Episodes
John’s guest is the great Sonny Emory! In this episode, John and Sonny get into Sonny’s long and prolific career, going back to his clinic tour with Terry Bozzio in 1986, where he took the drum community and the world by storm. His long stint with Earth Wind & Fire and work with Joe Sample, David Sanborn, Steely Dan, Bette Midler, Bruce Hornsby, Eric Clapton (playing alongside Steve Gadd) and much more! John and Sonny reminisce about their history and travels together, along with some...
Published 02/09/23
Published 02/09/23
John’s guest is drumming legend, Tris Imboden! John and Tris do a deep dive into Tris’ incredible and prolific career, going back to his first band that was signed to a record deal “Honk” over 50 years ago, to Tris joining Kenny Loggins’ band in the late 1970s and the string of Kenny Loggins hits he played on. His work as a session drummer, joining the legendary band “Chicago”in 1990 where he held the drum chair for almost 30 years, before retiring from the band in 2018. Lots of great...
Published 02/02/23
John’s guest is independent, master cymbal maker, Paul Francis. John and Paul discuss their long history and share stories of their time working together at Zildjian, including remembering their friend and mentor, the great Armand Zildjian. Paul talks about his early years of developing cymbal ideas with legendary drummers like Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jeff Hamilton and Adam Nussbaum, and honing his skills into becoming a highly respected, master cymbal maker and head of Research &...
Published 01/26/23
John’s guest is world renowned drummer, educator and author, John Riley. John talks about his 30 plus years as the drummer with the legendary Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, his early studies with Joe Morello, and his long association with Manhattan School of Music. They also do a deep dive into John’s new book, “The Master Drummer” and his previous best selling books “Art of Bop Drumming” and “Beyond Bop Drumming” which are considered classic and essential drumming resources. John also relates the...
Published 01/19/23
John’s guest is Nashville drummer, Rich Redmond. Rich is best known for his 24 years as the drummer for Country star Jason Aldean, but he’s also an author, educator/clinician, motivational speaker, and actor. In this episode we get an inside look at Rich’s incredible work ethic, positive attitude and his road to success. Rich discusses the many facets of his career including graduating from North Texas State, his move to Nashville and establishing himself in the Nashville scene, being a...
Published 01/12/23
A special Holiday episode of "Live From My Drum Room" with John’s old friends dropping by to spread some Holiday Cheer! Steve Gadd, David Garibaldi, Jack Bruno, Eddie Tuduri, Steve Smith, Todd Sucherman, Jeff Hamilton, Gregg Bissonette, Anton Fig, Joe Franco, Dave Mattacks, Rob Wallis and Robyn Flans all stopped by for a casual hang and many great stories and laughs were shared! We also remembered the late great Dino Danelli.   Please subscribe to our Youtube. Advertising Inquiries:...
Published 01/05/23
John’s guest is Eddie Tuduri. Eddie shares his incredible life story including playing drums for major acts like The Beach Boys, Rick Nelson, Dwight Yoakum, Dobie Gray, Dr. John and many more, to his surfing accident in 1997 which left him temporarily paralyzed. Being the founder and director of The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) and the great work they do. Throughout it all, Eddie remains a positive and inspiring force, and a beloved member of the Drum Community. Please subscribe to John’s...
Published 12/29/22
John’s guest is the great Jack Bruno! Jack is known for his always tasty playing and solid groove and in this episode, Jack talks about his Motown influences and “less is more” approach to playing a solid pocket. His early days in the Boston club scene, moving to Los Angeles in 1976 and his first major gig playing with Tina Turner, which would last over 30 years. He also discussed his long tenure playing with Joe Cocker, playing with Peter Frampton, Delbert McClinton and his current gig with...
Published 12/22/22
John’s guest is percussionist Taku Hirano. In this episode Taku talks about attending Berklee College of Music, his classmates who have also gone on to be successful in the music industry and his first break in the business. John and Taku do a deep dive into Taku’s extensive resume, including touring with Fleetwood Mac and working out percussion parts with Mick Fleetwood, Lindsey Buckingham, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Bette Midler, Josh Groban, John Mayer and currently with LeAnn Rimes....
Published 12/15/22
John’s guest is the great Chris Parker! In this episode, Chris talks about starting out on the drums at age three and playing professionally by 11. Chris and John do a deep dive into Chris’ incredible and prolific career. Meeting Will Lee in 1972, moving from Woodstock to New York City and breaking into the New York recording scene in the early 1970s. Joining the band that would be known as “Stuff” and later playing double drums with Steve Gadd. Touring with the Brecker Brothers, Boz Scaggs,...
Published 12/08/22
Dave Weckl returns to "Live From My Drum Room" for an entire episode dedicated to questions and answers from his many fans. Dave answered questions for over an hour, on a variety of subjects, from listeners and fans around the world. This is a masterclass and a must watch episode! Subscribe to John’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom Podcast: https://linktr.ee/live_from_my_drum_room
Published 12/01/22
John’s guest is legendary drummer and founding member of "Creedence Clearwater Revival," Doug “Cosmo” Clifford. John and Doug do a deep dive into CCR’s incredible catalog, with Doug sharing his insights into CCR’s history, song development, and his approach to creating his iconic drum parts. Doug talks about his association with Camco drums and Paiste in 1969, including his famous 18” hi hats, and gives a breakdown of the gear he used on those iconic CCR records, the Netflix documentary...
