With decades behind the kit as one of Los Angeles’ most trusted session drummers, Curt has laid down the groove for artists spanning the entire arc of rock and beyond – Elton John, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty and the list goes on. We caught up with him to talk about early influences, breaking into the session scene, life in the studio and how tools like Superior Drummer 3 and EZdrummer 3 fit into his workflow.
Growing up, what was it that pulled you toward the drums?
My mom found me in the kitchen at 2 years old banging on pots and pans. I think I had rhythm naturally as my mom was a musician as well. She played piano and B-3 organ.
Can you remember the first groove or drummer that really made you want to sit down and figure out what was going on?
Don Brewer from the band Grand Funk Railroad and the James Brown drummers of course – Clyde + Jabo.
You’ve built a long career as one of LA’s most in-demand session drummers, working with artists across all genres. Early on, what helped you break onto the session circuit and start getting calls?
My intro to the studio scene was from the one and only Jeff Porcaro from the band Toto. He was the one who got me into the LA session scene and for that I am forever grateful!
Your discography spans artists like Elton John, Mick Jagger and Tom Petty and many more. Looking back on all the records and tours you’ve been part of, what stands out the most?
Playing two sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden with Sir Elton John always rings my bell first! It was recorded as well on CD and DVD. The album title is “One Night Only.”
Best-ever moment in the studio? And the worst?
Best – getting a film score of 8 pages or more recorded down in one take. Worst – not getting a film score of 8 pages or more recorded down in one take!
As a session musician, you’re often walking into a situation where you’re expected to deliver something great right away. How do you prepare? What does a typical recording session look like for you?
You just have to be open, loose and willing to take direction from the producer. That requires a ton of patience and helping make the vision as clear as possible for the producer. A typical session these days is a .wav stereo file sent to me and then for me to provide the drums – using SD3 or EZdrummer 3 of course!
Having tracked countless records, do you still get that “recording light fever” when the engineer says, “We’re rolling”?
Not so much anymore these days. I get more nervous not being able to hear what they’re all saying about me in the control room!
You’ve worked with some incredible producers and artists over the years. Did any sessions or people shape the way you approach playing or recording drums?
Every session is different. You just have to “go with the flow” of the energy and frequency of the room and all the people in it. Knowing the style of music you’re recording helps tremendously!
After all these years behind the kit, is there still something in your playing you’re actively working on? Do you keep a regular practice routine?
Five minutes a day of some rudiments and reading is my daily routine. Instagram has some cool folks posting charts and rhythms that I like to read through. It will be my lifetime to get my left hand stronger though!
Which Toontrack tools make it into your workflow and how do you use them in your work?
I love bouncing back and forth between SD3 and EZdrummer 3 for all the different kits. Depending on the style of music, there’s so much to choose from! My default kit is the Singer-Songwriter kit in EZdrummer 3 and then I expand and elaborate from there.
Walk us through a typical “day in the life” for you – whether you’re in the studio, at home or out on the road.
Let’s get the most important thing first – espresso! Two shots in the morning then turn the computer on to check to see what clients are in need of drums, a little breakfast then off to recording. Being able to record drums – both MIDI and audio – has been the game changer for me and Toontrack makes it so easy!
What’s next for you?
I’m involved with the band Al Nesbitt and the Alchemy. We’re recording new music all the time for placement in film and streaming plus live performances.
“Superior Drummer 3 and EZdrummer 3 make my drumming on my e-kit ultra-quick and fast by having ‘world-class’-sounding drum kits at a click of my mouse. Recording drums at 2 a.m.? No problem!”
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