I'd Hit That

Josh Freese is best known as Josh Freese, although you may also know him for his work with bands like Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle, Weezer, Devo, Sting, The Vandals, Paul Westerberg, his two year stint with Guns N Roses, his session work for the likes of everyone from Michael Bublé to Kelly Clarkson to Paramore and dozens of other artists and the list just keeps on growing. Josh invited me to his home and was a great host - we talked for over two and a half hours, and most of it is here. Epic. Recorded at Josh's home studio in Long Beach, CA April 2013

For the last 28 years Fred Coury has been The Drummer for Cinderella, though he managed to do a lot of other things in that time as well (he was even fired, albeit briefly). Fred talks about joining Cinderella, Subbing for Steven Adler in Guns N' Roses, The Ozzy Audition, Scoring Music for the LA Kings and The Detroit Pistons, Storm Chasing, the time David Lee Roth pissed in his drum case - and a lot more. There's a background noise present during the Interview - a hiss, reminiscent of old cassette tapes - it's just the air conditioner. It goes off and on throughout the interview. Pretend it's analog. It was hot out that day. Recorded in Fred's Studio in North Hollywood, CA March 2013

Alicia Warrington has played for Kelly Osbourne, Lillix, Hannah Montana, Selena Gomez, Colton Dixon, Gore Gore Girls, and many others. Currently she plays with Chris Rene. We met one morning in Los Feliz for coffee, and as we caffeinated we talked wrestling, drums, metal, and the urge to smash a chair over the collective head of the loud group of women sitting next to us. It was a great hang. Recorded in Los Angeles, CA March 2013

Blair Sinta currently plays for Melissa Etheridge. He is also an in-demand session drummer based out of Los Angeles. Blair has also toured and/or recorded with Alanis Morissette, Stevie Nicks, James Blunt, Better Than Ezra, Annie Lennox, Josh Groban, Wilson Phillips, and many others. Blair talks about the auditions he went through to score the gigs, working in LA, 20" bass drums vs 24", a particular gig he did in China, and a whole lot more. Recorded on Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA March 2013

Patty Schemel is best known as the Drummer for Hole. Patty talks about Her Documentary "Hit So Hard," Her experience recording the album "Celebrity Skin," Walking away from the Drums for years - and then returning to them - Drug Addiction, Working with Linda Perry, Juliette Lewis and Pink, Her work with Rock Camp for Girls, Hanging with Gina Schock from the Go-Go's, Vintage Drums, Seeing Buddy Rich when she was a kid - All with a sense of humor and keen eye for truth. Patty Schemel has figured a lot of things out in Life. Recorded in Hollywood CA, February 2013

James Gadson has played with Bill Withers, The Temptations, Herbie Hancock, Paul McCartney, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Leonard Cohen, James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Boz Scaggs, The Three Kings (Albert, B.B. and Freddie), and even more recently with the likes of Beck, Justin Timberlake and Lana Del Rey. This is, of course, only naming a few names Mr. Gadson has worked with. The Full List is as endless as his talent.
I met with James at his home studio in Los Angeles. We discuss his entire career, how he broke into Session Work, the Linn Drum Machine, Home Recording, Changes in The Industry, Being one of the Most Sampled Players in History, Hanging with Earl Palmer and Hal Blaine - and a lot more. This is an Epic Interview with a Legend.
Recorded in James Gadson's Home Studio in Los Angeles, CA February 2013

Danny Seraphine was a founding member of Chicago, at the time known as The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Chicago was the leading US singles charting group during the 1970s. They have sold over 38 million units in the US, with 22 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums. Over the course of their career they have had five number-one albums and 21 top-ten singles. 1984's Chicago 17 became the biggest selling album of the band's history, producing four hit singles. Danny was essentially the leader of the band, guiding them through many years of hit records. Danny talks about his time with the band, studying with Papa Jo Jones, the time Buddy Rich embarrassed Elvin Jones, working with David Foster, being replaced on tracks by Jeff Porcaro and Carlos Vega, discovering Bill Champlin, the fifteen years he spent away from the Drums, and what it's like to return to them after such a long absence. Danny also talks about his New band - CTA (California Transit Authority), which is releasing a new album March 21. This is a candid interview with a Legend.
Recorded at Danny's Home in Thousand Oaks, CA February 2013

Michael Iveson is the Drummer with Gotye. This interview was recorded two days after Gotye had won three Grammy's including Record of the Year and Best Alternative Music Album. Michael had also just moved into a new home in Los Angeles after a solid two years of international touring. We sat down in his new home and we talked about everything that was on his mind. Unadulterated, raw, real. Recorded in Los Angeles, February 2013

