Drummers on Drumming

This week's guest is Chris Fryar, primarily known for his work with the Zac Brown Band. He has also worked with Oteil and the Peacemakers, led by bassist Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers Band, as well as with Victor Wooten, John Popper, Steve Bailey, and many more.Chris is powerful, creative, and consistent, yet very reactive and conversational with his playing. I was so happy to chat with him. I'll be honest—I haven't really said this in an intro before, but this conversation is what I envisioned when I started this podcast. Chris is incredible at sharing his story through his choices and offers invaluable advice along the way.This is hands down one of my favorite episodes. Please enjoy my chat with Chris Fryar about the five records that shaped him into the musician he is today. And make sure you check out his honorable mentions. He's got plenty, and they'll all make you a better player. I promise.---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.CHRIS' BIG FAT FIVE:Album - Zenyatta MondattaArtist - The PoliceRelease Year - 1980Key Track(s) - Shadows In The Rain, Driven To Tears, When The World Is Running DownDrummer - Stewart Copeland-Album - Ten Summoner's TalesArtist - StingRelease Year - 1993Key Track(s) - Seven Days, St. Augustine in Hell, She's Too Good For Me, Shape of My HeartDrummer - Vinnie Colaiuta-Album - Kind of BlueArtist - Miles DavisRelease Year - 1959Key Track(s) - So What, All Blues, Freddie FreeloaderDrummer - Jimmy Cobb-Album - Live and In Living ColorArtist - Tower Of PowerRelease Year - 1976Key Track(s) - Knock Yourself Out (live), What Is Hip (live)Drummer - David Garibaldi-Album - Robben Ford & The Blue LineArtist - Robben FordRelease Year - 1992Key Track(s) - You Cut Me To The Bone, Real Man, Prison Of LoveDrummer - Tom BrechtleinHONORABLE MENTIONS:Aja - Steely DanBig Swing Face - Buddy Rich Big BandTOTO IV - TOTOLed Zeppelin IV - Led ZeppelinMoving Pictures - RushSaturday Night Fever Soundtrack - various artistsLife On Planet Groove - Maceo ParkerAt Fillmore East - Allman Brothers BandHELP! - The BeatlesRubber Soul - the BeatlesRevolver - the BeatlesJohn Coltrane & Johnny HartmanApple Juice - Tom ScottCol. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue UnitHeavy Weather - Weather ReportFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s guest is Mark Guiliana, a visionary drummer and solo artist known for his eclectic style that blends jazz, electronic, and experimental music. He’s worked with artists like David Bowie, Brad Mehldau, St. Vincent, and has his own projects such as the Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet and Beat Music.Mark continuously pushes the boundaries of rhythm and sound, earning him a reputation as a trailblazer in contemporary music. This is a condensed version of my conversation with Mark from early 2021. With his new album, Mark, coming out in July 2024, I wanted to highlight his insights and present an episode that fits better with our current format.Instead of a top 5 list of records, I gave Mark a set of prompts to choose from, and we went from there. There’s so much wisdom in this chat, so even if you heard it before, give it another listen. I definitely learned new things the second time around.Concierto de Osain del Monte VIDEO---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s guest is Porter Bliquez, a young American drum prodigy from San Francisco. Despite his age, Porter has already recorded and performed with award-winning producers and musicians associated with Kevin Gates, Olivia Rodrigo, Haan, Andy Prado Jr., and more.While still attending USC, Porter manages to carve out time to make a significant impact in both the LA and online drum communities. At my ripe old age of 37, it's refreshing to connect with the younger generation of drummers and see what’s happening in their world. Porter is destined for the biggest stages globally, so I'm thrilled if this is the episode that introduces you to him. Please enjoy the records that helped shape Porter into the exceptional drummer he is today. Cheers!Eric Harland - Zildjian Performance Video HERE---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.PORTER'S BIG FAT FIVE:Album - HomeyArtist - ChonRelease Year - 2017Key Track(s) - Sleepy Tea / Water slideDrummer - Brian Evans-Album - Black FocusArtist - Yussef KammalRelease Year - 2016Key Track(s) - Strings of Light / Wingtai Drums / Joint 17Drummer - Yussef Dayes-Album - ChonArtist - ChonRelease Year - 2019Key Track(s) - Peace / Pitch DarkDrummer - Brian Evans-Album - Two Star & The Dream PoliceArtist - Mk.geeRelease Year - 2024Key Track(s) - Rylee & I / Dream Police / DNM / How Many MilesDrummer - Micheal Gordon-Album - MisadventuresArtist - Peirce the VeilRelease Year - 2016Key Track(s) - Song For Isabel / Texas is Forever / Phantom Power / Ludicrous SpeedDrummer - Mike FuentesFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Wiktoria Bialic. Wiktoria has been nominated for four Grammy awards for her recordings on Allison Russell's album, "The Returner." She has also recorded drums for Grammy-winning musicians like Ondre J. Pavic, Alex Marley, Maati Baani, Ralph Kaminski, SARSA, and various other artists and producers from Britain, India, Scotland, Poland, America, and Puerto Rico.Wiktoria collaborated with Zildjian Artist Ash Soan on the single "Dark Dark Days" by Black Dog All Starsand often fills in for other well-known drummers in Poland. She won the Hit Like A Girl contest in 2021 and has performed at prestigious drum festivals such as PASIC, Bag Show, The UK Drum Show, and Silesia Drum Festival.You can find her Instagram HERE and listen to a Spotify playlist featuring many of her recordings HERE. Wiktoria offers a great perspective on excelling as a studio musician, so get ready to improve your drumming skills. I hope you enjoy the recordings that shaped Wiktoria Bialic into the musician she is today.---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.WIKTORIA'S BIG FAT FIVE:Album - ExodusArtist - Bob MarleyRelease Year - 1977Key Track(s) 0 Three Little Birds / One Love / Whole Record :)Drummer - Carlton Barrett-Album - The ReturnerArtist - Allison RussellRelease Year - 2023Key Track(s) - Stay Right Here / SpringtimeDrummer - Wiktoria Bialic-Album VoodoOArtist - D'AngeloRelease Year - 2000Key Track(s)The RootDrummer - Questlove-Album - Feats Don't Fail Me NowArtist - Little FeatRelease Year - 1974Key Track(s) - Skin It BackDrummer - Richie Hayward-Album - 7Artist - SealRelease Year - 2015Key Track(s) - Redzone KillerDrummer - Ash SoanFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s guest is Brandon Combs. Brandon is a drummer, programmer, and producer hailing from Lansing, Michigan. Brandon obtained his Bachelor of Music degree in Popular Music Studies from the University of Southern California in 2015 and is currently based in Nashville, Tennessee. He’s worked with so many amazing artists, including Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Bridges, Joy Oladakun, John Legend, Raphael Saadiq, Moses Sumney, Tori Kelly, Greyson Chance, Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy, and many more. He’s got a lot of energy and his choices center around very hirable theme. I hope you enjoy the records that helped shaped Brandon Combs into the artist he is today. Cheers!---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.BRANDON'S BIG FAT FIVE:Album - Perpetual motionArtist - Dave Weckl BandRelease Year - 2002Key Track(s) - Child's playDrummer - Dave Weckl-Album - Heavier ThingsArtist - John MayerRelease Year - 2003Key Track(s) - New Deep / Something's Missing,Drummer - Steve Jordan-Album - Somethin' Bout LoveArtist - Brian CulbertsonRelease Year - 1999Key Track(s) - Do you Really Love Me?Drummer - Chris Miskel-Album - Mixtape - Volume OneKey Track(s) - Movin / NineDrummer - Ben Jones-Album - Opal / BruneiArtist - Vinyl WilliamsRelease Year - 2018 / 2016Key Track(s) - Lansing / Feedback DelicatesFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s guest is Myles Sargent. Myles is a drummer, musical director and playback engineer based in Brighton, UK. Throughout his career, he's collaborated with an array of artists and bands, including The Japanese House, Justin Jesso, Calum Scott, Thomas Headon, Gabriels, Cavetown, Mae Stephens, Gang of Youths and MANY more. He’s quickly become one of my favorite online-converted-to-real-life buddies and I was excited to force him to answer my questions for an hour. I hope you enjoy the 5 records that helped shaped Myles Sargent into the player he is today. Cheers!