Pat Petrillo

Drummers Collective

Power 5A Nylon

Yoron Israel

Assistant Chair of Percussion Dept: Berklee College of Music / Independent

New Orleans Jazz / Chico Hamilton Model

Ari Hoenig

Born on November 13, 1973 in Philadelphia, Ari Hoenig, through his parent's influence, was exposed to a variety of alternative musical experiences. His father is a conductor and classical singer, his mother a violinist and pianist. Accordingly, at six years of age, Ari began studying the violin and piano. He began playing drums at age twelve and by age fourteen, he was honing his skills with other young jazz musicians at Philly clubs such as Ortlieb's Jazz Haus.

Ari attended the prestigious University of North Texas for three years, where he studied with Ed Soph while playing with the "One O'Clock" Lab Band. Wanting to be closer to New York City, in 1995 Ari transferred to William Patterson College in northern New Jersey. He soon found himself playing for legendary Philadelphia organist Shirley Scott and working regularly in New York City.

Shortly thereafter, Ari moved into Brooklyn, and since, has found himself playing extensively with variety of groups, including Jean Michel Pilc Trio, Kenny Werner Trio, Chris Potter Underground, Kurt Rosenwinkel Group, Joshua Redman Elastic band, Jazz Mandolin Project and bands led by Wayne Krantz, Mike Stern, Richard Bona, Pat Martino, Dave Leibman, and Bojan Z. He has also shared the stage with such artists as Herbie Hancock, Ivan Linz, Wynton Marsalis, Toots Theilmans, Dave Holland, Joe Lovano, Pat Metheny, and Gerry Mulligan.

The Ari Hoenig Quartet was formed at the end of 2002 while playing steadily every Monday night at the New York Village jazz club Fat Cat. The band featured Jacques Schwarz-Bart, on tenor sax, Jean Michel Pilc on piano and Matt Penman on bass. They released two records on the Smalls Records label: "The Painter" (2004) and the DVD "Kinetic Hues" (2005)

Both records received rave reviews and Fanfare Magazine listed "The Painter" as one of the top 5 records of 2004. Interviews and articles featuring Ari himself have appeared in numerous publications, including Jazz Times, Modern Drummer, Jazzman, Bateria, Citizen Jazz, Philadelphia City Paper, All About Jazz, Philadelphia Weekly, Rim Shot, Drummer, Jazziz, Relix and Downbeat, which included Ari in the article "13 Drummers for the Future." Ari's quartet was filmed live at Fat Cat by Arte (French) television as part of a concert series "Jazz in New York." They appeared on the show "After Hours" on MSNBC and toured extensively worldwide, drawing strong audiences and critical acclaim wherever they played.

In 2006 Ari signed a multi record deal with Dreyfus Records and released his first record for them, "Inversations." Inversations features Jean Michel Pilc, Johannes Weidenmueller. The fall of 2006 kicked off a long CD release tour, taking the group through Spain, Italy, and Finland, as well as various cities in the U.S.?

Currently Ari leads two bands which both play his original music. Ari's Quartet, a.k.a. "Punk Bop," features Will Vinson on alto, Jonathan Kreisberg or Gilad Hekselman on guitar, and Matt Penman on bass. Ari looks forward to his next Dreyfus release on which "Punk Bop" will be joined by Chris Potter on tenor. Ari's other group is a trio that he co-leads with longtime partner pianist Jean Michel Pilc. After playing in each other's trios for some time, Ari and Jean Michel formed the Hoenig Pilc Project in 2006 to meld their two trios into a single, uniquely bold musical statement. Ari plays often with these two groups at his regular Monday night gig at Smalls in the Village. He also uses this gig to present other side projects and experiments he is working on at the time.

Both of Ari's self-produced solo drum CDs, "Time Travels" (2000) and "The Life Of A Day" (2002), document his exploratory nature. They represent an ambitious tribute to the melodic possibilities of the drum set. Ari continues to build on the concepts of these two records by playing largely improvised solo concerts using a regular four piece drum kit and no percussion. In January and Febuary of 2007, Ari played solo drum concerts in the Opera House in Leon France; in New York City's 55 Bar; and for a live broadcast on Philadelphia radio station WRTI.

Ari is also a composer, arranger, and pianist/keyboardist. His compositions and arrangements have been included in the repertoires and recordings of Kenny Werner, Jean Michel Pilc, Jazz Mandolin Project, the R and B pop group “The Mariella Show” and Bojan Z's group. In 2005, in affiliation with the National Endowment for the Arts, Ari was awarded a "Meet the Composer" grant to perform his compositions with his own group.

As an educator, Ari teaches privately and is on faculty at New York University at the New School for Social Research in New York. He gives clinics and lectures at music schools and universities worldwide, and writes a regular educational column for Modern Drummer magazine. In collaboration with bassist Johannes Weidenmueller, Ari has finished a book on metric modulations due out in November 2008(Mel Bay Publishing).

