Percussion Discussion Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Percussion Discussion Episode 143 - Karl Brazil

 Joining me today is Karl Brazil.

Karl is without doubt one of the leading drummers in the Uk, he has played for a hugely diverse list of bands and singers such as Feeder, Ed Sheeran,  Elton John, Jason Mraz, One Direction, Westlife, James Morrison, Leona Lewis and of course Karl has been with James Blunt from his very early days and has been Robbie Williams drummer and Musical Director for a long time! 

Join Karl and myself as we talk about his incredibly hectic work schedule that is literally cram packed with tours, one off gigs, recording and trying to fit valuable family time in to the mix! In fact one of the things we talk about is how he manages his insanely busy diary and what happens when dates don’t line up! 

We had to talk about James Blunt and his recent resurgence over the last few years culminating in the hugely entertaining ‘One Brit Wonder” documentary that recently aired on Netflix. Karl features heavily in this fabulous programme and tells us what it is like to have been in the hot seat since the very early days of James Blunt. 

As if he isn’t busy enough, Karl has recently put together the amazing King Herd, definitely at the heavier end of the musical spectrum, he tells us all about the band and what its like to be touring on a much smaller scale. 

For the last few years Karl has been best known for his role as drummer and musical director for the musical force that is Robbie Williams, with Robbie Karl has played to some of the biggest crowds on earth with incredible stage shows and a world class band, Karl explains what his role entails as MD for this huge show! 

This was a joy to do, its been quite a while in the making, when you want to speak to the best and the busiest then sometimes you have to wait until the time is right, I’m so glad we got it done, boy was it worth the wait!

 Karl, thank you so much for making it happen! 

www.karlbrazil.com

Joining me today is the super talented Graham Hopkins. 

Graham has played for some remarkable bands and artistes throughout his amazing career so far including 6 years with Northern Irish alternative rockers Therapy? Tom Jones, The Frames, The Swell Season, Glen Hansard, Snow Patrol, Dolores O'Riordan and Rosanne Cash. 

Join us as we have a good old natter about Graham's career so far and day to day stuff. We talk about his passion for recording in his own studio with vintage audio equipment and equally vintage drums and cymbals! Graham tells us how after years of constant touring how he is more than happy to be spending time at home for a while with the freedom to do as much or as little recording as he likes allowing him to have important family time. 

We of course had to talk about his time in Therapy? and boy does he give us an amzing insight on what it was like to be in that hugely succesful band at that time!! 

Graham, thank you so much for giving up your time so generously, what a total pleasure, it almost felt like we were sat in the pub chatting (a virtual one anyway) i really hope you enjoy our conversation as much as i did having it! 

www.grahamhopkinsdrummer.com

Percussion Discussion - Episode 134 - The history of Hayman Drums .

Joining me today for this very special episode talking about the history of Hayman Drums is a star studded cast including Drummer and Hayman authority Nigel Constable, Nigel wrote the Hayman Drum Book along with Bob Henrit in 2016 so is the perfect person to guide us through the Hayman History. 

We are also joined by perhaps one of the most famous Hayman users, Simon Kirke, he famously used the gold ingot Hayman kit with Free in the early 70's. 

Another former Hayman player is none other than the incredible Simon Phillips, Simon had quite the history with Hayman drums as you will hear during the episode. 

Last, but by no means least is my good friend and incredible drummer Robb Reiner, Robb has been the powerhouse Canadian Heavy Metal Trio Anvil since 1978, Just about to release there 20th Studio album this summer the band are as active as they ever were, Robb is a fan of a certain Hayman snare drum........ 

I have to say a huge thank you to all of the guests that made this possible, Nigel, Simon Phillips, Robb Reiner and of course Simon Kirke. everyone gave there time up so generously to contribute and i am very grateful. Thank you gentlemen.

Joining me today is the wonderful Cherisse Osei. 

Since 2016 Cherisse has been the drummer with Simple Minds.

She has previously played for such legendary performers as Paloma Faith, Kelly Jones, Bryan Ferry and MIKA

Join Cherisse and myself as we chat about her incredible career from here initial visit to "Drum Club" in school through to getting her first pro gig with a band signed to Polydor - THE FADERS then of course onto her incredible musical journey with global pop icon Mika.

