Drummers Pathway Podcast

Episode 39 - Nate Morton (NBC's The Voice and Living Your Dream) - Part One

This episode features part one of my two part conversation with drummer Nate Morton.

Based out of Los Angeles, he is the highly regarded drummer for the house band on NBC’s The Voice. Previously, Nate was the drummer for the reality series Rockstar:INXS & Rockstar: Supernova, and was also part of the house band for the Bonnie Hunt Show.

Nate has also worked with such diverse artists as Paul Stanley, Cher, Vanessa Carlson, Natalie Cole, Miley Cyrus, Madonna and many others.

As a graduate of the Berklee College Of Music in Boston, he has become a respected educator and loves to inspire others to find joy in the pursuit of music. 

In our conversation, we discuss how he found his passion for music early in life and how his determination to become a professional  musician has lead him along different paths that allowed him to establish a successful music career. 

We also talk about why it’s essential to value and find joy in the opportunities that are available to you.

Follow Nate:
https://natemorton.com
https://www.facebook.com/natemortondrums
https://www.instagram.com/n8drumz/

Episode 38 - David Abbruzzese (Working With Pearl Jam & Pursuing Creative Opportunities)

This episode features my conversation with drummer David Abbruzzese.

Growing up in Texas, David discovered his passion for music early on and began to develop his skills as a drummer through his work with many local bands.

In 1991, through a recommendation from drummer Matt Chamberlain,  David went to Seattle to audition for Pearl Jam, who were just getting ready to release their debut album. 

He became a member of the band and held that position from 1991-1994, during which time, he recorded the iconic albums VS and Vitalogy.

After working with Pearl Jam, David continued to establish himself as a freelance drummer and has gone on to work with multiple artists showcasing his creative and versatile approach to the drums.

In our conversation, we talk about his early inspirations and how his passion for music helped to develop his creative approach. 

We discuss the process of recording the VS and Vitalogy albums and what it was like working with renowned producer Brendan O’Brien. 

We also talk about what he’s been up to since Pearl Jam and why it’s essential to appreciate all the opportunities that are presented to you.

Follow David:
https://www.facebook.com/david.abbruzzese

https://www.instagram.com/daveabbruzzese/

Episode 37 - Dave Patel (Finding Inspiration & Embracing Challenges)

This episode features my conversation with drummer Dave Patel.

Actively involved in the Toronto music scene for over 30 years as a professional drummer, Dave has played on over seventy albums, many jingles, and has worked extensively with numerous artists in different genres demonstrating his ability to adapt to any musical situation.

He was a student at both York University and Humber College, and studied privately with Jim Blackley, Paul DeLong, Vito Rezza among others.

Dave is also an in demand educator who has taught privately in the Toronto area for over 20 years. Currently, he is a faculty member at the renowned Metalworks Institute where he is actively involved in their Music Performance & Technology Program.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of experiencing live music situations because you never know where that inspiration will take you. We also discuss his approaches to teaching and why it’s essential to not get caught up in self deprecation, and to remain committed to following your desired path.

Follow Dave:

https://www.instagram.com/davepateldrums/

https://www.facebook.com/david.patel.794

https://www.youtube.com/@davepateldrums9781

https://metalworksinstitute.com/faculty/dave-patel/

 

Episode 36 - Ted Warren (Creative Explorations In Jazz and Overcoming Self Doubt)

This episode features my conversation with renowned Canadian drummer Ted Warren.

Born and raised in Saskatchewan and now currently residing in Southern Ontario, Ted discovered his passion for music at a young age. In addition to becoming inspired by the music of his generation, he also discovered an interest in Jazz. Ted went on to study Music at Montreal’s Mcgill University, and received a certificate in Jazz Studies from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. 

As an active member of Canada’s jazz scene and the recipient of The Jazz Report’s “Drummer of the year” award in 1996, Ted has built a solid reputation as a versatile drummer performing and recording with the who’s who of the Canadian Jazz scene including the legendary Rob McConnell and The Boss Brass big band. 

He is also a composer and fronts his own quartet, Ted’s Warren Commission, which released their debut CD, First Time Caller, to critical acclaim in 2004 and followed that up with the albums Songs For Doug and 2016’s The Great Regina Pizza Debate.

Ted is a highly regarded teacher, clinician and adjudicator and has taught in the Jazz Studies programs at both Humber College in Toronto and Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.

In our conversation, we talk about the importance of embracing your musical ideas and not allowing your own self doubt to get in your way. We also discuss his approaches to teaching and why the pursuit of learning and exploring new concepts is essential in order to find joy in your own creative endeavours.

Follow Ted here:

https://www.facebook.com/ted.warren1

https://www.instagram.com/warren.ted/

https://www.patreon.com/drumjoy

https://www.youtube.com/@twarren24

http://trapdted.blogspot.com

 

Episode 35 - Dave Stark (Defining Success and Building Relationships)

This episode features my conversation with drummer/educator Dave Stark.

Born and raised in New York and now residing in Florida, Dave is an in demand freelance drummer, educator and clinician. 

He began playing drums at the age of 7 then went on to study with legendary teachers such as Dom Famularo, Jim Chapin, Gary Chaffee and many more.

After attending Berklee College of Music in Boston on a scholarship, Dave established his career back in New York where he became a first call session artist.  He also began a very successful teaching career and has built a worldwide reputation as a highly sought after educator.

