#490 Michael Burritt- Percussionist, Educator, Composer, and More!
This week’s guest is Michael Burritt. Having performed on four continents and more than forty states, Michael Burritt is one of his generation’s leading percussionists. He is in frequent demand, performing concert tours and master classes throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada. Mr. Burritt has been soloist with the United States Air Force Band, Dallas Wind Symphony, Omaha Symphony, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Nexus, Third Coast Percussion, Ju Percussion Group (Taiwan), Percussion Art Quartet (Germany) and the Amores Percussion Group (Spain). Mr. Burritt has three solo as well as numerous chamber recordings. In 2018 he recorded his Home Trilogy with the world-renowned percussion group Nexus, and is soon to release a new recording of solo and chamber works by Alejandro Viñao with the Grammy Award-winning Third Coast Percussion. In 2006 he recorded the Joseph Schwantner Percussion Concerto with the Calgary Wind Ensemble on the Albany label.
He has been a featured artist at nine Percussive Arts Society International Conventions. In 1992 he presented his New York solo debut in Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall and in 1998 performed his London debut in the Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Mr. Burritt has extensive chamber and orchestral experience and has performed with the Chicago Chamber Musicians, The Chicago Symphony, Nexus, Third Coast Percussion and the The Peninsula Music Festival Orchestra.
Mr. Burritt is also active as a composer, with three concertos to his credit as well as numerous solo and chamber works for marimba and percussion. His works for solo marimba have become standard repertoire for the instrument, and are frequently required repertoire on international competitions. Commissions include The World Marimba Competition in Stuttgart Germany, The Paris International Marimba Competition, Nexus and the Paris Percussion Group. Mr. Burritt is published with Keyboard Percussion Publications, C. Alan, Masters Music, and Innovative Percussion. Burritt is also an artist/clinician and product design/consultant for Malletech, where he has developed his own line of marimba mallets and the MJB Signature Marimba. He is an artist/educational clinician with the Zildjian Company, Evans Drum Heads, and Yamaha Drums. Mr. Burritt is the President Elect of Percussive Arts Society, was a member of the Board of Directors from 1996 to2008, a contributing editor for Percussive Notes magazine from 1991 to 2006 and was chairman of the PAS Keyboard Committee from 2004 to 2010.
Michael Burritt is currently Professor of Percussion and chair of the Winds, Brass, and Percussion department at the Eastman School of Music. He is only the third person in the history of the school to hold this position. Prior to his appointment at Eastman, Mr. Burritt was Professor of Percussion at Northwestern University from 1995 to 2008, where he developed a program of international distinction. Mr. Burritt received his Bachelor (’84) and Master of Music (’86) Degrees, as well as the prestigious Performers Certificate, from the Eastman School of Music.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Camilo Molina (Episode #21 and Episode #355) Camilo is a thirty-two year old accomplished percussionist from New York City. At the age of two, Camilo began studying with Los Pleneros de la 21 – a community based group dedicated to playing folkloric Puerto Rican music – in their children’s workshop. It was as a student in the workshops where Camilo met his first teachers: Alberto “Tito” Cepeda and Juan Gutierrez. Advancing in skill through the years, Camilo has progressed from a student to a teacher for the community workshops offered by Los Pleneros de la 21. At the age of Four, also Camilo began to study at Boys Harbor Conservatory of Latin Music with renowned percussionists Johnny Almendra and Louie Bauzó. Camilo is also a graduate of The Julliard School of Music (2003) under the MAP/PATH programs.
