Rich Rosenzweig is a veteran of 11 Broadway shows and played on many cast recordings. Rich has been the orchestra's drummer for the Kennedy Center Honors for over a decade. He's also played in numerous national and international tours and has been the regular drummer for the Encores! series at New York's City Center. Over the years has also recorded and performed in several progressive jazz ensembles, including his own, the East Down Septet. He teaches privately and has also written four feature...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 33 min
In this episode, we discuss: * What he looks for when hiring subs for his shows. * What a lock-in period is and what itis expected when starting a new broadway show. * How he landed the drum chair at Come From Away . * What NOT to do in a Broadway pit. * Why he only uses Yamaha drums. * His thoughts on Sabian cymbals. * Why he’s focusing on producing and music directing in the future. Larry Lelli is a veteran Broadway musician. He’s played drums and/or conductor in over 40 Broadway shows. Some o...
Dec 18, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Larry Lelli is a veteran Broadway musician. He’s played drums and/or conductor in over 40 Broadway shows. Some of his Broadway drumming credits include The Producers . Assassins , How To Succeed In Business, Million Dollar Quartet . He’s recorded and performed with Melissa Etheridge, Josh Groban, Anne Hathaway, Nick Jonas, Vanessa Williams, Heather Headley, The Mamas & The Papas, Anika Noni Rose, ), Audra McDonald, Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bernadette Peters, Sebast...
Dec 16, 2021•1 hr 8 min
As a studied musician of several decades, Dena'sversatility has afforded her opportunities to play in various settings - from arenas to rock clubs and Broadway theaters to recording studios. She has been highlighted in several drum publications, including the September 2018 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine . Dena has held the drum chair for the following Broadway and Off-Broadway productions: Little Shop of Horrors; Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls; Head Over Heels; Cher Show (sub drummer); Ma...
Dec 05, 2021•1 hr 23 min
Paul Pizutti has over fifty years of experience playing shows. He is a person everyone should listen to when it comes to understanding what it takes to have a successful career playing broadway musicals. In this episode, we discuss: * Sight reading the TONY Awards show. * Leaving the business altogether for a shot period of time. * Being the China club house drummer on Wednesday nights. * Recording the cast albums for Assassins and Crazy For You. * Working on Gypsy with Patti Lupone. * Observing...
Nov 24, 2021•1 hr 10 min
Paul Pizutti has over fifty years of experience playing shows. He is a person everyone should listen to when it comes to understanding what it takes to have a successful career playing broadway musicals. In this episode, we discuss: * Working on the musical ‘Candide.’ * How he wound up playing the original ‘Godspell.’ * How he handled playing a show during the New York City blackout of 1977. * What it was like working on the original ‘Evita.’ * Why ‘Merrily We Roll’ Along came and went but is no...
Nov 22, 2021•1 hr
In this episode, we discuss: * What he learned at Manhattan School Of Music in New York City * His experience being mentored by Bernard Purdie * What’s meant by the saying, “If you're not early, you’re late.” * His time learning Dear Evan Hansen and taking over the drum chair. * Why playing exactly like the chairholder matters when you are subbing a show. * Who are his favorite five drummers of all time. * What he suggests when reaching out to drummers who have chairs on Broadway. Jake Goldbas h...
Nov 15, 2021
Jesse-Ray Leich is a versatile percussionist and drum set player who received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education and Percussion from the University of Rhode Island in 2017. Raised in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Jesse-Ray started playing the drums at four years old. He has played drums throughout the years, achieving multiple All-State, and All-Eastern Division musician rankings. Growing up in the music world of Rhode Island, Jesse-Ray has performed for various bands, musicals, and ensem...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 4 min
In this episode, we discuss: * His experience subbing at ‘Jagged Little Pill’ on Broadway. * What approval vs. designation means. * Why being confident without being arrogant is important. * The musicals he’s working on next. Today, I’m interviewing educator/Audio Engineer/Synth & Drum Programmer/Composer, fantastic drummer Dennis Arcano. I’ve known Dennis for over 20 years. He was one of my regular subs at tick, tick… BOOM! and Altar Boys, and he later subbed for Follies (the 2001 Revival),...
Oct 22, 2021•50 min
Today, I’m interviewing educator/Audio Engineer/Synth & Drum Programmer/Composer, fantastic drummer Dennis Arcano. I’ve known Dennis for over 20 years. He was one of my regular subs at tick, tick… BOOM! and Altar Boys, and he later subbed for Follies (the 2001 Revival), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and is now subbing on Jagged Little Pill on Broadway. Dennis is also the resident music contractor, synth & drum programmer, and house drummer/percussionist for ACT (A contempor...
