The Antonio Sanchez Interview: Pat Metheny Drummer To Film Composer (Birdman)

Here is my conversation with drummer and film composer Antonio Sánchez. In 2014, Sánchez composed the film score for Birdman. The soundtrack album was released on October 14, 2014. The score earned him nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score, BAFTA Award for Best Film Music, and other nominations; he won the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Score and Satellite Award for Best Original Score.
Sánchez's 2017 album, Bad Hombre, earned him a Grammy Nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
THE BEATO CLUB → flatfiv.co/pages/become-a-bea...
THE BEATO EAR TRAINING PROGRAM: beatoeartraining.com/
BUY THE BEATO BOOK HERE → bit.ly/2kdWdTS
MY HELIX PRESETS →flatfiv.co/products/rick-beat...
KEMPER PROFILES → flatfiv.co/collections/rick-b...
Follow my Instagram - / rickbeato1
SUBSCRIBE HERE → bit.ly/2eEs9gX
BEATO MUSIC FORUM → forum.rickbeato.com
--------------------------------------
My Links to Follow:
KZbin - / rickbeato
Personal Facebook - / rick.beato.1
Follow On Twitter - @rickbeato
------------------------------
Special Thanks to My Supporters:
Robert Hickerty
comboy
Alan Nance
Peter DeVault
Bill Grubbs
Phil Mingin
Tal Harber
Rick Taylor
Dennis Lukas
Bill Miller
Gabriel Karaffa
Brett Bottomley
Matthew Porter
Frederick Humphrey
Frederick Humphrey
Paul Noonan
Mansel Ismay
James Jourdan
Terry Van Belle
Stephen Morris
Hans Vilu
Ian Chumakov
Ilya Kravchenko
Nathan Hanna
Thom Theriault
Jason Johnson
David Wilkinson
Chris Scrivo
Kai Ellis
Josh Lawrence
Zack Kirkorian
Ray Rossetti
Evgeny Teilor
Joe Ansaldi
David Fugit
Jonathan Wentworth-Linton
Harry Brocious
Pzz
Marc Alan
Rob Kline
Tim Wilson
Calvin Wells
David Trapani
Abel James
Will Elrics
Hector Medina
Joe Elrod
Chris Defendorf
Debbie Valle
maydad meiri
JP Rosato
Scott Rance
Dave Hawkey
Roger Frankham
Orion Letizi
Mike Voloshen
Ashley Thompson
Matt Pauley
Peter Pillitteri
Jeremy Hickerson
Travis Ahrenholtz

[@philippehaddad3128]

Antonio is a friend of mine. We went to Berklee together. You'll appreciate this.... once, we were sitting in the subway in NYC and he started to play 4 different claves. One with the RH, one with the LH, one with the Left foot, and the other with the right. Then, he said, 'check this out,' and started slowing one down 1/16 of a bar every bar while keeping the other 3 claves going.

[@sonholee5769]

my head is spinning

[@michaelalderete9622]

I would've loved to hear that.

[@KurtMcDowellOKC]

When was he at Berklee? Is that where Metheny found him as a fellow grad?

[@sssr6450]

Ahahahahahahah

[@philippehaddad3128]

@@KurtMcDowellOKC We were at Berklee in the early to mid 90’s. He then got a full-scholarship to do a MFA in Jazz Improvisation for drums at NEC (New England Conservatory). While there, he became Danilo Perez’ drummer. Then, while on tour with Danilo, playing in the same festival as Pat, Antonio was practicing during a sound check when Pat heard him. Paul Wertico (Pat’s old drummer) was fired because he wanted to be put on a retainer while not on tour. In other words, he wanted to continue to be paid for all the time they weren’t on tour. Pat denied him that option and Antonio became the new drummer. Antonio and I are both from Mexico City so we became very close. He’s one of the nicest guys ever.

[@arta2867]

"as a drummer, you are like the beautiful Persian carpet where everybody's gonna stand"!

[@fhatheadproductions]

BAD HOMBRE. Give it a listen. This man is serious!

[@bluetrane65]

Lines in the sand, man 😀 what an experience

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

The first time i ever saw and became aware of Antonio Sanchez was back in 2006 when my dad and me went to see the Pat Metheny Group at Hammersmith Apollo during The Way Up tour, i was completely blown away by his playing and was the standout performer of that concert and since then, i have seen him perform with Pat Metheny in every setting from PMG to the Unity Band / Unity Group to the Gary Burton Quartet revisited to the current quartet with Linda May Han Oh and Gwilym Simcock, a live performance of Birdman plus two of his own shows with his band Migration. For me Antonio Sanchez is the greatest drummer to burst onto the scene since Dave Weckl and just keeps on getting better, he is more than just a drummer, he is a fantastic composer and a real thinking man's musician. I had the great pleasure of meeting and getting a picture with him, he is an amazing human being and very down to earth, a true master of the kit. Great interview!