In the fall of 2000, Camilo had the honor of being selected as one of ten semifinalists to compete in the Thelonious Monk International Afro-Latin Hand Drum Competition. He went on to become a finalist and was selected as the third place winner, who, at age ten was the youngest finalist in the 14-year history of the competition. That year, Camilo received a proclamation from the City Council of New York honoring him for his musical talents and achievements. He was also the recipient of the Celia Cruz Scholarship (2004) and The Harbor Achievement Award (2001). Camilo has recorded on 3 Grammy Award Nominated albums (Eddie Palmieri’s “Rumbero de Piano”, Los Pleneros de la 21’s “Para Todos Ustedes” and Papo Vazquez’s “Marooned/Aislado”) and contributed his talents to an Emmy Award winning documentary, Banco Populars “Sono, Sono: Tribute to Tite Curet”.
Camilo continues to make a name for himself early in his career, performing with acts varying in musical genres and styles. He is currently on tour as a member of Eddie Palmieri’s Orchestra. In addition, he has toured, recorded and performed with artists such as Santana, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Grusin, Los Pleneros de la 21, Miguel Zenón, Elio Villafranca, Teatro Pregones, Viento de Agua, John Santos, The Pimps of Joytime, Adonis Puentes, Iffy the Badman, Angel "Papo" Vasquez, Tato Torres y Yerbabuena, The Curtis Brothers, Sonido Solar, Jeremy Bosch, and many more.
Happy Birthday to Eric Kalb! Southpaw drummer Eric Kalb is a versatile musician who enjoys playing groove based music. A devotee of R&B and Soul drumming, his improvisational aesthetic is colored by sudden bursts of rock aggression. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Eric is a multi-faceted studio and touring drummer whose “energetic and exhilarating style” (Jazz Times) keeps him in constant demand.
Over the course of his twenty-year career Kalb has taken to both studio and stage with a dazzling cavalcade of influential and innovative artists. He’s laid it down hard for the supernatural force of Miss Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, the seven-string guitar wizardry of Charlie Hunter, jazz guitarist John Scofield and living organ Legend Dr. Lonnie Smith; to name but a few. Hunter calls Kalb’s drumming “A funky Clyde Stubblefield/ Jabo Starks kinda way of relating (to Jazz) …really cool and refreshing“. Recent recording sessions include soundtracks for the major motion pictures “American Gangster” and “Walk Hard:The Dewey Cox Story“.
Kalb’s obsession with hitting things began in his tenth year growing up with his family on Long Island, when he picked up some drum sticks and discovered what those around him had long suspected – that God made him funky. Fueled by his love for Led Zeppelin, The Stones and The Beatles, Eric focused his energies into qualifying for a coveted position at The Cultural Arts Center in Syosset, NY. It was here, under the tutelage of the late David Burns Sr. that he was introduced to Jazz and it’s history as told through Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Art Taylor. These lessons formed the very bedrock of his style and informed the trajectory of his passion.
After high school Eric took a whirlwind trip through Berklee College of Music, here he immersed himself in Latin music with the late Ed Uribe, learned through the soaring jazz drumming of John Ramsey and played with musicians from all over the world. Soon Eric was ready to leave the constraints of formal education and forge his own way ahead. Kalb formed Funk/Rock sensation Deep Banana Blackout shortly thereafter. The band scorched its way through the east Coast Jam band scene, toured with the Allman Brothers and co-billed with Maceo Parker. They still reform yearly to the enraptured chants of a dedicated crowd of followers in the North East.
In May of 2012 Kalb was the drummer for a massive recreation of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On concert at Kennedy Center in Washington DC. This concert featured John Legend, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings and The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Steven Reineke.
Happy Birthday to Bobby Allende! Bobby Allende is one of the first call-session percussionists who have grown beyond his core specialty of salsa. His versatile style has led him to work with the likes of David Byme, Grover Washington, Jr., and Gato Barbieri. Allende is currently performing and recording with Marc Anthony. In the Afro-Cuban arena, Allende is one of the few percussionists that is equally adept on conga, bongo, or timbale. Having moved into a larger area of music, he has embraced a broader spectrum of percussion to not only color the music, but to propel it using his aggressive style of New York playing. -Read More
Happy Birthday to Aaron Draper (Episode #10 and Episode #77) In the Beginning: Like many young musicians-to-be, Draper gained his first exposure to live music in the church and begin to play the drums at the age of nine. As Draper started to develop his skills as a drummer, he started to branch out and play for various churches around Philly. Draper recalls in those early years learning "you got to pay attention, follow the service, stay on the beat, stay in the pocket, but also play from the heart."