Eric Leiderman Hailing from Chicago with over 20 years experience behind the kit, Eric Andrews is a rock drummer influenced by Dave Grohl, John Stanier, Danny Carey, Charlie Benante, Jimmy Chamberlin and Chris Adler to name a few. Andrews is a solid, hard-hitting and energetic rock drummer who?s played in bands in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City. Currently, Andrews plays for Pearl, highlighted by the vox of Pearl Aday (Meat Loaf, Motley Crue, Sixx AM) and Scott Ian (Anthrax) on guitar. He also has his own successful hard rock group, 286, based in Los Angeles Andrews recently wrapped a 2008 spring UK tour with Pearl, opening for Velvet Revolver. This summer finds him on the road again with Pearl, opening for Meat Loaf on festival dates in the UK, Ireland and Germany. www.myspace.com/pearl March 27th, 2008 Justin Glasco Kate Voegele Power 5B Wood Dan Swinimer Jet Black Stare XD-5B Wood Sean O'Shea Orgone / Alicia Keys Chad Smith's Funkblaster Lex Marshall New Kids on the Block 5A Wood / Lil' John Roberts' Philly Style Tommy Quinn The Rockett Summer 5B Wood Garin Rosen Arsonists Get All The Girls 2B Wood Blake Dixon Saving Abel 5B Nylon Ravi Jakhotia Paula Abdul/Independent Color Wrap 5A Nylon May 15th, 2008 Vater teams up with The Rhythm Cats! The Rhythm Cats are the Charlotte BobcatsŐ drum team ensemble and premiere entertainment squad! The Rhythm Cats are in their 4th full season with a 14 drummer team ranging from all talents and backgrounds. The Rhythm Cats are lead by 2nd year captain, Jay Thomas. Every member is of superior talent, which makes the Rhythm Cats the best drum ensemble in not just the NBA, but of all sports entertainment. The Rhythm Cats are a hybrid of a rock band and a marching drum line. They are the only team in sports entertainment like themselves and therefore add to the overall experience of a Charlotte Bobcats game. The Rhythm Cats are now using the Vater 2B Wood and MVB3 Marching Bass Drum Mallets Exclusively. www.nba.com/bobcats www.myspace.com/rhythmcats April 15th, 2008 Chico Hamilton Legendary jazz drummer and bandleader Chico Hamilton, born September 21st, 1921 in Los Angeles, had a fast track musical education in a band with his schoolmates Charles Mingus, Illinois Jacquet, Ernie Royal, Dexter Gordon, Buddy Collette and Jack Kelso. Chico's engagements with Lionel Hampton, Slim & Slam, T-Bone Walker, Lester Young, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Barnett, Billy Eckstine, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Billie Holiday, Gerry Mulligan and six years with Lena Horne established this young West Coast prodigy as a jazz drummer on the rise, before striking out on his own as a bandleader in 1955. Over the years, Chico has had a series of dance floor successes, including his signature song "Conquistadors" from his 60's Impulse album "El Chico", and the Brazilian influenced song "Strut" from Chico's 1979 outing on Elektra "Nomad", which became so successful on the Northern Soul Scene in the U.K. that it had its own dance!! In 1997, Chico received the New School University Jazz & Contemporary Music Programs Beacons in Jazz Award in recognition for his "significant contribution to the evolution of Jazz". In 2002, Chico was awarded the WLIU-FM Radio Lifetime Achievement Award. At the IAJE in NYC January 2004, Hamilton was awarded a NEA Jazz Master Fellowship, presented to him by Roy Haynes. In December 2006, Congress confirmed the PresidentŐs nomination of Chico to the Presidents Council on the Arts. And in 2007, Chico received a Living Legacy Jazz Award as part of The Kennedy Centers Jazz in Our Time Festival, as well as receiving a Doctor of Fine Arts from The New School. Dynamic as ever at the age of 86, Chico Hamilton has a resume that includes scores for film, original compositions, commercial jingles, 50 + albums as a leader, and countless international tours. Chico is presently teaching at New School University Jazz Program; touring extensively in North America with "Euphoria" group which includes Cary DeNigris on guitar, Paul Ramsey on bass, Evan Schwam on flute, tenor and soprano saxes, and Ian Young on flute, alto and baritone saxes, and Jeremy Carlstedt on percussion; recording with his "Euphoria" group and special guests; composing and performing music for film; and working on an autobiography. Chico Hamilton is now playing the Vater Chico Hamilton model, Retractable Wire Brush and T-4 Mallets. www.myspace.com/chicohamilton April 8th, 2008 Vater Welcomes Raymond Pounds to Artist Family Raymond Pounds has been a professional drummer for over 35 years. Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Ray knew from a very early age he wanted to be a professional musician. Relocating with his family to California in the early 60's, Raymond attended Locke High where his interest in music grew. He studied drums under Clarence Johnston for many years and attended Los Angeles City College before becoming a professional musician in his late teens. RaymondŐs first major professional position was drummer for Stevie Wonder where he went on to record "Songs in the Key of Life." with Stevie. In addition to touring and recording with Stevie Wonder as part of the famed ŇWonderlove BandÓ, Raymond has also toured with Barry White, Deneice Williams, Lou Rawls, The Temptations and others. Raymond Pounds has recorded with many major artists like, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Ronnie Laws, Ice Cube, and Sergio Mendes just to name a few. His TV and film credits include The Tonight Show, Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Name That Tune, (Drummer for 2 seasons), VH-1 Classic Albums: "Songs in the Key of Life", Soul Train, American Bandstand, Hard To Kill (movie), The Jackson's (mini-series), The Young and the Restless and many more. His theatre credits include "Blues In The Night", "Play On!" and "Dinah Was." Raymond is also a song write and has written songs for Jeffery Osborne, Cheryl Lynn, and A Taste Of Honey. LIVE PERFORMANCES / RECORDING CREDITS Steven Bishop Earl Klugh James Brown Gladys Knight Ice Cube Hubert Laws Bob Dylan Ronnie Laws Herbie Hancock Sergio Mendes Miki Howard Les McCann The Jackson's Greg Phillinganes Michael Jackson Diana Ross Jermaine Jackson The Pointer Sisters LaToya Jackson Tracy Spencer Booker T. Jones The Temptations Quincy Jones Dionne Warwick Chakka Kahn Stevie Wonder Baby Face Sean "Puffy" Combs Aretha Franklin Raymond Pounds is now using the Vater Recording model and misc. brushes "I play all kinds of music, sometimes very loud and sometimes very soft. The Vater Recording stick works perfectly for every musical situation I encounter." - Raymond Pounds www.raymondpounds.com March 3rd, 2008 Derrick Frost Chiodos 1A Wood Jamie Ethridge Scary Kids Scaring Kids 2B Wood Pete Beeman Burning Brides 5B Wood Ryan OŐKeefe Airbourne Morgan Rose's Alien Freak / 3A Wood Derrick Wright Toni Braxton Rikki Rockett's Bottle Rockett Steve Sinatra Halfway to Hazzard / Vertical Horizon 5B Wood Mark Goodwin Sick Puppies XD-5A Wood Timothy Sego Gwen Stacy 5A Wood Mika Fineo Filter Power 5B Wood Mark Simmons 8A / Recording February 29th, 2008 Vater is pleased to welcome Legendary Jazz Drummer, Composer and Educator Charli Persip to the Artist Family! Charli Persip's forty-plus year musical mission includes distinguished residencies with the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra and for the late, great, legendary Billy Eckstine during his the prominent years of 1966-1973. CharliŐs credits also include gigs and record dates with Tadd Dameron, Frank Foster, Eric Dolphy, Roland Kirk, John Coltrane, Archie Shepp and Sam Rivers, among many others. Persip was the drummer on the legendary, "Eternal Triangle" recording, featuring Sonny Rollins and Sonny Stitt. Charli has also kept busy leading his own big band, Supersound, for 25 years. The band instills the power of a big band with a small group loose feel. As drummer and leader, Persip is able to redefine the big band tradition away from the rhythmically stiff. He reshapes the compositions to work with the concept of Supersound - without reducing the original idea of the composer. Charli and Supersound will be releasing their latest cd, Intrinsic Evolution, in Spring of 2008. Concurrent with his performing activities, Charli has earned a reputation as a superb educator. He is currently Associate Professor at the New School of Music in Manhattan, New York as well as fifteen years as drum and music instructor for Jazzmobile Inc. and has a highly successful private practice. Recently, Charli released his first educational book,"How Not to Play Drums-Not for Drummers Only", through Hal Leonard Publishing. This unique, insightful book offers the reader a special understanding of the drummer's role in ensembles- an understanding that can improve relations between drummers, their fellow musicians and their listeners. Other subjects covered in the book include the history of the drum set, the importance of listening, tips on equipment, tuning and practicing, and the art and science of accompaniment. July 2008 will see Charli in Italy for most of the month hosting lectures, workshops and performances as part of the Venetto Jazz Festival. For more information on Charli and upcoming performance dates, please visit: www.myspace.com/charlipersip "We are very excited to welcome a talent of Charli Persip's stature to the Vater family." commented Chad Brandolini, Vater's Director of Artist Relations & Marketing. "Charli is a true master of his craft and a fountain of musical knowledge. It's truly an honor that Charli has chosen to play Vater sticks." "I'm looking forward to a long and productive relationship with the Vater guys. I've been diggin their sticks for a while now and am happy to be part of the family." - Charli Persip Charli Persip is using the Vater Excel model exclusively.