#492 Doug Yowell- Drummer, Engineer, Producer, Educator and More!
This week’s guest is Doug Yowell! Here is Doug’s bio, in his own words.
“I was born in Ridgewood, NJ as the last of six kids that all played music. There was already a set of drums in the house and at the age of three I was completely drawn to both the rhythmic quality of the instrument as well as melody. My father was a jazz musician in the 50's who had the great opportunity of playing with Charlie Parker, Zoot Simms, Gerry Mulligan and many others. Through his love and encouragement I was given an endless supply of life force to dig into as hard as I wanted. My Dad was always an artist. No matter what he decided to do with his mind and his hands, he could create it. It never mattered how difficult it was and through him I realize now that he created an environment to open the imagination as wide as possible and taught me, without ever speaking the words, that this kind of exploration was completely normal and necessary to reach the end result. Dad… I love you and I am forever grateful.
Jazz for me was influencing the idea that a conversation could be spoken through the instruments and players. The spectrum of music in the house was vast between all of my brothers and sisters who all played and sang ranging from Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Joni Mitchell, Gladys Knight, Ruben Blades, Elton John, James Taylor and on and on. I remember vividly telling my dad at three years old that I wanted to be a drummer and that I was going to play with Elton John. Although he wasn't there to see it, I recorded for Elton John on a new version of "Are you ready for love”. It appeared on the Disney film Sherlock Gnomes. My drive and passion never ceased. I had great teachers at a young age and by the time I was 16 years old I was studying with Jazz drumming legend Peter Erskine, who took me under his wing and not only taught me many conceptual approaches but brought me on countless live gigs, recording sessions, rehearsals and sound checks to watch guys like Michael Brecker, Steps Ahead, Eliane Elias, Bob Mintzer and so many others including Vince Mendoza for whom I recorded a snare drum étude with Peter to open one of the pieces. Being in the room with these masters were the greatest lessons of all. Up close and right there.
I began recording session work at age fourteen, gaining as much experience as I could with great engineers and producers. Having known David Lasley and Luther Vandross since I was eleven years old, I began working with both of them in the studio and live in LA when I was twenty. My first touring experience was with Sophie B. Hawkins.
Things really started to change when I met NYC bassist and now close friend Mike Visceglia as well as guitar great Marc Shulman. They both helped me tremendously in fusing my drumming with the art of working with the singer / songwriter. They were completely honest with me about what was needed and what could be improved upon and I found myself working as hard as possible in the NYC scene where I met one of the greatest influences I’ve had to date, Gerry Leonard. Gerry introduced me to Duncan Sheik to work on a play that was being formed for Broadway called ‘Spring Awakening’. At the same time I was called in to record for Suzanne Vega, who I had been admiring for years. Before I knew it I was recording on both of their records and touring with them back to back around the world for 20 plus years. In both situations I was starting to get into the technology of using a laptop live and integrating it into my set up as an extension of the instrument which has become a whole new world for me. Duncan was a great catalyst for this.
My musical appreciation and love for the art of it is a driving force that wakes me up first thing in the morning, because I can’t wait to start another day. Having a home studio has also been great for me to be able to explore my creativity and at the same time record tracks for people all over the world.
I’m very busy touring these days as well as recording records, movie soundtracks, jingles etc. I’ve been fortunate to work with many great artists along the way either appearing on records or sharing the stage. Sharon Corr, Joe Jackson, Elton John, Sharon Corr, Suzanne Vega, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, Jackson Browne, Willie Nelson, Stephen Stills, Duncan Sheik, Judy Collins, Desmond Child, Phoebe Snow, Robbie Dupree, Ari Hest , Laura Pausini, Eros Ramazzotti, Wet Leg, Donna Lewis and many, many more. I grew up wanting to play with my heroes like the legendary Will Lee on bass and he's not only become a great friend but a true mentor.
Producers such as Kevin Killen, Patrick Leonard, Mark Plati, Neil Dorfsman, Rupert Hine, Mark Ronson, Duncan Sheik, and Gerry Leonard have also contributed so much to my knowledge of the process. Will Lee taught me everything I know about how hard to prepare. The ultimate pro who’s literally done it all and continues to be the most sought after bass player / musical director out there today. I’m so fortunate to have had the teachers, mentors, engineers, producers and musicians who’ve helped me along the way and proud to call them my dear friends.
