What Does It Take To Play Drums With Sting? | Zach Jones

[@DrumeoOfficial]

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[@GES8215]

my favorite kind of drummer as a bass player and music sound engineer. Hes a human metronome/drum machine. sticks to the script

[@BrandonToews]

No small task to play for Sting. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Zach!

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

it was forced by the record label. nepotism in the industry is very real.

[@doomprogger6345]

@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 Do you know anything more about it? I do not know if you are telling the truth, but judging by his playing, there is no way Sting could have said: "Yes, this guy plays solid as a drum computer, a perfect borderline performance, i need to have him in my band..."

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

@@doomprogger6345 playing to a click track isn't rare , it's industry standard now. Boring.

[@andrewsandoz8005]

Nice to hear a drummer that plays what's needed. Monster chops are great but there's a time and place for everything.

[@glntchrisandy]

I've not once enjoyed an episode as much as this one. So refreshing and inspirational. "Treat every gig like it's your dream gig" is the main take away for me. Thank you Zach and Drumeo!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Thank you!

[@roadglide]

This guy is just an awesome Cat. Totally exudes a team player and easy going. No attitude or ego. This is a relationship guy. Call band mates and players his friends. His playing is clean and what the leader wants and the music needs. Great voice too. Less is more. “Everything has a place. Everything in it’s place”. This guy will forever get great gigs.

[@NothusDeusVagus]

The embodiment of Balance, Simplicity, Precision, Elegance, Beauty. An example of what it is to truly accompany, support and enhance the song. Confident but not Egotistic. A pleasure to behold. Well done Mr Jones.

[@daynnethedrummer684]

Zach is a PERFECT example of what it takes to be a drummer for hire, especially in the genres he specializes in. Just... wow. Amazing precision, every note is played with such specific intention. You don't see that often. This is absolutely how you get the gig.

[@jtf9670]

and hired by by Sting to boot, who is known for having a discerning musical ear...or ears

[@elmhurst86]

You don't see that often? Uhmm.... so all of the drummers that came before him were not on point? Stewart Copeland, Omar Hakim, Manu Katche, J.T. Lewis, Jean-Paul Ceccarelli, Vinnie Colaiuta, Keith Carlock, Josh Freese, etc. were amateurs?

[@daynnethedrummer684]

@@elmhurst86 Stewart and Josh rush like crazy man. It's their natural intuition and there's nothing "wrong" with that. All those other guys are great. But, hot take, I think that maybe Sting knows more about the drummer he wants than you. Zach's precision, just in terms of consistency and time keeping, is pretty much flawless. He is like a machine. And I can tell by watching him, that's exactly why Sting chose him. Today especially, if you wanna "make it," Zach is exactly the type of musician you need to be. No ego, he's not trying to get "his thing" in the song. He's not trying to draw attention to himself. Not trying to be a celebrity. Not caring about people like you comparing him to the people that came before, and just doing what Sting pays him to do.

[@elmhurst86]

@@daynnethedrummer684 Lmao! Are you ok? Where did I say that I know about who Sting wants for a drummer? "Zach's precision is pretty much flawless". And what, Vinnie, Omar, and Keith's aren't/weren't?! You mention that Zach has no ego and is not trying to get his 'thing' in the song. What does that even mean?! So, all the previous drummers and the way they played with Sting is null and void? You're a typical KZbin commenter who knows everything about the entertainment business, but nothing about the art form of music. MONEY, the ONLY reason any of the previous drummers that have played with Sting, would want to play with him..

[@daynnethedrummer684]

@@elmhurst86 What are you going on about man? 😂 I'm saying that all of Sting's drummers have been great. He's got good taste. Zach is no different. I don't care whether you disagree; I like Sting's music and I think Zach is a good fit.

[@eiterpet]

I really wanna see more like this on this channel. People playing songs. Real songs. Don't get me wrong: I love me a good chop, but this is why I fell in love with the instrument years ago.

