E142: Live From My Drum Room With Jeff "Tain" Watts!

John’s guest is legendary Jazz drummer, composer, band leader and seven-time Grammy winner, Jeff “Tain” Watts. John and Jeff talk about when they met in 1980 while Jeff was attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, Jeff’s background in Classical Music, and moving to New York at age 22 as his career took off. Jeff also talks about moving to Los Angeles and his years as the drummer for The Tonight Show band, and much more!
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[@SeattleDrumSchool]

Great Shirt Tain!

[@mitchkahle314]

Jeff is such a wonderful cat.

[@toddwalkerdrumstudio]

Listening and loving Jeff T. playing for a LONG TIME!!!! ............Thanks John & Jeff!

[@livefrommydrumroom]

Thanks Todd! 🙏❤️

[@drporky94549]

Great show with my good friend from Yoshi’s via the Tonight Show…Early 80’s…Dr Pork!

[@robertdore9592]

Guys like Jeff, Kenny Washington, Nasheet Waits, tommy Campbell, Smitty Smith, Carl Allen etc are really keeping the flame alive.

[@TonyNatale]

I enjoyed this interview. I never actually met Jeff but we did share a rehearsal room in Times Square for a bit in the late eighties. I think his practice slot was 2am and mine around 2pm. That was the same room Woody rented me to live when I first moved to NYC in the mid 80tys. 50th and 7ave I believe it was. AnK deli right below, great times in NYC! ✌️🪶🦬

[@livefrommydrumroom]

Thanks Tony! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@nealsmithjazz2835]

So good.... Tain is the baddest dude on the planet. He recommended me for one of my first majors gigs when I arrived to NYC. He has always been extremely supportive and encouraging... Most important... he is one the coolest brothers ever. His artistry speaks volumes!!!!!!!! Tain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lomez73]

Jeff is the best! Great interview!

[@livefrommydrumroom]

Thank you! 🙏❤️

[@garyrynar3308]

John, I heard he was going through the Buster Bailey book Wrist Twisters. Great book..I studied with Buster 6 years.. incredible snare 🥁 player Juilliard and New York Phil..

[@RichFarago]

Excellent interview! What a talent!

[@56spider]

Inspiring! (and I had a year with Tony Nodofonso!

[@garyrynar3308]

John, listen to everyone of your interviews.. 5 ***** .. you mentioned Wurlitzer ..dud you eork there.. my great niece lives in North Tonawanda New York and got married in the Wurlitzer building...

[@livefrommydrumroom]

Thanks Gary. I appreciate it. Yes, I worked at the original EU Wurlitzer Music in Boston from 1979-1984. I met Jeff in 1980 when he was at Berklee College which was around the corner from Wurlitzer.