---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.MYLE'S BIG FAT FIVE:Album - American IdiotArtist - Green DayRelease Year - 2004Key Track(s) - Holiday / American IdiotDrummer - Tre Cool-Album - RumoursArtist - Fleetwood MacRelease Year - 1977Key Track(s) - You Make Loving Fun / The ChainDrummer - Mick Fleetwood-Album - Nm Brass 2015 - 1. DivisionArtist - Oslofiord BrassRelease Year - 2015Key Track(s) - St. Magnus (5:45 it gets cooking)Composer - Peter Maxwell Davies-Album - Little VoiceArtist - Sara BareillesRelease Year - 2007Key Track(s) - VegasDrummer - Matt Chamberlain-Album - Rickie Lee JonesArtist - Rickie Lee JonesRelease Year - 1979Key Track(s) - Chuck E's in Love (and that fill at 1:55)Drummer - Steve Gadd-Any Honorable Mentions?Album - Face ValueArtist - Phil CollinsRelease Year - 1981Key Track(s) - In the Air Tonight Drummer - Phil Collins-Album - Regatta De BlancArtist - The PoliceRelease Year - 1979Key Track(s) -  Walking on the MoonDrummer - Stewart CopelandFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Steve Durham. Steve is a Drummer, Musical Director and Producer from London, UK. He began playing drums at 8 years old and was out on the road by the time he was 14. Since then he's worked with Louis Tomlinson (One Direction), Dermot Kennedy, Wolf Alice, Foals, Holly Humberstone, Aurora, Declan Mckenna, Marina and the Diamonds and more. I hope you enjoy the 5 records plus a few honorable mentions that helped shape Steve Durham into the drummer he is today. Cheers!---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.STEVE'S BIG FAT FIVEAlbum - VHS! Invisible Touch TourArtist - GenesisRelease Year - 1987Key Track(s) - Drum Duet / Los EndosDrummer - Phil Collins & Chester ThompsonWATCH HERE-Album - Who’s NextArtist - The WhoRelease Year - 1971Key Track(s) - Won’t Get Fooled AgainDrummer - Keith Moon-Album - Colour Of SpringArtist - Talk TalkRelease Year - 1986Key Track(s) - Give It UpDrummer - Lee Harris-Album - The BendsArtist - RadioheadRelease Year - 1995Key Track(s) - High and DryDrummer - Phil Selway-Album - PuzzleArtist - Biffy ClyroRelease Year - 2007Key Track(s) - Saturday SuperhouseDrummer - Ben Johnston-HONORABLE MENTIONS:Artist - Led ZeppelinKey Tracks(s) - Good Times Bad Times / Whole Lotta LoveDrummer - John Bonham-Album - The Trees Are Dead & Dried Out, Wait for Something WildArtist - SikthKey Track - Skies of the Millennium NightRelease Year - 2003Drummer - Dan ‘The Lord’ Foord -Performance - Live at Woodstock '69Artist - SantanaKey Track - Soul SacrificeDrummer - Michael Shrieve (age 20)WATCH HEREFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Gunnar Olsen. Gunnar's been on the show a lot recently with "save it for the pod" segments. But I noticed his Big Fat Five episode is almost 4 years old, which is a shame. Recently, I went to the Hollywood Bowl with my friends Mike Robinson and Neal Daniels, both show alumni, to see Gunnar play with Puscifer on the Sessanta tour, celebrating Maynard James Keenan's 60th birthday. It was mind-blowing. Gunnar is an incredible drummer, one of the best out there. At this show, Josh Freese was playing with A Perfect Circle, but now that Josh is busy with Foo Fighters gigs, Gunnar is playing with both Puscifer and A Perfect Circle for the rest of the tour. It's unbelievable and well-deserved. Puscifer is a perfect fit for Gunnar. Apart from this tour, Gunnar has also recorded or toured with Big Data, Bruce Springsteen, Miley Cyrus, HOKO, Mother Feather, Fischerspooner, Goo Goo Dolls, and many others. He's possibly my favorite drummer, and I admire him a lot. He's a close friend, and I always try to catch his shows when we're in the same town. Although this conversation is from 4 years ago, I wanted to bring it back up because the information is still relevant. It's fascinating to hear Gunnar talk about Tim Alexander of Primus, who has been a big influence on him, and now see them hanging out on tour together, seeming like best buds. Anyway, Gunnar, I'm really proud of you, and I admire your career more than you know, even though I tell you all the time. I hope you enjoy the records that helped shape Gunnar Olsen into the drummer he is today. Cheers!