Dave Elitch is best known for having played with The Mars Volta on the Octahedron tour. He's also played with Juliette Lewis, Crash Kings, M83, and many others. Dave also does clinics around the world and teaches privately out of his studio in Los Angeles. Dave met Dave at a curry restaurant in LA and they spoke over lunch. Elitch talks about his time with TMV, working with Justin Timberlake, the realities of being a working Drummer in LA, youtube cover videos, traveling, studying with Toss Panos, when to use different kits for different gigs, technique, shredding vs groove, and a whole lot of other gems coming from a guy who is also a teacher to many older established cats on the scene. The food was good and laughs were had. Dave Elitch is a great drummer and a great guy. Good hang. Recorded at Hurry Curry Restaurant in Los Angeles, January 2013.

Mario Calire was the Drummer for The Wallflowers from 1995 - 2003, during their years of platinum record success and non stop touring. Since 2003 Mario's been the Drummer for LA based band Ozomatli, and Mario's been busy touring with them ever since. Mario talks about his entire career, from his time with The Wallflowers up until his departure, how he fell into the Ozomatli gig, getting to study and trade fours with Billy Higgins, studying with Peter Erskine and Tootie Heath, playing with Liz Phair, and finally, Mario settles the rumor about his time with Megadeth. Not only is Mario a great Drummer, he's also one of the funniest Motherf'ers out there - He could have had a career writing comedy. Maybe someday. Recorded in Hollywood, CA January 2013

Hunt Sales is a Legend. The son of Soupy Sales and brother of Tony Sales, Hunt started his professional career at 15 years old. Hunt discusses his entire career, including his work on Iggy Pop's classic album "Lust for Life," as well as his time with Tin Machine and David Bowie. Hunt also played in the band Paris with Bob Welch, he's played with Todd Rundgren, Charlie Sexton, and has even played in a Vegas Show. Hunt talks about studying with Freddie Gruber, his Famous Blue Sparkle Premier Drums, his current band The Hunt Sales Memorial, his love for Austin, Texas, growing up as Soupy Sales' son, and a lot more. Hunt Sales has seen and done it all. Recorded in Austin, Texas February 2013

Franklin Vanderbilt plays with Lenny Kravitz. Franklin's also played with Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan - A Drummer who gets hired by other Drummers. He talks about those experiences as well as getting the Kravtiz gig. Franklin also talks about his own music, the business today, and even his car. He's accomplished a lot in his years, and he's got some stories to share. He's a great guy, a very Tall guy, and he loves to laugh. Recorded in Hollywood, CA January 2013

Butch Norton Currently Plays for Lucinda Williams. He's also played for Tracy Chapman, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, Tracy Bonham, The Psychedelic Furs, as well as being the Original Drummer in The Eels, having played on all the Early Classic Albums. Butch sat down with Dave in his Rehearsal Studio at his Los Angeles Home and discussed his entire Career, including the call he got to audition for Queens of The Stone Age. Butch speaks candidly about many things, whether it's about his years smoking pot and "wasting time," His departure from The Eels, or the time he spoke with Jim Keltner about working with Lucinda Williams. Butch is One of The Nicest Guys you'll ever meet if you're lucky enough to get the chance. Great Guy, Great Drummer. Recorded in Butch's Room, Los Angeles, CA January 2013.

Mark Schulman plays with Pink. He's Also Toured Or Recorded with Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, Billy Idol, Cher, Foreigner, Simple Minds, Al Green, The Pointer Sisters, and Many Many Others.
Mark Invited Me into His Home in Los Angeles to Discuss His Career as a Professional Drummer - Not Only the Gigs He Scored But Also The Auditions When He Did Not Land the Gig. Mark Has a lot to Teach Drummers About The Biz - This is Chock Full of The Good Stuff. Recorded at Mark's House in Los Angeles, October 2012.

Cindy Blackman Santana is known for many things; For some she is best remembered as the Drummer for Lenny Kravitz, featured in the Video "Are You Gonna Go My Way?" Others know her to be a True Jazz Drummer with chops for days - Nobody comes as close to Tony Williams as Cindy does - And still others know her as the Wife of Guitar Legend Carlos Santana, as well as their work together... Cindy Blackman Santana has done a lot in her career, and it all started in NYC with a Heavy Jazz background. Cindy talks about her days in New York and hanging with Legends like Art Blakey, Miles Davis, and of course, Tony Williams. Recorded at The Trump Soho, NYC, October 2012.