As he got older, Draper received a different kind of hands-on musical education at Gratz High School. There, Draper developed some jazz chops and began to learn theory. This time proved to be a turning point for the budding musician, (still primarily a drum set player), as he consumed not only what he was hearing in the church and in
school, but also the work of musicians like Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Giovanni Hidalgo, Pancho Sanchez, Sheila E., Tito Puente, Jaco Pastorius, Weather Report, The Yellowjackets, and fellow Philadelphians Brian Moore and John Roberts. Meanwhile, radio staples like the The Winans, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson.
After high school, Draper hit the road running, foregoing college and taking various rap, jazz, and soul gigs, which eventually led to a steady job with acclaimed soul outfit Jazzyfatnastees. Draper progressively moving up the industry food chain played in local festival events with visiting rap and hip-hop artists, including Doug.
E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, and Common.
Mentoring: In 2001, Draper met Questlove drummer/producer for THE ROOTS. Questlove quickly took an interest in the young musician and wrote down more than a hundred names of artists that he thought Draper should listen to and study, with James Brown at the top of the list.
Questlove left a huge impression on Draper so much so Draper was dubbed "Babyquest". He went as far as to wear the signature Questlove afro. At this point Draper was starting his transition from drum set to percussion, and began experimenting with a percussion setup in church. Questlove took note of the transition which led to an
opportunity to occasionally sub for Roots percussionist Frank Knuckles, which allowed Draper to gain some exposure as he covered dates in various cities. The more he got a chance to play out and work with bands from behind his new world – a percussion rig – the more Draper honed what would become his signature and sought-after
sound on his new instrument.
Big Break: Later in 2001, Jay-Z gave Draper his biggest breakto date. The rapper/producer/music exec had noted Draper’stalent at the local rap festivals in Philadelphia, and asked the 19-year-old to join him on his MTV Unplugged appearance. Draper thought ’How’d this happen?’" One listen to "Big Pimpin’" fromJay-Z Unplugged answers his question – the fluidity in Draper’splaying is so undeniable, the cowbell and woodblock pattern soin the pocket, that you forget that you are involuntarily bobbing your head, even as Jay-Z starts chiming in with acall-to-action: "Bounce! Bounce! Bounce!" On his cut and others from the broadcast, Draperfocus is now like a seasoned player on the heartof each song, and providing that steady flow of rhythm that keeps circling back to the heart.
Everything Draper does on this track, and on the majority of the Unplugged session, revolvesaround this approach – the product of a bornlistener.
In 2005, Draper would get his second major break when he started touring with powerful soul songstress Jill Scott.Throughout the years Draper has shared the stage with other accomplished artists. Draper’s resume is brimming with high-profile gigs such as: Common; Karen Clark-Shears; LL Cool J; Eminen and Dr. Dre. Yet the percussionist remains wide-eyed and humble about his success,the exposure, and traveling the world.
In the Lab: Draper’s skills extend beyond the stage. He has proven himself as a valuable asset in the studio and has recorded with Neo-Soul artists: Jill Scott; Musiq Soul Child; and Bilal. Draper made his debut in 2011 as a producer on Jill Scott’s "Light of the Sun" album with the song entitled "I Love You".
In Style: However, he also knows that he has something special that keeps his phone ringing. Through trial and error, going back to his church band days, through listening sessions with Questlove and his earliestgigs in Philly, Draper developed a sound that works pointedly for this particular brand of music. Andoriginality and self-awareness are hot commodities when you’re a professional.
Draper’s style, ability and energy aren’t only notice by A-list artists, but by the music industry at large. In2011 Draper was awarded "PERFORMER OF THE YEAR" by Drum Magazine.
