673 – Henry Cole: Harnessing Your Ego

Henry Cole is a force. He’s a shape-shifting drummer whose versatile, multicultural style positions him at the forefront of a growing wave of jazz innovation and cross-cultural 21st-century rhythms, tracing back ton his roots in his native land of Puerto Rico.

After absorbing everything from Rock, Jazz, Latin and more, Henry set his sights on New York, where he cut his teeth for 16 years, studying at the legendary Manhattan School of Music under John Riley and becoming one of the most in demand drummers in the City.

Henry is the first Puerto Rican born drummer to perform at PASIC, and he became the first Puerto Rican resident on the island – and the second nationwide – to receive the prestigious “New Jazz Works” Grant from the Chamber Music of America for his work as a composer with his group Villa Locura. He’s also the first Puerto Rican percussionist who has published columns and master classes for “Down Beat Magazine”.

Currently residing in Puerto Rico again, Henry continues to hone his craft, practicing upwards of 6 hours a day and is in the process of building a studio and performance space to host small, intimate concerts for the local community.

Henry Cole talks about:

• Dealing with nerves and anxiety around performing
• His approach to learning many styles
• His move to New York and studying with John Riley
• Understanding your ego and using it to your advantage
• Losing everything in a house fire
• How his developed his own sound
• How to spot great players on social media
• Much more