Oct 19, 2021
Joshua Samuels and I go way back. We met shortly before I left the off-Broadway show Altar Boyz and went to play the Broadway musical Memphis. He was eager to get into the scene and did everything the right way to network his way into playing shows. He eventually subbed for me at Altar Boys and moves on to play several shows afterward. Josh is classically trained, and his experience as a percussionist has led him to many different genres of music, allowing him to perform for many different music...
Oct 15, 2021
In this episode, we discuss: * How he met Cyndi Lauper and got the drum chair at Kinky Boots. * What he looks for in new subs. * What it was like at Pretty Woman. * How he landed the gig at Diana The Musical. * Why he memorizes each show he plays. Sammy Merendino is one of NYC's top drummers. He is currently performing at Diana a True Musical Story on Broadway at the Longacre Theater. He has recorded and/or performed with many top artists, including Cameo, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Laup...
Oct 09, 2021•36 min
I apologize for going so deep into the Cameo story in this episode; the music of Cameo had such a profound impact on my life and my drumming. It’s all part of the story of why I play the shows I play and how I play them. Sammy’s drum programming on the mid-’80’s Cameo records was stellar and set a high bar for drum programming from that point forward. In this episode, we discuss: * Growing up in Akron, Ohio, and playing in several bands during his formative years. * What it was like auditioning ...
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 3 min
This is part TWO of my interview with Joe Choroscewski. In today’s chat, we discuss: * Effective ways to contact drummers who are working on Broadway musicals. * Getting the opportunity to sub for Tommy Igoe at The Lion King. * Subbing at Avenue Q on Broadway and securing the off-Broadway chair. * His experience with Heart and Lights at Radio City. * How he landed the chair at The 2021 Radio City Christmas Spectacular. * How he subbed on 22 Broadway musicals and juggling SIX at one time. * Why J...
Sep 28, 2021
In part one of my conversation with Joe, we discuss: * His time at the University Of North Texas. * Working on cruise ships. * Playing his first NYC production in an off-off-Broadway show. * Being immediately DESIGNATED on his first Broadway opportunity subbing on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. * The difference between being ‘designated’ and ‘approved’ as a sub. * Methods to contact drummers if you want to watch drummers currently playing on Broadway shows. As a sub on Broadway, Joe has played on TWEN...
Sep 25, 2021•1 hr 1 min
This is part two of my podcast that features Ray Marchica. He is a graduate of Brooklyn College, where he studied percussion with Morris Lang of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Performance. He’s been an in-demand player in New York for more than 25 years, appearing on countless sessions, Broadway productions, and TV shows. One of the most diverse freelance drummers in New York City, Marchica is a longstanding member of The Ed Palermo Big Ban...
Sep 18, 2021•40 min
This podcast features Ray Marchica. He is a graduate of Brooklyn College, where he studied percussion with Morris Lang of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Performance. He’s been an in-demand player in New York for more than 25 years, appearing on countless sessions, Broadway productions, and TV shows. One of the most diverse freelance drummers in New York City, Marchica is a longstanding member of The Ed Palermo Big Band, which specializes in...
Sep 16, 2021•50 min
In this episode, we discuss his experience programming early drum machines, landing shows like Seussical, Seussical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Lennon, and I learn why the musical King Kong was so difficult for him to play. We also talk about his experience subbing and sight-reading a show in front of a Broadway audience because the drummer (who had NO subs to count on) couldn’t make the show one night. What a crazy story! Clayton Craddock, the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain't Too Proud ...
Sep 11, 2021•37 min
Warren Odze is a Broadway veteran. He’s performed in Broadway shows such as: * The Life * Civil War * Kat and the Kings * Seussical * Thoroughly Modern Millie * Lennon * Come Fly Away * The Wedding Singer * Priscilla * Rocky * An American In Paris * Charlie and the Chocolate Factory * King Kong In this episode, we talk about his beginnings, why seeing the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan show was such a big deal, his time at Manhattan School Of Music, and what the music scene was like in the ’70s and ...
Sep 08, 2021
Sean McDaniel - I feel he’s one of the most versatile musicians playing on Broadway shows. As a substitute on Broadway, he has performed in 11 different shows at one time. Sean has performed in 20 Broadway shows including Frozen , The Book Of Mormon , and Spamalot . He helped develop many other musicals, including Hamilton . He has toured the country and played TV appearances with American Idol Runner-Up Clay Aiken. Sean has played recording sessions in NYC, Nashville, and LA, and his work can b...
Sep 03, 2021•1 hr 4 min
This is a continuation of our conversation from part one. You can listen to that HERE : In this episode, we discuss: * How he originated the drum books and recorded the cast albums for Wicked, and Tarzan. * What it was like working with Elton John and Phil Collins. * Playing with the drumming legend Buddy Williams at Motown The Musical * His next show playing the percussion book for Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical. Clayton Craddock, the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain't Too Proud . He earned ...
Aug 24, 2021
In this episode, Gary and I discuss: * Why he chose Hartt School Of Music * Studying with Gary Chester and his advice on why you should never leave town for more than four weeks. * His experience touring for nine years straight playing musicals. * Why it was so terrifying subbing his first show at The King And I on Broadway. * How he landed the drum chair for Aida. Originally from the suburbs of New York City, Gary is a Grammy award-winning versatile free-lance drummer and percussionist. He grad...
Aug 16, 2021
SHANNON FORD grew up in Washington DC playing rock, jazz, blues, and country. He has performed and recorded with various artists in NY, Nashville, and LA, including Paul Simon, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Phoebe Snow, Lou Christie, Kenny Rogers, Roger Miller, Danny Gatton, and many others. Shannon has spent the last 25 years working on Broadway productions such as Next To Normal, Chaplin, Godspell, and Beetlejuice. On this podcast, Shannon shares his many years of experience working ...
Aug 09, 2021•1 hr 7 min
In part two of my chat with Matt Vander Ende, he tells me about: * Some of the drumming injuries he had over the years and how he managed to deal with them. * What are the reasons why Wicked is so difficult to play. * Taking over for the drummer who originated the book and how he dealt with the politics in the pit. * How he keeps things fresh after playing the same thing for so many years. * Playing with his metal band Defiance again. * Why playing in community and regional theater, and in bands...
Aug 06, 2021•59 min
On this podcast, I interview Matt Vander Ende - the drummer for the Broadway musical Wicked. We discuss his classical, big band, and metal influences and how they helped him transition to playing a complex musical like Wicked. Show Notes: Website: https://www.mattvanderende.com Clayton Craddock, the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain't Too Proud . He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University's School of Business and is a 28 year veteran of the fast-paced New York C...
Aug 02, 2021•1 hr 4 min
In PART TWO of my interview with Q. Robinson, we discuss his love for musical theater, how he prepared to sub for Ain’t Too Proud, and how he landed the gig to be the touring drummer for the first national tour of the show. Show Notes: Website: https://www.iamqrobinson.com Tour: https://www.ainttooproudmusical.com Clayton Craddock, the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain't Too Proud . He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University's School of Business and is a 28 year...
Jul 29, 2021•43 min
On this podcast, I interview Quinton Robinson. He is the touring drummer for Ain’t Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations. You’ll hear his journey from his beginnings in the Miami area to settling in Atlanta. We’ll discuss how he made connections through networking, his musical and drumming influences and how his love for theater enabled him to secure a position as the drummer for the first national tour of Ain’t Too Proud. Show Notes: Website: https://www.iamqrobinson.com Tour: https...
Jul 27, 2021•34 min
This is part two of my conversation with Damien Bassman. We talk about the musicals If/Then, Spongebob Squarepants, and his latest show, Jagged Little Pill. Look for more on my Broadway Drumming Youtube Channel ! Clayton Craddock, the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain't Too Proud . He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University's School of Business and is a 28 year veteran of the fast-paced New York City music scene. He has played drums in several hit broadway and o...
Jul 23, 2021
Drummer/percussionist Damien Bassman is currently the drummer for the Broadway musical Jagged Little Pill . Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, he received his BM from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a MM and Performer's Residency Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University. He also earned an Advanced Performer's Certificate from The Juilliard School. He was a featured drumset soloist with the Tonkunstler Orchestra in Vienna and Italy and recorded with the orchestra playing drumset and hand ...
Jul 19, 2021•1 hr 9 min
This is part TWO of my conversation with Bill Lanham. We discuss things drummers should never do in a broadway pit and what drummers should ALWAYS do in a Broadway pit. Bill has a lot of great things to say in this episode. Check it out! Bill Lanham has worked with Lesley Gore, Melba Moore, Deborah Gibson, Fantasia, Eartha Kitt, and Ricky Martin. He’s conducted clinics at Universities and Educational Percussion conventions. On Broadway, he has held the percussion chair at “Wonderland” and “Jekyl...
Jul 16, 2021•42 min