[@jazzfusioner9840]

Hello WarhawkBeyond20240....I was also at that "The Way Up" (monumental) gig at the Hammersmith (which was March (or April?) year 2005 (for sure)) and can understand your being blown away if that was your first witnessing to Antonio. That gig is in my top 3 I have ever seen in my life - Pat AND Lyle were on absolute fire that night. I have been following Pat (and Lyle, starting in 1975) since the White Album and have been blessed to have heard Danny and Paul on the kit when they were members. When Speaking of Now was released and Antonio became the new member of PMG, that was a game changer IMHO. I had a fellow colleague from our design studio who'd never seen a jazz gig. I invited him to go with me to Brighton Dome during that SON tour. Absolute superb venue and acoustics. I'll never forget Andy's face and his jaw dropping to the floor during that gig. I was floored too seeing Antonio get into his groove LIVE, after having had a taster of him on the Album. And this was a great interview, sympatico and insightful. Always a huge pleasure with Rick steering the ship. Props to Rick and Antonio.

[@BrianStephensOfficial]

I sat about 20 feet from Antonio when he was in Atlanta, playing live along to the Birdman movie at Emory. At one point, I was so overwhelmed by the emotion that was packed into his drumming that I actually started crying! It made the wild, rollercoaster emotion of the movie completely engaging and enveloping (almost like being inside the movie).

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Brian Stephens, ❤️❤️❤️

[@danamaguire4285]

YES!!! This was my exact experience too.

[@anthonyhubert8922]

Had the distinct pleasure of seeing and hearing him perform with Metheny some years ago and was stunned. Richard Bona was playing bass (like Jaco incarnate!) and Antonio brought a dynamism and drama to the group that made the whole presentation just transcendent. And of course Antonio performed an extended, mind-blowing solo....a special evening for sure.... Also, Antonio's wife (Thana Alexa) is an AMAZING singer and definitely worth checking out.

[@andresilvasophisma]

We're closer to getting Metheny on the channel.

[@billmiller9145]

That would be AWESOME!

[@deangoritz9625]

Now this is why we love this channel. What a beautiful and different angle of experiencing music and how its conceived. Truly Everything Music!

[@michaellupu2080]

Antonio came to Romania during his Lines in the Sand tour and it was an amazing aural and visual experience. My wife is not into jazz like I am, but she had a blast! He's my favorite drummer since I first saw the "Speaking of Now" Pat Metheny DVD, when it came out in 2002-2003.

[@juicyrusty1205]

His drumming skills are in another level, really proud to be Mexican -R

[@nurik]

What an incredible choice of people for interviews so far, thank you Rick! Can't wait for the next one

[@rjsieder]

I had the pleasure/luck/honor to share an elevator in a hotel with Antonio in Davis, CA a few years ago after a Pat Metheny Unity Group concert at UC Davis. As a drummer, I've been in awe of his technique since I first saw him as it is so smooth, yet so fast. His limb independence is mind blowing. One question I wish you had asked Antonio would be how playing with Pat has influenced his development over the years. Wonderful interview.

[@tommonk7651]

I went through Sanchez's catalog a few months ago. He's got some great albums that he's been involved in. Great drummer! I love the way so many jazz drummer's hands just float around the kit. It's just beautiful. And what a fantastic looking kit!

[@RC32Smiths01]

The man sounds so humble and sophisticated, but I mean you have to be those things if you are going to play with Pat, right? haha. I am really looking forward to this interview man! Love Pat and all of his legendary members

[@sebaromanbaterista]

One of the best Antonio's interviews (for me). So interactive ! Grande Rick, you're a great educator/entertainer!!! Keep it on fire!

[@PanterAmetal100]

Yeah I remember his coming to Krasnodar six years ago, it's been a blast. He gave a workshop class, during which he cracked tons of sardonic jokes, and a phenomenal show featuring his solo band later that day. Had a chance to chitchat with him a tiny bit, definitely one of the most humble and easygoing guys from the 2nd GGJazz fest. One of a kind experience!

