#403 Andrew Beall- Drummer, Percussionist, Composer, Orchestrator and More!
This week’s guest is Andrew Beall. Hailed by NY Classical Review as “Spectacularly Virtuosic”, international composer/performer Andrew Beall’s work has been performed in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and North/South America. Grammy-winning Broadway Records released albums of his musicals, Song of Solomon (starring Tony-nominee Ramin Karimloo) and Platinum Girls (starring Tony-winner Beth Leavel) both of which have been produced on the international and domestic stage, and Goodbye New York, a commission by NewYorkRep, will receive it’s London premiere in the ‘24/’25 season. Recent commissions: signature song, “This Is Your Show” for national organization, Compassions and Choices, “Jennifer’s Lullaby” for the feature film, Four Cousins and a Christmas (MarVista). His orchestral work has been premiered at Lincoln Center. Broadway: Les Miserables, West Side Story, The Notebook, The Lion King, In The Heights, Beetlejuice, Aladdin, Six, Spiderman, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Days of Wine and Roses. Orchestra: Albany Symphony, American Symphony, Columbus Symphony, New Haven Symphony, Greenwich Symphony, Key West Symphony, Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas, Pit Stop Players, and Parlando, which he also serves as Orchestra Manager. Twice Mr. Beall has appeared as a guest soloist with the Siberian Symphony Orchestra, performing his percussion and marimba concerti. He is the drummer for the Broadway dance company, American Dance Machine, eclectic rock quartet, Cordis, and can be seen in the feature film Breathe In and Amazon series, Mozart in the Jungle. He has released three albums on BMP Records: Deliverance, Glass Jungle, and Relentless. Owner of Bachovich Music Publications and Past President of the Percussive Arts Society New York Chapter, Mr. Beall is an endorsing artist for Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Innovative Percussion, Latin Percussion, and Evans Drumheads and a graduate of Manhattan School of Music and New York University.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Markus Schwartz! Born in Copenhagen Denmark, Markus Schwartz grew up in an American household surrounded by Jazz, and has devoted more than twenty-five years to learning the wealth and complexity of traditional Haitian religious music. Moving in and out of Haiti since the early 1990s, Markus followed the lead of Haitian percussionists on pilgrimages into the countryside to learn the intricate and powerful drumming styles of the various lakou—historic religious compounds—such as Badjo, Soukri and Souvenance.
Settling in Brooklyn in the late 1990's, Markus became a sought-after drummer at Haitian religious ceremonies, and was instrumental in creating the ground-breaking Haitian Jazz quintet Mozayik, bringing his informed arrangements of Vodou rhythms to jazz standards, Haitian traditional songs and Mozayik’s original compositions. He has since become a first-call percussionist on the NYC Haitian music scene, performing and recording with a diverse array of artists across many genres.
With an extensive discography as a featured artist on myriad projects, Markus has released four seminal recordings as a leader thus far; Tanbou nan Lakou Brooklyn (2008), Equinox (2011), Vo-Duo Nou La (w/ Monvelyno Alexis, 2013), and most recently Kay Sa (2019), the second Lakou Brooklyn Quartet recording on the audiophile Soundkeeper Recordings label. Current projects include his own ongoing band Lakou Brooklyn Quartet, as well as membership in Grammy-winning saxophonist David Sanchez' Carib project, and We All Break, led by the iconic drummer Ches Smith, along with pianist Matt Mitchell and Haitian master drummer Daniel Brevil. Markus maintains an active freelance schedule as well, appearing locally and abroad with a host of talented artists from the Haitian community.
Happy Birthday to Alex Beltran! Alex Beltran is an active writer, performer, teacher, and clinician based in New England. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he also received an undergraduate degree in Percussion Performance. Alex is currently the Battery Caption Manager for the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle corps, where he handles the daily teaching, equipment, and logistical needs of the battery and coordinate the staff. He is also the Battery Arranger and Caption Manager for consistent WGI Independent World Finalist United Percussion, as well as the battery arranger for 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.
Happy Birthday to Jason Ihnat! Jason Ihnat holds concurrent careers as an educator, performer, composer and arranger. He currently serves as the Front Ensemble Coordinator for the Boston Crusaders. Prior to coming to Boston, he was a part of The Cadets organization from 2004-2016 as a front ensemble staff member and from 1998-1999 as a member of the corps. During his time with the Cadets, the corps won three DCI World Championships and two Fred Sanford High-Percussion Trophies.