[@SA-lc8qh]

Saw Zach with Sting in Toronto this summer. Solid as a rock. Not much flash, but Sting is the star, and Zach played his roll perfectly.

[@elmhurst86]

And Vinnie didn't?

[@maeu59]

His role?

[@benjamindhall]

His playing is subtle perfection. There are no misplaced strokes. None.

[@le_tigre_et_gorille]

For all the Haters : he's playing with Sting.. and you're not 😊

[@malcolmlarri9073]

Word !

[@kiernanmooney6210]

It really is the ultimate flex, isn’t it?

[@stevolene]

Why would anyone be hating on this guy? Great player

[@pitpride1220]

Exactly. None of them will either

[@garse70]

Like Fuckin’ A RIGHT? Sting has had Stewart Copland, Omar Hakim, Vinnie Colaiuta behind the kit. I mean…shit! Dudes voice is killer too. I wasn’t expecting that. “It’s a long and lonely road to the Middle.” I’d say he has passed the middle of the road…He might be AI

[@stheil777]

That was some clean performance, wow! His playing sounds ready to record. Much respect.

[@nelsonc6173]

Man this guy is freaking multi talented! Singer drummer guitarist pianist writer producer and DRUMMER FOR STING! This guy is amazing! Thank you for sharing!

[@xgreco]

Clearly Zach got what it takes. Brandon is a great interviewer, very well prepared

[@CampfireTalk]

Zach seems so down to earth and present. Love his playing! He def makes the songs feel great.

[@lawrenceatkins2160]

This was really good! Zach is such a humble, respectful individual and he deserves all of the success that comes his way.

[@sleepwhenimdead9667]

Love the approach. No doubting the role of serving the artist while being precise and present in making the music gel. No ego, just doing the dang job with confidence and crushing it.

[@billystar1306]

He's great.. Studied hard and goes for what's important in music. A true musician. Best advice for established leaders is to get musicians that have their own thing. They totally feel you. Same kind.

[@ashhiggins7500]

I saw Zach play with Sting in Australia and I loved his interpretation of the gig. So very musical and respectful. Love this guys playing and sounds.

[@deeptanktank9212]

I am a huge Neil Peart fan and play drums myself. With that being said, Zach is an absolutely amazing drummer. Clean, precise with feel and drives and lifts every song. Simply brilliant and deeeep in the pocket.

[@theambient1]

Phenomenal! Perfect example of PURPOSEFUL drumming!

[@Koshinskydrummer]

Awesome drummer plays exactly what songs need. Very talented musician!

[@durame]

Wow talk about perfect playing....Perfect playing that is one take ready!

[@DustyGlandon]

Very impressed with the sound of Zach's cymbals. Especially that splash.

[@danieltrochei4544]

right??? they sound beautifully bright

[@krusher74]

I seem to see so few modern players with splashes, they all seem to just have a couple of huge crashes. As Vinnie using splahes alot on the sting songs i wonder Zach added one to emulate those parts or already had it . (I dont know what paiste it is but sounds just like my K 10")

[@Oldgames1000]

I believe it's the Paiste Signature 10" Splash @@krusher74

[@DustyGlandon]

@@krusher74 Lots of Metal and Rock drummers still play splash cymbals. They play stacks, too.

[@kamrenflytrap6138]

Best pocket I've heard in a while. Not a single note is out of place.

[@DerHerrMitR]

@@klinsmann6706 And you...are a nitpicking idiot?

[@LosAngelesDrummer]

I don’t have anything nice to say so here’s my pancake recipe from the New York Times: INGREDIENTS 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons sugar 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt 2 ½ cups buttermilk 2 large eggs 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

[@dwdrum11]

Saw Zach play with sting in Cardiff in the summer. Kit sounded fab, he played absolutely perfectly, I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. I’ve been a sting fan for many years and let’s face it vinnie is a god, but zach did a fantastic job. He wasn’t trying to pull off vinnie ridiculous fills, he just locked the whole band together for the night. The grooves zach plays on the other tracks here are equally superb.