Currently, Dave is the President of the Florida Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society and also serves internationally as a board member on the Education Committee.

In our conversation, we talk about how the most profound lessons learned from a mentor are the life lessons and experiences shared.  We also discuss the importance of building genuine relationships and how we each can define success in this industry. 

Follow Dave here:

https://davestarkdrumminglab.com

https://www.facebook.com/DaveStarkDrums

https://www.instagram.com/davestarkdrums/

 

 

Episode 34 - Dave Lewitt ( Educator/Author of The Odd Time Drumming Book)

This episode features my conversation with drummer and educator, Dave Lewitt.

Growing up on Long Island, NY, Dave found his inspiration from listening to the music of the fusion and progressive rock era in the 1970’s where he discovered his passion to become a drummer. 

He pursued his studies at The Conservatory of Music at Purchase College in New York. After graduation, he went on to establish a professional career as a freelance drummer and educator. 

Currently, in addition to maintaining a steady roster of students, he is also on staff at Purchase College’s Conservatory Of Dance program where he is actively involved in working with the modern dance program as an accompanist.

Dave is also the author of 3 drum method books including his most recent, The Odd Time Drumming book.

In our conversation, we talk about his work in the Conservatory Of Dance program and how it involves a creative approach and adaptation to the challenges presented. We also discuss his experiences as a freelance musician and why he has chosen to focus on education at this stage of his career.

Follow Dave at:
https://www.facebook.com/dave.lewitt 

https://www.youtube.com/user/davelewitt

 

Episode 33 - Jamie Wollam - Part Two (Working with Tears For Fears, ABC & more)

On this episode, I welcome back drummer Jamie Wollam for his second appearance on my podcast.

Best know as the drummer for the iconic band, Tears For Fears, a position he has held since 2010, Jamie is highly regarded for his impeccable and passionate live performances and creativity as an in demand session musician.

I first had the opportunity to interview Jamie last year as he was preparing to head out on the highly succesful Tears For Fears summer tour. 

It was a pleasure to reconnect for a follow up conversation to reflect back on those experiences and find out what he’s been up to since the tour finished.

In this interview, we talk about his personal journey through the different phases of his career. We also discuss the importance of maintaining a creative voice as a sideman, while respecting the creative processes of the artists you work with. We also get into our perspectives on education and why it’s essential to maintain humility in order to establish and define your place in this industry.

Photo by Emily Rath Orzabal

Follow Jamie here:
https://www.facebook.com/jamie.wollam

https://www.instagram.com/jameswollam/

Episode 32 - Jeff Salem (Finding Success As An Individual Artist)

This episode features my conversation with drummer Jeff Salem. 

Based out of Brampton, Ontario, Jeff is an internationally recognized drummer and educator who’s resume includes working with artists such as Fist, Sword, Saints & Sinners, Lee Aaron, Randy Bachman, Canadian Idol winner Kalan Porter, guitarist Rob Tardik and many more. He is currently the drummer for the renowned tribute act, Epic Eagles.

In addition to being in demand as a drummer, he is actively involved with music education in many school boards performing percussion workshops and clinics to students of all grades and also maintains a roster of private students.

Jeff has written a number of instructional books including the book “Finding Success As An Individual Artist” which is a guide to developing and maintaining a successful career in the arts.

Jeff is also the owner of the Salem’s Lott Scary Hot Sauces Company.

In our conversation, we discuss the importance of diversifying and building relationships in order to maintain a successful career and also why it’s important to assess and establish your value in each situation you encounter.

Follow Jeff Here: https://drumsinu.com  https://www.instagram.com/salemdrum/

Finding Success As An Individual Artist https://drumsinu.com/buy.html
Salem's Lott  Scary Hot Sauces https://www.salemslotthotsauces.com

Episode 31 - Dave DiCenso (Drummer/Berklee College Of Music Faculty)

This episode features my conversation with Boston based  drummer Dave DiCenso.  Known for his versatility and his dynamic mastery of the drum set, he began his studies at a young age under the direction of his father, renowned educator Dick DiCenso.

Dave went on to establish a successful career working as a sideman for various artists in many different genres, in addition to focusing on his own musical projects.

Dave is a highly regarded educator, and has been on faculty at the prestigious Berklee College Of Music for the last 30 years. He is also the author of 3 highly regarded books, with the most recent being “Fluid Fills & Musical Phrasing”.

In our conversation, we talk about his personal journey through the different phases of his career. We also discuss the joys and challenges of finding artistic satisfaction as a sideman and why he has chosen to focus on education at this stage of his career.



Follow Dave at  https://davedicenso.com/

Episode 30 - Claus Hessler (Drummer/Educator/Author)

On this episode, my guest is award-winning drummer, author and educator Claus Hessler. 

Based in Germany, Claus is highly regarded for his mastery of Moeller Technique and Open-Handed Playing approach and has achieved recognition for his creative and innovative drumming concepts.

Claus continues to be an in demand and respected educator and has published 6 books, including the award winning Camp Duty Update and his most recent book “Taladiddle”, which is a study of combining the rhythmic language of India with a traditional snare drum rudiment approach.

In our conversation, we talk about why it’s essential to always take a musical approach when learning to play the drums. In addition to covering many of the concepts in his various books, we also discuss the challenges of navigating online media options to learning without having a proper teacher to guide you.

Follow Claus at https://claushessler.com & https://openmindeddrumming.com

Photo Credit -Justine Janik