[@joeshmoe12301230]

My daughter is lead snare in her drumline (as a junior in high school) and I've been watching all your videos for about a year. The first few minutes of this video is absolute proof that your video "How computers ruined rock music" was correct.

[@jjlz75]

Great interview! Thanks! I got to see him with Pat Metheny in 2006 and was just blown away by his playing.

[@ShaunaMarieSings]

What an intelligent discussion...enjoyed this interview immensely and loved witnessing Antonio in action...an absolute master...thank you so much, Rick (and Antonio!)!!! 💗💗💗

[@starttherebellion9146]

What an inspiration it is to hear a master of an instrument speak to their creative process. - Brilliant interview style Rick, it really allows the interview to be insightful even to those who don't play the same instrument. - Absolutely loved this!

[@nicktardifbass7]

Living in NYC, I've had the great opportunity to see him live a number of times and he's just incredible. One album he is on that is astounding is Donny McCaslin's "In Pursuit" If you don't know, get it. Now. Donny, David Binney (played and produced), Scott Colley, Ben Monder, and Antonio. Amazing songs, arrangements and playing, one for the ages. Thanks as always, Rick!

[@timharrington4470]

This drummer represents true artistic creativity. I love this interview and will watch it again because there's so much to learn here.

[@DHarri9977]

His music theory concepts from a drummer's perspective are great coupled with endless knowledge and passion are amazing, I'll be checking out his music thanks for this interview.

[@danielsanderson4857]

I just saw Antonio with his band Migration in Vegas. He is an incredible musician as well as an incredible human. I wish him well in all his endeavors.

[@JoeDuffus]

Great interview. What a smart, versatile guy Antonio is.

[@tommarko9983]

I've been looking forward to this! Great job- Antonio is on another level- not only his playing, but as a complete musician. I'm so glad you got this opportunity and were able to share it with us all.

[@peterpedersen1641]

I just saw Antonio last night, Oct 10th, at The 55 Bar in NYC. He sat in with Nicole Zeraitis and her wonderful band. Truly an amazing drummer, tight tight tight. Fantastic. Thanks Rick, and Antonio. See you next time!

[@LordHar]

These kind of videos might not get the most views, but are really invaluable

[@jeffteza682]

Wow. Doesn't get anymore master class than that! The breadth of his musicianship is amazing. First heard Antonio with Metheny which convinced me drums were also a 'melodic' instrument. Now I get that he thinks so too! (When he's not composing on the piano... ;) Thanks Rick.

[@MusicMike939]

I had the pleasure of sitting in the front row of a couple Pat Metheny concerts and sitting right in front of me was Antonio. He is truly amazing to watch. He does this thing with his grip where he switches from rock grip to trad grip? so smoothly. It is like he just bends his wrist. One time he was just flicking the drumstick from a static position. It was a total blue but it never went about the top part. Anyway great interview.

[@AldherRuelas]

I´m from Guadalajara!!!! the same city as Antonio... great musician!

[@bluetrane65]

I just shook Antonio's hand after the Monterey jazz festival when he was performing with the migration. one of the greatest honors of my life

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

He lets people touch his hands????? He should insure them for at least a million bucks.

[@jeffreytaylor6257]

I found him on "The Way Up". Been looking down ever since. He played bass at the end. WTH.

[@Sutherlinite]

Same here!

[@diegorhoenisch62]

That was a fantastic interview! I've been seeing live music since the mid-70s and have experienced some truly remarkable drummers. That said, one night I went to see Dianne Reeves and Antonio Sanchez was the drummer. He always served the music sublimely and when he got his solo late in the show he played maybe 24 bars and it remains in my mind as the single best drum solo I have ever heard. And he never went above forte in volume. He has such amazing taste, along with complete facility with his instrument. Thank you for the interview. Alan Tomlinson

[@ajogg]

Loved this interview Rick, I have a friend who worked on the film Birdman. This guy was amazing.

[@danamaguire4285]

I was lucky enough to sit front row at a live performance of Birdman. Everything about it was mind boggling. His ability to tell a story with a drum set is a spectacular rarity.

[@rajaramparsekar3078]

I saw those couple of solo videos on drummer world three years back and instantly became antonio's fan. such complex fills yet keeping the rhythm...... and his unique style.... that's my kind of drummer. Thank you rick for such a lovely interview.

[@jazz2959]

We had the immense pleasure of watching Antonio perform the Birdman soundtrack in front of a movie screen showing the film. Awesome

[@tdubveedub]

Amazing! You didn't understate when you said he's one of the greatest drummers in the World. I agree completely!