[@duckispve5283]

It’s hard to listen to anyone else plays drums on “If I ever lose my faith” besides Vinnie. His shuffle is just superior. But still really good from this guy!

[@markclarkdrummernewmexico9030]

Sage wisdom. Zach's approach to interacting with fellow musicians is how we should interact with the human race.

[@multigwilty5154]

'If I Ever Lose My Faith In You' is one of the best groove studies basically ever, Zach has such a great pocket here, he CRUSHED it.

[@philipbassist8255]

​@sumsar0125 kick is dead on and snare is just ahead of the beat. Beautiful feel for that tune. Just my take but I get what you're saying.

[@auliktechnologies9051]

​@@DeezjaVuIf you can do it better, step up and record yourself playing it and put it out here. Walk your talk or STFU.

[@MS-dz1di]

I'm a beginner and try to play it. It's harder than it sounds. The version of Vinnie is different.

[@philipbassist8255]

@MS-dz1di look into videos about playing behind, ahead or on top of the beat. Very interesting and informative about how to make the song feel different just by changing where the note is placed. Not sped up or slowed down. Just placed differently.

[@MS-dz1di]

@@philipbassist8255 I try to hear and play the original song. Even if I for example don't hear the ghost notes on the snare many or most of the people play I think it's important to keep the feeling of the groove. The bassdrum sounds very different later and at the end again in the original and I love that.

[@AHGV19987]

Had the honor of seeing Zach with Sting this year in Feb. What an amazing show! Zach played his heart out. 🎉🎉

[@meghnanair5240]

In Tokyo?

[@AHGV19987]

@@meghnanair5240 Nope. In Pretoria, South Africa.

[@Pistacho123Lol]

7:44 this song is really cool and his drumming is just perfect!

[@bibleenglish.]

I have read a lot of comments of people criticizing Zach for not playing a bunch of chops. They are totally misguided. Zach is a musician who plays drums, not a drummer trying to show off and impress others. Everything that he plays is perfect for the music and very tasty. I am quite impressed, regardless of whether he plays for Sting. Zach is an outstanding musician, as evidenced by his self-penned releases. Good stuff!!!

[@donaldlandry5665]

Pre fabricated sentences you always here. When you listen to the song with your eyes closed and you can't tell who's playing cause the musician sounds generic it's just a shame.

[@GES8215]

agreed

[@roadkingryder6685]

This guy is really good. Rock solid, great attitude, no ego, plays for the songs. The drums and cymbals sound great. What more could you ask for. Rock On Zach. Looking forward to seeing you back on here. Peace.

[@ALEXXvsZOMBIES1]

Super deep pocket! Man in a world where everyone is shedding, it’s refreshing seeing some solid grooving.

[@pitpride1220]

He's really a class act.

[@noworriesimfijian]

Very cool laid back pocket. I guess that’s why Sting hired him. Follows luminaries such as Omar Hakim, Manu Katché, Vinnie Colaiuta, Abe Laboriel jr., Josh Freese. Great to see musicians like Zach, serving the song without any ego.

[@Cebucitysnaps23]

Very nice drumming Zach! straight forward and groovy! Awesome!

[@drumdiscussion7776]

Thanks, to Brandon and Zach, for insightful music, technique and drum talk! Good food for thought.

[@Swollen_Goat]

Can't say it enough, as I know everyone else does who watches Drumeo, but DAMN you all kill it with the mixing of these players. This sound is so big and satisfying.

[@austinbridge]

Studied, precise, focused, technical, respectful, and most importantly a "good hang" as we all like to say. Zach seems to be an almost perfect embodiment of the professional drummer. You can tell he was the one practicing when others were sleeping or partying. I really dig the Tricky Bits stuff. It's always impressive to see a drummer singing.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Well put.

