Drum Factory Direct and also the host of the popular Drum Candy podcast.

Prior to his current role with Drum Factory Direct, Mike was the Managing Editor for Modern Drummer magazine from 2004 - 2020, and along with Mike Johnston, was the co-host of the popular Modern Drummer Podcast.

Mike maintains an active online presence and is highly regarded for his expertise in everything from drum gear to education.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of versatility, the essential characteristics of professionalism required to navigate a career in the music industry, and Mike’s passion for creative explorations.

Photo by Jordan Bellotti

Follow Mike:
https://www.instagram.com/mikedawsondrums/
https://www.youtube.com/@MikeDawsonDrums
https://www.facebook.com/mike.dawson.545
Drum Candy Podcast
https://www.drumfactorydirect.com

Episode 62 - Paul Wertico (Creative Explorations & Working With Pat Metheny)

This episode features my conversation with drummer Paul Wertico.

Based out of Chicago, Paul is highly regarded for his fearless approach, artistry and musicality.

He is best known for being the legendary Pat Metheny’s drummer for 18 years, during which he recorded multiple Grammy award winning albums.

Paul is a bandleader and prolific composer who has released numerous projects under his own name. Frequently sought after for his creativity, his work can also be heard on hundreds of recordings with many artists.

As an educator, Paul has been teaching privately for over 45 years and is also an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of the Performing Arts.

In our conversation, we talk about how his curiosity to explore different musical genre’s has inspired his creative approach. We also discuss his work with the Pat Metheny Group and how he uses his personal experiences to inspire others to get outside their comfort zone, allowing them to find their own creative voice.

Follow Paul:
https://www.paulwertico.com
https://www.instagram.com/paulwertico/
https://www.facebook.com/paulwertico1

Episode 61 - Alphonso Young Jr (Contemporary Approach To Traditional Teaching Fundamentals )

This episode features my conversation with drummer Alphonso Young Jr.

Based out of Virginia, Alphonso is highly regarded for his versatility and musicality.

Throughout his 50 year career, he has worked with numerous high profile jazz artists, but is best know for his work with the Eric Byrd Trio, of which he has been a member for over 20 years.

Alphonso is a music teacher with the Loudoun County Public Schools and is also currently on faculty at Shenandoah University & Gettysburg College where he is a leading authority on drum set performance.

In our conversation, we talk about how he adapts traditional methods to develop contemporary approaches when learning the fundamentals. We also talk about the importance of incorporating musical applications into each lesson and why it’s essential to be open to learning as much from your students as they do from you.

Follow Alphonso:
https://www.instagram.com/alyoungjr/
https://ericbyrdtrio.com/trio/alphonso-young-jr/

Email:
ayoung@su.edu

Episode 60 - Andy Zildjian (SABIAN Cymbals Legacy & Artistry)

This episode features my conversation with Andy Zildjian, who is the President  and CEO of Sabian Cymbals.

Based out of Meductic, New Brunswick, the Sabian Cymbal company was established in 1981 by Andy’s father, Robert Zildjian. The company is highly regarded for its artistry and dedication to craftsmanship, focusing on traditional manufacturing processes and continuing to innovate to meet the demand of their consumers.

In our conversation, we talk about legacy and how family dynamics lead to the formation of the Sabian Cymbal company. We also discuss the manufacturing processes, how they adapt to create new product lines and why it’s important to develop and promote education.

Follow Sabian:
https://sabian.com
https://www.instagram.com/sabiancymbals/
https://www.facebook.com/SABIANCymbals
Sabian Education Network

Episode 59 - Jake Sommers (Networking Essentials & Working with Luke Combs)

This episode features my conversation with drummer Jake Sommers. 

Originally from New York and currently based in Nashville, Jake is highly regarded for his versatility and dynamic playing. He is best known as the touring drummer for country superstar Luke Combs, which is a position he has held since 2015.

Discovering his passion for music at a young age, Jake went on to study music at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he earned his Music Performance Degree in 2013.

After graduating, Jake moved to Nashville to pursue a professional music career. He worked regularly on the Broadway circuit in downtown Nashville, seeking out any opportunity to perform.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of building genuine relationships through networking in order to establish your career. We also discuss why it’s essential to be prepared for every opportunity and maintain a positive attitude.

