** MAIN INFLUENCES **

Undoubtedly many drummers have influenced and inspired my drumming and personal interests in music and other areas for several years.  These are some of  the most remarkable guys...

Bill Bruford:  There are no many drummers like Bill.  His technique and dexterity to play drums and percussion is simply awesome.  I won't forget all the things I learned when I talked to and saw him play live with "Earthworks" at The Aladdin Theater in Portland, OR on June 7th, 2001.  Thanks for being such an accessible and kind guy.

Sheila E:  No comments... out of this world !!.   "Sex Cymbal", “Heaven” & "Writes of Passage" are some of my major inspirational recordings...and yes of course... she is an incredible drummer too.   ++ Beautiful ++

Vinnie Colaiuta:  He is one of a kind.  Probably the most versatile and adaptable drummer I've heard.  His polyrhythms are simply amazing.

Steve Gadd:  Have you ever listened to records such as: "Leprechaun", "Friends" or "Mad Hatter" by Chick Corea?  If not, please do it and you will see why Gadd was considered an innovator in the late 70's and 80's.

Joel Rosenblatt:  You need to check this guy if you want to listen to smooth and beautiful drum parts and a wonderful and careful way to put it all together.  Cool..., keep it up..!

Neil Peart:  What a drummer.. !!.  He is also one of a kind.  He was the 1st outstanding drummer I listened to in my life.

Alvaro López:  In my humble opinion, he is one of the best Latin American drummers I've seen...  However what I really like the most about him is his serious commitment towards Jesus Christ.  Thanks for being such a nice and positive inspiration.

Carlos Vega:  One concert was enough to realize how brilliant he was.  Pitifully he left us very quickly.

Virgil Donati:  This guy should be kidding….!!! He is simply awe-inspiring….

Jeff Queen: Simply.... a master snare drummer..! He is truly the consummate musician and percussionist.

Carlomagno Araya:  A Costa Rican musician.

Of course, I could never forget the great influence of excellent drummers such as: Billy Cobham, Terry Bozzio, Steve Smith, Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, Gregg Bissonette, Alex Acuña, Peter Erskine, Alex González, David Garibaldi, Jeff Porcaro, Omar Hakim, Tony Williams, Stewart Copeland, Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, Al Foster, Tony Thompson, Lenny White, Cindy Blackman, Manu Katche, Chad Wackerman, Alex Van Halen, Simon Phillips, and Carl Palmer,.... just to name a few…

** DRUM INSTRUCTION **: **

These are some of my favorite Snare Drum Books I usually use:               

1-  Stick Control & Accents and Rebounds / George Lawrence Stone.

2-  All-American Drummer-150 Rudimental Solos / Charley Wilcoxon.

3-  Modern School for Snare Drum / Morris Goldenberg.

4-  Podemski's Standard Snare Drum Method / Benjamin Podemski.

5-  Portraits in Rhythm /  Anthony Cirone.

6-  Savage Rudimental Workshop / Matt Savage

DRUM BOOKS:

Again, there are hundreds of very good methods to play drums.  Some of my favorite ones are:

1-  Future Sounds / David Garibaldi.

2-  Sticking Patterns & Technique Patterns / Gary Chaffee.

3-  The Ultimate Play-Along for Drums - Volume 1-2  /  Dave Weckl.

4-  When in doubt, roll / Bill Bruford.

5-  New Breed / Gary Chester.

** SOME FAVORITE GROOVES **

Artist                       Album and/or Song              Drummer/Percussionist

 

YES                            Heart of the Sunrise                    Bill Bruford

BB-Earthworks           All                                               Bill Bruford

Dave Weckl             Master Plan                                 Dave W. / Steve G.

Sheila E.                    Sex Cymbal                                Sheila E.

Sheila E.                    Virtuosity                                     Sheila E.

Torre Fuerte               Mi Fortaleza                               Alvaro Lopez

GRP Live                   All                                               Carlos Vega

Chick Corea            Nitesprite                                     Steve Gadd

Rush                         Driven                                          Neil Peart

Karizma                   Document                                    Vinnie Colaiuta

Evelyn Glennie         All                                                 Evelyn Glennie