Practicing Drummer

Practicing Drummer
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

An interview podcast about drums and drumming with a focus on jazz drummers. A few of the featured guests have been Billy Drummond, George Fludas, Jeremy Dutton, and Dan Weiss. About one episode every month or so. Connect with the show on Instagram @practicingdrummer

  1. SEP 3

    E15 - Steve Smith

    For most of us, Steve Smith needs no introduction. He’s simply one of the most influential drummers of our time.  He was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame for his work with JourneyHe’s also considered one of the top jazz and fusion drummersHe’s led his own group Vital information for more than 40 yearsOn top of all that he’s produced some of the best educational books and videos for drummers - I’m currently obsessed with the brush video he did with Adam Nussbaum where they sit down with Billy Hart, Eddie Locke, Joe Morello, Charlie Persip and Ben Riley who demonstrate their technique. It’s incredible.Anyway, it’s a huge deal that I got to talk to Steve. I’ve been a fan since I was a teenager.  Before we get going I want to give a big thanks to friend of the show Scott Amendola for connecting us. And of course, I have to thank Steve for being so generous with his time.  As always, I'll put links to everything we talk about in the show notes and on the blog at practicing drummer.com and with that let's get right into it with Steve Smith. https://www.vitalinformation.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stevesmithdrums/ https://www.youtube.com/stevesmithchannel The music included with this episode is Sumo by Vital Information. Full show notes and links: https://www.practicingdrummer.com/podcast-e15-steve-smith Practicing Drummer practicingdrummer.com Instagram YouTube Facebook The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero's Loop Loft sample pack. Thank you to Bart over at the Drum History podcast for his technical advice and help getting this podcast started.

    1h 26m

  2. JUL 30

    E14 - Ron Tierno

    Recorded June 2025 Ron Tierno's name first came up in my interview with Hank Allen-Barfield, who mentioned studying The Melodic Snare Drummer—a book by Ron—while working with Billy Drummond at Juilliard. Ron has spent his entire career based in New York, where he did some recording and worked extensively as a Broadway musician. He played on the first national tour of CATS and later joined the show's long-running Broadway production. These days, Ron teaches out of Good Hands Drum Shop in Manhattan and continues to take on some freelance gigs. For the past decade, he’s also performed in holiday concerts with the Boston Pops. While he still enjoys playing, Ron now primarily identifies as a Broadway veteran and educator, drawing on his decades of experience. https://www.rontierno.com Ron's Broadway Drumming 101 interview Ron's Books The Melodic Snare Drummer The Hip-Hop Snare Drummer The Swingin' Snare Drummer Good Hands Drum Shop in New York City https://goodhandsdrumshop.com Other Links Andy Lalino – Sit In And Play Along On Drums Jim Chapin – Profile Of A Jazz Drummer: Skin Tight Music Minus One – For Drummers Only The Sons of Champlin - Follow Your Heart The music included with this episode is The Old Man by Frank Weber. Practicing Drummer practicingdrummer.com Instagram YouTube Facebook The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero's Loop Loft sample pack. Thank you to Bart over at the Drum History podcast for his technical advice and help getting this podcast started.

    1h 11m

  3. JUN 25

    E13 - Mark Ferber

    Recorded June 2025 Drummer Mark Ferber appears on more than 200 recordings and remains active with several ongoing projects, including ECM artist Ralph Alessi’s This Against That, the Marc Copland Quartet, the Brad Shepik Organ Trio, and the Grammy-nominated big band and nonet led by his twin brother, Alan Ferber. He maintains a full schedule, performing regularly in jazz clubs and recording studios across Los Angeles and New York, as well as touring internationally. His past collaborations include tours and recordings with a wide range of artists such as Lee Konitz, Gary Peacock, Jonathan Kreisberg, John O’Gallagher, Don Byron, Fred Hersch, Tony Malaby, Anna Webber, Mark Helias, Pete McCann, Matt Pavolka, Michael Attias, and Billy Childs, and many others. In addition to his work as a player, Mark also teaches at Cal State Fresno and in the Masters program at Musicians Institute in Hollywood. https://www.markferber.com Elvin Jones - Different Drummer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igdN9kFCM-s Charlie Parker Omnibook https://amzn.to/4eiNDtu Dave Weckl - Contemporary Drummer + One https://amzn.to/3TCREPY Mark Ferber - Anemone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK15bQ6gGK8 Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Qr8yzWpyj5aSGyUyWnkcT?si=c4fd160435ad45f1 The music included with this episode is the song Spinning Things by Marc Copland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxOK8dXrPXw Practicing Drummer practicingdrummer.com Instagram YouTube Facebook The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero's Loop Loft sample pack. Thank you to Bart over at the Drum History podcast for his technical advice and help getting this podcast started.

    1h 19m

  4. MAR 13

    E12 - Hank Allen-Barfield

    Recorded February 2025 Hank Allen-Barfield is a young drummer living in New York City who recently graduated from Juilliard.  In college Hank has studied with people like Kenny Washington, Billy Drummond, Paul Wells, and Joe Farnsworth. You can catch Hank playing regularly in New York City or out on the road with Stella Cole. https://hankallenbarfield.com https://www.instagram.com/hankallenbarfield Stella Cole Tour Dates https://www.stellacole.net Nica's Dream at Emmet's Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB7yhEZ7ccg Love Walked In at Emmet's Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hux2KoN0x74 Tim Metz https://www.timmetz.com The Melodic Snare Drummer by Ron Tierno https://www.rontierno.com/publications Billy Drummond interview https://www.practicingdrummer.com/podcast-s1-e3-billy-drummond George Fludas interview https://www.practicingdrummer.com/podcast-s1-e4-george-fludas/ The music featured in this episode is from Hank's appearance at Emmet's Place. Practicing Drummer practicingdrummer.com Instagram YouTube Facebook The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero's Loop Loft sample pack. Thank you to Bart over at the Drum History podcast for his technical advice and help getting this podcast started.