Cherisse also talks about having to be versatile, having played in a band with former Extreme metal band Venom guitarist - Mantas through to playing on the latest Marvel epic Black Widow.

Many thanks to Cherisse for finding time in her VERY busy schedule to chat to me, it was a fantastic conversation and one i hope you will really enjoy!

joining me today is Canadian drummer mikesleathdrums

Since 2015 Mike has been playing drums for Canadian Megastar Shawn Mendes.

 As well as playing for Shawn Mendes he has performed with a huge and varied list of artists including Francesco Yates, Shawn Desman, Conor Maynard and many more.

Join Mike and myself as we talk about his early memories of music and his first taste of drumming, through to finding himself playing on the Rock Remix of Katy Perrys' I Kissed A Girl!

We also chat about how the gig came about with Shawn Mendes and what life is like playing for one of the biggest stars in the world, including a few eye opening stories!!

This was hugely enjoyable hour spent with a fabulous drummer and an incredibly nice and humble human being! Mike - thank you so much for giving your time so generously!

Many thanks to Andrew Thornton for connecting us both.

Joining me today is the Drummer from Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons and the host for Drum For The Song Podcast - Dane Campbell.

Join Dane and myself as we chat about the amazing guests he has had so far on his podcast - including Mikkey Dee and Matt Sorum!

 We also talk about how he got into drums. What was life like growing up with your dad being the guitarist in one of the Biggest Rock n Roll bands in the world - Motörhead.

 We had to talk about Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons of which Dane is the drummer with dad Phil On Guitar and Dane's 2 brothers on guitar and bass!

This was a fascinating conversation, one i really enjoyed - please check out Danes Podcast - Drum For The Song - if you like mine then i am certain that you will like his too!

Dane, thank you for your time!

oining me today is John Thomson - British Actor, Comedian and Narrator best know for his roles in The Fast Show, Men Behaving Badly ., Cold Feet, 24 Hour Party People, The Brothers Grimsby and Coronation Street and of course revealed his fine singing voice in the smash TV show The Masked Singer.

 John is also a fantastic drummer with over 35 years experience, Join us as we chat about his journey as a drummer from learning as a youngster in his home town of Preston throught to playing drums with the Buddy Rich big band.

 We also talk about his involvement with many drum events across the UK and of course getting to play some of Phil Collins best known drum parts in front the man himself on The Jonathan Ross Show.

 Many thanks to John for giving up his valuable time, he genuinely is an incredibly busy chap! 

Joining me today is my first percussionist, and what an incredible musician to start with. Sting's long time remarkably talented percussionist Rhani Krija

Join Rhani and myself as we talk about his incredible career so far, from his childhood in Morocco and learning percussion at a young age, through to moving to Germany to Study. 

He also talks about how Drumming legend Manu Katche recommended Rhani to Sting when he was looking for a percussionist....... the rest as they say is history.

we also talk about how Rhani has to adapt his style when playing with some of the best drummers in the world including Vinnie Colaiuta, Keith Carlock and many others!!

This was a fascinating and really enjoyable conversation, Rhani is without doubt one of the nicest people on the planet and i thank him for giving his time so generously.

Many thanks to my good friend Steve Barney for connecting us!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 52 - Zachary Alford.

Joining me today is the incredible Zachary Alford, a hard hitting drummer with an impeccable groove! 

Zachary has an amazing CV having played for some legendary names including The B-52's, Bruce Springsteen and of course David Bowie as well as being the house drummer on Saturday Night Live

 Here we chat about his amazing career, including his early days plus selected highlights from his incredible back catalogue! 

 Huge thanks to Zachary for giving up his time so generously. 

Many thanks also to Mike Cusick for connecting me with Zachary

Please leave a review if you have enjoyed this conversation! thank you

Joining me today is UK ace drummer Kaz Rodriguez. 

Kaz posseses dazzling technique, has an incredible groove and inner clock plus he is a very nice guy too! 

For the last few years Kaz has held the drum chair with legendary US Crossover Classical Artist Josh Groban touring the world and playing to 20,000 people a night. 

He has currently written and produced 4 hugely successful 4 drumless albums, these tracks have had some incredible drummers from across the globe use them including Tony Royster Jr, Aaron Spears, Sput and Chris Coleman.

 Many thanks to Kaz for giving up his time so generously.