Darren Stanley is one of the Atlanta area’s most established and well-liked drummers. His main gig is touring with Colonel Bruce Hampton, who is described by Wikipedia as a Blues Surrealist. Before that, he was the longest standing drummer for Delta Moon, with whom he toured and recorded for eight years. He is the house drummer for bassist Kevin Scott’s Tuesday night jam session in Atlanta, which is known both locally and by national musicians touring through town as a bastion for experimental music. He is also the percussion instructor for one of the biggest and best high school music programs in the state, Brookwood High School, where his wife is the band director.
In this podcast, Darren talks about:
Playing in Colonel Bruce’s band, and having to be open to almost anything, musically or otherwise
His experience as a student at The University of Georgia and as a musician in Athens
His technical foundation, from rudimental drumming to The New Breed and The New Breed 2
How his eight-year tenure in Delta Moon forced him to strip his playing down to the bare essentials
Being the house drummer for a jam session that is not genre-based and truly open
How losing his father changed his perspective on music
Teaching music to students who aren’t going to make it their careers, but whose musical experience will shape them as people
Why travelling is important for musical and personal development
This episode is sponsored by Sakae Drums