Ihnat is also involved in the Winter Guard International (WGI) activity, where he currently serves on the front ensemble staff for Spirit Winter Percussion. Previously, he served as the Director and Co-Founder of the Eastside Fury Percussion Ensemble from 2000-2014, winning two World Championships in 2000 (A Class) and 2004 (Open Class).
In addition to his involvement with the DCI and WGI activities, Ihnat is the Director of the Detroit Lions "Honolulu Boom" Drumline. This ensemble performs at every Detroit Lion’s home game in front of 65,000 fans, as well as in parades and celebrations in the Detroit area.
Academically, Ihnat has served as a part-time Lecturer of Music Theory at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) since 2012. He has also been the Percussion Arranger and Instructor for the EMU Marching Band for over a decade. Ihnat performs frequently with the Dearborn, Flint, Macomb and Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestras as well as the Michigan Philharmonic. His compositions and arrangements have been performed at the top universities and high schools in Michigan and throughout the country.
Jason’s education includes a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wayne State University, where he studied percussion under Keith Claeys and a Master of Music in Composition from Eastern Michigan University, where he studied with renowned composer Dr. Anthony Iannaccone and percussionist John Dorsey.
Jason also performs frequently with the Dearborn, Flint, Macomb and Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestras as well as the Michigan Philharmonic. His compositions and arrangements have been performed at the top universities and high schools in Michigan and throughout the country.
When he is not pursuing his percussion interests, Ihnat enjoys spending time with his wife Laura and their two children.
Happy Birthday to Carol Steele! She has been traveling to Cuba for 30 years, and introducing the island to fellow travelers for 20. Carol developed her love of travel as a professional musician, but it was going to Cuba in 1987 when she knew she had found her spiritual home. Carol’s enthusiasm is contagious, as is her love of Cuba, its culture, its history, and most of all, its people. Carol’s professional résumé reads like a Who’s Who of popular music. She has performed or recorded with Peter Gabriel, Steve Winwood, Joan Baez, Tears for Fears, Bette Midler, and many other well-known artists. Carol was the first American woman to play with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, one of Cuba’s iconic folklore groups, and she toured the United States with Lazaro Ros and Amelia Pedroso, two of Cuba’s most popular and beloved Folkloric singers. Carol’s second passion, besides music, is the study of Cuban Religions of African Origin. She loves to share her knowledge of the history of these spiritual practices, of their survival through music and art, and of how deeply entwined they are into the fabric of everyday Cuban life.
Happy Birthday to Keith Rousu! Keith Rousu is the Director of the Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline. Beginning at the age of 12, drumming and sports have been his passions. Spending 4 years in the renowned University of Washington Husky Marching Band Drumline, Keith also played around Seattle in various rock bands before deciding upon a career change. He went back to school for a degree in Sports Management and that led to where it all began with the Seahawks. He has arranged music and instructed clinics for a few high schools in Washington. Blue Thunder has performed with guest drummers: Alan White (YES), Jason Finn (Presidents of the USA), Mike Derosier (Heart), Steve Smith (yes, thee Steve Smith!) and Scott Rockenfield and all members of Queesnryche. Blue Thunder also has the biggest bass drum in the world, built by Dynasty in spring of 2006, sitting at 100” in diameter. Blue Thunder proudly uses and abuses Dynasty Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks and mallets, and Remo drumheads.
Happy Birthday to Ed Jarusinsky! Ed is a versatile drummer and percussionist with a lifelong passion for music. His sensitivity, diversity, and experience create a musical blend that is both modern and traditional. He received a Jazz Studies Degree from the University of North Texas where he had the privilege of studying with Ed Soph, Dr. Robert Schietroma, and Ron Fink. He is endorsed by Smith Drums and Vic Firth drumsticks and is the author of a drum set method book and CD entitled Rock Solid: The Art of the Groove. A Guide to Becoming a Musical Drummer. Ed has toured the U.S. as well as fifteen other countries and has performed and/or recorded with Kevin McKinney, Robyn Ludwick, Max Frost, Bob Schneider, Ephraim Owens, Charlie Robison, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Nakia and his Southern Cousins, Suzanna Choffel, The Nightowls, Dave Sebree, Van Wilks, Tommy Shannon, The Stingers, Alex Coke, The Guy Lombardo Orchestra, Joel Guzman, and many more.
Ed teaches Drums and Percussion Instruments to students of ages 10 and up. His teaching style is relaxed and fun with a strong emphasis on musicianship and individuality. He has been on the faculty at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Upper School for over a decade teaching music theory and rock band classes. Ed Jarusinsky is honored to perform and teach for a living and is eager to share his knowledge at the Austin School of Music.
