102 – Jamming with purpose with Russ Lawton (Trey Anastasio Band)
In this podcast I talk to Russ Lawton, who is best known for his work as a co-writer and drummer for the Trey Anastasio (Phish) band. Russ Lawton grew up in the Boston area where he began drumming professionally,and studying with Gene Roma. Early in his career, Russ toured with the Afro-fusion band Zzebra, formed by Osibisa’s Nigerian-born percussionist Lofty Amao. He currently tours and records with a variety of musicians including Phish’s Trey Anastasio. Collaborating with Trey includes co-writing songs from Phish’s “Farmhouse” CD (featuring the Grammy-nominated song First Tube), Trey’s first solo CD, the live “Plasma” CD, and “Live at the Warfield Theatre” DVD with Trey and Carlos Santana, as well as his two latest releases “The Horseshoe Curve” and “Tab At The Tab Live” in Atlanta.
“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” – Dalai Lama XIV
In this session you’ll hear Russ Lawton talk about:
- How he got started playing drums
- The influence of Portuguese drum and bugle corps on his playing
- His approach to practice
- His thoughts on rudiments and the technical side of drumming
- Applying rudiments to the kit and maintaining good feel
- Grooving and playing musically
- How he landed the Trey Anastasio gig
- Much more
Resources and links mentioned:
- Contact Russ: Website | Facebook
- Stick Control
- Accents and rebounds
- Charley Wilcoxon – Modern Rudimental Swing Solos
- Alan Dawson – Rudimental Ritual
- Trey Anastasio Band
- Gregg Bissonette Interview