Drummers Pathway Podcast

Episode 19 - Clifford Koufman (Ra-Kalam Bob Moses Documentary Producer)

On this episode, my guest is drummer Clifford Koufman. Based out of Nashville, Clifford is a respected educator, who founded the Sound & Rhythm Drumming School back in 2000. 

Early on in his career, he received a professional development grant to study music in West Africa. He continues to inspire others though his extensive knowledge and experience.

Over 15 years ago, Clifford studied with renowned jazz musician, Ra-Kalam Bob Moses, who continues to be a friend and mentor to him.

Currently, Clifford is working on producing a documentary project to help tell the story of Ra-Kalam Bob Moses, introducing the teachings and philosophies of this unique creative artist.

We talk about his vision and goals for this new project and why it’s essential to help bring this story to a wider audience to help maintain Ra-Kalam’s legacy.

Follow Clifford Koufman at https://www.soundandrhythm.com

Information on the Ra-Kalam Bob Moses Documentary Project
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/living-music-a-film-about-ra-kalam-bob-moses#/

 

 

Episode 18 - Ray LeVier (Drummer, Educator)

On this episode, my guest is drummer Ray LeVier. Based out of New York, Ray is an in demand drummer who divides his time between session work, teaching and working as a composer.

At the age of 12, Ray was badly burned in a fire, which lead to years of extensive recovery. Through his recovery, his passion drove him to adapt and overcome any obstacles he encountered and he achieved his dream of becoming a drummer.

Ray’s positive attitude is infectious. Through sharing his story, he inspires others to face their own obstacles, turning discouragement into a commitment to excel and live their dreams.

Follow Ray at https://raylevier.com

Episode 17- Ben Sesar (Brad Paisley)

On this episode, my guest is drummer Ben Sesar.

Originally based in New Jersey, Ben went on to study at the renowned Berklee College Of Music. After college, he made the decision to move to Nashville and in 1999, he auditioned for and got the gig as the studio and touring drummer  for country artist Brad Paisley, which is a position he has held now for over 2 decades.

Ben has also established himself as a respected educator and remains committed to pursuing a high level of excellence in all aspects of his life and career.

In our interview, we talk about the value of being open to criticism, and why embracing these challenges can only make you better. We also discuss the realities and challenges of social media and why it’s essential to never forget the importance of living a balanced life by exploring many different paths.

Follow Ben at https://www.instagram.com/bensesar/

Episode 16 - Eric Boudreault (Cavalia, Cirque Du Soleil)

On this episode, my guest is drummer Eric Boudreault.

Eric is a drummer originally from Alma, QC who completed his studies at the Alma college of music, Sherbrooke University and Concordia University. Eric has had the honor of working on major theatrical productions for Cavalia, Cirque du Soleil, Baldyga group and many more.

He has also worked with many great musicians and projects, which include the likes of Michel Cusson, John Patitucci and Alex Acuna.

He also had the opportunity of recording in Los Angeles as a session drummer at the famous Sound City Studio for a more than a year.

Currently, Eric works as an in demand freelance drummer on a variety of projects including the new show Karera in GUAM and continues to be an active and in demand educator.

In our interview, we talk about the value of being versatile in order to meet any challenges that are presented to you. We also discuss why it is important to be able to adapt to and embrace the changes to technology in our industry and also why it’s essential to find a healthy work/life balance by making time to pursue other areas of interest to stay motivated and inspired.

Follow Eric at https://ericboudreault.com

Episode 15 - Rich Redmond (Session Great / Jason Aldean)

On this episode, my guest is award winning drummer Rich Redmond.

Rich is a top call drummer based in Nashville and Los Angeles. Known for his  rock-solid drumming, he is the sound behind many of today's top talents including Country Superstar Jason Aldean, with whom he's worked with for over 20 years.

As an international motivational speaker, Rich brings his "CRASH! Course for Success" to corporate events, high schools, and colleges everywhere. He was named "Country Drummer of The Year" in Modern Drummer Magazine in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Rich is also an active music producer, songwriter, actor, podcast host and educator. His latest book, Making It In Country Music is a must read for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this industry.

In our interview, we talk about how it’s essential to stay focused on pursuing your dream and never quit, despite the obstacles you will encounter. We also discuss the value of being open to feedback in order to keep building your skills and why the most important thing in pursuing a career in the arts is to build genuine relationships while remaining humble and true to yourself. 

Follow Rich at https://richredmond.com

Episode 14 - Amy King (Recording Engineer/Producer)

On this episode, my guest is award winning Recording Engineer & Producer Amy King

Originally hailing from Newfoundland, for over 20 years, Amy has been the engineer at the legendary Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton, Ontario,  where her talents and expertise as a recording engineer, classically trained pianist and multi-instrumentalist has allowed her to not only inspire and influence artists of all levels and genres but also gained her the respect of the industry therefore allowing her the opportunity to work with established artists such as Gordon Lightfoot and many more.

In our interview, we talk about how often the respect of our peers and collaborators is more essential than seeking the spotlight, the value of being open to listening and showing compassionate towards others who are working through their own creative processes and why maintaining a positive attitude and commitment to being professional and prepared is essential to establish and maintain a professional career in this industry.