Happy Birthday to Lenny Castro! Born in N.Y.C., N.Y on Sept. 19th. 1956 Son of musician, Hector L. Castro, who was pianist and Musical Director for Johnny Pacheco and Celia Cruz as well as having his own group, Conjunto Candela. His first conga and drum set were given to him by his stepfather, George Cordero. Lenny went to the same high school his father attended, Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music and Art. Lenny also attended Mannes College Of Music, Third Street Music School, All-Boro Band and Orchestra, All High School Band and Orchestra as well as playing in Salsa bands like Johnny Colon, Eddie Palmieri and other local NY bands at the age of 14. At age 19 he was discovered by Melissa Manchester working at the Frank Ippolioto’s Pro Drum Shop. Shortly after that Melissa and the band moved to L.A. where he met musicians like Steve Lukather, David Garfield, Carlos Vega, as well as The Porcaro Family, Chuck Delmonico, and many other. Soon becoming a part of the L.A. scene himself. He Started to work for many producers in L.A. like Richard Perry, Leon Ware, John Stronach, Vini Poncia, James Newton Howard, Bill Schnee, Tommy Lipuma, Russ Tittleman and Lenny Worenker, John Stroud and others. He has toured and recorded with countless artists.
Happy Birthday to Munyungo Jackson! Percussionist, Composer, Arranger, Producer, Author and four time Grammy Winner Darryl Munyungo Jackson possesses an ever-increasing collection of instruments with which to execute his craft. That is one of the reasons this warm and unassuming West Coast artist can be found in virtually any musical setting—whether it’s Funk, Pop, Jazz, Latin, Reggae, or traditional dance music of such countries as Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Haiti, Brazil and Cuba.
Despite his youthful appearance, Munyungo is no newcomer: in his over thirty years of playing, he has developed an awesome versatility and became a well-respected and much requested session, concert and tour player. He has performed with Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Kenny Loggins, Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, the Zawinul Syndicate, George Howard, Ronnie Laws, The Temptations, Four Tops, The Supremes, Bennie Maupin, Bill Summers, Marcus Miller, and dozens of others, including numerous ethnic music and dance troupes.
Munyungo was born in Los Angeles, California, into creative surroundings: his parents, Arthur Jackson Jr. and Genie Jackson, both maintained various involvements in music, dance and writing, and Munyungo is the nephew of the legendary jazz, pop and blues singer and pianist Nellie Lutcher who was on Capital Records.
As a child, Munyungo was required to take classical piano lessons, and did so until he was nineteen years old. But in his high school years, when one of his buddies started a Latin jazz band, seventeen-year-old Munyungo found himself uncontrollably attracted to the sound of the timbales, and his interest in piano began to fade. He began spending more and more time with the percussionist in that band, soon discovering that he was quite skillful at observing and remembering the techniques. His first opportunity he purchased his very own set of timbales.
During this period, Munyungo’s father was program director of a jazz radio station. The benefit to Munyungo was the constant exposure to much music. He happily surrounded himself with the albums of the many Latin artists of the day such as Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, and Tito Puente, and practiced by playing his timbales along with these albums. Soon, his system of observation-plus-practice proved to be an effective method of self-training, and it wasn’t long before he formed a Latin jazz band with his classmates.
Munyungo’s passion for the timbales was only the beginning. From that point, he made the natural progression to Congas, Bongos, Latin Percussion and beyond, eventually to religious Bata Drumming, and numerous drums and percussion from many different cultures.
Subsequently, he met and worked with traditional drummers from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, China and Japan resulting in a collection of over four hundred percussion instruments and drums from all over the world — all of which he plays proficiently.
Why that name? On several occasions, he performed with some players from Africa and the Caribbean, who would shout “Munyungo!” (Which is a Zulu word meaning “door” or “entrance”) to cheer him on as he played — and it wasn’t long before the word attached to him as a nickname.
Now, for him, the name means “Gateway to Heaven.” -Bio
Happy Birthday to Pete Zimmer! Pete, moved to New York City in June of 2001, and has since established himself as one of the top-call drummers in New York City’s jazz scene. Originally from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Zimmer has made his mark nationally and internationally as a versatile and articulate drummer, bandleader, sideman, composer, educator, and record label entrepreneur.
