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

Zach Jones is the current drummer for Sting and has been a member of many other projects worldwide. Join Brandon for an interview about Zach's career, and some performances of the iconic songs he has performed.
_______________
00:00 - Intro
00:17 - "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You" by Sting (Performance)
04:12 - Welcome
06:07 - "Surrender" by Secret Someones (Performance)
11:56 - Preparing to Play Live With Sting
16:18 - "Plastic Soul" by Zach Jones & The Tricky Bits (Performance)
24:05 - Biggest Lessons I've Learned Playing With Sting
28:41 - "Desert Rose" by Sting (Performance)
35:29 - Q&A
42:28 - "Shape Of My Heart" by Sting (Performance)
48:18 - Final Thoughts
50:16 - "The Kids In The Back" by Greg Mayo, Martin Rivas, Zach Jones (Performance)
52:53 - Outro
Try 7 Days Of Drumeo FREE
► www.drumeo.com/trial
_______________
Follow Zach Jones:
►Instagram: / zachjonesmusic
►KZbin: ‪@zachjonesmusicvevo4777‬
Follow Brandon Toews:
►KZbin: ‪@BrandonToews‬
►Instagram: / brandon.toews
►Facebook: / brandon.toew. .
►TikTok: / brandon.toews
Follow us:
►The Drumeo Beat: www.drumeo.com/beat/
►Facebook: / drumeo
►Instagram: / drumeoofficial
►TikTok: / drumeoofficial
_______________
Get the Drumeo App:
►Apple App Store: hi.drumeo.com/DrumeoApp_Apple...
►Google Play Store: hi.drumeo.com/DrumeoApp_Googl...
___________________________
#Drumeo #ZachJones #Sting

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Dive deeper into the world of Sting with additional tracks inside Drumeo! If you want to check out drum-less versions, get a 7-Day free trial with the all NEW Drumeo: www.Drumeo.com/trial

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@benjamindhall]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@pcs56]

@@daviddicara991 People raving about him like he is some sort of genius for being able to play straight four to a click track with minimal fills. LOL! If he were just some random guy with a KZbin channel, the same people would be saying "meh. solid but nothing special".

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@stheil777]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@CampfireTalk]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@malcolmlarri9073]

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

[@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.

[@drumdiscussion7776]

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

[@xgreco]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@noahriva]

Very inspiring drummer… and a very skillful one too! Thank you for sharing your knowledge Zach, and keep groovin’👏

[@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.

[@TavaresProject]

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

[@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!

[@WhyTheHorseface]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@billnicholas1381]

Great musician and drummer for the songs. Awesome sound from the drms and especially your crashes, beautiful sounds

[@kittykatwolf8294]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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👍🇦🇺

[@durame]

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

[@Cayoalbuquerque]

Such a class act. Awesome sound, tight execution and respecting what the song calls for.

[@Koshinskydrummer]

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

[@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.

[@ALEXXvsZOMBIES1]

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

[@jayfron6012]

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

[@banenamuffin9842]

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

[@davidmarsalis1522]

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

[@ArkaEasyRiders]

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

[@Vup10]

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

[@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....

[@JiffyBiff]

Cool guy. Super chill. Can't imagine playing with Sting, sort of ultimate gig, like playing with Zappa. Appreciate his playing, and confidence.

[@CambiodeRumbo]

The art of make the drum sound great!!! The kit shines with his groove!

[@kristootter]

Thank you! Really enjoyed this video. What a nice person and great attitude. Superb drummer!

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

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

[@marcelrodeka]

Lovely flowing feel, playing to suit the song. Great.

[@kevinhill1369]

Holy moly. I remember Zach when he played for the Slycaps. He’s always been so solid and it’s amazing to hear his work with Sting. Keep rockin Zach!

[@patrickross9681]

Wow, what a Great Pocket! I never knew of you until today, but I am a Fan Now, Zack! Congrats on the Sting Gig. I'm going to be following you from now on. You are so relaxed and smooth.

[@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!

[@drummachine86]

Beautiful drumming and a great guy, too! Rock on Zach!

[@_MasterP]

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

[@jonskaery]

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

[@umitsever1692]

Great video very smooth and clean drumming and great playing

[@thelmabradley7176]

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

[@mjm5081]

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

[@scottcrawford1962]

This guys rocks! What talent. 🤘🏼💪🏼

[@jackbragan2643]

Extraordinarily good sense of timing. Excellent.

[@Pistacho123Lol]

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

[@codysundberg2021]

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

[@Bruttus4377]

I been to sting twice ,and it was perfect this guy is a top drummer he made it such a fantastic concert thank for that

[@michaelreed5596]

Brilliant, thanks drumeo - possibly the best episode yet. Thanks to Zach too. 👍

[@tinmanslickgreasy999]

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

[@davenotte9363]

Wow, so clean and precise. Cymbals sound incredible.

[@rgm1101]

Fantastic drummer and great show. Thanks!

[@JensHilzensauer]

I saw him live last year with sting and it was perfect. Great pocket, great blending, very musical.

[@theambient1]

Phenomenal! Perfect example of PURPOSEFUL drumming!

[@A1B2C3-y6k]

Zach is an absolute metronome. Solid and totally on the money. Drummers like Zac are worth their weight in gold. And if he wasn't a superb drummer, he wouldn't be in Sting's band, that's for sure. Sting is a total perfectionist and he would expect all of his band members to be perfectionists too. Completely different to Vinnie or Stewart. Doesn't want to be this crazy drummer smashing out fills every 2 seconds. But he's the backbone of the live performance who will never let Sting down.

[@donaldlandry5665]

Yes he does sound like a metronome

[@dennismyers5090]

i love this guys feel, it is perfect

[@plcdrummer6788]

Such a clean player, and "YES" who wouldn't be thrilled to play with Sting kudos to Zach!

[@lukemorton1965]

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

[@carylazar]

Brilliant drummer, great bloke with a great attitude. Had the pleasure of seeing Sting twice last year in Kings Park Perth, Western Australia. I got to say as a fellow drummer Zach blew my mind. Wow and this Drumeo is cool as hell thank you 😊

[@TechGorilla1987]

The last time I saw Sting live was RFK stadium opening for Grateful Dead. The drummer for that show was Vinnie Colaiuta. Amazing show. Jerry, Sting and Bruce Hornsby all on the same stage.

[@masonthomassax]

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

[@willudallmusic]

Only a couple of minutes in and cymbals and kit sound amazing, that snare! As a singer/songwriter/drummer, it's cool to see him singing along with the track... Kinda demonstrates a wider awareness of the song. Thanks for bringing my attention to this guy!

[@chrishansen3740]

Well done! I saw Sting in Olso last year and Zach did an amazing job - very tasteful.

[@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 )) 🙌

[@goodpainlive]

Saw Sting last month in Arkansas. Zach nailed it. Was a great show.

[@pearsonchris]

What a great interview with such a lovely person

[@danw331]

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!

[@johnkavaudio4695]

LOVE ❤the orchestrated part in “Surrender” Musical “chops” all day long 🙌🏻

[@simonbraschel2936]

I´ll see Sting live this Saturday, perfect timing for this video :)

[@markclarkdrummernewmexico9030]

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

[@Cebucitysnaps23]

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