[@shaneblock6926]

"Why is jazz a vital and important music for people to listen to?" Great interview! Thanks Rick!

[@DrumBragg]

Great questions Rick. Antonio is a very thoughtful chap and obviously approaches his music with much care. I'm half-way in and this is very relevant as I'm thinking of doing an album where the drums become the basis and building on top of that. Allowing the drums to give life to both harmony and melody.

[@BrettplaysStick]

My FAVORITE interview on your channel!!!!! Amazing!!!!!!

[@stevelangonedrumchannel272]

I’ve know Antonio from when he was in Boston attending Berklee. He has always had amazing technique, musicality , and humility. Such an inspiring person! Great interview, thanks Antonio, thanks Rick!

[@matt-spaiser]

I often forget what exceptional technique he has because he uses it only to serve the music.

[@stevelangonedrumchannel272]

Absolutely! He’s incredible on the big stage is with Pat and Big shows that he does, but hearing him in the smaller clubs is absolutely amazing to hear the drums acoustically and to hear his dynamic range touch Innovacion, so musical.Well said Matt, I agree 100%

[@matt-spaiser]

@@stevelangonedrumchannel272 I once saw Antonio in a 50-seat club! His ability to play anything at such a low volume so he wouldn't overpower the piano and bass was most impressive.

[@calwells5612]

WoooHoooo, that man is crazy good on the kit! Just awesome. Thanks, Rick, for a great interview!

[@TimothyReeves]

Playing with Pat Metheny? Automatically know they are great. Antonio Sanchez is so musical. Love his playing.

[@chessmarcosz]

What an awesome interview Rick! It's really inspiring to listen this music gods. Cheers form Argentina.

[@moivinpippick4882]

I saw him with Pat Metheny and Christian McBride a few years back. He is just wicked!

[@ListerTunes]

I like how the man hits the drums with the sticks. It's good.

[@jeffreytaylor6257]

@@TempSFugit-kk1dk Nice name, Yes?

[@Tascamaniac]

awesome compliment :)

[@trudywretched]

He does not hit them badly.

[@EdSpargo]

I didn't want it to end! Great job Rick, thank you Antonio!

[@carlstephenkoto619]

I mentioned in an earlier comment that I'd seen him do the Downbeat Blindfold Test at Monterey a couple of weeks ago and I have been looking forward to this interview. This did not disappoint! Fantastic stuff and talk about a deep thinker! Great interview. Thanks Rick.

[@larydixon4824]

Hi Rick, this was incredible! Antonio has such an interpretive style that really sets him apart from most drummers. His approach to jazz drumming reminds me of Ringo's technique in Rock.. Both of these guys have the ability to make purely rhythmic instruments into melodic foundations that completely set the mood the entire piece of work. It's a magical accomplishment, and the level of skill is simply outstanding! Thank you for this interview Rick! Lary

[@dperry913MusicTracks]

Agreed, he's great and so is everyone else in the PMG!

[@pierheadjump]

Thanks, Rick ⚓️❤️

[@dontlookatmeever]

Absolutely fascinating. What an incredible communicator. Kudos, Antonio Sánchez

[@kobochok]

Very interesting conversation, thank you Rick for this great interview!

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

I literally grinned and broke into spontaneous applause after he demonstrated his three-chorus 12-bar blues ‘time, flow, thought’ thing. What a master!!

[@jazzfusioner9840]

100% with that one!

[@richkdr97]

My favorite drummer!!

[@Guitarisalways]

agree! Birdman soundtrack quality! Antonio Sanchez, amazin' performance

[@debvalle7466]

Oh, man! Great interview-covered so much ground. I love his Persian rug analogy and the improvisational segment. The Birdman story is always fascinating. The man just oozes confidence and focus. Really has his goals and vision well-mapped, and such a unique voice. Nicely done, Rick!

[@adeppisch]

What a fantastic interview - thanks Rick & Antonio.

[@mikemoore8531]

Great interview and drumming! Thanks, Rick and Antonio!

[@ATCDave1]

Great interview Rick. Antonio is one of my favorite drummers. Thank you!

[@alexander-co4vq]

Incredible interview- especially his process of improvisation- building motifs, remembering, space- building complexity- found it very inspiring and useful for me who is more a visual learner

[@DiegoProgressive]

This channel is pure gold. Amazing content!!

[@michaelhenry550]

Great interview Rick......This guys drumming is FANTASTIC!

[@AndyAction]

A modern master articulating his wisdom and experience with unbelievable clarity. Thank you for this!