Since 2004, Pete Zimmer released five (5) critically acclaimed albums as a leader on his own record label, Tippin’ Records. The albums showcase both his constant swing on the drums and his skillful and melodic compositions. His composition, “Time That Once Was,” a moving ballad recorded on his first album Common Man, was recently licensed to Sony Pictures Television where it was featured in the opening scene of the series they produce “Masters of Sex” (Episode 307, Monkey Business), aired on Showtime. He has received many accolades from major publications. "Pete Zimmer has learned his New York lessons well, as his dry tone, meaty swing beat and subtle accents make him an old hand” (Down Beat), and "Zimmer's drumming boasts a crisp, swinging command with judicious musicality." (Modern Drummer)
Zimmer’s band has performed at many of the prominent jazz venues in New York City including: The Blue Note, Jazz Standard, Smoke Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Birdland Jazz Club, The Kitano, Fat Cat, and Cornelia Street Café. He has toured throughout much of the USA and the United Kingdom. Throughout the years his group has featured many of the top musicians in New York City including: Mike Rodriguez, Joel Frahm, Jeremy Pelt, George Garzone, Peter Bernstein, Avi Rothbard, David Wong, Peter Slavov, Rick Germanson, Toru Dodo, John Sullivan, Mike DiRubbo, Ryan Kisor, Vitaly Golovnev, George DeLancey, Jerry Weldon, Joseph Lepore, Jaleel Shaw, Robert Rodriguez, Jeb Patton, and others.
Pete Zimmer is a highly regarded educator and clinician. He has presented clinics and masterclasses at many top collegiate jazz programs throughout the United States and United Kingdom. He is a faculty member with the New York Jazz Academy since 2009.
As an active sideman, Zimmer can be heard on the latest recording by legendary bassist Ron McClure Trio, Hope and Knowledge. (McJolt Records, 2017) He has also performed and/or recorded with the likes of: George Garzone, Rodney Jones, Ron McClure, Dennis Irwin, David Schnitter, Akiko Tsuruga, Rick Germanson, Julius Tolentino, Gene Perla, Wayne Escoffery, Dan Nimmer, and many others.
Pete Zimmer’s record label, Tippin’ Records, was originally established to feature his own projects, but after having much success with his first few releases, it did not take long for other artists to solicit their projects to Tippin’. In 2009 Zimmer decided to expand the catalogue and encompass additional artists. The first additional artist was trumpeter Vitaly Golovnev with the release of To Whom It May Concern and was followed by guitarist Kyle Asche Organ Trio (featuring legendary organist Melvin Rhyne), Blues for Mel. The label now has a total of one dozen releases and six artists.
Before moving to New York, Zimmer studied at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois and at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, earning his bachelors degree. At the Conservatory he was fortunate to have apprenticeships with master musicians and teachers Danilo Perez, Cecil McBee, George Garzone, Bob Moses, Jerry Bergonzi, and Bob Brookmeyer.
Happy Birthday to Marcelo Bucater! Marcelo is a drummer/percussionist and educator from São Paulo - Brazil based in Los Angeles since 2013.
Currently, he is the Drum Department Chair at Los Angeles College of Music (LACM), teaching private and group lessons.
Marcelo has worked as a session and touring musician, recording and performing live with many different artists. His versatility as a drummer and percussionist led to performances accompanying artists of different genres all over the world.
He has produced, recorded and performed with independent artists and renowned musicians such as Carrie Underwood for the 51st ACM Award, Ladybug Mecca (Digable Planets), Arthur Verocai, Adrian Younge (Jazz is Dead), Tinto Tango (Latin Grammy Winner), Antonio Carlos & Jocafi, Adam Levy (Norah Jones), Darek Oles, Scott Henderson, Philip Bynoe, John Avila (Oingo Boingo), Gemini (Producer), Natália Spadini, Shandy and Eva, Andrew Murdock (Producer), Koobong Ensemble and Phat Cat Swinger to name a few.
Performed in venues like Lincoln Center (NY), Disney California Adventure, Rose Bowl, Levi's Stadium, MGM Arena in Las Vegas, Microsoft Theater, Hollywood Pantages Theater, Pershing Square LA, El Rey Theater, NAMM Show, Thalia Hall, Queen Mary, The Mayan, and many others.
Marcelo is a member of the Recording Academy and a voting member of the Latin Grammys. Some of his music projects include the Press Award 2020 Finalist group Little Brazil Trio – which made it to the 20th Annual Latin Grammy Awards ballot in five categories and was a finalist at the 24th Annual USA Songwriting Competition with the original song “Vem”.
With a Bachelor's in Music at FAAM (SP-Brazil), a Degree in Music Performance at Los Angeles College of Music, and a Master's Degree in Jazz Performance at California Institute of The Arts(CalArts), he had the chance to study with renowned musicians such as Jeff Hamilton, Joe LaBarbera, Ralph Humphrey, Randy Gloss, Joe Porcaro, and Edu Ribeiro.