Published 11/24/22
John’s guest is the legendary and incomparable, Jim Keltner! John and Jim discuss Jim’s incredible and prolific career starting with his first recording, Gary Lewis and the Playboys’ “Just My Style.” Continuing with his work with Bob Dylan, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Gary Wright, Steely Dan, The Traveling Wilburys and much more! Jim opens up about his friends and drumming contemporaries Hal Blaine, Earl Palmer, Jim Gordon, Levon Helm, Jeff Porcaro,...
Published 11/17/22
John’s guest this week is legendary studio drummer John JR Robinson. In this episode, JR talks about attending Berklee College in Boston in the early/mid 1970s where his classmates included Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Casey Scheuerell and Kenwood Dennard, and studying with Alan Dawson and Gary Chaffee. Going on the road with his show band and meeting and joining Rufus and Chaka Khan and moving to Los Angeles, which was a pivotal point in his career. After meeting Quincy Jones, JR became one...
Published 11/10/22
John’s guest is legendary master percussionist, Luis Conte. Luis discusses moving from his native Santiago, Cuba to Los Angeles at age 15, and his first big break touring with "The Hues Corporation.” John and Luis do a deep dive into Luis’ incredible and prolific career as a first call studio and touring percussionist with artists such as Madonna, Phil Collins and Jackson Browne, and some great stories including his audition for Madonna’s band, playing drums with Phil Collins' big band and...
Published 11/03/22
John’s guest this week is Joshua Simonds, Executive Director of PAS (Percussive Arts Society). In this episode, Joshua discusses his musical and business background, his role at PAS, the upcoming Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), November 9-12, in Indianapolis, IN and some of the artists appearing this year. Other topics include the PASIC artist application process, a preview of this year’s PAS Hall of Fame Inductees and PAS Award Recipients, and much more! Please...
Published 10/27/22
For the 100th episode of Live From My Drum Room, John's guest is the legendary Dave Weckl! In this episode, Dave talks about touring and his latest projects, his early drumming influences with great insights into Buddy Rich, his online drum school, his philosophy for achieving his live drum sound, his recording studio, engineering and much, much more! A must watch episode! Be sure to subscribe to Live From My Drum Room: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom...
Published 10/20/22
In this week’s episode, John talks with drummer, educator and product designer, Pat Petrillo. John and Pat do a deep dive into Pat’s latest and critically acclaimed record, "The Power Station Sessions” which features Nile Rodgers, John Popper, Oz Noy, Lenny Pickett, Felecia Collins and Glen Burtnik. Pat takes us into the recording process, his instrument choices, and song material. Pat also talks about drummers that influenced him, his years in drum corps and developing technique, and much...
Published 10/13/22
This week's episode is a rebroadcast of a show that originally aired live on October 17, 2020 with two of the greatest, most prolific drummers on the planet and two of John’s best friends, legendary drummers Steve Gadd and Rick Marotta! Steve and Rick shared stories of their days coming up in New York as first call session players, how they met and became great friends, and lots of great stories and hilarious moments. With a surprise guest appearance by Will Lee! Buckle your seatbelt and...
Published 10/06/22
John’s guest this week is the incredible Marco Minnemann! In this episode Marco talks about his recent tour with his band “The Aristocrats” and their process for writing and recording music. Marco also discusses his concept for independence and how he applies it to music, recording in his home studio and achieving his sound. John and Marco shared stories of their time together on the road on various clinic tours. Marco discussed the aspirational aspect of drumming and how hopes his playing...
Published 09/29/22
In this episode, John’s guest is the great Clem Burke. Clem talks about his formative years playing snare drum and later bass drum in The Bridgemen Drum & Bugle Corps, playing in rock bands as a teenager, the New York club scene in the 70s, and joining Blondie in 1975. Blondie’s recent sold-out tour and newly released archival box set, “Against The Odds.” John and Clem do a deep dive into Clem’s signature drum parts on several Blondie tracks, as well as Clem’s style, technique, and...
Published 09/22/22
Part 4 of John DeChristopher's series Remembering Charlie Watts. John's guests were Jim Keltner, Vinnie Colaiuta, Charley Drayton, Pete Thomas, Anton Fig and Aaron Comess. They shared some beautiful stories about Charlie and even turned to Ringo, as drummers often do. Hold on to your hats because this is one of the best. Check out John's other episodes of "Live From My Drum Room" and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom
Published 09/15/22
Part 3 of John DeChristopher's series Remembering Charlie Watts. A fabulous discussion with drumming legends, Simon Kirke (Bad Company/Free) Steve Gorman (Black Crowes/Trigger Hippy), Gregg Bissonette (Ringo Starr All Star Band) and Don McAulay (Charlie's drum tech and currently Steve Jordan's drum tech). Check out John’s other episodes of "Live From My Drum Room With John DeChristopher!” and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom
Published 09/08/22
Recored October 11, 2021 Part 2 of my series Remembering Charlie Watts. A fabulous and often hilarious discussion with Steve Smith, Kenny Aronoff, Dave Mattacks, Chad Smith, Mickey Curry, Shawn Pelton, Clem Burke and Don McAulay. Please check out "Part 1" if you haven't already and stay tuned for "Part 3"! Check out John’s other episodes of "Live From My Drum Room” and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom
Published 09/01/22