Follow Amy at https://amykingrecording.com

Episode 13 - Jamie Wollam (Tears For Fears)

On this episode, my guest is drummer Jamie Wollam.

Best known as the current drummer for the band, Tears For Fears, a position he has held since 2010, Jamie is an in demand musician who, at the age of 13 became inspired to pursue drumming after attending a concert by the band KISS. He went on to develop his skills by playing along with the albums that inspired him during his formulative years, mostly in the hard rock and metal genre of the day.  At the age of 18, he attended The Percussion Institute in Hollywood, CA, where after studying with some renowned educators, he graduated with honours in 1989.

Jamie landed his first professional touring gig with Michael Sweet, of the band, Styper. This began his career as a touring and session drummer.

In addition to Tears For Fears, He has had the privilege of touring with a variety of other artists including Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Tommy Shaw, Fee Waybill and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello’s solo project, The Nightwatchman.

As a musician, Jamie has also begun composing and producing music for television, film, as well as other artists. 

In our interview, we talk about how important it is to remain committed to your craft despite the many personal and professional challenges you may encounter, why you always need to stay humble and show gratitude even during the challenging times, and also that it is essential for our well being and mental health to always have a creative outlet to express ourselves.

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

 

Episode 12 - Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel/Slim Kings)

On this episode, my guest is drummer Liberty DeVitto.

For thirty years, Liberty was the driving force behind the legendary Billy Joel. Known for his intense drive and New York swagger, he created the grooves to multiple platinum Billy Joel albums that have sold over 150 million copies.

He also went on to work as a session drummer for a variety of other artists including Meat Loaf, Paul McCartney, Karen Carpenter, and Stevie Nicks

In 2020, he released his memoir, Liberty- Life, Billy and The Pursuit of Happiness, which is a honest reflection of following and fulfilling your dream and an inside look at the music and career of Billy Joel.

Today, Liberty continues to work with a variety of artists including The Lords of 52nd Street, and The Slim Kings and spends much of his time encouraging other drummers to follow their passions 

In our interview, we talk about the value of finding your own voice as a musician, even when you are faced with discouragement, why it’s important to always put the song first when creating the perfect drum parts and the importance of remaining true to yourself and continue to find joy in your life despite the challenges that you may encounter.

Check out Liberty's Autobiography https://hudsonmusic.com/product/liberty/

Episode 11 - Jon ”Bermuda” Schwartz - Part Two (Weird Al Yankovic)

Welcome to Part Two of my interview with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz.

For over 4 decades, Jon is best known as the drummer with the iconic "Weird Al" Yankovic. The two met while recording the parody "Another One Rides the Bus" at the Dr. Demento show on September 14,1980, then shortly after, Yankovic invited Schwartz to join his band, gave him the nickname "Bermuda" and they have worked together ever since.

Jon is also the official band historian, known for keeping meticulous lists and notes, and has archived an unsurpassed collection of unique audio and video products from around the world that feature "Weird Al" Yankovic.

He is also an avid photographer and in 2020, Jon published Black & White & Weird All Over, a coffee-table book featuring his unreleased black-and-white photographs of Weird Al from the early '80s. In 2022, he went on to publish the follow-up Lights, Camera, Accordion! a collection of his colour film photos of Weird Al from 1981-2006.

For our interview, we talk about the importance of maintaining a consistently high level of excellence, embracing the creative challenges that are presented to you and always being open to maintaining another career in order to maintain a comfortable life while you work to pursue your creative endeavours.

As this interview ran close to 2 hours, I have divided it into 2 episodes, so let’s sit back and get started with Part 2 of my interview with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz.

Follow Jon at https://www.bermudaschwartz.com

Episode 10 - Jon ”Bermuda” Schwartz - Part One (Weird Al Yankovic)

On this episode, my guest is Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz.

For over 4 decades, Jon is best known as the drummer with the iconic "Weird Al" Yankovic. The two met while recording the parody "Another One Rides the Bus" at the Dr. Demento show on September 14,1980, then shortly after, Yankovic invited Schwartz to join his band, gave him the nickname "Bermuda" and they have worked together ever since.

Jon is also the official band historian, known for keeping meticulous lists and notes, and has archived an unsurpassed collection of unique audio and video products from around the world that feature "Weird Al" Yankovic.

He is also an avid photographer and in 2020, Jon published Black & White & Weird All Over, a coffee-table book featuring his unreleased black-and-white photographs of Weird Al from the early '80s. In 2022, he went on to publish the follow-up Lights, Camera, Accordion! a collection of his colour film photos of Weird Al from 1981-2006.

For our interview, we talk about the importance of maintaining a consistently high level of excellence, embracing the creative challenges that are presented to you and always being open to maintaining another career in order to maintain a comfortable life while you work to pursue your creative endeavours.

As this interview ran close to 2 hours, I have divided it into 2 episodes, so let’s sit back and get started with Part 1 of my interview with Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz.

Follow Jon at https://www.bermudaschwartz.com