260 - Jim Payne: The keeper of the funk - Drummer's Resource: Conversations with the world's greatest drummers and music industry pros.
April 9, 2017

260 – Jim Payne: The keeper of the funk

Labeled the “Buddy Rich or Billy Cobham of funk drumming” by Jazz Times Magazine, Jim Payne has had a long, successful career as a drummer, educator, producer, and collaborator with the best musicians in jazz and funk. From Connecticut to New York to Memphis and California, Jim Payne has done it all. Jim attended Yale and got his MBA form Columbia all while becoming one of the most recognizable funk drummers and producers, working with artists like: John Scofield, Medeski Martin and Wood and many others. Jim is a master educator, performer, and author…and if that’s not enough, Clyde Stubblefield called him “one of America’s funkiest drummers and a great teacher.”

Jim Payne talks about:

  • How he began playing drums (and quit accordion at the same time)
  • Why he attended Yale and Columbia
  • His unorthodox love for funk and R&B
  • His frequent trips to the Apollo Theatre
  • The racial tension in music throughout the 60s and 70s
  • Transitioning into a producer
  • The Stax Records era
  • Much much more

Resources / People / Links mentioned:


Jim Payne plays:

  • DW Drums
  • Al Peterson Snares
  • Paiste Cymbals
  • Vater Drumsticks
  • Remo Drumheads

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DW Drums: I’ve been playing DW for years…not only because they make high-quality, handcrafted drums but because they support and foster drumming initiatives all over the wold, much like this podcast. I’m thrilled to announce that DW has signed on to support Drummer’s Reosource for 2016! Be sure to check them out today at DWDrums.com.

Musicians Institute: Program Chair of Drums at Musicians Institute, Stewart Jean, teamed up with world-renowned percussionist, Richie “Gajate” Garcia to create a new course, Hybrid Cajon Techniques. This exciting new course teaches students the basics of Cajon with an emphasis on playing within the pop, rock and R&B genres. Students learn how to prepare for that coffee house gig by adding hand and foot percussion to Cajon patterns. Essential skills for today’s working drummer. Learn more at MI.edu. Musicians Institute, instrumental in life!

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