Selena @ Barbes

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I am still radiating joy from the all-Selena show I played at Barbes over the weekend. This gig had been in the books for quite sometime. With only a few rehearsals, I was pretty nervous about it to tell you the truth!

I’ve played a lot of Latin styles in my career, but never cumbia, the folk music of Colombia, which is the basis for many of the grooves in Selena’s repertoire. After understanding the fundamentals of the style, I had to figure out how to adapt it to the drum set and share duties with only one other percussionist, who I only had one rehearsal with. Thankfully Brian Adler is a true pro and with his guidance, we were easily able to divvy up responsibilities.

On the day of the show, I finalized what my setup would be: after toying with it on the left, I mounted a cowbell on the right side of the kit, used mostly my left hand to cover maracones with the hi-hat, and left the snares off to play some timbale-like fills. Brian covered congas, bongos, and a ton of fun “toys."

I am happy with the way it turned out and thought I would share the entire recording. Here’s the personnel and setlist:

La carcacha—>
Techno cumbia
No me queda más
Si una vez
Como la flor
I could fall in love
Dreaming of you
Baila está cumbia—>
Amor prohibido
Tu solo tu
El chico del apartamento 512—>
Bidi Bidi bom bom
E: La carcacha —>Techno cumbia

Jenny Luna: vocals
Barrie Lobo McLain: backup vocals
Sky Steele: synths, violin, backup vocals
Joshua Camp: accordion, keys
Michael Winograd: clarinet, saxophone
Ilusha Tsinadze: guitar
Mike Lavalle: bass
Ashley Baier: drums
Brian Adler: percussion

Back on the Interstate!

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Melissa Li & Kit Yan’s Interstate was one of the eight featured presentations at this year’s NAMT Festival of New Works, held at New World Stages. I was delighted to hold down the drum chair again. I developed the drum book for this show, which is near and dear to my heart for a multitude of reasons. This was my first time playing a showcase at NAMT. They provided a nice drum set (with cymbals!) and everyone in the band had their own Aviom unit, which was a nice touch. Interstate is getting a full production in Minnesota next year. Hopefully one in NYC will follow!

That's a Wrap: The Lightning Thief

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I am so thankfully that I got to fill on twice for The Lightning Thief’s first national tour, first in Dallas and then in Boston this past weekend. Here are a few of my favorite drum moments. Enjoy!

Hathaways @ Pine Box Rock Shop

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Last week I played at Pine Box Rock Shop with Hathaways in celebration of the release of their new EP, Hologram. Give it a listen! Here’s a little clip from the gig. This song is about the spectral classification of stars. They also have one about Clara Schumann. That’s the kind of nerdiness I can get behind!

Drum Cam: Highlights from The Grinch

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I just finished my third tour with The Grinch! We played 57 shows this year. I put together a little highlight reel from one of our recent shows in Philadelphia. Enjoy!

Live from Philadelphia, December 2018 0:00 This Time of Year 1:47 I Hate Christmas Eve 2:35 Whatchamawho 3:21 The Thought That Counts 4:10 One Of A Kind 7:26 Down The Mountain 7:56 You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch 8:52 Bows/Exit Music

VÉRITÉ

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Vérité is the truth, ya'll. It was a pleasure to backup Kelsey with an all-female orchestra at National Sawdust last night. She has a rabid fan base and it was heartwarming to watch the audience sing along to every tune. Thanks to The Hum and Kristine Kruta for making this happen!