My passion for music and drums is increasing every single day…. I’m a seeker of sound and texture. The conventional ideas of this instrument holds no boundary and I’m forever discovering ways to achieve this. Nothing is more important to me than feel and dynamic. When you’re surrounded by real artists and the love you share is part of the music, a level is reached that can’t happen any other way. A person’s ears are the most important part of any instrument along with the ability to be present in that moment and only that moment.
Much love,
~ Doug”
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Pedro Segundo! Pedro Segundo is one of the most in-demand percussionists and drummers on the international circuit.
Known for his infectious and enthusiastic playing style in any genre, 2017 sees him on tour with Judith Owen, as well as performing with the Kansas Smittys at their own Club in Broadway market and festivals around UK and Europe.
He is releasing later this year his first album SEGUNDO STANLEY Hammond organ duo on 25th October 2017 at Kansas Smitty’s Jazz bar.
As well as his skill as a jazz drummer, Pedro is an accomplished classical artist having performed with Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Gulbenkian Orchestra working with artists including Edward Gardner, Murray Perahia, Joshua Bell, Sir Colin Davis and Sir John Elliott Gardner.
Pedro was born in Lisbon in 1988 and began drumming at the tender age of eight years old, studying at Lisbon’s Conservatoire under classical timpanists and percussionists Carlos Voss and Carlos Girao. Pedro’s passion and dedication to the performance of jazz music developed whilst visiting Barcelona for the prestigious Taller de Music Summer School, under the likes of Pablo Posa, Vicens Soler and Riqui Sabates. He then went on to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama: rehearsing during the day, and learning from the best at Ronnie Scott’s each night. He was picked up by Ronnie’s in 2010 to be the house drummer with Ronnie Scotts All stars, following in the footsteps of the late great Chris Dagley.
Recent recordings include Ronnie Scott’s All Stars Live at the Club, ‘Dennis Rollins’ Symbiosis (available on Dogwithabone Music), Judith Owens’ Ebb and Flow and as part of the debut album of the Kansas Smitty’s House Band.
Happy Birthday to Joe Bergamini (Episode #289 and Episode #421)! Joe maintains a diverse career as a drumming performer and educator. Enjoying various styles of playing, he is known for his progressive rock drumming in the bands Happy the Man and 4Front, and currently tours with The Doo-Wop Project. Based in the New York area, Joe has worked extensively on Broadway. In 2018, he held the drum chair for the Broadway production of Gettin’ the Band Back Together, and he has also performed at over 15 other shows including Movin’ Out, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, In the Heights, Beautiful (The Carole King Musical), Hamilton, The Lion King, Million Dollar Quartet, and others. Joe has also appeared on the first national tours of Movin’ Out, Jersey Boys and Beautiful, and with many major symphony orchestras including the Philly Pops and the Detroit, Toronto, Cincinnati, Nashville, Seattle, San Diego, Indianapolis and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras.
A best-selling drum set author, Joe has written authorized musical biographies with drumming legends including Neil Peart: Taking Center Stage (winner of Best Educational Product in the 2013 Modern Drummer Readers Poll), GADD: A Life in Time, COBHAM: The Drumming and Music of Billy Cobham, and Stewart Copeland: Drumming in The Police and Beyond. He is also the author of The Working Drummer’s Chart Book, Drum Techniques of Led Zeppelin, and several other books. As the Senior Drum Editor for Hudson Music since 2009, Joe has worked closely with many of the world’s greatest drummers, acting as editor on books with Steve Gadd, David Garibaldi, Steve Smith, Liberty DeVitto, Mark Guiliana, Tommy Igoe, Stanton Moore, Todd Sucherman, and many others. He is the co-founder, with his late teacher Dom Famularo, of Wizdom Media, an independent publishing company with books distributed by Alfred Music. Since 2015, Joe has been Education Consultant for Sabian, designing and directing the Sabian Education Network for drum teachers.
