Born in Brooklyn and raised in Massapequa, New York, Phantom grew up listening to his parents' jazz records and began playing drums by the age of ten. He took lessons with Mousie Alexander, who played with Benny Goodman, studying jazz and working through books by Jim Chapin and Ted Reed. By the late 1970s, he was playing in bands with his childhood friend, bassist Lee Rocker. They soon joined forces with guitarist Brian Setzer to form Stray Cats.[ When performing with Stray Cats, Phantom did...

Dane Clark is an Indiana native who has been honing his instrumental (drums, bass, guitar and keyboards) and songwriting skills from an early age. His early influences of British Invasion rock and Dylan era folk music still resonate in his musical vision. Clark began making a name for himself as a session drummer in the Indianapolis area in the early 1980’s. As well as 28 years with John Mellencamp, Dane has recorded with John Prine, Steve Earle, Ian Hunter, Janis Ian, Carrie Newcomer, The...

Originally from Syracuse NY, Wayne’s career as a recording session drummer began in the mid ‘90s in Nashville TN. Over the years his discography includes playing on Billboard #1 songs and #1 albums and recording 1000’s of songs with artists such as Luke Bryan, Lady Gaga, Blake Shelton, Lady A, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, Steve Winwood, Toby Keith, Kenny Rogers, and Lyle Lovett, Leon Russell, and countless hit songwriters. His studio experience led him into production, along with artist...

Growing up in a house full of musical instruments, Daxx gravitated towards the drums at a very early age. After high school Daxx traveled the US extensively with his original band, Harmony Riley. Upon the band's dissolution Daxx packed up and moved to Los Angeles where he quickly got into the studio and touring world. His first break was drumming for surf guitar pioneer Dick Dale. While on breaks from touring he formed A Fine Frenzy with singer/songwriter Alison Sudol. This led to jobs with...

Maxwell Schauf is a top call drummer that has called Nashville home since 1989. He has performed with Lonnie Mack, Clay Walker, Shelby Lynn, Ezra Mohawk and many others. He can be seen playing regularly at The famed Robert’s Western World with the band Brazilbilly and many others.    Some Things That Came Up:  -4:10 Brazilbilly and Robert’s Western World  -5:58 The “Roll” in “Rock N’ Roll”  -7:30 Playing Consistent low volume gigs  -9:00 The Wisconsin Accent  -12:20 Falling through the...

Neil is a renowned percussionist, accomplished music educator, imaginative product innovator, and successful entrepreneur. He is the founder and president of Grover Pro Percussion Inc., a market leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of world-class percussion instruments.  At the young age of 23, Neil was appointed Principal Percussionist of the Opera Company of Boston, a position he held for seven seasons.  As his career progressed, he found himself in demand for all musical...

Jorge Palacios is a top call drummer based in San Diego. He is know for working with artists such as Rick Springfield (since 2010), Paul Young, Tommy Tutone, The Mustard Seeds and many others.    Some Things That Came Up:    -3:25 Just finished tour backing up Rick Springfield, Paul Young and Tommy Tutone -5:05 Rick Springfield loves LOUD drums! -5:55 No Tinnitus -7:15 SR-16 with The Mustard Seeds band -9:30 Setlists have personalities  -10:00 The “Mystery Song” Slot -13:40 Taking...

Ryan Gruss  “The Fantasty Football of Music Making”  Ryan's journey in the music business began after graduating from The Berklee College of Music in 2000 with a degree in Musical Performance for Drums, and then moving to New York City to begin his "career" in the real world. It was during his second week at Atlantic when Ryan was approached by the HR department, asking if he was interested in becoming Ahmet Erteguns' (the legendary Founder and CEO of Atlantic) assistant. His mind was blown...

Mark "Taco" Annino, originally from Miami, FL is the Drummer/Music Director for country artist "Morgan Wallen" (Big Loud Record). "Taco", is currently touring full time as Morgan continues his rise in country music. Morgan received his first #1 on the country radio charts with the song “Up Down” (feat. Florida Georgia Line). Other top songs include, "Whiskey Glasses", "Chasin You", "More Than My Hometown" and "7 Summers". Morgan's sophomore album titled, "Dangerous" is Out NOW!, with lead off...

In Tyson’s own words:  “I have been playing professionally in clubs and venues all over the US and Globally since 1988. Originally from Kansas City, I migrated to Nashville to pursue my dream further to be in a touring act, Upon living here for three months, I landed the keyboard spot for 90s country superstar Tracy Lawrence.     Previous to my tenure with Lawrence, I performed with Corey Taylor of the heavy metal juggernaut Slipknot and Stone Sour in the short-lived band Corey Taylor and...

Chris Fryar is the longtime drummer with the Grammy award winning Zac Brown Band. He has also worked with Oteil and the Peacemakers, led by bassist Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers Band, Charles Neville, Victor Wooten, John Popper, Steve Bailey, David Hood, Robert Moore and the Wildcats, and the blues trio, Gravy.,,as well as Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Grohl, Chris Cornnewll, Brandi Carlile, John Fogerty, Skrillex and many more.    Some Things That Came Up:  -4:00...

Pete Abbott is an American drummer, percussionist, songwriter, producer, born in Los Angeles, CA, raised in Denver, CO, began playing drums at age 10. After High School, Abbott attended University of Miami's “Studio Music and Jazz” program. Pete has performed with The Average White Band, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Larry Carlton, Keb Mo, Bette Midler, Ashley Monroe and many others. Pete has called Nashville home for the last 15 years.    Some Things That Came Up:  -4:15 The Press Roll  -7:30...

