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RoadDawg News
RoadDawg Drummers Lunch in Valdosta, GA


A great time was had on April 16, in Valdosta! Grant Wickliffe from the Harmony Central forum contacted me a few weeks before our show at Wild Adventures theme park about meeting up for a drummers lunch. I also had Jeremy Chauncey from the Pearl Forum contact me. Since Jeremy is from Valdosta, I had him pick the restaurant and arranged for him to pick me up.

Well, they got a dose of "road reality" when I thought I would be ready to go around 11:30, but the crew was running about an hour and a half behind, so we didn't meet up with Grant until about 1. That is just about how things work out on the road - if you don't have any plans, everything will be on schedule or even early. But, make some plans and you can bank on EVERYTHING running behind!

Jeremy chose Austin's, a steak house/sports bar about 10 minutes from the park. He told me that they had the best steaks in town and very reasonable prices. Perfect for a couple of drummers! We met up with Grant and Jeremy's girlfriend, Rebecca (what a brave girl!). After our orders were placed, the drum talk commenced! Not only were many drum topics covered, but also herpetology! As it turns out, Rebecca used to take care of large snakes! I was way into that!

The food came and it did not disappoint. We finished up took some pics, said our goodbyes and Jeremy got me back for sound check. It was another great lunch and I really appreciate Jeremy for being my driver, Rebecca for sitting through drum talk and Grant for driving an hour to do it. I also want to thank Jeremy's mom for the AWESOME pound cake! The band and crew destroyed it! Luckily I got a piece early because by the time we left the park, it was all gone!

I love these lunches and look forward to the next one! Once again, check my schedule and if I am in your town, shoot me an email!


RoadDawg Drummers Lunch in Phoenix

On October 21, 2010, a few drummers from the Phoenix area got together at Cibo (great choice!) and had not only a great lunch, but an even better drum-fellowship.

Many thanks to Matt O'Brien, who did much of the legwork to pull this thing off. He picked me up and took me over to Cibo, where the rest of the guys were waiting. Bobby Earl Hamilton and son, Cannon Orion, Ethan Parr, Michael J. Whitman and Rob James were there to ask questions and listen to my various ramblings about Nashville and stories about the road. We talked about gear and even passed around a little "drum porn!"

It was also great to hear about what is happening in the Phoenix music scene and what these very talented drummers have going on in the area.

I wished that I didn't have to go back to sound check! I could have stayed there for a few more hours, although I don't think the guys could have taken any more stories!

This experience was very rewarding for me and I am flattered that these very talented and busy guys took time out of their schedules to eat and talk drums - two of my favorite things to do!

Once again, thanks to Matt O'Brien. I look forward to the next RoadDawg Drummers Lunch! Just check my touring schedule and if I am in your area, contact me and we will get it hooked up!

RoadDawgs Well Represented in 2010 Modern Drummer Readers Poll

In this year's Modern Drummer Readers Poll, some of the hardest working and most talented drummers in Nashville were recognized not only for their accomplishments on the road, but also in the studio and on the clinic circuit.

Here are the results:


1.  Rich Redmond

Rich is the high energy force behind Jason Aldean on the road and in the studio. His clinic series, C.R.A.S.H. Course for Success, fills in the gaps when not recording with Jason or the III Kings.  The popularity of his clinics has helped garner him the top spot in the Clinician category and his recording prowess earned him top honors in the Recorded Performance category for Jason's chart-topping album, "Wide Open."  Check out his feature in July's Modern Drummer!



2. David Northrup

Just because David has taken a break from the road with Travis Tritt, doesn't mean that he is slowing down.  He is in and out of the studio with various acts and with PacAKracRs.  His busy clinic schedule earned him second place in the Clinician category.



3.  Jim Riley

If you have ever been to a Rascal Flatts show, then you have experienced the pure power of Jim Riley.  His ability as an educator also earned him fourth place in the Clinician category.



4.  Dave McAfee

Dave has been a mainstay in the MD Readers Poll for years.  He is the backbone for Toby Keith and his producing chops earned him a Grammy for Jamey Johnson's album, "That Lonesome Song."



5.  John Spittle

John's diverse and varied career has provided the tools to bring the big backbeat for country big man, Trace Adkins. 



Austin Curcuruto

And, congrats to Austin for placing second in the Up & Coming category.  He is out rocking with American Idol Finalist, Bo Bice.  Check out his kit in Gear Check!

Dave McAfee is "Caught In The Web!"



Check out Modern Drummers' web exclusive with Toby Keith's drummer, Dave McAfee!

Nashville Drummers' Roundtable on The Black Page

Check out the final installment of the Nashville Drummers' Roundtable featuring Dave Notrhrup, Dave McAfee, Rich Redmond, Pat McDonald and Ben Sesar are featured July's issue of The Black Page. 

