Drumming in Missoula

My business travel has made it tough to get too involved, but I've been fortunate to get to know some fabulous Missoula musicians and even more fortunate to get to play with them. My tenure as a honky tonk drummer was brief but fun while it lasted, with the Bob Wire Band. My business travel made it tough, but Bob did say some nice things in his blog entry "kicking ass and taking names."

Been fortunate to do several projects with a wonderful bassist, Ron Setzer, you can check out his blog here and he gives me a shout in his June 18th entry. Ron is fun, musical, creative, and very good to me in many ways. Check out his creative video productions at his website. One great project is working with very talented female vocalist Erin Gael in a project called "Gospel From The Well." Ron's also introduced me to fabulous singer / songwriter John Floridis and got to do a very fun outdoor party gig with them last weekend. I want all John's CD's. What talent. I feel fortunate to be able to make music with these guys.

It's also been fun playing and getting to know local guitarist Ron Meissner who has been very good about involving me in projects, letting me sit in, calling me to sub, and introducing me to other musicians including Jim Rodgers (pianist) and fabulous bassist Mike Freemole.

I've also had the privilege of getting to know the many great drummer in Missoula, including Richard (Dick) Ostenhiemer. His house is like a drum and percussion lab. I walk the few block to his house and we can explore our world of jazz drumming together.

For it's size, Missoula is an incredible and eclectic mix of artisists and musicians, and I appreciate living amongst them!