Drummers Pathway Podcast

This episode features my conversation with drummer Tony Braunagel. Tony is an award-winning drummer, producer, and songwriter who has brought his signature grooves to Blues, R&B, and Rock records for over five decades.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas and currently based in Los Angeles, he’s worked with artists like Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Eric Burdon, Rickie Lee Jones, Bette Midler and more. Beyond his work as an in-demand drummer, Tony has also built a career as a Grammy-winning producer.

In this episode, we discuss how his career began organically at 15 after being mentored by a neighbour, his musical development through Blues, R&B, Reggae, and African influences, and why music production has become his primary focus at this stage of his career.

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This episode features my conversation with drummer Curt Bisquera, also known as "Kirkee B." Curt is a Grammy-nominated session and touring drummer who's been laying down grooves for some of the biggest names in music for over three decades.

Born in Santa Maria, California, Curt started drumming almost as soon as he could walk and later studied at the Percussion Institute of Technology, where he crossed paths with legendary session drummer Jeff Porcaro, a connection that helped launch his career.  He's gone on to work with artists like Mick Jagger, Elton John, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Céline Dion, Johnny Cash, Sarah McLachlan, Seal, Bonnie Raitt and more.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of embracing simplicity and letting the song take centre stage, look back at his time studying at the Percussion Institute of Technology, explore how his connection with Jeff Porcaro led to unexpected opportunities, and dig into the challenges of navigating social media while building a professional career.

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This episode features my conversation with drummer Fred Eltringham. After moving to Nashville in 2007, Fred quickly established himself as a sought-after session musician, recording with hundreds of artists, including Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Tears for Fears, Vince Gill and more.

Fred has been playing with Sheryl Crow since 2012 and has previously toured with a wide range of notable acts, including k.d. lang, The Chicks, The Wallflowers, Juliana Hatfield, Ben Kweller, and Boston power-pop rockers Gigolo Aunts.

He is also a two-time recipient of the Academy of Country Music's Drummer of the Year award.

In this episode, we get into his early experiences and the journey that brought him to Nashville, explore how genuine connections can open doors to unexpected opportunities, and reflect on some of the career-defining moments along the way.

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https://fredeltringhamdrummer.com
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This episode features my conversation with drummer Herman Matthews. Born and raised in Houston,Texas, Herman began his musical journey at age seven and went on to become one of the most in-demand drummers in the business. Now based in LA and celebrated for his powerful and soulful groove, he is known for his work with Tom Jones, Tower of Power, Kenny Loggins, Timothy B Schmit, Hugh Laurie, Richard Marx and many more. In 2022, Herman founded the progressive blues, rock and soul band Phatback, Earl & Me.

In this episode, we talk about his early inspirations, his take on why simplicity matters, and look back on some of the career-defining moments he's had.

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Phatback, Earl & Me!

This episode features my conversation with Bucky Berger. As an in-demand freelance musician in the Toronto music scene for over 5 decades, Bucky has collaborated with a wide range of local and international artists.

In this episode, we talk about his early musical inspirations, the importance of being adaptable to any musical scenario, and reflect on some of the experiences that have shaped his path.

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