[@RedKoppWolf]

I saw him playing with Sting last year in Turin, he impressed me a lot, he is a fucking metronome and he's very clean

[@malcolmlarri9073]

I was a drum clinic where Manu Katche played Desert Rose with one of the most ferocious grooves I have ever heard !!!

[@robertomorales6488]

No huge set, no unnecessary flashy chops, just serving the music with efficiency and good taste. The realistic way to get the gig, thanks Drumeo!

[@lukemorton1965]

I’ve never heard a drum set or cymbals sound this good in my life. The mix is unreal!

[@mjm5081]

CLEAN!!! CLEAN!!! CLEAN!!! And not a little CREATIVE!!! Congrats Zach! Continued success! And Happy Drumming!!!

[@hawktato]

Yes, I love Zach's work! Secret Someones hiatus truly broke my heart. One of my favorite records. So happy to see and hear him again. He's such a clean drummer who serves the music in place of himself.

[@johnnyredshirt7073]

I'm getting Zach's album. Never even heard of the guy. I'm going to see Sting in October and I came here to see if the drummer was any good. His voice is amazing! Great song!

[@StrangeLand77]

I have loved Sting since I was a kid and grew into heavier styles but still go back to his music. Also I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure Phil Collin’s played on some early studio stuff for Sting. And he’s a fantastic drummer. Also I can’t wait to see Englishman in New York. I’m hoping yall did a solo vid on that. The break in that song introduced me to big break beets and has shaped what I look for in music irrevocably. ❤

[@RodrigoRaez]

He's an incredibly clean drummer with a great sound. Very good drummer! And he just said it: you have to treat every gig as your dream gig and everyone is gonna tell that is guaranteed that you're gonna be good. I really keep that message.

[@jasondrew6369]

That RIDE....Yes please!

[@masonthomassax]

Saw Sting last night and I was so freakin impressed with this guy, had to check him out further on KZbin. Great video

[@theodorusspinowskaya9845]

one of, if not the best mixes between the drums and the playback I've ever heard on here. The work behind this, amazing.

[@_MasterP]

What a cool and collected cat. Great talent and great vibes, Thanks Zach, Thanks Drumeo!

[@davidmarsalis1522]

This guy is fantastic. Great drummer playing the songs gets you payed . 🎉

[@KinseiSensei]

This guy is a deceptively amazing drummer. It is extremely difficult to play so precisely and so “vanilla”, and I mean that in the best way possible. Serious expert level shit here. Also, those may be the best sounding hi hats I’ve ever heard

[@cameronlund8704]

He has a very Peart-esque precision that's just charming. Right on the nose kinda-drummer

[@lcampise]

Well said. And his phrasing choices are so tasty. Over and over. And rarely flashy -- duly noted.

[@daviddicara991]

No. Sorry. There is absolutely nothing difficult about anything this guy is doing. I'm sure he is making WAAAAYYYY less than Vinnie.

[@maeu59]

@@pcs56yes it gets tiring hearing that guys like this are great drummers because they know how to keep it simple and stay out of the way, just like Ringo, yes he was great with the Beatles but in reality he never advanced any further than the elementary drummer he was then and now.

[@Frip36]

I'm going to appeal to authority. If he's with Sting this guy must be very musical and intelligent. He probably brings interesting ideas to the table. But you're correct in that there are other drummers out there that can swing their arms around much better...@@pcs56

[@billyhughes9776]

Glad I clicked on this one -- I've not listened to "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" in a long time. What a great tune -- drums sound fantastic. Zach seems like a great guy.

[@icerag]

Cool stuff as always Drumeo. Would also love to see Vinnie Colaiuta on Drumeo to see his approach in creating his iconic grooves and feel for Sting and others.

[@andreasvogl330]

Was on the Sting concert last year in Oslo, where Zach was playing. Very good concert ! I think, it's really good that Sting plays with a bunch of younger musicians, that bring in also their own vibe. Well done Zach! And your own songs are really cool!