To Sum It All Up. So the kid from 22nd Street in North Philadelphia and the hometown church bands hasquickly become a seasoned pro, holding down the beat with flavor and originality for some of the biggestnames in gospel, hip-hop and R&B. "When I’m called to do a gig, I bring heart and passion, so I give my all" Draper explains.
Happy Birthday to Mike Robinson! Mike is a Los Angeles Based drummer with years of touring and recording experience. He has performed live and/or on record with K.Flay, Del Water Gap, JOSEPH, Blame My Youth, morgxn, The Chain Gang of 1974 and many more. He also host’s the podcast and instagram page, Food on Tour.
Happy Birthday to Sarah Gallo! She is a travel blogger, social media expert and owns a consulting company. This is her bio so you can learn more about her…..
Hi, I’m Sarah, The Five Foot Traveler, and I choose to dream out loud. After conquering a crippling fear of flying, I’ve developed an unquenchable passion for traveling. Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 112 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. My highlights include paragliding through the Swiss Alps, ringing in the New Year on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, jumping off the world's highest bungee bridge in South Africa, trekking through Patagonia, seeing sea lions bathe their newborn pups in the Galapagos Islands, hiking from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee in Israel, bushcamping in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and polar plunging in Antarctica on Christmas Day.
The reality is that I hunger for more. I want to eliminate the stereotype and prove that women can hang with the guys, even someone only five feet tall! Because of my size and gender, people are concerned for me when I travel. No, I won’t get kidnapped in Brazil or sold as a sex slave in Thailand or become infected with Ebola in Africa – I refuse to live my life in fear. I will not shy away from anyone, anything or anyplace. I have been chased by Jordanian thugs, unceremoniously dumped from a bus in the middle of the Argentinean desert, eaten caterpillars with African tribes, and swam in the icy waters of Antarctica on Christmas Day.
I want to leave my footprint on the world, all while smiling, laughing, and discovering our extraordinary planet. More than anything in my life, traveling has prepared me for adult independence. From planning trips, to navigating foreign cities, to fostering international friendships, I've learned more about myself than I ever did in University. It's forced me to put myself out there, to figure out the answers to my own questions, to manage my own finances, and to be creative when confronted with unexpected roadblocks. It's taught me to appreciate the life that I've been given by opening my eyes to various cultures and customs worldwide.
Happy Birthday to Hal Rosenfeld! Hal Rosenfeld is equal-parts composer, music producer, percussionist, and orchestrator whose work can be heard in nearly 250 films, television shows, and video games.
Hailed for his extreme versatility, creativity, and expansive production across all genres, Hal has been involved with projects that have garnered Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony recognition, including The Greatest Showman, Fosse/Verdon, In the Heights, Only Murders in the Building, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2023), and Laufey's sophomore album Bewitched.
He recently co-scored NBC’s highly-acclaimed primetime sitcom American Auto and produced songs for Paramount’s upcoming Robbie Williams biopic Better Man (directed by The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey). In March 2024, Hal was appointed by the U.S. Embassy of Egypt as musical director for their 2024 Egyptian International Women’s Day Concert and has music-directed acts for Junior Eurovision, Lollapalooza, and international stadium tours, including Rosa Linn's opening spot on Ed Sheeran's 2024 Mathematics Tour. In 2019, he co-produced the music for FX’s Emmy-winning miniseries Fosse/Verdon, starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams, under Hamilton music director Alex Lacamoire.
He is prominently featured on blockbuster soundtracks such as Top Gun: Maverick, Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Chicken Run 2, Fortnite, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and groundbreaking Netflix series The Witcher.