    1h 9m

  5. FEB 19

    E11 - Scott Amendola

    Recorded January 2025 Scott Amendola is a drummer who grew up on the east coast and made his way to the Bay Area after his time at Berklee in Boston. With a career spanning more than three decades, he’s an ambitious composer, bandleader, electronics explorer, first-call accompanist, and educator.  As a sideman, Scott has performed and recorded with people like Bill Frisell, Regina Carter, John Zorn, Mike Patton, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Laurie Anderson, and many others.  With his own projects, some of his closest musical associates include guitarists Charlie Hunter, Nels Cline, and Jeff Parker, Hammond B-3 organist Wil Blades, violinist Jenny Scheinman, saxophonist Phillip Greenlief, clarinetist Ben Goldberg, bassists Trevor Dunn, and Todd Sickafoose. https://scottamendola.com https://www.instagram.com/scottamendola The music featured in this episode is from the song Skip a Stop from the SticklerPhonics album Technicolor Ghost Parade. Full show notes available at https://practicingdrummer.com/podcast-e11-scott-amendola/ SticklerPhonics at Bird & Beckett https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oLpfEJ8MwI Fade to Orange (orchestral project) https://scottamendolamusic.bandcamp.com/album/fade-to-orange-feat-nels-cline-trevor-dunn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd1kkv7pyBo Pete Engelhart Sapo Bell http://www.peteengelhartmetalpercussion.com/sapo.html Red Panda pedals https://www.redpandalab.com/ Drolo pedals https://drolofx.com/ ZT guitar amps https://www.ztamplifiers.com/ Practicing Drummer practicingdrummer.com Instagram YouTube Facebook The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero's Loop Loft sample pack. Thank you to Bart over at the Drum History podcast for his technical advice and help getting this podcast started.

    1h 22m

  6. 12/17/2024

    E10 - Joe Dyson

    Recorded November 2024 Joe Dyson is a drummer from New Orleans who now lives in New York City. His album Look Within has been out for a few years and he hinted at a new solo project and another Bridge Trio album coming in 2025. Joe has worked with Pat Metheny, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Donald Harrison, Nicholas Payton, Joel Ross, David Weiss, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), and many others. Links https://www.joedyson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joe_dyson/ https://joedyson.bandcamp.com/album/look-within Qarkabeb - Moroccan hand cymbals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHQL0js9pSw Roland SPD https://www.roland.com/us/categories/drums_percussion/percussion/ Pearl DjemBass https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/pearl-djembass/world-percussion-hardware Cecile McLorin Salvant https://www.cecilemclorinsalvant.com/ Sullivan Fortner https://www.sullivanfortnermusic.com/ Joel Ross https://www.iplayvibes.com/ Donald Harrison https://donaldharrison.com Immanuel Wilkins https://www.immanuelwilkins.com/ Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) https://www.chiefadjuah.com/ Bridge Trio https://thebridgetrio.com/ The music featured in this episode is from the song Fleeting Faith his album Look Within. Practicing Drummer practicingdrummer.com Instagram YouTube Facebook The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero's Loop Loft sample pack. Thank you to Bart over at the Drum History podcast for his technical advice and help getting this podcast started.

    1h 32m

  7. 07/01/2024

    E9 - Jeremy Dutton

    Recorded June 2024 Jeremy Dutton is drummer from Houston who now lives in New York City. He was featured in Modern Drummer magazine last year and his first album as a leader, Anyone is Better Than Here, has been out for almost exactly a year. Aside from his solo projects, he plays regularly with Joel Ross, Vijay Iyer, James Francies, and many other great artists. Links: imjeremydutton.comInstagramJeremy Dutton @ stephan's basementJeremy Dutton x Cycle Studios: Solo SessionsJames Francies - LevitateJames Francies - My Favorite ThingsThe music featured in this episode is the song Waves from his album Anyone is Better Than Here. Practicing Drummer practicingdrummer.com Instagram YouTube Facebook The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero's Loop Loft sample pack. Thank you to Bart over at the Drum History podcast for his technical advice and help getting this podcast started.

    1h 27m

  8. 05/29/2024

    E8 - Colleen Clark

    Recorded April 2024 Colleen Clark earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas and after living in NYC for many years, she’s now an Assistant Professor of Jazz at the University of South Carolina.  In addition to her role at USC, Colleen has several musical projects and the recent album with her band Alliance received a 4 star review in Downbeat. She is also the founder and artistic director of USC’s Jazz Girls Day. Links: colleendrums.comInstagramAllianceJazz Girls DayGordon StoutGood Hands Drum ShopSteve Maxwell DrumsFrank PepeSally's ApizzaThe music featured in the episode is the song Wingspan off of Alliance's latest album. Practicing Drummer practicingdrummer.com Instagram YouTube Facebook The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero's Loop Loft sample pack. Thank you to Bart over at the Drum History podcast for his technical advice and help getting this podcast started.

    1h 24m
See All (15)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

An interview podcast about drums and drumming with a focus on jazz drummers. A few of the featured guests have been Billy Drummond, George Fludas, Jeremy Dutton, and Dan Weiss. About one episode every month or so. Connect with the show on Instagram @practicingdrummer

Information

  • Creator
    Practicing Drummer
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Practicing Drummer
  • Show Website
    Practicing Drummer

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