[@ilabelle1]

Thank you Rick. You really spoil us. What a great interview. I'm not a drummer and not heavily into jazz but I found Antonio inspirational.

[@donovan665]

A wealth of real world musicality from inside the musicians experience. Great Feel.

[@splashesin8]

I gotta hear this movie now! Wow! Thanks Antonio, and Rick!

[@jimbrunsman1011]

Excellent interview. I've attended several shows with Antonio and Metheny and they never fail to impress...

[@tomspallone1868]

It took me a while to warm up to Antonio. Will always love Wertico. But, Antonio is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

[@jazzfusioner9840]

Love me some Danny, Paul, and Antonio....

[@gabsaiko5762]

One of your best videos! in 34 min Antonio changed our perspective of music and feed our creativity, thanks and congrats Rick, best channel!

[@theroman1009]

This is easily the interview I enjoyed the most. Thanks Rick From South Africa

[@felixsmittick9128]

The Birdman soundtrack was Great!! Thank you Rick. And Big thanks to Antonio for sharing his experience.

[@notay]

One of the most interesting and articulate musicians I've ever heard, whether he's speaking or drumming. Thanks Rick.

[@user-un5ib3nm8x]

I've never thought I'd see a video like this! I absolutely love Antonio's music!

[@radorado666]

Amazing interview with a very outspoken, capable guest. I've loved his OST to Birdman ever since I watched the movie for the first time, but now I want to check out his other stuff instantly. Thank you, Rick!

[@exposuregraphics]

Inspiring! One of your best interviews, Rick!

[@r.mccloud5413]

Superb playing and commentary from you both. I’m a guitarist but started out as a drummer at 9, and Antonio’s listed the same Chick EB album as the one that started getting into jazz. Besides his extremely subtle and musical chops he has the additional talent of putting into words things that aren’t easy to express. PT 1.

[@captainnemonic]

Thanks for the interview! Antonio is amazing.

[@tiluriso]

Cool. Antonio is a great drummer and a great composer too. I have a couple of his Migrations records 'The Meridian Suite' and 'New Life', both are great albums. And of course the soundtrack to 'Birdman' is really revolutionary, a totally unprecedented thing, as far as I understand. Just noticed he is playing w/ matched grip, always thought he played trad.

[@jasper36]

That tuning and stereo images,diverse and provocative, are revolutionary.

[@johnny2tons]

Antonio Sánchez is unbelievable! Thanks for doing this, Rick.

[@SilencedMi5]

It's fantastic to hear about his process. Appreciate the long form interview! Great jam too!

[@jadseif8102]

How can Antonio Sanchez be sitting? It’s incredible

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Amazing. Antonio's comments on improvisation make so much sense, and are applicable to any musician. I had a running string of "aha!" moments, one after the other, throughout this entire video. Thank you Rick.

[@MarianMusik]

Great Interview, thanks Rick

[@luisrene2633]

Antonio one of the best.

[@hrb5764]

The most intriguing interview so far for sure.

[@eduardoPicazzo]

So enriching and inspiring, for any musician, and especially for an aspiring drummer. Thanks for creating such great content Rick!

[@davidcunningham9282]

the man's touch and control are off the charts

[@parmstrong5778]

The drumming in Birdman was like an actual character. It made a special movie even more special.

[@matthewpace3434]

Had the pleasure of watching Antonio live at the Malta jazz festival, superb drummer and one of my favourite live acts.

[@kisooliveira]

great interview! thank you very much!

[@jorgeleyton1474]

Great interview, I must say Rick your are a great host which make your guest feel very comfortable. What can we say about Antonio Sanchez.. AMAZING... !!! keep up the great work..

[@jpgv8090]

Maybe I never had see this side of Antonio Sanchez but I feel like he take his drumming style to the next level and is a very high level ... Amazing ...

[@ORagnar]

I'm not up on jazz, but I enjoyed this interview. I liked Antonio's insights on how to improvise.

[@gr500music6]

Fine interview with a very intelligent and well-spoken guest.

[@KurtMcDowellOKC]

Sanchez blew me away the first time I saw him with Metheny. Just makes it look effortless. I didn’t know he did other scores. Great interview

[@petertrotman7708]

I've just seen this. Antonio is an incredible artist. I had no idea who was playing in the Birdman movie until I saw the credits, it really added to the drama of the film. His work with Metheny goes without saying but his solo albums were a great surprise also. Please check out his "Channels Of Energy" Big band album. Superb composer.