Recognized internationally as an educator, Joe has given hundreds of drum clinics in schools, retail stores, and conventions. He has appeared at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) multiple times, the Ultimate Drummers Weekend (Melbourne, Australia), the Cape Breton Drum Festival (Nova Scotia, Canada), KOSA (Vermont, USA), the Sonny Emory Drum Camp (Atlanta, USA), and has done two clinic tours for Tama Drums. He has been teaching privately at his own studio for over 30 years. Among Joe’s many private students who have gone on to pro careers is world-renowned jazz drummer Mark Guiliana. Joe proudly endorses Tama drums, Sabian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, Latin Percussion, and Cympad.
Happy Birthday to Paul Amorese! Paul is an American drummer and percussionist from Rochester, New York. He has performed and toured with a variety of musical groups, including Bacci, the WMDs, The Commuters, Jack Dishel and Only Son, Visible from Space, Bryan Scary, Hypnotic Clambake, Boutros Boutros, and goodbyemotel.
He also started a company called Buddi Systems.
Gig Alerts
Friend of the show, Jeffrey Barudin, has a link on his website to sign up for a newsletter that announces job openings you can audition/apply for.
Bonnaroo Music Festival is happening in Manchester, TN from June 11-14th. You can also stream it on Disney +/Hulu.
The Blue Note Jazz Festival is happening in Los Angeles, CA at the Hollywood Bowl June 13th-14th.
Jay Z will be going on a limited tour hitting cities like NYC, L.A., and Paris.
Friend of the show, Ivan Llanes (Episode #279 and Episode #386) will be doing a show with his band at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in NYC on Saturday June, 27th.
Educational Spotlight
There is a new Percussive Notes Magazine issue out now!
Reminder, 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
The iconic recording, picked by Doug is, “Inside Job” by Little Village, from the album with the same name. Jim Keltner is on drums.
Music News
The major labels are anticipating big things, in terms of revenue and otherwise, from their Suno and Udio agreements. But according to a new AFM lawsuit, they’ve also “failed to share in the settlement proceeds and future revenue with those same artists whose music was copied” by the AI audio platforms. -Article
The Artists Rights Alliance launches a campaign to pass the reintroduced Protect Working Musicians Act, including town halls and an artist-led press on the Hill. -Article
The Kennedy Center is starting to remove Trump’s name from websites and the side of the building is next!
Doug Yowell Interview
The song leading into the interview is called, “Oh Wha!” by Doug featuring: Joe Jackson from Doug’s forthcoming album.
This epsiode was recorded on the Ferris Beuller’s Day off day.
Doug talks about his practicing routine. Shout-out to friend of the show, and birthday boy Joe Bergamini for helping to put out Steve Gadd’s book, Gaddiments.
Doug talks about Reverie Drums and Sensory Percussion.
Damon and Doug talk about the history of the drumset.
Shout-out to friend of the show, Drew McKeon.
Damon and Doug both played on the Rock Boat and talk about that experience.
Doug talks about the inspiration for his new forthcoming album “Lineage” and working with Steve Gadd.
Doug studied with Peter Erskine starting at age 16.
Doug talks about his early musical inspirations in his family. He also mentions his sister who studied with friend of the show, Eddie Montalvo.
Doug studied with Billy Tessar as well as his brother on piano and the aforementioned Peter Erskine.
Damon mentions the passion vs. gift anecdote from the Go With Elmo podcast.
Damon mentions the Bluebirds of Paradise.
Doug mentions playing with friend of the show Felipe Fournier (Episode #148 and Episode #491).
Doug talks about the differences of playing with Howard Jones and Joe Jackson.
He digs in about electric drums and midi.
Doug talks about redundancy with the gear and computers.
Damon mentions using the Roland SPD-SX Pro and the app.
Shout-out to Elise Trouw
Doug picks the iconic recording.
Damon mentions friend of the show, Terry Gibbs and the interview he did with Jim Keltner.
Doug uses Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Evans Drumheads, Yamaha Drums, Snareweight, and Sensory Percussion.
Shout-out to Peter Erskine.
Doug talks about the drum community.
