Journal #12 – Eliza Salem, Colin Stranahan, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Art Taylor

A couple of weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to finally meet Ronnie Burrage in person. I loved having him on the podcast a while back and have been a fan since high school, so it was a big thrill.

He was in Minneapolis for a gig and also did a drum clinic where he brought me up on stage to play a little bit. He had me play the tune “Beatrice” while humming the melody and gave me some great advice about loosening up and not being so locked in to using the hi-hat. Ronnie was so supportive and it was only a little terrifying.

Stay tuned for a new podcast episode next week! I’m also working hard in the background to streamline my interview and editing process so I have the time to talk to more drummers.

In the meantime, here are a few things I’ve been checking out the last couple of weeks.

Eliza Salem – Haven

Former podcast guest Eliza Salem just released a live album called Haven on Close Up and it’s great! Check it out, and listen to the interview if you haven’t.

Colin Stranahan Trio at Mezzrow

Colin Stranahan reunited his trio with Glenn Zaleski and Rick Rosato for a gig at Mezzrow last week. This was the first group I heard him with, on their live album from the Jazz Standard, and it’s always nice to hear them. They’ve got great chemistry.

Kurt Rosenwinkel on Practicing

Some great advice from guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel in a video from his Practice Room series. I particularly loved the part about focusing on what challenges you during gigs or sessions.

Watch it here.

Art Taylor at the Village Vanguard!

It’s possible that I’ve posted this before, but this is one I go back to from time to time. Art Taylor live at the Village Vanguard! It’s very fun to watch from the audience’s point of view.

Have a great weekend!

Podcast – Ronnie Burrage

This episode is available in most places that you listen to podcasts and on YouTube.

Episode 6 Ronnie Burrage Practicing Drummer podcast

Recorded March 2024

Podcast interview with drummer Ronnie Burrage.

From performing with Duke Ellington at just nine years old, having his own band with Marcus Miller and Kenny Kirkland, to playing with Sonny Rollins, Pat Metheny, McCoy Tyner, and countless others, Ronnie has had a really impressive career. 

He’s currently staying busy teaching, working with his non-profit called World Rhythm Academy, and playing with his band, Holographic Principle.

Links:

The song featured in this episode is Village of the Darned from the album Neohippus by Jack Walrath.

My blog post that I mentioned at the top of the episode:
A Hearing Test Saved My Life

The drum intro is from Charles Ruggiero’s Loop Loft sample pack.