Today, we’ve got another segment of the podcast called Big Fat Five. This is where I invite my favorite drummers on the show to break down the five records that helped shape their approach to the instrument.
Our guest today is Jason Gerken, a Kansas City-based drummer known for his work with Molly McGuire, Shiner, Open Hand, Project 86, and most recently, Hum. After our episode with Jared Shavelson a few weeks ago, I got a flood of DMs from people thanking me for introducing them to Jason’s drumming on The Egg by Shiner. I knew I had to get him on ASAP. Jason’s drumming carries so much weight—in every sense of the word. I know a lot of my friends were especially looking forward to this one, so here you go. I hope you all enjoy the five records that shaped Jason Gerken into the drummer he is today.
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Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!
Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.
JASON’S BIG FAT FIVE:
Artist – Chicago
Album – IX
Release Year – 1975
Key Track – Beginnings
Drummer – Danny Seraphine
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Artist – Rush
Album – Moving Pictures
Release Year – 1981
Key Track – Red Barchetta
Drummer – Neil Peart
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Artist – Jimi Hendrix Experience
Album – Essentials 1&2
Release Year – 1967
Key Track(s) – “If 6 Was 9″ and other B-sides
Drummer – Mitch Mitchell
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Artist – Yes
Album – Fragile
Release Year – 1971
Key Track – Heart of the Sunrise
Drummer – Bill Bruford
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Artist – Government Issue
Album – You/Crash
Release Year – 1987
Key Track – Jaded Eyes
Drummer – Peter Moffett
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HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Artist – Bitch Magnet
Album – Umber
Release Year – 1989
Key Track – Navajo Ace
Drummer – Orestes Delatorre
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Artist – Steely Dan
Album – The Royal Scam
Release Year – 1976
Key Track – Green Earrings
Drummer – Bernard Purdie
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Artist – Bastro
Album – Diablo Guapo
Release Year – 1989
Key Track – Sing the Troubled Beast
Drummer – John McEntire
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Artist – Helmet
Album – Strap It On
Release Year – 1992
Key Track – FBLA
Drummer – John Stanier