John Mellencamp, Bob Seger, Elton John, John Fogerty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Meat Loaf, The BoDeans, The Smashing Pumpkins, Chickenfoot, Tony Iommi, Jon Bon Jovi, Cinderella, Krokus, Stryper - These are just Some of the Artists that Kenny's played and/or recorded for over the Years.
Kenny talks about being the House Drummer for the Levon Helm Tribute Show, Playing with His current gig (John Fogerty), Playing the Kennedy Center Tribute to Led Zeppelin, The Inauguration for President Obama - How he prepares for these big gigs, as well as a lot more - Like How the Business has Changed for Studio Drummers, Working with Click Tracks, Home Recording, and what Record Labels are really like these days. Recorded at The W Hotel in Hoboken, NJ October 2012

Sammy Siegler is a Legend on The New York City Hardcore/Straight Edge Scene. He's played with Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, Judge, CIV, Rival Schools, Glassjaw, Project X, Side By Side, Head Automatica, as well as Recording with Limp Bizkit.
Sammy met with Dave in the East Vilage of New York City where they talked about Sammy's Entire Career - starting at age 11 with Gorilla Biscuits. Sammy talks about he got involved with Youth of Today as well as Recording with Limp Bizkit - Sammy has Many stories, He's done a lot in His Career. Even if you're not a Fan of Hardcore Music, Sammy has a lot to Offer any Musician. Recorded in The East Village, NYC September 2012.

Rich Redmond plays with Country Superstar Jason Aldean. Rich was on Tour with Aldean when Dave met with Him in New Jersey before a Jason Aldean Show. Rich talks extensively about the Nashville Music Scene, How he stays focused and disciplined, Home Recording, Being a Session Drummer, What it takes to be a Working Drummer - Rich also talks about the tenets for his CRASH Course for Success - This is a Highly Motivational Man and His Story is Very Inspiring - Rich Redmond has a lot to pass on to Fellow Drummers - This is an Epic Interview filled with Great Information. Recorded in the Dressing Room at PNC Bank Arts Center, New Jersey, September 2012.

Steve Smith is One of The Greats. A Monster of a Player - He played with Journey during their Heyday from 1978 until his departure from the group in 1984. He went on to form his own group, Vital Information, which just recently released a Live DVD/CD set entitled "One Great Night." Steve Smith has played for a Stadium Rock Band making Millions of dollars, played on The "Burning For Buddy" Tribute to Buddy Rich, played with Zakir Hussain and everyone from Mike Stern and Hiromi to Bryan Adams (Steve played on Bryan's #1 Hit "Heaven"). Steve talks about his entire career and gives many fascinating insights into his Life. Steve talks backline, preparing for the Hiromi gig (subbing for Simon Phillips), what he brings on the road, life after Journey, working with Ronnie Montrose, Jean-Luc Ponty, and a LOT more. Epic Interview with an Epic Player. Recorded in Steve's apartment in NYC, August 2012.

Mo Roberts plays with Shemekia Copeland, the Premier Female Blues Vocalist on the Blues Scene. Mo met with Dave in a New York City Park and talked about getting the gig with Shemekia as well as covering topics like Playing on Backline Drums, Working as a New York Drummer, Shuffles, Playing to Click, and why Bass Players are a Drummers friend. Recorded at Carl Schurz Park, NYC, June 2012

Mike Clark is a Legend. He's played with Herbie Hancock in The Headhunters, Vince Guaraldi, Charlie Hunter, Brand X (replacing Phil Collins), Woody Shaw, Les Claypool, Chet Baker, Albert King, Albert Collins, Delbert McClinton, Sly Stone, Jimmy Hughes, Wolff & Clark Expedition, as well as being One of The Most Sampled Drummers in History.
Mike Talks about His Career, How he started in The Bay Area during the Boom Times for Funk & Soul, Meeting the Rolling Stones Early in their Career, How he landed the Headhunters gig with Herbie Hancock, Replacing Phil Collins in Brand X, What he thought of Ginger Baker (initially), The One Artist who sent him a check for using Mike's sampled beat, and a lot more, including Boxing & Buddhism.
He's a Great Guy, an Amazing Drummer, and as Fascinating as they come. Recorded at Mike's Apartment in NYC, July 2012.

