Rich Redmond is a top call recording drummer/percussionist based in Nashville and Los Angeles.

Rich began playing drums at age 8 and eventually played in the prestigious 1:00 Lab Band at The University of North Texas. Receiving his Master's Degree in Music Education, Rich now combines his classical training and 'street smarts' musicianship to bring his passion filled drumming to the world.

Rich’s versatile, dynamic, and rock solid drumming is the sound behind many of today's top talents.

Rich has toured/recorded/performed with: Jason Aldean, Ludacris, Kelly Clarkson, Bryan Adams, Bob Seger, Joe Perry, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Thompson Square, Steel Magnolia, The Pointer Sisters, John Eddie, Pam Tillis, Susan Ashton, Deana Carter, Montgomery Gentry, Alabama, John Anderson, Trace Adkins, Keith Urban, Emily West, Lauren Alaina, and many others. Rich has played drums and percussion on
19 #1 singles .

Rich has appeared on the trail of television shows such as The Voice, American Idol, The Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show (with Leno, O’Brien and Fallon), The Today Show, Conan O' Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, Good Morning America, Ellen, The CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, ACA Awards, as well as being prominently featured in 18 music popular music videos .

Gig Alerts

Marcos will be in Washington D.C. and then Chicago with Plena Libre. The D.C. date(s) are TBD. Chicago is March 5-8th.

Jeremy Bosch will be at Rockwood Music Hall, but (friend of the show) Bobby Allende will be subbing for Marcos on Feb 28th.

Damon will be with Morgan James at the FTC Stage One Theatre in Fairfield, CT also on Feb 28th.

The Jazz Foundation of America will have their Great Night in Harlem at the Apollo Gala Event on April 14th.

The Curtis Brothers are playing at the Jazz Gallery on Thursday Feb 27th.

Master Sargeant Mark Reilly is fundraising for a Washington Tattoo.

Product Review

This week’s product review are the implements called Dem’Sticks, created by Dave Deming.

The newest addition are the Lang-Ying Brushes (pictured below).

Some points of information you should know about these and all the products Dave makes……

They are a mix of broom corn, African prairie grass and bamboo reed for increased articulation and a slight rebound.
Both the flat brooms and the round brooms come in different sizes & weights.
All have round handled.
They can be customized to your liking. These are not mass produced. Dave carefully notes your specific ratios & weights and will keep that on file for you.
He has a super liberal return / exchange policy. (It's very important that you get a pair that feels perfect.)
This goes for his entire product line. Customizable, hand made, and....can be shipped to your motel if out on the road. Just call or email Dave.
They are $32.50 for the round brooms. $35.50 for the flat brooms (and for now, that includes shipping (!)).

Educational Spotlight

The 2020 Pasic Marimba Orchestra, led by Gordon Stout, application deadline is coming up on March 15th.

The 2020 Hit Like A Girl Contest entry period is approaching.

Iconic Recording

The iconic recording for this week, because of Fat Tuesday, is “Hey Pocky-A-Way” by the Meters.

Music News

Want Tickets to See Bon Iver? Just Pledge to Vote In the 2020 Election - Article

Sofar Sounds Overhauls Artist Payments After Being Fined $460,000 - Article

Musician Plays Her Violin During Brain Surgery - Article

The Day Music Became Carbon-Neutral - Article

Larry Fink Letter to corporate CEOs that Damon mentions - Letter

Rich Redmond Interview

The song leading into the interview is “She’s Country” by Jason Aldean.

Rich starts with talking about his childhood being good at speed skating and also roller skating as a kid. Rich grew up in Milford, CT which was one of the places that Jai Alai was popular. Another was Miami, and it was featured in the opening credits for the TV show Miami Vice (written by Jan Hammer also using Roto toms).

The three sports you can only play right handed (sorry lefties) are:

Polo
Jai-Alai
Field Hockey

Damon asks Rich about his drum chart writing, and here is some software that helps you write neat and easy drum charts.

Gift #1 from Rich is drum transcriptions from his time with Jason Aldean.

Rich talks about his schedule. It starts with the Dates from Jason, and then he plugs in other activities around those (like podcast interviews, teaching, clinics, masterclasses, public speaking and more).

Rich also talks about the importance of understanding and playing percussion as a drumset player. Damon and Marcos just wrote a two-part article in the April and May issues of Modern Drummer talking about just that subject.

Rich talks about the importance of understanding and including electronics in your set-up for 2020 and beyond. Two of the products he mentions are the Roland SPD-SX and the Octopad. Damon mentions the four different SPD One pads. One - Two - Three - Four. Rich mentions the new Alesis Strike Pad as well.

The song Rich mentions “Car Wash” features percussionist Terry Santiel as the hand claps.

Rich brings up Artist Growth and Damon mentions Master Tour to stay organized on the road with the band.

Rich went to Texas Tech and then to the University of North Texas for his music degrees.

Rich talks about the importance of doing your taxes and doing them right so you don’t get audited. Check out the interview with Damon’s accountant to help you get your taxes right! Shoeboxed is one app that will help you organize your receipts through the year.

Rich talks about the importance of keeping your professional life and private life separate on social media.

Pro-Tip: Don’t Quit!!! Keep showing up!!!

Some inspirational music when Rich was young were albums like “Synchronicity” by The Police or “1984” by Van Halen.

Rich talks about honing his skills so when he got a call he was prepared. He talks about moving to a major city to increase the work opportunities and also taking other jobs to make ends meet when work may not be as prevalent. You never know where your next call is going to come from, so make sure you treat everyone with respect, and stay out of trouble.

Rich talks about finding your life purpose. One book that might motivate you to do that is “The War of Art” by Steve Pressfield.

Jason Aldean was on stage during the Vegas shooting. Rich talks about how as a family, they have taken a moment of darkness and learned how to prevail and continue forward.

Rich has written a couple of music books. One of those is “FUNdamentals of Drumming for Kids”