Praising Ringo Starr!



Check out the USA Today article by Dennis Diken, founding member of The Smithereens, celebrating Ringo Starr and his ongoing influence.



Dave McAfee Achieves Gold Status
Jamey Johnson's album, "That Lonesome Song," which Dave co-produced and played on was honored for achieving Gold status.  Check out the full story.


DJ Fontana to be Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame


Congratulations to Elvis' legendary drummer, DJ Fontana, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009.  DJ was an original member of Elvis' band, playing with Elvis for 14 years.  He recorded over 460 songs, including "Don't Be Cruel," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," and "Jailhouse Rock."  www.djfontana.com


RoadDawgs featured in "Sticks 'n' Skins!"

Congrats to Rich Redmond, Dave McAfee and William Ellis on being included in "Sticks 'n' Skins - A Photography Book About The World of Drumming!"  They are both thrilled to be in such good company as Kenny Aronoff, Zoro and many more.  Be on the lookout when it hits stores later this year.  Go to www.sticksnskins.com 
to get your copy!
 


Buddy Harmon-The Original Nashville Star
By Derek Wolfford

I wanted to speak on the passing of one of the pioneers of drumming, Buddy Harman. Most may not be familiar with the name (and unfortunately that includes most drummers as well) but without his contributions, there would be a massive gap in Country/Pop music. 

Although he is credited with playing on over 18,000 recordings, he'll probably be best remembered for his work on such hits as:

Johnny Cash - Ring Of Fire, Walk The Line
Patsy Cline - Crazy
Roy Orbison - Oh, Pretty Woman, Only The Lonely, Crying
Elvis Presley - His Latest Flame, Now Or Never
Tammy Wynette - Stand By Your Man                                    
Everly Brothers - Bye Bye Love, Cathy's Clow
Roger Miller - King Of The Road
Ray Price - Heartaches By The Number, Nightlife
Jerry Lee Lewis - What I Say
Brenda Lee - I'm Sorry
Jim Reeves - He'll Have To Go
Lynn Anderson - (I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden
Johnny Horton - The Battle Of New Orleans
Jimmy Dean - Big Bad John

In the heyday of his session work, he's said to have been recording between 500-600 projects a year... which is an amazing feat considering this was during the infancy of the record industry. Another great story is that he used to have his hair cut at the studio because he didn't have time to visit the barber..... now that's busy!  It is certainly taken for granted that you can see and hear drums on The Grand Ole Opry stage but it wasn't always that way.  In 1958, Buddy was the first house drummer at The Opry but had to adhere to certain restrictions. Generally, they didn't allow drums or even a snare on The Opry stage, recalls Buddy.  I played a few times behind the stage curtain and also played behind hay bales when they did TV shows in the 50's.  Once he even performed on stage with brushes on a drum head that was applied to the stand-up bass... and he said he felt silly doing it! By the time he made his triumphant return as The Opry's staff drummer in 1991, drums had been a mainstay of The Opry stage plot.

During 2003, Pearl introduced a line of Masters Series drums named RetroSpec with the vintage style coverings.  Our Ad Department asked for four artists that would best represent the series.... classic drummers that made a mark on their respective genre and the music community.  Clearly, Buddy was in the first draft of names and was eventually one of the four including Billy Hart, Stix Hooper, and Ian Paice.  Once the ad was done, I called Buddy to let him know that he was to be featured in an upcoming ad and he was tickled.  He came to the office to see the ad for himself and catch up with everyone.  We went to the showroom and I had hoped to hear some classic shuffles but he did a walkthrough and said "Yeah, looks good...." like an experienced drill sergeant giving his approval to the young bucks.  Before exiting he stopped and said, "It seems since I'm in an ad with these drums, I should have a set." When history speaks... you listen... so he received a kit soon after that!  It was a great visit and as he wrapped it up, he mentioned that it was nice to be featured since he didn't receive as much adulation these days.  I reminded him that without him the Country music landscape would be completely different... and not for the best.  He shrugged his shoulders and said "Aw, we were just havin' fun."  If "having fun" means creating a genre of music and being THE architect for drumming in Nashville, then he must have had an absolute ball!!!

He was 79 years young when he passed on Thursday August 21st at his home. He left an amazing body of work and was an incredibly pleasant man... his absence will be felt within the Nashville community, the Pearl Family, and the music world.

Thanks for everything, Buddy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


         Who's On the Road!


Check out Jim's Signature snare drum from Ludwig!





  • Kevin Murphy is destroying drums on tour with Randy Houser and put his producer pants on for Josh Gracin's new album.  He is also doing limited dates with Emily West,Tonic and performing live with Loose Cougar.





























 

  • Trey Byrd is out with Country sensation, Gloriana.





  • Craig Wright is on tour and recording with Eric Church.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   
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