Paul Wertico
Paul Wertico’s breakthrough gig was as Pat Metheny’s drummer from 1983 to 2001, a tenure of 18 years that spanned the group’s greatest period of popularity. For this guitarist who was notoriously fussy about his drummers, Paul provided more than just the right fit for the music at hand— he also added the acoustic and sonic reach that elevated the Metheny group to seven Grammy Awards and a fistful of gold records.
He has been recognized by the drum community as well, appearing on the covers of several drum magazines, winning annual polls in the fusion and electric Jazz categories, and headlining numerous drum festivals, two of which have presented him with lifetime achievement awards.
Paul has gone on to fascinating collaborations with the likes of Larry Coryell and Paul Winter. His musical experimentation has flourished— critics compare him to an impressionist painter and an “inspired sonic madman” alike. For a great example— look for the “kitchen sink” drum solo on his website. He plays everything onstage, including, yes, a kitchen sink. He has even invented a couple of non-standard drumsticks in his quest for the sounds he seeks.
Equally intriguing to me as the host of Drummeradio, though, is his great distinction as an educator. His wisdom on the approach to the instrument is made clear in the titles alone of his two instructional videos: Fine-tuning Your Performance, and Paul Wertico’s Drum Philosophy. This approach transcends technique. It goes a long way towards explaining the hundreds of invitations to perform master classes and clinics, as well as those many drum festivals.
He teaches Jazz Studies at Roosevelt University in Chicago; recently we had to break off a phone conversation as he was due to listen with his students to some music on on an extremely high-end audio system. I am thoroughly impressed by a teacher who sees the the value of pure, quality sound as a first-rate teaching tool, and am also impressed that he was there to listen along with them. I am also intimidated by a radio guest who hosted his own radio show for three years: Paul Wertico’s Wild World of Jazz.
Listen to the Paul Wertico Podcast
Paul Wertico Playlist
Love for Sale — The Buddy Rich Big Band
Album: Big Swing Face, 1967
Drums: Buddy Rich
Shapes of Things — Jeff Beck
Album: Truth, 1968
Drums: Mick Waller
Forget All About It — Nazz
Album: Nazz Nazz, 1969
Drums: Thom Mooney
You Make it Easy — Tony Williams Lifetime
Album: The Old Bum’s Rush, 1972
Drums: Tony Williams
One of a Kind Love Affair — The Spinners
Album: The Spinners, 1972
Drums: Earl Young
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction — Blue Cheer
Album: Outsideinside, 1968
Drums: Paul Whaley
Equipoise — Roy Haynes Hip Ensemble
Album: Roy Haynes Hip Ensemble, 1971
Drums: Roy Haynes
Libra — Max Roach
Album: Members, Don’t Git Weary, 1968
Drums: Max Roach
In Time — Sly and the Family Stone
Album: Fresh, 1973
Drums: Andy Newmark
Going Home — Ernie Watts Quartet
Album: Planet Love, 1969
Drums: Robert Morin
Fourth Dynasty — Ernie Watts Quartet
Album: Planet Love, 1969
Drums: Robert Morin