Working outside of film and television, Hal has appeared with Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Hozier, Yoko Ono, Kanye West, Jonas Brothers, Hans Zimmer, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Sting, Imogen Heap, Cuco, and Rosa Linn, as well as on albums that total millions of unit sales and over 1 billion Spotify streams, globally. His orchestrations have been performed by symphonic orchestras worldwide, including the LA Philharmonic, China Philharmonic, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; he is a recurring musical guest on Sweden’s TV variety show Bingolotto.
Aside from music, he actively raises funds and awareness to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Hal currently lives in Los Angeles, where he once made prolonged eye contact with Emma Watson at a party.
Gig Alerts
Friend of the show, Jeffrey Barudin has posted new job openings on his website. Check ‘em out and sign up for his newsletter.
The Outside Days Festival is happening May 29-31 in Denver, CO. Friend of the show, Jason McGerr will be performing with Death Cab for Cutie.
The CMA Fest will be happening in Nashville, TN from June 4-7.
Damon will be on tour with Ziggy Marley this summer.
Educational Spotlight
Michael Burritt will be participating in the HKBU Percussion Camp in Hong Kong from July 22-25 with Pius Cheung, and Eriko Daimo.
Designed for aspiring and experienced percussionists, this exclusive camp offers personalised 1-on-1 lessons with leading artists, inspiring masterclasses and open performance sessions, ensemble coaching, and a diverse percussion repertoire that includes original compositions by Michael Burritt and Pius Cheung. Participants will also get performance opportunities in student recitals and at the closing concert.
PASIC registration is now open. Prices increase on June 16th.
You can also renew your PAS membership to get a discounted price as well as reserve your hotel room.
Iconic Recording
Michael chose three songs, but the first one was, “Old Days” by Chicago, from the album Chicago VIII. Danny Seraphine played drums and Laudir de Oliveira played percussion on the album.
The current percussion section includes friends of the show, Ray Yslas and Wally Reyes.
Music News
Ricky Martin concert abruptly halted by a violent tear gas explosion. After the place was aired out, Martin simply returned to the stage and finished the gig -Article
Glad everyone is ok, especially Ricky’s current percussion section and friends of the show, Paulo Stagnaro and Tony Escapa.
A group of state attorneys general demand the breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster a month after the trial that determined them to be a monopoly. -Article
A federal lawmaker has reintroduced the Protect Working Musicians Act, which is designed to enable indie musicians “to collectively negotiate music licensing terms with” on-demand streaming and gen AI platforms. -Article
Michael Burritt Interview
The song leading into the interview is, “Shadow Chaser” by Michael.
Damon talks about meeting Michael at PASIC during the NBA Playoffs. (Go KNICKS!!!)
Michael is being inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame this year!
Michael is the past president of the Percussive Arts Society.
Michael is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan.
Michael talks about things he looks for in prospective students.
Damon mentions that it is still mental health awareness month. Michael talks about how he checks in with students. He talks about his mentoring program.
Michael gives some insight on his path to becoming a soloist.
Michael started teaching at Kent State University before Northwestern University, before returning to Eastman.
He mentions having other things that are of interest besides playing. Like composing as well, especially for other groups. Being a multi-hyphenate is normal these days.
Christine sets the record straight on how to pronounce the musician that plays the flute.
Michael talks about his mom and dad, both as musicians, and the support they gave him.
Michael grew up outside of Syracuse and attended West Genesee High School, where his dad Bruce, was the band director.
Michael has done some product development for companies like Malletech.
Michael talks about a work/life balance.
Michael’s honorable mention for the iconic recordings are, "Lucretia Mac Evil" and “God Bless the Child” by Blood Sweat and Tears as well as “In The Stone” by Earth, Wind, and Fire”
Shout-out to Michael’s parents, Gordon Stout, (friend of the show) John Beck, (friend of the show) Leigh Howard Stevens, Steve Gadd, and his colleagues and students.
Michael uses Malletech Mallets and Instruments, Yamaha Drums, and Zildjian Cymbals.
You can follow Michael on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The song leading out of the interview is “White Pines” by Michael Burritt.