Follow Jake
http://www.jakesommersdrums.com
https://www.instagram.com/jakesommers7/
https://www.facebook.com/jake.sommrs7
Photo Credit - David Bergman

Episode 58 - Tim Carman (Single Concept Explorations & Creative Applications)

This episode features my conversation with Tim Carman. 

Tim is an accomplished drummer and respected educator known for his musicality and versatility across a variety of genres. 

Growing up in the Boston area and currently based in Denver, his passion for drums started at a young age. He studied with several renowned teachers, honing his skills and exploring various drumming techniques.

Throughout his career, Tim has toured extensively and contributed to numerous albums as both a bandleader and session player. In 2020, Tim ’s work earned him a nomination for Session Musician of the Year by the Boston Music Awards.

Currently, Tim is an active member of the bands Parlor Greens & Canyon Lights.

As an educator, Tim is dedicated to inspiring his students through his approach to developing musicality and creative application of practical methods. He is also the author of 5 books including the highly regarded Haynes-ISM & Philly-ISM methods.

In our conversation, we talk about how studying with some legendary teachers influenced his musical approach and perspective as an educator.  We also discuss the concepts behind his method books and the obstacles of staying true to your creative path while finding balance in your life.

Follow Tim
https://timcarmandrums.com
https://www.instagram.com/tcarmandrums/
https://www.facebook.com/tim.carman.92

Parlor Greens
https://www.parlorgreens.com/
https://www.instagram.com/parlorgreens

Canyon Lights
https://www.canyonlightsband.com
https://www.instagram.com/canyonlightsband

Episode 57 - Paul Quin (Legal & Business Strategies For Creative Artists)

This episode features my conversation with Paul Quin. Based out of Tampa, Florida, Paul is a highly regarded lawyer and professional drummer who has dedicated his career to educating creative artists in navigating the industry.

Born and raised just outside Liverpool, England, Paul began his career as a drummer at the age of 13 when he starting working with his older sister who was a professional singer. He then went on to establish a freelance career working with numerous bands in the UK. 

It was through these experiences that he discovered his interest in learning about the business and legal rights for artists which inspired him to pursue a career in law.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of following your passion, networking by being kind and respectful to build genuine relationships, and why it’s essential to seek out professional advice in order to protect yourself and your creative work.

Follow Paul:
https://www.facebook.com/paul.quin
https://www.saxongilmore.com/attorneys/paul-m-quin/

 

Episode 56 - Gene Champagne (The Killjoys, Teenage Head and Pursuing Creative Opportunities)

This episode features my conversation with drummer, Gene Champagne.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Gene is a founding member of the Juno award winning band The Killjoys. In 2016, he became the drummer for Canadian music icons, Teenage Head, a band that was very influential in his development years.

Gene is also a singer and songwriter and currently is the frontman for his own project, Gene Champagne and the Unteens, who recently released their EP, “Let’s Jet.”

In our conversation, we talk about his early musical influences and what it was like to grow up as part of the thriving Hamilton music scene. 

We also discuss his experiences recording and touring with The Killjoys and what his creative approach is as a songwriter.

Follow Gene:
Facebook - Gene Champagne Music
https://www.instagram.com/genechampagne_official/

Episode 55 - Angelo Pentaris (Embracing Obstacles & Changing Perceptions)

This episode features my conversation with drummer & motivational speaker, Angelo Pentaris.

Based in Greece, Angelo was born with cerebral palsy and quadriplegia. At 4 months of age, the doctors said that he would not be able to move his arms and legs, therefore not allowing him to lead an independent life. Through the support of his parents and their belief that he would be capable of living a life without limitations, Angelo began a daily regiment of physio-therapy when he was 9 months old. 

It was through his perseverance, commitment to exercise  and physical movement, that Angelo was able to overcome his disability. 

He discovered the drums through his passion for music and went on to pursue a Bachelor Of Music degree at the Los Angeles College Of Music. After graduating, Angelo began a career as a professional musician and opened his own production studio.

He also established himself as a motivational speaker, who has inspired many others to not let limitations stand in their way, allowing them to face their fears and embrace their full potential.

In our conversation, we talk about his diagnosis and how he was able to overcome the obstacles that he faced. We discuss why it’s essential to commit to doing the work that is required to achieve your goals and why it’s important to not allow other’s perceptions of your capabilities deter you from achieving your dreams.

TED Talk - Moving From Fear To Faith
Spotify

Follow Angelo:
https://www.angelopentaris.com
https://www.instagram.com/angelopentaris/