Gig Alerts
The UK Drum Show is happening Sept 28th and 29th in Liverpool England. You can get tickets HERE.
Friend of the show Weedie Braimah is returning to the Blue Note in NYC from Nov 18-20 with special guest Pedrito Martinez.
Stevie Wonder will be on tour for the month of October and friend of the show, Fausto Cuevas III will be returning to the band.
Friend of the show, Joe Locke, will be on tour in the UK and Italy with his band in support of the newest release, “Makram”
The Chicago Salsa Festival is happening Sat Sept 28th and friends of the show, Camilo Molina and Bobby Allende will be there playing with different bands.
Educational Spotlight
Friend of the show Ney Rosauro has a book out called The ABC’s of Brazilian Percussion. He announced he has videos up on YouTube to accompany the book.
Iconic Recording
The first iconic recording is “Oh What A World” by Rufus Wainwright from the album ‘Want One’
The other recording is “Why Not” by Michel Camilo from the album ‘One More Once’ and you can see the personnel from that album HERE.
Music News
Under a new labor contract announced Thursday, New York Philharmonic musicians will receive a raise of 30% over the next three years. That will bring the musicians’ base pay to $205,000 per year, making them one of the highest paid orchestras in the country. -Article
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two bills that require the consent of actors and performers for the use of their digital likeness. SAG-AFTRA calls the protections a big step forward. -Article
Andrew Beall Interview
The song leading into the interview is “Palace Encounters” by Andrew Beall and Neil Van Leeuwen from the ‘Song of Solomon (Original Concept Recording)’
Damon first met Andrew for the Percussion People concert in NYC.
Damon brings up the other Andrew Bealls that he found.
Andrew talks about the memoirs by JR Moehringer. Damon brings up books by Neil Strauss.
Andrew is drawn to stories and was an avid reader and writer as a kid.
Andrew talks about the band Cordis that he plays drums and percussion for.
Andrew talks about the Cimbalom. Damon mentions the film score for The Sisters Brothers movie by Alexandre Desplat.
This is the video Andrew mentions of the Game of Thrones Season 5 premiere.
Damon mentions Medea’s Dance of Vengance and the story of Medea from Greek mythology. Andrew brings up the Star of Indiana version of this music.
Damon brings up that Andrew marched the Phantom Regiment drum corps. He also marched the Bluecoats and the Kiwanis Kavaliers before that.
Andrew taught at the Carolina Crown, Santa Clara Vanguard, and Boston Crusaders.
Andrew mentions friend of the show Jack Mansager and the show Blast!
Andrew mentions writing a piece for Excelsis Percussion Quartet. That quartet features a couple friends of the show in Mariana Ramirez, and Marcelina Suchocka. The piece he wrote is for four drumsets and other percussion.
Andrew also talks about writing a piece for three cajons.
Damon mentions Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza and Andrew mentions Graeter’s Ice Cream. Both in the Columbus, OH area where Andrew grew up.
Andrew went to THE Ohio State University for two years before transferring to Manhattan School of Music.
Andrew got to study a little with Michael Udow.
Andrew talks about growing up in Columbus and PAS Day of Percussion events.
Andrew talks about Tommy and Miss Saigon igniting his dream to move to NYC and play on Broadway.
Shout-out to Erik Charlston, Howie Joines, Jim Saporito, and Ben Herman.
Damon and Andrew talk about iconic set pieces.
Andrew and Damon talk about the inspiration of the Santa Clara Vanguard and the helicopter sound effect.
Andrew got his masters from NYU.
He talks about Blast and Rhythm of the Night.
Andrew talks about 2001 Phantom Regiment and him winning I&E (individual and ensemble competition) with the front ensemble.
Andrew talks about his dad being on Jeopardy.
Andrew talks about being a contractor and booking musicians on other gigs.
Andrew chooses the Iconic recordings for the week.
Shout-out to friend of the show Dafnis Prieto.
Damon mentions the band French Toast.
Shout-out to (friend of the show) Keith Aleo and drummer Calvin Rodgers.
Andrew uses Pearl Drums, Adams Instruments, Innovative Percussion Implements, Sabian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, and Latin Percussion Instruments.
Shout-out to James Preiss, (friend of the show) Chris Lamb, Erik Charlston, (friend of the show) Jonathan Haas, and Michael Bump.
You can follow Andrew on his Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
The song leading out of the interview was written by Andrew. It is called, “This Is Your Show” for the Compassion and Choices organization.