[@ChontosDrumLessons]

I’ve never heard of this guy, but he is unbelievable. Absolutely killer feel. Also, I don’t care what anyone says. Paiste are the best cymbals in the world.

[@tinmanslickgreasy999]

Zac is a team player, props to him and his attitude! 👍

[@codysundberg2021]

Shape of my heart played like how Purdie would interpret. Really dig this guy's drumming and he uses Carter's sticks!

[@PC-je4es]

Amazing...Bravo.

[@tobaidi]

I saw Zack with Sting recently in Sydney. I thought he was very clean but mechanical. However, I am so glad I watched this episode because it's clear that whoever plays with Sting has to follow what Sting wants! Really enjoyed knowing about his influences and this session in general. Thanks Drumeo!

[@jose060703]

What a great song to finish the episode with. I felt it was kind of a reminder that it is not only about the huge names, but about everything else we experience around music, which brings me back to the time I saw him live. Great respect for Zach Jones, I saw the gig in Munich last year and the band delivered, what a show. At first, I didn't know him, but I was in the concert with a person who knew him personally from his time in NY. And I sincerely said, damn who is the drummer? And my friend said, yeah men just what Stings music needs. That cemented my love and appreciation for Stings music and career, so I am thankful that he got the gig, because It was one of the best concerts I´ve ever been in my life.

[@scottvanderlinden118]

What a humble legend! Beautiful music as well !mate👍🇦🇺

[@jonskaery]

Chops & speed are nice but it’s so refreshing to just close the eyes and enjoy how good this sounds. Great job, Zack! 🙏🥁

[@user-ck8of8sk3i]

He is great, a true professional with the best type of ego. I am not a musician, or drummer, but I have listened, appreciated, and loved talent and great people my whole life (55+).I am speaking of the best, like Top, Zappa, Steely Dan, etc. There's a reason why the people are in a small group of greats, and they also share the ego/talent. When you hear Zappa or Sting speak on the construction of the piece, and also hear the players talk, wow. The new generation of things really aren't good, you need human interaction and spirit. Look into things like Beato, Wes, Larry, etc, and see what the pocket and construction does. This guy said it best, he is a curator of the song. He is also technically great with the ability to interface with multiple aspects of it all

[@jayfron6012]

That groove and his hi hat work is incredible. He creates a ton of texture with the hat pedal and his strike

[@scottapthorpe6172]

I saw him with sting earlier this year in Melbourne Australia. Nice groove very solid....and he comes across a very nice humble guy...goes to show, its much more than being a good player..it’s a bout being a good person too. Easy to hang with....

[@WhyTheHorseface]

This is so great. Thank you Zach, Brandon, and Drumeo. I really really appreciate this and all of your work.

[@TavaresProject]

I'm a guitar player and I love watching this stuff. Great playing of course with amazing Sting songs. Bravo guys

[@Thatsaspicymeatball]

The way he's sitting on the beat of 'If I ever lose my faith' takes YEARS of dedication to do. Perfect example of making something look easy. One of my favourite sayings: Fills bring the thrills, but groove pays the bills!

[@jamesledzepplin7839]

I saw zack with sting in halifax Canada. Watching his solid and simple playing made me reevaluate my playing. So solid, it drove the whole show.

[@claysmell]

never heard of Zach before. super super timing, economy in motion and just perfect taste. love his spiel about being professional no matter the setting. that advice works across the board, from the busy musician to the occasional hobbyist. make the most of it!

[@rudolfkurtz9847]

informative, fun! love the singing❤am a pro-drummer f. over 40 years🎉

[@johnconstantine1430]

Practice, practice, practice!

