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Matt Chamberlain Chris McHugh Chris McHugh

Chris McHugh can be seen touring with Keith Urban on his 2009 “Escape Together World Tour,” but his work can be heard on numerous platinum and Grammy Award winning recordings from a virtual who’s who in the music industry. It is estimated that his involvement in the making of nearly 50 albums has played a role in the sale of upwards of 100 million CDs worldwide.

A New Jersey native, Chris moved to Nashville in 1985 to start his professional music career. He has since recorded, produced and audio engineered for the likes of Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Jewel, etc. He has also served as Keith Urban’s musical director for the past two years.

Check out Chris on tour with Keith Urban!
May 14, 2009 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
May 15, 2009 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena Rosemont
May 16, 2009 Green Bay, WI Resch Center
May 28, 2009 Charleston, WV Charleston Civic Center
May 29, 2009 Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center
May 30, 2009 Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center
June 5, 2009 Cincinnati, OH US Bank Arena
June 6, 2009 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
June 7, 2009 Fort Wayne, IN Memorial Coliseum
June 11, 2009 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
June 12, 2009 Memphis, TN Fedex Forum
June 13, 2009 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
June 17, 2009 Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center
June 18, 2009 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
June 19, 2009 Raleigh, NC RBC Center
June 26, 2009 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
June 27, 2009 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
June 28, 2009 Moline, IL I-Wireless
July 9, 2009 Omaha, NE Qwest Center
July 10, 2009 Wichita, KS Kansas Coliseum
July 11, 2009 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
July 15, 2009 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
July 17, 2009 Fresno, CA Save Mart Center
July 18, 2009 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
July 19, 2009 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
July 25, 2009 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena
July 31, 2009 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
August 1, 2009 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
August 2, 2009 Rochester, NY Blue Cross Arena
August 7, 2009 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
August 8, 2009 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
August 13, 2009 Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
August 14, 2009 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
August 15, 2009 Indianapolis, IN Indiana State Fairgrounds
August 18, 2009 Hershey, PA Giant Center
August 20, 2009 Washington, DC Verizon Center
August 21, 2009 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
August 22, 2009 Louisville, KY Freedom Hall
August 27, 2009 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena
August 28, 2009 Knoxville, TN Thompson Boling Arena
August 29, 2009 Nashville, TN Sommet Center
September 9, 2009 Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena
September 11, 2009 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
September 12, 2009 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
September 14, 2009 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena
September 16, 2009 Vancouver, CAN General Motors Place
September 18, 2009 Calgary, CAN Saddledome
September 19, 2009 Calgary, CAN Saddledome
September 20, 2009 Edmonton, CAN Rexall Place
September 22, 2009 Edmonton, CAN Rexall Place
September 23, 2009 Saskatoon, CAN Credit Union Centre
September 24, 2009 Saskatoon, CAN Credit Union Centre
September 26, 2009 Winnepeg, CAN MTS Centre
September 30, 2009 London, CAN John Labatt Centre
October 3, 2009 Toronto, CAN Air Canada Centre
October 8, 2009 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

For more information on Chris McHugh and his upcoming tour with Keith Urban, please visit: www.keithurban.net

Craviotto Drums - Chris McHugh

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Matt Chamberlain Matt Chamberlain Matt Chamberlain

Matt Chamberlain has been a force in the drumming community for over two decades. Matt’s drumming can be heard on countless albums, and he’s provided the backbone for some of the music industries best artists.
 
Matt’s drumming can be heard on some particularly innovative work, including tracks and albums with: Tori Amos , Morrissey, Fiona Apple, Stevie Nicks, Critters Buggin, Dido, Sean Lennon, Melissa Etheridge, Robert Fripp, Jon Brion, Martina McBride, David Torn, Indigo Girls, Weapon of Choice, Stone Gossard, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, Pearl Jam, Tim and Neil Finn, David Bowie, Elton John, Peter Gabriel, The Wallflowers, Natalie Merchant, Bill Frisell, The Saturday Night Live Band, Robbie Williams, Kanye West, Garbage, Anika Moa, Shakira, John Mayer, Brad Mehldau, Keith Urban, Liz Phair, Chris Isaak, Dave Navarro, Kevin Max, Sam Phillips, Aaron Neville, The Corrs, Macy Gray, Dave Koz,  Faith Hill, Natalie Merchant, Bruce Hornsby, Elisa, Danny Elfman,  Sara Evans, Lifehouse, Christina Aguilera, Lisa Loeb and William Shatner.
 
In August 2007, Chamberlain will release the debut project Floratone with musician Bill Frisell. Matt, who has worked with Tori Amos for over ten years, will be featured during her upcoming US Tour, starting October 9th in New York.

For more information, and the entire 2009 Tori Amos Tour Schedule: www.toriamos.com

Check out Matt's website: www.mattchamberlain.com

Craviotto Drums - Matt Chamberlain

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Ronnie Vannucci Ronnie Vannucci

Check out Ronnies interview in the new RHYTHM magazine

Ronnie’s solid and tasteful playing-skills have been a key ingredient in The Killers success over the last five years.

In the late '90s, Ronnie played in the melodic indie-rock group Expert On October with The Killers current touring backup guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist, Ted Sablay. Vannucci, then joined The Killers in 2002 with Mark Stoermer, Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning. The Killers first album "Hot Fuss", released June of 2004, was a breakthrough success. The album included multiple hits, including: "Somebody Told Me", "Mr. Brightside", "All These Things That I've Done", and "Smile Like You Mean It". “Hot Fuss” went on to win multiple awards and nominations throughout the music industry, including: MTV Video Music Awards 2005 - Best New Artist; MTV Europe Music Awards 2006 - Best Rock Group; and World Music Awards 2005 -World's Best Selling New Group.

The Killers second studio album “Sam’s Town”, released October of 2006, is continuing the bands ongoing success. The first single off the album "When You Were Young" debuted on radio stations in late July ’06 and was an instant hit. “Sam’s Town” went on to sell over 700,000 copies worldwide in the first week of its release. The Killers next single, "Bones" was the second video from the band, and was directed by Tim Burton. “Bones” went on to win the 2007 Shockwaves NME Award for Best Video. The Killers have announced that the band will be in the recording studio sometime in mid 2008 for their third album. To date, “Sam’s Town” has produced four singles in the United Kingdom and United States: “When You Were Young”, “Bones”, “Read My Mind”, and “For Reasons Unknown”. The Killers were recently awarded the 2007 BRIT Award  for Best International Album, as well as Best International Group. The Killers are currently on tour in Europe, promoting “Sam’s Town”.


"I'm not paid by anyone, I don't get a snare drum for writing something nice about Craviotto Drums. I only endorse something I truly believe in. Plain and simple. I play these drums because they make me sound good. I think it's the only reason you should play a particular brand of instrument; after all, it is the point, right? To sound the best you can. It's as if Johnny Craviotto were destined to make drums like these. A simple idea, perfected. So much time and craft has gone into these drums, and you hear it!. Not to mention their beauty. Perhaps it's said best when being asked to describe a set of Craviotto Drums, is that they sound honest. There's nothing getting in the way. They say that being truthful and honest is always the way to go. If you want the truth, then maybe you should play these drums. I do."

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For more information on The Killers, and their entire 2008/09 Tour Schedule: www.thekillersmusic.com

Craviotto Drums - Ronnie Vannucci

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Chad Cromwell Chad Cromwell

Chad Cromwell’s career began to blossom in Memphis, Tennessee during the early 1980’s. In 1986, Chad moved out west to join Joe Walsh for a collaboration which produced Got Any Gum? and Ordinary Average Guy, which resulted in multiple US and worldwide tours. The following year, 1987, Chad got the call to record with one of the world's most prolific songwriters, Neil Young. These sessions became Neil Young & The Bluenotes. After touring to promote this record, and producing MTV's 'Video of the Year', This Note's For You, Neil's interest circled back to 3-piece Rock & Roll which led to the New York and San Francisco recording sessions that ultimately became the album Freedom.

In 1990, Chad moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Richard Bennett and Tony Brown were among the first producers in Nashville to request Chad for session work. These two producers would prove extremely helpful in creating a successful recording career for Chad, in Nashville. In 1996, Chad’s artistry behind the drums was formally recognized by his peers, when Chad was nominated for the Nashville Music Awards as “Drummer/Percussionist of the Year”. That same year, Chad could be heard on Leann Rimes breakthrough album, “Blue”.

During the mid-90’s, Mark Knopfler recruited Chad for the recording of Golden Heart, Mark Knopfler’s first solo album. Chad soon went on tour with Mark in 1996, to promote the album. Mark Knopfler and Chad Cromwell would go on to work together quite a bit; including the soundtracks to the films Metroland and the US blockbuster Wag The Dog. Knopfler would team up with Cromwell again in 2001 for his album Sailing To Philadelphia, 2003’s album The Ragpicker’s Dream, & 2004’s album Shangri-La.

Chad’s studio work would continue throughout 2004 and 2005, working with artists such as Sugarland, Gretchen Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, Marty Stewart, and Miranda Lambert.

Chad Cromwell’s career has seen him in the studio and on stage/TV/touring with an impressive list of major recording artists. In addition to those already mentioned, Chad’s versatility behind the drums has been showcased with multiple country and pop artists throughout the years. Chad Cromwell has executed a solid-feel behind many of today’s hit-making artists, including: Blake Shelton, John Michael Montgomery, Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne, Jessica Simpson , Boz Scaggs, Wynonna, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Frampton, Donnie Osmond, Gary Allen, Radney Foster, Comedians Jeff Foxworthy & Bill Engvall, Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, Amy Grant, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Brooks & Dunn, and Keb’ Mo’.

The spring of 2005 brought a new project with Neil Young, called "Prairie Wind”. The spring of 2006 brought another recording called "Living with War”. Chad performed on Neil Young's “Heart of Gold” Movie, filmed and directed by Johnathan Demme, during the summer of 2005.

During 2006, Chad was hard at work in the studio with artists Livingston Taylor, Toby Keith, as well as recording tracks featured on a new box set release "These Days" by acclaimed country music star Vince Gill. Chad would continue throughout 2006 recording and touring with Neil Young and performing on CSNY's "Freedom of Speech Tour”.

Chad Cromwell is currently touring Europe with Neil Young. The tour is expected to run through mid-2009, and US dates will be announced in the coming months.

Check out Chad on tour with Neil Young!

April 6th Mile One Centre - St John's, Newfounland
April 10th metro Centre - Halifax, Nova Scotia
April 11th Harbour Station - Saint John, New Brunswick
April 13th K-Rock Centre - Kingston, Ontario
April 15th John Labatt Centre - London, Ontario
April 17th Saulth Ste.Marie, Ontario
April 20th Credit Union Centre - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
April 22nd Prospera Place - Kelowna, British Columbia
April 23rd Rexall Place - Edmonton, Alberta
April 25th Enmax Centre -Lethbridge, Alberta
April 27th Magness Arena - Denver, Colorado
April 29th Quest Center - Ohmaha, Nebraska
May 3rd New Orleans Jazz Festival - New Orleans, Louisiana
June 9th Stadtgarten - Effurt, Germant
June 11th Norwegian Wood Festival - Oslo Norway
June 14th Isle of Wight Festival - Newport UK
June 16th 02 World - Berlin, Germany
June 17th Olympiahalle - Munich, Germany
June 19th Tanzbrunnen Koein - Cologne, Germany
June 21st The 02 - Dublin, Ireland
June 23rd Trent FM Arena - Nottingham, UK
June 24th Aberdeen Exhibition Centre - Aberdeen, UK
June 27th Hark Rock Calling Festival - London, UK


Chad playing with Neil Young.


Craviotto Drums - Chad Cromwell

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Matt Wilson

 


Matt WIlson

Drummer, composer, bandleader, producer, author, educator and Palmetto recording artist Matt Wilson is considered one of the most creative, talented and entertaining spirits in jazz today. He recently won the Downbeat Critic’s Poll for Rising Star Drummer for the fifth year in a row and his band, Arts and Crafts, was voted Rising Star Small Group. In 2003, Wilson was voted Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association and has been voted one of the top jazz drummers of the year by Modern Drummer magazine readers for the past three years.

At home in a variety of settings, Wilson has appeared on over 170 recordings as a sideman and has performed throughout the world. He performs with a wide range of ensembles including bands led by Charlie Haden, Lee Konitz, Larry Goldings, Denny Zeitlin, Bill Mays, Jane Ira Bloom, Dena Derose, Ted Nash, Frank Kimbrough, Steve Cardenas, Mark Dresser and numerous others.  In addition, he has performed and or recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Dewey Redman, Pat Metheny, Kenny Barron, John Zorn, Bill Frisell, Andrew Hill, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Paul Bley, Buster Williams, Ray Anderson, Eddie Gomez, Michael Brecker, Curtis Stigers, John Medeski, Randy Brecker and Fred Hersch. Wilson has made seven critically acclaimed albums as a leader for Palmetto Records, a label he has been associated with for a decade. His most recent “The Scenic Route” was released in February of 2007 and is being recognized as one of the top jazz recordings of the year.

Wilson leads several of his own ensembles including Arts and Crafts, the Matt Wilson Quartet, the Carl Sandburg Project and Field Trip. His bands have toured throughout the U.S, Europe, Canada and Australia and have performed at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall, the Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Melbourne, Australia Jazz Festival, and numerous other festivals, halls, colleges and high schools.

Wilson recently appeared on the Canadian Bravo network television show "Solos”. He improvised pieces on drum set and incorporated a juicer, children’s toys and electric drill into his solo adventures. A full length DVD of the show will be released in 2008. He is also one of the featured performers on the DVD of the 2003 Modern Drummer Festival released by Hudson Music.

Matt is a popular educator and has presented fun-filled workshops at schools, camps, festivals and conventions throughout the world. He contributes a column  "Improv Playhouse" for Modern Drummer magazine and is currently working on a book on improvisation for the drumset. In addition, Matt teaches at the Interplay Jazz Camp, Stanford Jazz Workshop and Sarah Lawrence College.

Wilson endorses Craviotto drums, Zildjian and sticks, Remo drumheads, Factory Metal percussion and Protechtor cases.

Matt lives in Baldwin, New York with his wife Felicia, daughter Audrey and  triplet sons, Max, Henry and Ethan. Have fun at www.mattwilsonjazz.com

Johnny Craviotto is the Soundmaster General (and a hipster!) by Matt Wilson

The artistry of Sir Johnny Craviotto, a true American craftsman, warrants him the title of the United States Soundmaster General in the invaluable division of the drum.

The love that is put into each and every Craviotto drum is evident as you play them. The immediate partnership of player and drum allows you to offer a wonderful sound to the music that you are playing. That is what I love about Johnny’s vibe. He knows that the instrument is meant to convey the wide spectrum of a player’s sonic imagination to the band.

That is what the drums are allowing me to do. They sing, growl, laugh, cry, align, collide, howl, whisper and shout. Whatever I feel the drums respond. They are loyal friends ready to convey the feeling. I feel connected to their vibrations!

Often, we are barraged with specs about an instrument and I appreciate that aspect of instrument construction. Though when you meet Johnny, he always first expresses the joy of knowing that his artistry is contributing to music. I love that about him.

Believe me when I say that I know something hip is happening when my fellow musicians are digging the Craviottos and how their sound inspires them.
That is remarkable!

Everyone also adores the beautiful finishes of the drums, especially the intricate wood inlay on my set. Hey, that is just further proof of the love put into the Craviotto drum!

The whole crew at Craviotto is dedicated to his philosophy of the love of music.
They know that their artistry and craftsmanship is being used to bring beauty to our planet through sound.

Hallejulah!!

Love,

Matt

Matt Wilson Itinerary

Dec. 19-20 Dena Derose Trio Kitano NYC



Matt Wilson at the Chicago Drum Show



Craviotto Drums - Congradulations Matt Wilson!

Craviotto Drums - Matt WIlson

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Check out Matt's Stimulus Tour!

April 1st Workshop Hofstra University
April 2nd Workshop University of Illinios
April 2nd Matt Wilson Quartet at Zorba's Champaign, Illinios
April 3-4th Matt Wilson Quartet at The Green Mill Chicago, Illinios
April 4th Workshop at Boocoo Cultural Center Evanston, Illinios www.boocoo.org
April 5th Matt Wilson Quartet at Black Cat Theatre, St Louis, Missouri
April 6-9th Matt Wilson Quartet Artist in Residence for the We Always Swing Jazz Series - Columbia, Mo www.wealwaysswing.org for complete schedule
April 7th Matt Wilson Quartet at Ragtag Theatre Columbia, Mo
April 8-9th Matt Wilson Quartet at University of Missouri
April 9th Matt Wilson Quartet with University of Missouri Big Bands
April 9th-15th Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts on National Public Radio’s Jazz Set hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater check local NPR stations for broadcast times. www.npr.org
April 10-11th Mancini Project at Kitano Jazz Club NYC
April 14th Matt Wilson and the Futurists at Verrazano Nursing Home NYC sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center and PSPD
April 18th Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts California State University Fullerton with Gary Versace, Michael Rodriquez and Martin Wind
April 23rd Matt Wilson and the Futurists at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, NYC sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center and PSPD.
April 24th Dena DeRose Trio at Philadelphia Museum of Art
April 28th Dena DeRose Trio JAMS Palm Beach, Florida www.denaderose.com
April 29-30th Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts SUNY Oswego with Terell Stafford, Gary Versace and Martin Wind

Future Dates of Interest

May 21st Tamir Handelman w/ Terell Stafford and Martin Wind Rochester, NY
May 26-27 Ron Miles Quartet w/ Jason Moran Jazz Standard NYC
June 3rd Matt Wilson Quartet w/ special guest John Scofield Katonah Art Museum, Katonah, NY
June 16-22nd Marty Ehrlich- Ray Anderson Quartet w/ Brad Jones European Tour
July 1-6th Trio M w/ Myra Melford and Mark Dresser Tour
July 25th Stanford Jazz Workshop
August 2nd Litchfield Jazz Festival w/ Ted Nash Quartet and Dena DeRose Trio
August 14th Elvis Costello w/ Utah Symphony Salt Lake City, Utah
September 22-23rd Matt Wilson Quartet CD Release Celebration Jazz Standard NYC








Scott Amendola
Distinguished drummer plays Craviotto Solid Shell Drums

While rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area scene, Amendola has woven a dense and far reaching web of bandstand relationships that tie him to influential figures in jazz, blues, groove, rock and new music. An organizer by nature, he has become a creative nexus for a community of musicians stretching from Los Angeles and Seattle to Chicago and New York.

While he first gained widespread notice a decade ago for his work in eight-string guitar ace Charlie Hunter’s trio, in recent years Amendola has stepped forward as the leader of several compelling bands that showcase his supremely supple trap work. He continues to work as a sideman, accompanying artists such as the tart-toned vocalist Madeleine Peyroux, guitarist and singer/songwriter Kelly Joe Phelps and the Nels Cline Singers (a volatile instrumental trio without a vocalist), but it’s as a bandleader that Amendola’s dynamic, ever-evolving style is best showcased.

A perfect example is a recent recording session for his next release (2005) as a bandleader featuring Los Angeles guitar hero Nels Cline and the visionary Chicago fret-master Jeff Parker, violinist Jenny Scheinman and stand-up bassist John Shifflett. The music is full of extreme dynamic shifts and a crunching rock edge, with Amendola adding textural electronic elements into his trap work via an effects pedal board. “I’m getting more into sonic things with the pedals, exploring noise, distortion and sonic textures by manipulating acoustic sounds. I sample myself live, and then whatever happens happens. It’s totally improvised, though I’m developing a vocabulary with it.”

Around the Bay Area, Amendola explores the many facets of his expansive rhythmic sensibility in an intriguing series of small combos. As a jazz player, for instance, he’s performed extensively with the cooperative group ‘plays Monk’, a trio featuring clarinetist Ben Goldberg and bassist Devin Hoff that focuses on the brilliant, knotty composition of modern jazz giant Thelonious Monk. “We’ve created certain moods for tunes, more than developing set arrangements,” Amendola says. “What really makes the trio its own thing and opens up possibilities is the lack of a chordal instrument. We’ve all played and listened to a lot of Thelonious Monk. One could really study Monk’s music for a lifetime.”

There’s also the new potent groove trio with the blazing Hammond B3 newcomer Wil Blades and the brilliant guitarist Will Bernard, whose relationship with Amendola dates back to their days in the fondly recalled T.J. Kirk. In a more straight-ahead vein, Amendola has been performing in a trio version of his band with guitarist Dave Mac Nab, an original member of the Scott Amendola Band, and Shifflett on acoustic bass. While the group’s sound continues to evolve, it keys on Mac Nab’s lean, clean sound, which mostly eschews effects and distortion. “That trio is definitely more inside,” Amendola says. “There are sonic textures, and Dave does use some pedals, but it’s really about songs and melodies and chords more than soundscapes.”

Born and raised in the New Jersey suburb of Tenafly, just a stone’s throw from New York City, Amendola was the kind of kid who showed an inclination for rhythm almost from the moment he could walk. His grandfather Tony Gottuso, a highly respected guitarist who split his time between studio sessions, was a member of the original Tonight Show Band under Steve Allen, and would do gigs with jazz luminaries such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Nat “King” Cole, offered plenty of support when Amendola began to get interested in jazz. “ We used to play together a lot when I was a teenager. It had a huge impact on me to play with someone who was around when a lot of the standards that musicians like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Keith Jarrett play.”

“I used to bang on things as a kid,” Amendola says. “I’d just sit around banging on pots and pans and coffee cans. When I was nine, we had to pick an instrument in school, and I started studying drums at school.”

His passion for music only deepened during his four years at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, where it wasn’t unusual for him to practice for 12 hours a day. Drawing inspiration from fellow students such as Jorge Rossi, Jim Black, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Mark Turner, and studying with the likes of Joe Hunt and Tommy Campbell, Amendola decided he had to find his own voice rather than modeling himself after established drummers. After graduating in 1992, he decided to move to San Francisco, where he quickly hooked up with Charlie Hunter. They went on to play together with John Schott and Will Bernard in the three-guitar-and-drums.


Cravitto Drums and the expansion of ones mind, body, and soul...

Music is something that I've always been drawn to, and according to my
mom, it was through drums starting at 1 and a half. So it's been a
long time I've been hitting things and making sounds. Over the years
I feel like I've played just about every trap set out there. Every
make and model. From the cardboard cut outs, to the super fine custom
drums. Loving music, it rarely made much of a difference in a way.
Yes, some drums made more impressions than others, but I was playing
music so it was cool. Drums is what I needed. Back in 1996 I was
playing at Kuumbwa Jazz Center and this guy comes up to me and gives
me many a compliment. He then tells me he's Johhny Craviotto, he makes
snare drums and he'd like me to check out his drums. I had heard of
Johnny and said sure. Send one up to me when you get a chance. Few
weeks later one of his makers shows up in San Francisco with a 6.5"
maple solid shell drum. I put it on the stand, play it and stop. I'm
blown away. I didn't even tune the thing and it was speaking volumes,
not volume, but volumes. Sounds, dynamics, textures, within a few
moments I could hear the difference. Needless to say, that drum was my
mainstay for years. I tried not to go anywhere without it. Any time I
played another snare drum, I missed my Craviotto.
Several years later I get a call from Johnny. He says he's making
full kits and he wants me to check them out. So I say to him 'you
tell me when to be there and I'll check them out'. I drive down to
his workshop in Wattsonville. He points me to the seat behind these
gorgeous drums. Just looking at them was almost enough. I start to
play them, but this time I don't want to stop. Once again, completely
blown away. Johnny's drums are an extension of musical ideas, of
sounds I hear in my head, of tones I WANT to hear from the drums. I
almost can't believe it. Again, I love drums, and have always loved
drums, but to play an instrument that can actually allow true
expression of ones art, TRUE expression, is rare in my opinion. These
drums kick my ass. I hear things now that I've never heard on
the drums. They tell the truth. I still can't believe it. Every time I
play Craviottos I feel complete as a musician, drummer, composer...
Johnny has brought art to the making of drums like no other. There are
so many possibilities with his drums. I've been using a 12"x 18" bass
drum. No one believes it's 12"x18". When I want bottom and volume, I
can get it. When I want soft and subtle, I can get it, out of any of
his drums. Even the 14"x16" I played at the NAMM show.
True expression is rare. Johnny and company have made it a
reality. I for one am grateful. THOSE FREAK'N DRUMS JOHNNY!! THOSE
FREAK'N DRUMS!!!

Scott Amendola


Check out Scott Amendola's website at scottamendola.com or check him out on myspace at  www.myspace.com/scottamendola

Listen To Scott Amendola Play Craviotto Drums Below:


Craviotto Drums - Congradulations Scott Amendola!

Craviotto Drums - Scott Amendola

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Craviotto Drums -  Charli Persip Charli Persip

After playing with Tadd Dameron in 1953, drummer Charli Persip toured and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie's big and small bands between 1953-1958. Charli then joined Harry Edison's quintet and later the Harry James Orchestra before forming his own group, the Jazz Statesmen with Roland Alexander, Freddie Hubbard, and Ron Carter in 1960. Around this time, Charli Persip also recorded with several formidable jazz musicians including Lee Morgan, Dinah Washington, Kenny Dorham, Zoot Sims, Red Garland, Gil Evans, Don Ellis, Eric Dolphy, Roland Kirk, and Gene Ammons. Persip was also the drummer on the legendary "Eternal Triangle" recording, featuring Sonny Rollins and Sonny Stitt. Charli Persip also toured for several years as a drummer and conductor with Billy Eckstine (1960-1973).

Along with his performing activities, Charli has earned a reputation as a superb educator. Since 1974, Charli Persip has been instructor of drums and music, for Jazzmobile Inc. – New York. He is currently Associate Professor at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in Manhattan, and has had a highly successful private practice for over fifteen years. As a teacher, Charli ranks among the best. Charli Persip is also a popular attraction at drum clinics, and gives lecture-demonstrations at the nations most prestigious schools: Howard University, University of Massachusetts, Ohio State University, and North Texas State University.

Charli's currently leads Supersound, his jazz big band that was started in the mid-80’s. The emergence of Supersound (formally known as Superband) as a major musical experience, is underscored by its latest self-produced recording, Intrinsic Evolution. Charli Persip and Supersound’s release of Intrinsic Evolution is the fourth album recorded by this suburb band, and showcases 25 years of big band leadership.

Supersound’s first album was recorded on the Stash label, and was titled Charli Persip and Superband. The group’s second album Superband 11, and third album No Dummies Allowed, was recorded on the Soul Note label. Tracks from these recordings are played on jazz stations throughout the world, especially in the greater New York area, which is also home-base for Charli and his band. The musical direction of Supersound, presents the total spectrum of Jazz. From the Be-bop era to the present, fans of all ages have thoroughly enjoyed listening and dancing to the music of Supersound.

Supersound’s library of tunes consists of unique arrangements on both standards and original compositions. The individual sound of the band stems from its tri-concept: First, an excellent rhythm section with a small band feeling. Second, all the horns know the melody and harmonic structure of each tune, as well as their written parts. Thirdly, the band portrays the true drama in the music, while maintaining the basic jazz big band traditions. Supersound’s concept crosses the threshold of musical transformation, with Charli Persips drumming - unique in itself. Supersound is truly a unique jazz orchestra.

"The Craviotto drums are beautiful, a full sound... and made in America!"



Craviotto Drums - Ulysses S. Owens Jr.


Ulysses S. Owens Jr.
Jazz Drummer, composer, educator

In May 2006, Ulysses “Bim” Owens Jr. completed a Bachelors of Music degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in New York City. His interest in percussion began at the tender age of two when he began experimenting with the drums from his beginnings in church. His youth and inability to read music made it difficult to secure an instructor to enhance what had been identified as a “natural ability.” While opportunities to study other instruments were given, it was no doubt that the drums were and are his true love. At the age of 8 his opportunity to receive instruction finally came, and he studied classical percussion, and drumset. He also studied classical piano for over 10yrs, which assisted him greatly in his reading and comprehension of melody and harmony, which gives his playing a unique sensitivity and musical awareness. Ulysses is also using this ability to compose many different works. He was commissioned by the Washington D.C Arts Counsel to compose the opening piece for the 24th Annual Mayoral Arts, which will feature African percussion, jazz ensemble and dancers on March 23rd 2009 at The Kennedy Center.

His interest and enthusiasm for the drums has never wavered and because of this; He has received opportunities to perform with some of the world’s finest including Wynton Marsalis, Vanessa Rubin, Audrey McDonald, Dr.Lonnie Smith, Count Basie Jazz Orchestra, Benny Golson, Eric Reed, Russell Malone, Mulgrew Miller, and many others.

He’s currently touring with multi Grammy nominated singer Kurt Elling; Christian Mcbride, and Ravi Coltrane of which have been performing in venues nationally and internationally. Through his experiences he’s obtained endorsements from Craviotto Snare Drums, Evans Drumheads, and Vic Firth Inc.

Joining in a partnership with these companies has enabled him to venture into the educational arena through conducting clinics and master classes internationally in such countries as Costa Rica, Japan, France, Turkey, South Africa Israel, Europe, and throughout all over the U.S. teaching all grade levels. Ulysses also is a consultant, and artist for The Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy in Snowmass Colorado under the direction of Christian McBride, Joe Lang, and Jim Horowitz, in which he travels annually and conducts clinics and concerts with this organization, where educating students throughout the world about Jazz is the central goal. He has served on the jazz faculty at Jacksonville University in Florida as Artist in Residence, and The Calhoun School in New York City. Ulysses maintains a private teaching studio in New York City, and Jacksonville Florida, at his school, USOJazzy School of Music. Ulysses is on the album “Dedicated To You” a live record with Kurt Elling, Ernie Watts and Ethel string quartet for the Universal Music/Concord Jazz label that will be released June 23rd, 2009. Ulysses is also in the process of preparing to release his debut Cd, “It’s Time For You in fall of 2009

His vision continues to be, operating in the area of philanthropy and combining all of his talents, furthering his vision of healing the world with the wonderful gift of music, and education. With his humble attitude, charisma, and vast knowledge, Ulysses will continue in great success.

Check out Ulysses on tour!
July 3rd Christian McBride “Inside Straight Band”/ Tonnaro Bordonaro/Palermo,Italy
July 4th Christian McBride “Inside Straight Band”/ Teatro Tenda/Torbale,Italy
July 5th Christian McBride “Inside Straight Band”/ Estoril Congress Center/Estoril,Portugal
July 6th Christian McBride “Inside Straight Band”/ Tenerife, Canary,Islands
July 7th Christian McBride “Inside Straight Band”/ Las Palmas, Canary Islands
July 8th Christian McBride “Inside Straight Band”/ San Javier, Spain
July 9th Christian McBride “Inside Straight Band”/ Albinea, Italy
July 10-11th Christian McBride “Inside Straight Band”/Ronnie Scott’s/London, England
July 12th Christian McBride “Inside Straight Band”/Mole Vannviellana/Ancona,Italy
July 20-21st Clinician for “Don’t Miss a Beat”/Summer Intensive Music Workshop/Jacksonville, FL
July 22-23rd Kurt Elling Quartet/Albuquerque, New Mexico
July 30th U.O. Project/Kitano Hotel/NYC
August 3-8th Clinician, “Don’t Miss a Beat” Summer Musical Intensive Workshop/Jacksonville,Fl
August 13-16th Tour of Norway w/Jennifer Ledesna Quartet
August 22-23rd Kurt Elling Quartet/Capbreton,France
September 2nd KE w/ Hartman Coltrane & Ernie Watts/Ravinia Festival/Highland Park, IL
September 12th Private Gig w/ Matthew Rybicki Quartet, NYC
September 25-26th Kurt Elling Quartet/Scullers Jazz Club/Boston, MA
October 8th Kurt Elling Quartet/Manship Theatre/Baton Rouge, GA


Craviotto Drums - Tom Meadows

Tom Meadows Live with Duffy
Tom Meadows

Tom started playing drums at the age of 14, having previously spent 10 years studying the violin. Inspired by his first drum teacher to delve in to Jazz and Latin music, he began his professional career in the burgeoning London Acid Jazz scene. After a few years of touring and recording, Tom began to explore different genres and new approaches to playing, which lead him to work with Jamie Hince in the band, Fiji, touring his debut record and recording the second record. From there, Tom was asked to tour with Sony recording artist, Rosalie Deighton, in support of her debut record, Truth Drug. Going deeper in to the Alternative scene, Tom then toured and recorded with the rock band Apes, Pigs and Spacemen. This resulted in their fourth record, ‘Free Pawn’.

After a couple of years with AP&S, Tom moved back in to Pop music, recording with Spice Girl Emma Bunton for her Latin inflected number 1 club hit, ‘Crickets Sing For Ana Maria’, and the resulting EP. Tom then began a long tenure with Universal recording artist, Lucie Silvas, touring extensively throughout the UK and Europe in support of her platinum selling debut album ‘Breathe In’. Tom and the band then joined Lucie in the studio to record her follow up album, ‘The Same Side’, with Coldplay producer Danton Supple. In the same year, Tom also started working with the Universal-signed group Girls Aloud, on their debut arena tour and subsequently appearing on the live DVD of the show – ‘Girls Aloud-Greatest Hits Live’. He also performed with them at their UK festival debut, V2006, and at the inaugural Vodafone Live Music Awards.At the end of 2006, alongside continued work with Lucie Silvas and Girls Aloud, Tom also started working EMI recording artist, Jamelia, promoting her ‘Walk With Me’ album in the UK and Europe.

Since 2007, Tom has been touring the world with Grammy and Brit award winning artist Duffy, in support of her 6.5 million selling debut album, ‘Rockferry’. For tour dates, television appearances and updates, check out www.iamduffy.com or www.myspace.com/duffymyspace.



Carl Lemar Carter

Carl Lemar Carter
~ NOW ON TOUR WITH RAPHAEL SAADIQ!!! ~

Carl Lemar Carter has played with a variety of well-known artists throughout the last decade, many in the Christian and R&B genres. After spending the last two+ years on the road with Carrie Underwood & Joss Stone, Carl Lemar Carter is now touring with Grammy nominated artist, RAPHAEL SAADIQ.

In 2007, as Carrie Underwood's tour was in the final stages, Joss Stone recruited Carl Lemar Carter to hold down the groove for her upcoming tour. After more than a year on the road with the UK sensation, Carl Lemar Carter is now touring with contemporary soul singer Raphael Saadiq.

Raphael Saadiq's music holds a soulful tone, that reflects his deep love for 1960s rhythm and blues. Carl Lemar Carter provides the backbone for the retro-groove R&B sound, that is Raphael Saadiq.

Craviotto Drum Company is proud to have Carl Lemar Carter play our fine instruments.

For more information & tour dates on Raphael Saadiq, please visit: www.raphaelsaadiq.com



Jarrod Alexander

Jarrod Alexander

Jarrod Alexander


Jarrod Alexander
Rock Drummer endorses Craviotto Drums

Jackson, Mississippi-born-and-raised Jarrod Alexander had an early instinct to wake the dead with his cranked snare. A graduate of Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Jarrod’s characteristic style is a visceral combination of raw power and technical finesse—giving his sound dizzying complexity and deafening clout.

His drumming resume doubles as a who’s who laundry list of early 2000’s pioneer Hardcore and Punk rock, and as a blueprint of a young, prolific career, packed tightly with studio drumming and exhaustive touring with Death by Stereo, A Static Lullaby, The Vandals, among many others.

His professional drumming credits began in 1999, when he played on Death by Stereo’s debut album, If Looks Could Kill, I’d Watch You Die, followed by Give Up the Ghost’s debut album, Background Music in 2001, and afterward segued into a European summer tour as drummer for The Vandals. Between 2002 and 2003, he recorded drum tracks for The Hope Conspiracy’s End Note, Throwdown’s Haymaker, The Bars’ Introducing, and The Suicide File’s Things Fall Apart (as well as touring with the band). And in the years that followed, recorded albums and toured with A Static Lullaby, When Tigers Fight and Mean Season.

Jarrod has an almost obsessive, connoisseur-like knowledge, love and collection of drums, as well as a set of influencers that include Mitch Mitchell, Dave Grohl, Bill Stevenson and Matt Cameron. The inception, and evolution, of his style started when he was young; “I wanted to play the drums when I was sitting at my Uncle’s 1970’s Rogers set, at an age so young my feet wouldn’t touch the pedals. I was fascinated by all of the different sounds that each piece of the drum set made…and knew I had to be a drummer.”

He characterizes his own style as coming from a teenage desire to “play fast” and “throw in as many rudimental marching band licks as possible”, and later loving “choking splashes and cranking my snare to wake the dead, and standing up on my throne and jumping off in the breaks of songs.”—which ended up with him driving himself to the emergency room after wrecking his ankle. The evolution continued after meeting AFI’s Adam Carson, whose sound prompted Jarrod to “zoom in” on drum tuning and “let the songs breathe”. With a combination of insane natural ability, and a heart-breaking amount of work, Jarrod’s honed his craft to exactly where he wants it, defined by “the finesse, the speed and craziness” that’s the control aspect of his percussion, as well as “the Neanderthal face-smashing” that is always impressively powerful, sometimes awesomely so, to be in the same room with.


Listen To Jarrod Alexander Play Craviotto Drums Below:



Craviotto Drums - Paul Cavaciuti


Paul Cavaciuti

Internationally renowned performer, composer, educator and music therapist. After graduating from the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1986, he began a performance career that has encompassed a wide variety artists and musical styles, from Indie rock and pop, to jazz, fusion, Latin music and West End shows. His credits include work with; Jim Mullen, Donovan, Alison Bentley and the Jazz Menagerie, The David Gordon Trio, Tina May, Jacqui Dankworth, Dave O’Higgins, Barbara Thompson, Theo Travis, Cayenne, Roberto Pla, Christie Hennessy, Chris Garrick, John Etheridge, Coup d’Etat, Dave Cliff, Colin Oxley, Paul Moylan, Annie Whitehead, Mornington Lockett, Gail Thompson Big Band, Rob Hall, The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra, Carmen Leggio and The Royal Shakespeare Company, His playing has been described as “inspired” (Jazz Journal International), “outstanding” and “virtuosic” (Musician Magazine), and “one of the best jazz drummers in the UK” (Bath and West Times). He has toured extensively throughout Europe, the USA and the Middle East.

Paul is also an extremely successful jazz educator. He was Head of Percussion at the Musician’s Institute in London and a visiting lecturer in music education at the Australian National University in Canberra, 2003. He has taught extensively in the US and UK, at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, NY, The Westchester School of Music in Mamaronek, NY and at Westminster School in London. He enjoys a thriving private teaching practice in both drums and piano, and currently teaches at Richmond College, London and Saint Lawrence College, Ramsgate.

Paul’s work as a composer has been featured on BBC television, Jazz FM, on the last three albums by the David Gordon Trio and now on his own CD, Francisco’s Rhumba by the Paul Cavaciuti Quartet.

Click here to listen to "Drummer Boy"
and here to listen to "Rain"

Check out Paul on these dates:

6-13-2009 Art Theman, Croydon Jazz Festival, Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Hall, Croydon. 7.30pm
6-18-2009 Philip Clouts Quartet, Geffrye Museum, London, 5.15pm
6-21-2009 Hot Orange Big Band w/ Roberto Pla, The White Hart, Mile End Rd, London 7.30pm
6-30-2009 Craig Schneider Trio, Susan May Jazz Club, Hadleigh Hall, Essex 8.30pm
7-4-2009 Craig Schneider Trio, Octave Jazz Club, Endell St. London 9pm
7-11-2009 Tamsin Collison w/ Geoff Castle, Marlborough Jazz Festival, Ivy House Hotel, Marlborough, 6pm
8-1-2009 Gill Cook, Ealing Jazz Festival, London 2pm


Zsolt Jánky

Zsolt Jánky
Zsolt Jánky
Drummer & Educator is proud to play Craviotto Drums

He was born in Kolozsvár located in Transilvania. As the member of a large family full of musicians, music was second nature to him since his birth. In the first 4 years attending his music school he was learning piano, but at the end he graduated on the vocal faculty. At 14 he had a strong personal experience, which had inspired him to start drumming, at the time in a self thought manner. His talent and fanatic practicing, earned him to become a member of such nationally well-known bands, as Trident, Altar and Kappa. With them he had toured, and played several major rock festivals.

At age 18 he had moved to Hungary, and immediately got into Fuchsia’s Fall, a band known for their alternative sound. From here he got invited to play rhythm & blues, and latin rock with the popular Sonia and the Palefaces band, which had an immensely large following. The young drummer rose to fame with this electrifying band, which played thousands of concerts nationally and internationally, opened for Santana in his Budapest concert in 1996, and recorded several creative albums. He became well known among the music lover audiences, and the music industry as well. It was a mile stone in his musical carrier, as it landed him in the dimension that gave him the opportunity of self expression on his instrument, opening him up to the various styles of the music of the sixties, and seventies, while making important self realizations.

As he became one of the most sought after drummers in Hungary, a natural continuation of his musical carrier was to become a session musician, sharing his talents with; the Mogyorosi Trio, Éliás & Staff, Mother Funker Dr. Rhythm Project, Unisex, Not for Sale, Egyszercsak, Fiesta, Bery, Hevesi Tamás, Unique, Csepregi Gyula Band, Bódi Magdi, Felkai Jam, Tátrai Tibor, Ex meg Az, Szörp, Cool Miners, Coda, Daci Zsolt Band, KAPPA, Honfoglalás, Tino Gonzales, Etta James, Earth Wind & Fire, Pure Blues, Ian Siegal and many others…. With them he played countless club and open-air concerts, and participated on many of their records.

In 1996 he founded his drum school Dr.Rhythm, and by today several of his students have their own bands, are playing out in clubs, and do recordings. He’s national endorser for Pearl drums, Sabian cymbals, Big Stick drumsticks, Remo drumheads, and the handcrafted solid shell Craviotto snare drums. In the beginning Nicko Mc’ Brain, then later Steve Gadd, Harvey Mason, Jeff Porcaro, Omar Hakim and John Jr. Robinson had a big influence on him. As a musician he likes all the jazzy, groovy, funky, rocky, live music. His future goal is to publish his own drum notebook; release records with his band KAPPA, and to enlarge his Dr. Rhythm drum studio.

Listen To Zsolt Jánky Play Craviotto Drums Below:


Bart Vergoosen

Bart Vergoosen
Bart Vergoosen

Bart Vergoossen comes from the south of Holland. Born in the town of Echt, he started playing the local drum-band when he was 12 years old. When he was 15 he started a band with his brother Joost, who is an accomplished guitar player…
Bart studied at the conservatory of Maastricht and graduated “cum laude”. During his study, Bart and his brother continued with their band, became quite successful, and gained a lot of experience playing all over Holland.
In 1998, Bart was asked to join Ilse DeLange’s band, who had just released her debut album. Ilse has had a very successful career ever since. She has won several Dutch Grammy Awards, and her latest album “Incredible” (2008 / Universal Music) has already achieved a double platinum status. DeLange’s album has topped all of the music charts, and has remained in the top 10 since it’s debut. Besides the fact that Ilse and Bart are a couple, Bart has always been the drummer in her live band.
This summer, Ilse will play multiple major festivals throughout Holland, as well as a club-tour later this year.
Bart has played Craviotto drums since 2008. “These are by far the best sounding and best looking drums I have ever played. Every time I play them I can’t help but smile. Thanx Johnny, and the rest of the Craviotto family, for making these incredible drums!” - Bart Vergoossen

For more info:
www.ilsedelange.com
www.twitter.com/ilsedelange
www.myspace.com/ilsedelange
www.youtube.com/ilsedelangemusic
www.facebook.com/ilsedelange




Jay Lane
photo by: Alan Hess
Jay Lane

Jay Lane's roles on drums have earned him a place in San Francisco's music history. He started performing in the Bay Area in the early '80s in a band called "Ice Age" that featured childhood friend and current guitarist with Spearhead, Dave Shul. Another childhood friend, saxophonist Dave Ellis, got Lane his next gig with a local ska band, The Uptones, which he played with for two years before joining another popular Bay Area group, the Freaky Executives, in 1985. After four years of steady gigging and a huge record deal with Warner Bros. that eventually was shelved, Lane then met Les Claypool in the halls of the rehearsal space the bands shared, who invited him to join his group Primus. After about eight months with Lane on the gig (that included a recording session for the Primus cassette called "Sausage"), Claypool was ready to hit the road. Lane bowed out due to prior commitments to the Freaky Executives.

Shortly thereafter, Lane co-founded the pioneering hip hop/jazz group Alphabet Soup with saxophonist Kenny Brooks, N.Y. keyboardist Dred Scott, rapper Chris Burger (The Mo'fessionals), and vocalist Zachariah Mose. Alphabet Soup recorded two albums: '94's "Layin' Low in the Cut" and '96's "Strivin'" and shot a video that featured regularly on BET. Also during those years Lane reunited with old friends, the 7-string guitarist Charlie Hunter and sax man Dave Ellis, to form the original Charlie Hunter Trio. The trio recorded two albums. The first on Claypool's Prawn Song label and the second, "Bing Bing Bing!" on Blue Note records. Touring schedules conflicted shortly thereafter when he started playing with Grateful Dead guitarist/vocalist Bob Weir and bassist Rob Wasserman in a side project, that would eventually become Bob Weir's Ratdog. About the same time, Les Claypool called Lane and origional guitarist for Primus, Todd Huth, to put together a band called Sausage. They recorded an album, "Riddles" on Interscope records in 1994, shot a video of the title track that was played on "Beavis and Butthead" several times, and did a tour with the Rollins Band and Helmet that summer. When it rains it pours! After Jerry Garcia passed in 1995, RatDog began a steady touring schedule. Playing with a great like Bob Weir gave Lane the opportunity to also meet and play with many incomparable musicians such as THE TRUE FATHER OF ROCK & ROLL , Pianist Johnnie Johnson (the Johnnie Johnson Trio - that hired a then UNKNOWN Chuck Berry!).

At the ’96 Inaugural Ball, Ratdog performed  for President Bill Clinton!

Evening Moods (1999) and Live as Roseland (2001) featuring Lane's work with RatDog, are available through Grateful Dead Records. He has also appeared on Austin City Limits, VH1 Classic's All Star Jams, the Montreaux Jazz Festival and others in Europe, the Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival and the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, and almost every state in the US. In 2002, Lane earned accolades from his peers and fans, winning "Drummer of the Year" in the California Music Awards. His beats are urban, funky, and fluid, and demonstrate the physical power and stamina he's built over a lifetime on the drums. In 2005, Lane was touring with both Les Claypool's Fancy Band (Skerik, Mike Dillon, Gabby La La) as well as Bob Weir & RatDog, laying down beats in his home studio, and playing Bay Area shows with Alphabet Soup between tours. Lane is currently out on the road with Bob Weir & RatDog through the summer of '07!


MIke Burch Mike Burch - Craviotto Snare Drum Artist

Mike Burch, began his drumming career at the early age of three. A self taught player, who spent the majority of his teen age years in hip “swing “bands and progressive country acts traveling around Texas. He emerged on the national scene in 1986 when he was recruited by the successful vocal group “Mason Dixon” and from there a stint with star search winner Ty Herndon. By the late 80’s, Mike and family, had relocated to the great state of Louisiana, and had embarked on what would prove to be the cultural journey of a lifetime. There, he seemed to be able to saturate himself in a type of Cajun lifestyle that’s enjoyed mostly in the gulf-south.. Cajun and zydeco rhythms would ultimately alter and enrich his whole approach and perspective on drumming, and create a warmer appreciation for its people, foods, and tradition. Once settled in, he set out on what he affectionately refers to as the “Accordian Years”. He writes “ When I first started doing session work there, I was introduced to several very influential musicians in the area., and was taken under their wings, I guess you could say. For some reason, they all liked being around me, and wanted me to know about the music of Louisiana because they could tell ,that I genuinely cared. Since moving there, thanksgiving week of 1988, I’ve been to probably over 40 countries of the world. That’s an accomplishment I would have never experienced in Texas. Greats like Buckwheat Zydeco, Jo El Sonnier, Zachary Richard, were calling and I remember being so flattered. They were pretty difficult projects though, because I didn’t speak a word of French!” The most successfully documented recordings however, spawned 3 extraordanary yrs. with the great Wayne Toups and Zydecajun . Moving forward a little, the fall of 1995 would prove to be quiet a turning point, as Mike was asked to join the now legendary Louisiana country group “ River Road” and about a year later was sighned to Capitol records Nashville and had his first of four top 40 singles on country radio. This involved intense touring with numerous television appearances and opening slots for some of the biggest in the business, as well as performing for more than 30,000 at a concert event in Japan. The band garnished a large fan base and received endorsement deals with many major instrument manufacturers. Mike adds, “ Its no secret that one of the best things about doing lots of session work, is the relationships you develop with the other musicians that are hired to play, and on quiet a few occasions, I had started showing up on the same recording projects with the “ World Class “ slide guitarist, Sonny Landreth.” Their mutual respect led to Mike joining his group in the winter of 2001. The band toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as performed a string of shows in Finland, and at the end of that tour, Mike recorded a series of tracks for “The Road We’re On”, a fabulous collection of songs, which ended up being nominated for a Grammy in 2002. The summer of 2007 saw Mike onstage performing with likes of Eric Clapton (crossroads guitar festival dvd) and Jimmy Buffett”s “Year of Still Here tour”. The most recent cd, “From The Reach” by Sonny Landreth, contains some of Mike’s best work to date. It features Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Robben Ford, Vince Gill, Eric Johnson, Dr. John, and Jimmy Buffett and spent 4 weeks at #1 on the billboard blues charts.

Below is a modest listing of artists Mike has played, toured, and(or) recorded with…..Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Delbert McClinton, Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, Ron Wood, Vince Gill,T Graham Brown, Pam Tillis, Marcia Ball, Bobby Charles, Johanna Guissner, Patti Griffin, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford,John Jorgenson, Dr. John, Arlen Roth, Albert Lee, Cindy Cashdollar, Brian Stoltz, River Road, Beausoleil, Wayne Toups, Zachary Richard, Evangeline, CC Adcock, Buckwheat Zydeco, Lil” Buck Senegal, Bruce Daigrepont, Jo El Sonnier, Mason Dixon, Marc Broussard, Hunter Hayes, Brityn Lotz, Nadira Shakoor, Warren Storm, T.K. Hulin, G.G. Shinn, Charlene Howard Fosse, Ann Savoy, Kami Lyle, Shannon Mcnalley, Don Rich, Parker James, Angelique Hagge, Rene’ Joli Bordelon, Shea Cromian-Smith, Nick Myers, Danny Johnson, Gloryhole, Psychometry, Polecat Creek, April Verch, Walter Jr., Cathy Martin, Suzi Aycock, Richard Leboueff, Keke Bourque, Sean Vidrine, Damon Troy, Dustin Ray, The Fabulous Boogie Kings, Luther Kent, John Smith, Did Lee Squat, Three Fold Flame, Grant Cook, Crazy from the Heat, D. L. Menard, Aldus Roger, Dewey Balfa, Walter Mouton, Johnny Allen, Lil’ Alfred, Joe Douglas, Dana Duhon, Blaine Mayard, Kim Brasso, Larry Habetz, David Egan, and Alexadra Grant.

Check out Mike on tour with Sonny Landreth...

Friday, November 14 Clearwater Theatre - West Dundee, IL
Saturday, November 15 Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
Friday, November 21 Knuckleheads Saloon - Kansas City, MO
Saturday, November 22 The Holland - Omaha, NE
Sunday, March 29 Moscow International PAC - Moscow, Russia


janetjanet weiss

janet weiss
Janet Weiss - Craviotto Snare Drum Artist


~ NOW ON TOUR WITH BRIGHT EYES!!! ~ click here to see tour dates and listen!
Quasi & Sleater-Kinney drummer loves her Maple Craviotto Drum

Janet Weiss grew up in Hollywood, California listening to AM radio and the classic rock heroes of her 2 big sisters. Her musical abilities probably were passed down from her father, a harmonica player from Chicago with great pitch. As a teenager, bands such as The Clash and REM redefined her understanding of the world. Music increasingly became the lens through which she saw everything.

Janet escaped Los Angeles at 17, attending college at San Francisco University. She became very interested in local bands like Donner Party, Camper Van Beethoven, Blue Movie, The Catheads. She connected with their irreverent, DIY, rebellious attitude, and the intimacy of the small clubs in which they regularly played. At the ripe old age of 22, after one drum lesson on a practice pad, Janet joined the sloppy rock trio The Furies. Without any training, Janet learned the drums by watching drummers at a million shows, and by studying John Bonham, Mick Avery, Mitch Mitchell, Topper Headon, Melanie Clarin, Elvin Jones, and countless others.

In 1989 she moved to Portland, Oregon where she’s resided ever since. She’s played mostly in two bands for more than a decade, Quasi and Sleater-Kinney. Each made 7 records, and toured the world, allowing her to support herself with her music. Her drumming, which became more outspoken and personal, was honed against the Indie Rock backdrop of the 1990’s. Janet loves long tom fills, and a snare drum with a giant crack. She first heard the Craviotto snare drum she calls her “snare mate” while engineering a local band. They borrowed it from a shop in town. She tracked it down and offered her first child for it. But it’s lucky owner said it was only available on a borrow basis. She played it, a refurbished Radio King, whenever she could, until she found a maple Craviotto of her own.

Listen To Janet Weiss Play Craviotto Drums Below:



Jeff Ballard

 


Jeff Ballard
Acomplished Musician touts Craviotto Lake Superior Snare Drums

Jeff Ballard grew up in Santa Cruz, California. He recalls when he was a child laying in bed listening to the music his father would play every weekend: Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Sergio Mendez, Oscar Peterson, Milton Nascimento; how he loved the sound and the speed of Ed Thigpen’s brushes on the snare. “I remember feeling the power of a Basie big band shout chorus which would then suddenly disappear into some quiet dancing riff. It was the swing in it, which excited me the most. I also remember how it felt traveling thru sounds of the jungle in a Milton Nascimento record. The drums, percussion, and voice, would sound as if they either came from the earth or were made of water. And I was so happy to hear the joy of Ella and Louie singing and playing together. I think that that early exposure has made me part of what I am today, especially in regards to my love for sound.”

In a community college he studied music theory and played in a big band as well as started working in small groups that played music for all kinds of occasions. He realized then that there are ways to play the drums, which are particular for each occasion. Each genre has requirements with needs to be met. "...I think the challenge is in the search for finding the music’s particular needs. The joy is in the discovery.” During this time, while living in and playing around San Francisco, he became absorbed with ‘modern’ jazz. “ Hearing Tony Williams play with Miles completely changed the way I played drums. Hearing John Coltrane and Elvin Jones, and listening to Ornette Coleman’s music changed my whole world. It was like coming home.”

At the age of twenty-five he began playing with Ray Charles. “We toured 8 months straight every year with the band. Although we often played the same songs and arrangements every night, Ray was always able to make us feel as if it was for the very first time. The drum chair was the best seat in the house really. I only had to watch Ray’s feet to know where and what he wanted the groove to be. What a great school.”

After three years with Ray Charles, Jeff Ballard move to New York City where he found like-minded musicians who were drawing on tradition as well as searching for their own interpretation of playing and expression in music. "...Playing and recording with all of these musicians have opened up the opportunity for me to explore my infatuation with sound. It is the sound, not the note per se, which touches me the most.” Jeff Ballard has also played and toured with Eddie Harris, Bobby Hutcherson, Buddy Montgomery, Lou Donaldson, Mike Stern, and Danilo Perez. He joined Chick Corea in 1999 and continues to play in his various projects.Currently Jeff Ballard is a member of the Brad Mehldau Trio, Joshua Redman’s Elastic Band, performs periodically with Corea, and is a co-leader of Fly, a collective trio with Mark Turner and Larry Grenadier. Their latest self entitled record, Fly, and ensuing concerts have won critical acclaim as best of the year 2004.

Check out Jeff Ballard's website at jeffballard.com

Listen To Jeff Ballard Play Craviotto Drums Below:




jay lane
Jeff Quay
Blue Man Group Drummer loves his Craviotto Snare Drum

Jeff Quay's Craviotto Solid Shell Snare drum is the centerpiece of his drum kit. "It has a lush warmth that blends perfectly with the toms to provide the depth that gives me that 'tribal sound'." he says. "At the same time, it has a crystal clear 'crack' which can cut through anything when the back beat is needed. It has the widest dynamic range of any drum I've ever owned. It sounds great at very low levels and doesn't sound papery when I'm bashing. I own several of these drums and each one has it's own character and personality. Like a Stradivarius Violin, Craviotto drums are a vehicle for personal expression. They are works of art!"