Barry Greenspon founded, owned & operated Drummers World in New York City for 32 years. It was the premier percussion shop in New York. Late last year the shop closed it's doors. Barry sat down with Dave to discuss how he started Drummers World, and the Drummers he got to know over the Years.
Barry is also a Drummer, of course - He studied with Max Roach and played with Ornette Coleman and Grant Green. Barry talks about how he opened the shop, as well as his time working as a gigging drummer in NYC. Barry also discusses "blind taste tests" of Gretsch & Ludwig Drums and Why Studying is Vital. Recorded at Riverside Park, NYC June 2012.

George Rains has played alongside Jimmie Vaughan for the last 19 years. He's also played with Willie Nelson, Boz Scaggs, Doug Sahm, Pinetop Perkins, BB King, and Many Others. This Interview was recorded after George played a 2 Hour set with Jimmie Vaughan at BB Kings in New York City. The Interview was done while we sat on a bench on 43rd Street. George talks about how he came to work with the Amazing Talent he's worked with, how he tunes his drums, his unique Texas Shuffle, life as a sideman, and a lot more. George Rains has a lot of Wisdom to share. Recorded on the Corner of 43rd St and Eighth Ave, NYC June 2012.

Allison Miller has a Very Impressive resume. She's played with artists Ani DiFranco, Natalie Merchant, Norah Jones, Brandi Carlile, as well as Kenny Barron, Dr Lonnie Smith, and Mike Stern. Allison successfully crosses over from Rock to Jazz, a feat not many Drummers can pull off. She leads her own groups as well; Boom Tic Boom, and The Honey Ear Trio. Allison talks about working as a Freelance Drummer, Negotiating Fees, Auditions for Ani DiFranco & Natalie Merchant, and even talks Drum Collecting. Recorded in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, June 2012.

Jason Smay is currently on tour playing drums with JD McPherson, who is steadily tearing up the Vintage Rock N Roll Circuit with his New Album "Signs and Signifiers," recorded by Jimmy Sutton & Alex Hall. Until recently, Jason was playing with Los Straitjackets, One of the Premier Instrumental Surf Rock Groups featuring Danny Amis. Jason has also played with Deke Dickerson and Eddie Angel. Jason discusses how he scored the gig with JD McPherson, his Vintage Drum Collection, Playing Classic Rock N Roll, Jazz, and Life in his Hometown of Rochester New York. Recorded on the corner of Stanton & Allen Streets, NYC April 2012.

Albert Bouchard is a Founding Member of Blue Oyster Cult, forming the band in the late 60's with Donald Roeser (aka Buck Dharma). Albert was not only the Drummer, he was also writing songs for BOC. He played guitar, harmonica, keys, & sang lead vocals on albums. Albert was part of the band from inception until 1981. During that time Albert played on the hits "Don't Fear The Reaper," "Burnin' For You," and "Godzilla." He toured the World with Blue Oyster Cult, and he's learned much from his years on the scene. Albert Bouchard has been there & done that, so to speak - His story is fascinating, filled with all the ups & downs The Biz can muster. Through it all, Albert has remained an Artist first, a true musician. He continued writing Music after his departure from BOC, working on an album that would become a BOC record in the end - "Imaginos." Albert talks about that, as well as talking in depth about the drums he used on each album, which albums' drum sounds are his favorites, working with Martin Birch, working with his new band Blue Coupe (featuring his brother Joe & Dennis Dunaway), life after BOC, and a lot more. This is an Epic Interview with a Legend - Right from the beginning of the Interview, Albert talks about what it was like to work with Chuck Berry. Recorded in NYC May 2012.

Rich Pagano is a New York Session Drummer perhaps best known as the Drummer & Singer of the Premier Beatles band "The Fab Faux" - a group which includes Heavies Will Lee (Late Show with David Letterman Band), Jimmy Vivino (Music Director for the Conan O'Brien Show Band), Frank Agnello (Marshall Crenshaw, Al Kooper), & Jack Petruzzelli (Patti Smith, Ian Hunter). Rich Pagano was also the frequent Backup Drummer for Levon Helm at Levon's Midnight Rambles. Rich has worked with Patti Smith, Rosanne Cash, Ray Davies, Robbie Robertson, Joan Osborne and Ian Hunter. Rich also owns and runs his own Studio, New Calcutta Recording, out of The Music Building in New York City. There he produces & engineers artists as well as recording Drum Tracks for others. Rich talks about working with Levon, as well as the time he watched & listened as Ringo Starr played drums to a song that Rich originally played on - Ringo covering Pagano... Full Circle. Rich also talks about Recording Classic Drums, something he is an expert at. Rich will be teaching a summer course at NYU on recording classic drum sounds. Rich talks about singing & drumming, and how he learned what to do & what NOT to do as a drummer backing a singer. Recorded at New Calcutta Recording, NYC May 2012.