---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.GUNNAR'S BIG FAT FIVE:Album - ...And Justice For AllArtist - MetallicaRelease Year - 1988Key Track(s) - Harvester of SorrowDrummer - Lars Urich-Album - Reggatta De BlancArtist - The PoliceRelease Year - 1979Key Track(s) - The Bed's Too Big Without YouDrummer - Stewart Copeland-Album - Songs for the DeafArtist - Queens of the Stone AgeRelease Year - 2002Key Track(s) - Song for the DeadDrummer - Dave Grohl-Album - DustArtist - Ben MonderRelease Year - 2006Key Track(s) - DustDrummer - Jim Black-Album - LargoArtist - Brad MehldauRelease Year - 2002Key Track(s) - When It RainsDrummer - Matt ChamberlainFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is Earl Talbot. Earl is a renowned Drummer, Composer, Producer, and Music Instructor. He wrote and produced over 90 songs broadcast regularly on the Oprah Winfrey Show. His career includes performances with house music legends Derick Carter and Mark Farina, as well as touring and recording with Master Griots Dialy Mady Cissoko, Christian Bourdon, Poi Dog Pondering, The Chicago Sinfonietta, as well as scores of other artists and clients. As a multi platinum recording artist, Earl has worked on songs from Maya Angelou's "Human Family Remix" with Tamarra Love, to Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy's production of "The Hush Sound" with Shawn O'Keefe. Earl wrote and produced 3 songs for Katt William’s ‘American Hustle’.  His hit song "Yakalelo" with French sensation "Nomads" earned a Diamond Record for it's success throughout Central Europe and North Africa.---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.EARL'S BIG FAT FIVEAlbum - Back In BlackArtist - ACDCRelease Year - 1980Key Track(s) - Back In BlackDrummer - Phill Rudd-Album - Time OutArtist - Dave BrubeckRelease Year - 1952Key Track(s) - Pick Up SticksDrummer - Joe Morello-Album - Moving PicturesArtist - RushRelease Year - 1981Key Track(s) - YYZDrummer - Neil Peart-Album - Glass MenagerieArtist - Billy CobhamRelease Year - 1982Key Track(s) - Observations and ReflectionsDrummer - Billy Cobham-Album - My Favorite ThingsArtist - John ColtraneRelease Year - 1961Key Track(s) - My Favorite ThingsDrummer - Elvin JonesHONORABLE MENTIONS-Album - Regatta de BlancArtist - The Police Release Year - 1979Key Track(s) - Walking on the MoonDrummer - Stuart Copeland -Album - Romantic WarriorArtist - Return to Forever Release Year - 1976Key Track(s) - Medieval Overture Drummer - Lenny White-Album - Van HalenArtist - Van HalenRelease Year - 1978Key Track(s) - Runnin with the DevilDrummer - Alex Van Halen -Album - By All Means NecessaryArtist - KRS One and Boogie Down ProductionsRelease Year - 1988Key Track(s) - I’m Still #1Drummer - (Sample, All the People- Cramp Your Style)-Album - Let’s DanceArtist - David BowieRelease Year - 1983Key Track(s) - Modern LoveDrummer - Omar Hakim -Album - The GameArtist - QueenRelease Year - 1980Key Track(s) - Another One Bites the DustDrummer - Roger Taylor- Album - NightclubbingArtist - Grace JonesRelease Year - 1981Key Track(s) - Pull Up to the BumperDrummer - Sly DunbarFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, our guest is Maxwell Flanders, a close friend of mine and pseudo-neighbor based in Los Angeles, California. He's a highly sought-after touring and session drummer who recently wrapped up touring with Lizzie McAlpine and is now preparing for a world tour with Luke Hemmings. I've admired Max's drumming for a long time; he plays with such creativity, and his selections today reflect why. I hope you enjoy learning about the five records that have influenced Maxwell Flanders into becoming the drummer he is today. Cheers!---Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!🎯 Click here to order now!Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.MAX'S BIG FAT FIVEAlbum - 1Artist - The BeatlesRelease Year - 2000Key Track(s) - Ticket to Ride, Paperback Writer, The Ballad of John and YokoDrummer - Ringo Star-Album - The NightflyArtist - Donald FagenRelease Year - 1982Key Track(s) - Ruby Baby, The Goodbye LookDrummer - Jeff Porcaro-Album - StuffArtist - StuffRelease Year - 1976Key Track(s) - Foots, (Do You) Want Some of This, Happy FarmsDrummer - Steve Gadd-Album - Tom Scott and the L.A. ExpressArtist - Tom ScottRelease Year - 1974Key Track(s) - Bless My Soul, Sneakin' In the Back, NunyaDrummer - John Guerin-Album - Wrecking BallArtist - Emmylou HarrisRelease Year - 1995Key Track(s) - Where Will I BeDrummer - Brian BladeFor more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices