I've been playing the drums since I was 10 years old when given the opportunity to learn an instrument in my hometown's summer music program. I was torn between guitar, piano and drums. Seeing the older kids walking to school carrying instruments looked like a pain in the ass to me. The drummers had sticks in their back pockets. That seemed easy. And besides, it looked really cool. Flash forward nearly 5 decades and that pair of sticks has turned into an obsession that fills my house, and trailer, with road cases , recording gear and multiple kits.

 

Let me know where and when you want me to play drums and I will be there. I'm interested in all types of music and love getting involved with different musicians in a variety of projects.



Over the years I have played in a variety of cover and original bands, done some recording, made some money and some life long friends but most importantly I've had a lot of fun. Drumming opportunities have taken me to gigs in San Francisco, Colorado, Florida, all over the Northeast,  Montreal. and the Dominican Republic.  Hey, I even played on a cruise ship once!

 

Sure I've had my share of  those "almost made it" stories that never panned out. A meeting with Chubby Checker, a "sure thing" Atlantic Records deal and various attempts to fill vacated drumming seats for up and coming and established metal acts are just a few of my brushes with fame.

 

You can find me behind a variety of kits today. The 12 piece Pearl Fiberglass kit I play with Alive! '75 and Dressed To Kill is an exact replica of Peter Criss's kit from the Destroyer tour . It features 6", 8", 10", 12", 13", 14", 15" and 16" rack toms, 16" and 18" floor toms with a 22" kick and a stainless steel free floating snare. (Okay, I took some creative liberties on the snare)

 

The  5 piece PDP Concept kit (12", 14", 16", 22" is the current configuration) in a Transparent Cherry Lacquer finish is my go to gigging kit while my DW Classics in Ruby Glass currently take up residence in my home studio.

 

I round out the stable with  a couple of Ludwig kits. In addition to my original '72 Classics I also have a  Breakbeats kit (10", 13" 16") in White Sparkle that I am enjoy playing in smaller, lower volume settings.

 

I use Vic Firth sticks and Zildjian cymbals exclusively. Other gear includes Shure and Audix mics and the Kelly Shu for kick drum miking. And I don't go anywhere without my UE in ear monitors.

 

Whichever band I'm manning the drum stool for, or kit you find me behind please come up and say hello.

 

                                                                                                 - Joe