Mike Brignardello is an award winning bassist who has been a staple of the Nashville recording scene for over four decades. He was also a founding member of the melodic hard rock outfit Giant. Mike’s discography is vast with credits ranging from Dolly Parton to Travis Tritt and everyone in between.    Some Things That Came Up:  -1:30 Gold Records -5:20 Stax Records and American Music Label in Memphis  -8:50 Born in Cuba. Started bass at 16  -10:10 Bass Duet with Chuck Rainey  -13:30...

Billy Freeman has been the touring drummer with country recording artist Dustin Lynch for over a decade. Billy also records, writes and produces from his home base of Nashville, Tn.    Things That Came Up:  -2:45 Growing up in Garland, Tx.  -3:00 The Big G Jamboree -4:00 Starting taking drum lessons at 4 years old -6:30 Eric Clapton and Gloria Estefan inspiration -7:30 Little Feat’s “Waiting For Columbus”  -9:00 Dan Wjociechowski and Mike McMiname -10:40 Jeff Henan, VHS Tapes and...

Jonathan Butler is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who leads a life few can imagine. Born in South Africa under the shadow of apartheid and raised in poverty, Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television. Though his musical abilities would take him away from the world he grew up in, Jonathan would neither forget the plight of his fellow South Africans, nor the man that led them to freedom. It is for this reason Nelson Mandela...

Kent Slucher:  Kent Slucher is the long time touring and performing drummer for country star Luke Bryan (Kent’s tenure began in 2008). At the ripe young age of 19, Kent began working as a drummer when he got his first touring gig with singer/songwriter Anthony Smith. Beyond Luke Bryan, Kent has also worked toured and recorded with Pam Tillis while also working and performing with such artists as Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Gatlin Brothers, Oak Ridge Boys, Suzy Boguss, James Otto, Bill...

One part drummer, one part coach, Mark Poiesz occupies a niche in the entertainment industry. Performing with artists such as Tyler Farr, Jon Secada, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lindsay Ell and Lita Ford has allowed him to share his signature energy on the drum kit with audiences across the globe. As a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, Mark helps ambitious creatives move through ambiguity and uncertainty towards the fulfillment of their own unique vision, in...

Ron was born in Dover, Delaware, the first of 4 children of Linda and Ron Wikso (the first). After finishing their tour of duty in the Air Force, his parents moved the family back to their native Long Island, New York where Ron lived from age 3 until adulthood.   Ron started playing drums at the age of 7 and studied privately with Larry Ramsden while growing up on Long Island. Along with his private studies, he played in several local bands and began playing his first professional gigs...

Drummer David Uosikkinen, is one of the founding members of Philadelphia’s own, The Hooters. In 2010, David formed his own band, David Uosikkinen’s "In The Pocket" to bring awareness to music education and to pay homage to all of the great music that has come out of Philadelphia. In The Pocket brings together all-star Philly musicians to cover classic Philadelphia tunes. David has played drums with The Hooters for over 40 years. He has also recorded and performed with Alice Cooper, Rod...

Tony started his professional career in the music industry in 1980 at the age of 16 years old. Playing drums since the age of 3 Tony had been pounding on his dad’s 1948 Radio King drum set that was a fixture in the basement of his Queens, NY home! Not only was Tony’s dad a professional musician but his grandfather and his great grandfather back in Italy were as well.  It seems that music was Tony’s destiny. With so many musicians in the family, Tony’s listening palette was broad and wide!...

David Northrup is a Nashville based touring, session drummer educator and international clinician who has recording and performance credits with a multitude of artists over varying genres. His versatile list of credits includes Rick Derringer, Boz Scaggs, John Waite, John Mellencamp, Les Dudek, The Disco Biscuits, Wynonna, Travis Tritt, John Michael Montgomery, The Oak Ridge Boys, T Graham Brown, Joe Diffie, Tanya Tucker, Jo-El Sonnier, Pam Tillis, Lee Greenwood, Doug Stone and Ty Herndon. He...

Denny Fongheiser grew up in the East Bay of San Francisco in San Leandro. Playing drums at a young age. He was influenced by the East Bay Funk and Soul scene of Oakland. His dream was to move to Los Angeles to play on records and tour with recording artists. Denny moved to LA at the age of 19 and not only achieved that dream, he became one of the most in-demand session and live drummers in the business.   Whether playing, producing, writing or arranging, Denny Fongheiser focuses on...

Brian Frasier Moore- Musical Director/Producer/Musician PERFORMED WITH: The Whitehead Brothers, Les Nubians, Jill Scott, Glenn Lewis, Aaliyah, Usher, Goodie Mob, Patti LaBelle, George Howard, Vivian Green, Bruce Parham(Gospel), Ernie Sanders(Gospel), Steve Middleton(Gospel), Vikter Duplaix, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Billy Paul, Bunny Sigler,Teddy Pendergrass, James Poyser, Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, Ciara, Eric Benet, Ginuine, Toni Braxton, Keny "Babyface" Edmonds, Christina...

Based in Austin, TX, Tom was the drummer and music director for singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen from 1997 until Robert retired from touring in September of 2022. Before that, he was the original drummer for the Dixie Chicks. In addition, he has been very active as a freelance drummer, both live and in the studio, for a variety of artists including Cross Canadian Ragweed, the Platters, Bo Diddley, Ricky Skaggs, Larry Coryell, Tyler Childers and Lee Ann Womack..... As a member of the Austin...

Mike Terrana is an American drummer, known principally in the hard rock genre. His first professional work was in 1984 with the Toronto Canada based rockers “Hanover Fist” (MCA records), after which he recorded and toured with various bands, playing various rock bands in New York State.   Between 1987 and 1997, Terrana was based out Los Angeles, and began working with Artists like Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony Macalpine, Steve Lukather (Toto), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), and Beau...