Drummers of whom I have been enamored with over the years. Each of these players I have gotten to know to some level, and I appreciate their input. I hope that they are pleased with what I have become, because it is with their spirit that I play within.
George Lawrence is the first drummer other than my father that I consciously remember watching. That being said, I must say that I have always been aware of the beat. Even when I could barely walk, the driving smack of 2 & 4 carrying and propelling the music was enough to let me know I've found something!
When I was 4 years old, George had brought his drumset to my father's studio and sat down and barked out the most amazing solo I'd ever seen. It was the one that sent me home DYING to pick up my sticks and once I did that evening, I realized that this was what I was put on the planet for! As I turn 40, I owe this entire crazy 36 year span to THIS MAN. (I'll send you my therapy bill, George!)
Further, this is the guy who taught Keith Carlock, the drummer for Sting/Steely Dan/Wayne Krantz/Oz Noy and others. A couple of months ago Steely Dan were playing at Pala Casino, a place that I do a lot of work and I just happened to be working that night! It dawned upon me that no matter what our paths in life, the two of us were influenced by this man and even though the gigs were polar opposites, still, there we are both doing what we love and really that is what ultimately matters.
The first time I heard the Aquarium Rescue Unit was when I lived in Taipei, Taiwan. I had read a review of the album in Modern Drummer Magazine about these guys and just happened to see their cassette in Tower Records. I bought it and gave it a listen. I heard it once and it did nothing for me. So I threw it in my bag and eventually headed back home.
Once I got home I threw in ARU once more for a quick going-over and THIS TIME I was completely floored! TO this day I have to give Sipe credit for shaping the way I play. His fluidity and ideas always never ceaseto amaze me.
Scottish percussionist and composer Evelyn Glennie lost nearly all of her hearing by age 12. Rather than isolating her, it has given her a unique connection to her music. If you want a drum lesson, WATCH THIS.
Timm Biery was with Frank Marino for a number of years (he's the guy on Juggernaut), Danny Gatton's drummer for the latter part of his life, and is now playing with Nils Lofgren (Bruce Springsteen E Street Band). Our mutual friend Dave Goode introduced us in 1994 and I was instantly blown away by what I was hearing.
Influences 