[@Vup10]

He's great! Oozes energy and spirit. Great pocket

[@user-hn5nf3fs5j]

Very musical, humble and very groovy drummer, without celebrity disease. Finds very creative solutions for simple things. and apparently understands that music is not for showing off, but as a means of communicating with the world (other people). Respect )) 🙌

[@banenamuffin9842]

What a great guy! Super humble, awesome player and I'm sure the dream team member to work with)

[@thechristinediane]

Subtle, has power when tour song importance, technique & ensemble takes precedent. Enjoyed the performance & interview; saved to my music folder to watch again... It's a beautiful note when an artist/performer/fan shares their inspirations and gives proper credit. ...also, the kit; bespoke. Appreciate the artist pre-brand sponsorship.

[@GermanWehrmacht]

I do love a lot of Sting songs, but I actually do keep coming back here to just listen to Desert Rose

[@kittykatwolf8294]

What a wonderful young man! Talented, humble and ethical. Lots could learn a few things from him.

[@nelsneesman8712]

Excellent drumming on one hand. On the other does not move me.

[@schmargle]

Solid playing, and he seems like a pretty well-grounded guy.

[@RealisticRick27]

I have this playing through the home stereo. Those drums sound bloody amazing.... well done! The room is a booming! Sting is fun to play along with. Very classy music.

[@pearsonchris]

What a great interview with such a lovely person

[@ArkaEasyRiders]

What a fab, fab player! Those little kick hits on Shape of My Heart ❤️🎉

[@schlagzeugvideocoach]

Man, Zach sounds absolutely amazing and his playing style is just nice to watch! Great video, thanks to the drumeo team and all the best for Zach! Greetings from Germany

[@wilkinsnl]

Haha “I could be a bad Vinnie or a good me.” What a great quote.

[@MuggerRingo]

Wry impressed with his playing but even more impressed with his personality on display.

[@lukejanzen]

The way he plays the ghost note with his finger in Shape of My Heart -- I’m stealing that immediately

[@pjbarford]

I have seen lots of negative comments online about Zak's playing. Sure he isn't a Vinnie, Manu or Stewart, but I saw him in concert during the summer and I thought he was great and he was solid. Sure being a drummer you like to see the likes of Vinnie playing 4/4 feel over 5, but at the end of the day someone like Sting just wants someone who can keep it tight and Zak does that.

[@Andrew-wb2zq]

Exactly. Sting could always hire another drumming god if he wanted to.

[@atquinn1975]

I saw Sting over the summer in New York and the concert was excellent. I thought the drumming was good, but I sometimes missed hearing the drum hooks I am used to. It was clear to me that Sting told him not to worry about reproducing the recorded parts and instead to just play something that felt good and I think that's a fine approach to take when playing live. It was the same way when I saw sting with Vinnie. The difference is, since Vinnie actually recorded the parts, it will automatically sound more "right" even if he deviates. I found that I missed the signature parts most in the Police songs. Stewart Copland's amazing.

[@mbooth117]

100% this is such a testament to show up prepared, play it tight and make everyone sound good. That will keep you employed. Solid player that seems great to work with❤️

[@sumdude96]

But there are just so many drummers that can groove harder than Zak. I can name at least 5 local drummers in Sydney that would feel better and more exciting than Zak…

[@rizman1095]

I saw him too. Sorry to say I was quite disappointed. I expect to see the best with sting. Zach is a nice guy but so average and boring.

[@michaelgarcia3194]

Quoting Stewart AND Ringo within 2 bars on that last tune! I like your style Zach!!

[@thelmabradley7176]

Great job, Zach Jones!! 🥰🥰🥰. I was planning to leave and return. But I was blessed to stay tuned. God bless you.

[@PastHisPrime336]

I really liked that song by Secret Someones.

[@daniellencooper7922]

his cross-stick notes are so consistent. beautiful

[@paulmoore721]

What a cool, humble and talented dude!

[@MDB274]

Joe Morello 2.0 aka Zach finds himself in the company of drum royalty & one of the greatest artists of all time. Really cool cat, great pocket & feel which compliments the sound & spirit of Sting’s music. Hope to see Zach Jones and some guy called Sting performing live one day in person. 🍻

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

Great balance between drive and groove. I like his style!