Local drummer extraordinaire Gerry Pantazis tells us about his drum world.
What’s your regular kit set up?
My regular kit set up is a DW Collectors…20×18 Bass Drum, 10×8 and 12×8,Toms, 14×14 Floor Tom, and sometimes I add a 16×14 Floor Tom,14×6 maple snare drum
Is it the same for recording?
Some what…depending on what i’m recording and what style…sometimes i’ll just use one rack tom and a floor tom, or a different size bass drum like an 18′ or 22′, again depending on what i’m recording…same with snare drums….i’ll take a minimum of about 3 snare to any session…especially if I don’t know what i’m going to play….
What sticks do you favour?
Vic Firth 5B wood tip
Other drummers you admire?
There are too many to mention, but I’ll try to narrow it down a little. In no particular order:
Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Gregg Bissonette,Gary Novak, Peter Erskine, Tony Williams, Virgil Donati, Keith Carlock, Steve Jordan to name a few:)
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
Latest album recording was something for Tim Campbell done late december last year and just recently did something for Mike Brady for Fox footy. Not sure when I’ll be back in the studio next but i’m always doing recording/sessions here in my home studio for various artists.
What gigs have you been playing lately?
Gig’s with Geoff Achison, Jo Creighton ( with two drummers playing New Orleans funk ), my brother Jack Pantazis ( playing his original jazz compositions)
Most memorable gig?
Playing with Tommy Emmanuel and band in the USA at the Catalina Jazz Festival in 97 where by the 3rd song of our set, we received a standing ovation and by the end of the gig he had total around 8 of them!
Honourable mention, backing K.D Lang LIVE on the Logies one year….one of the most gifted singers i’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with…and she was so very respectful to the guys in the band/orchestra.
Worst stage nightmare?
I really can’t remember one off the top of my head, but i can tell you that I was on my way to a session once and i had left my stick bag at home!!! Only realised once I got there! I didn’t tell anyone at the studio, so once I got my gear into the drum room, I told the engineer” hey I gotta park my car” and then raced to the nearest music shop which was luckily only minutes away!
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
More gigs with Geoff Achison, Doug Parkinson, Joe Creighton and anything else that pops up!
A drum tip for the kids?
Listen to as many different styles of music/drummers, get inspired by them, practice hard and have fun doing it:)