Steve Ferrone

I used to work for a company that shared office space in a building that Steve Ferrone kept in Los Angeles. When Steve would drop by, we could get a look at his spectacular snare drum collection—racks and shelves full of snare drums. Dozens of ‘em: classic, modern, wood, metal, you name it—all in tune, all the best of their kind. We never did count them all. They are the perfect match for his monstrous deep groove when he plays: Rock, funk, Jazz—in any style, it is the best of its kind.

That collection is just like Steve’s career in music: he has played and recorded for so many bands that are the best of their kind, that it is just too easy to stop— and quit counting.

From Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express to the Average White Band, to Chaka Khan and the Saturday Night Live band. Then on to Duran Duran and Eric Clapton’s band, pretty much at the same time for six years, Steve was the main drummer. After that, a long and on-going stretch as a Heartbreaker, with Tom Petty.

Offstage he has fit in recording sessions with Morrisey, Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Rick James, Cyndi Lauper, the BeeGees, the B-52’s, Tracy Chapman, Slash, Pat Metheny, and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, as well as recording a few solo albums of his own.

Knowing what he collects in both drums and in gigs, I was eager to hear the favorites from his music collection…and I trust that it is among the best of its kind.

Listen to the Steve Ferrone Podcast

Steve Ferrone Playlist

Pourquoi Pas — Michel Colombier

Album: Wings, 1971
Drums: Andre Arpino

Freedom Jazz Dance — Miles Davis

Album: Miles Smiles, 1967
Drums: Tony Williams

Nommo — Max Roach

Album: Drums Unlimited, 1966
Drums: Max Roach

Sweet Georgia Bright — Charles Lloyd Quartet

Album: Live in the Soviet Union, 1967
Drums: Jack DeJohnette

Equipoise — The DeJohnette Complex

Album: The DeJohnette Complex, 1968-69
Drums: Roy Haynes

Heads or Tails — Booker T. and the M.G.’s

Album: Soul Limbo, 1968
Drums: Al Jackson Jr.