Daniel Glass has been the Drummer for Royal Crown Revue for 18 years. He's also recently been playing with The Brian Setzer Orchestra. Daniel talks at length about Preparation - How he prepared for a 90 minute set with Setzer with no rehearsal, and how being Unprepared cost him a gig with Mike Ness. Daniel speaks candidly about how this missed opportunity taught him the importance of Preparation. Luck is when being Prepared meets Opportunity - Daniel also talks about being a working drummer in New York, and what it means to lug equipment around... Daniel also talks about his soon to be released DVD "The Century Project," which covers 100 years of drums from 1865 at the end of the Civil War right up to 1965 and the dawn of the British Invasion. "It shows how drums and pop music evolved hand-in-hand, and how, by 1965, the drumming blueprint that we still follow to this day had been cemented..." It is a Mammoth Undertaking of a Project, and Daniel Glass is just the Man to take it on. He is a true Scholar of the Drums, Historian, and a Great Educator, having written books and doing Clinics all over the Globe. Recorded in Daniel's apartment in NYC April 2012.

Curt Bisquera is an LA Session Legend. The list of Artists he's performed with is Mind Boggling - Elton John, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Petty, Paula Abdul, Seal, Public Image Limited, Boz Scaggs, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen, Lionel Richie - just to name a few. Curt's worked with Producers Rick Rubin, Don Was, and the Late Great Jeff Porcaro. Curt talks at length about Jeff Porcaro, his start in the Biz with Morris Day, his time with Elton, Mick, Tina and Johnny Rotten. He talks about the change in the studio scene with the advent of home studios, and how the Biz has changed for studio musicians. Curt Bisquera has decades of experience and knowledge to share, and in this Epic interview Curt gives Gems. Recorded in the DW showroom in Oxnard, CA April 2012.

Adam Deitch has played for Average White Band, John Scofield, Wyclef Jean, Norah Jones, Talib Kweli, as well as his two bands Lettuce and Break Science. He's also Produced Hip Hop acts like 50 Cent, Redman, and KRS-One. Adam talks about working with Scofield, the time he got scolded by Steve Ferrone, and how he ended up Producing Top Hip Hop Acts. But make no mistake - Adam Deitch is a Drummer First & Foremost. Recorded in Brooklyn, NY March 2012.

Jason Sutter is currently the Drummer with Marilyn Manson. On the day this interview was recorded Jason had only recently scored that gig. He was in the middle of intense rehearsals every day in Hollywood where Dave caught up with him to talk about getting the Manson gig - audition process and all. Jason also talks about his time working with Mick Jones in Foreigner, working with Chris Cornell, and his time working with David Johansen, Earl Slick and Kenny Aaronson as a touring member of The New York Dolls. Recorded in Hollywood, CA February 2012

Alan Evans plays with Soulive, an Organ-Trio he co-founded in the late nineties with his brother Neal and Eric Krasno. Today the band is doing World Tours and doing an annual 10 night residency at Brooklyn Bowl in New York (Bowlive). Alan Evans has worked with John Scofield, Oteil Burbridge, The Roots, Chaka Khan, and many others. Alan Evans also has another group called the Alan Evans Trio, which is releasing an album soon. As if this were not enough, Alan co-runs Royal Family Records. He talks about his feelings toward CD's and why Vinyl is still King. Recorded in Brooklyn New York in March 2012.

Jimmy Paxson plays with Stevie Nicks. This means he also plays with Waddy Wachtel, Lenny Castro, and many other supremely talented musicians. Jimmy talks about what it means to work with these people, as well as his stints with Alanis Morissette, Edgar Winter, and the late Ronnie Montrose. This is an Epic interview with a man Born to play Music. Recorded in Jimmy's apartment in downtown Los Angeles, CA February 2012.

Brian Tichy currently plays for Whitesnake. He's also played with Ozzy, Foreigner, Billy Idol, Slash, Lynch Mob, Vinnie Moore, etc. Brian discusses his entire Career and he explains how in The Biz, 'It-is-what-it-is...' Brian also talks about Organizing Bonzo's Birthday Bash, His time with Ozzy, His Band S.U.N., What Snare he Prefers in the Studio, His time at Berklee, Speedbagging, and A Lot More. This is The Premiere Episode of "I'd Hit That," and we are proud to have The Great Brian Tichy as our First Guest. Part One was Recorded on top of a Mountain in Canyon Country, Los Angeles, January 2012. A second Interview was done in Brian's Home a few days later in early February, 2012.