276 - Scott Amendola: Creating a massive career in multiple genres - Drummer's Resource: Conversations with the world's greatest drummers and music industry pros.
June 12, 2017

276 – Scott Amendola: Creating a massive career in multiple genres

Scott Amendola is a risk taker. He risks falling on his face musically and takes chances that tend to pay off more times than not. The New Jersey Native and longtime San Francisco resident invited me into his studio and help me get a better understanding of his winding career of 30 piece big bands to solo performances (not clinics) he’s been a part of over the years. Equally as impressive as his playing, Scott’s resume includes a long tenure with Charlie Hunter, a Grammy Award nomination with his band TJ Kirk, and numerous jaunts around the world with artists like John Scofield, Wil Blades and Will bernard and record appearances too numerous to list. Amendola is noted as being central to the San Francisco scene but to me his influence stretches far beyond the Golden Gate Bridge and well around the world.

Scott Amendola talks about:

  • His new, home studio setup
  • The unknown around remote recording
  •  The benefits of growing up close to NYC
  • How he got into playing and the influence of his grandfather
  • Getting fired from his first band
  • Studying with Sonny Igoe
  • Thoughts on Buddy Rich
  • A career shifting Dave Weckl lessons
  • Finding your voice
  • Realizing how long it takes to get good at something
  • Learning to play more musically, faster
  • Connecting everything to music
  • His “Italian Grip” technique
  • What made him move to San Francisco
  • Preforming solo concerts
  • Much more

Resources / Links / People mentioned:

Scott Amendola plays:

  • Craviotto Drums
  • Istanbul Agop Cymbals
  • Vic Firth Drumsticks
  • Low Boy Custom Beaters
Scott's Studio in Berkley, CA
Scott’s Studio in Berkley, CA
Scott Amendola

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