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""The first time that I tried Evans Drum Heads I was blown away by the tone that the heads projected. From the warmth of the Generas on the toms, the punch of the EMAD on the bass drums, and the crisp attack of the Rock AF on the snare drum. Evans Drum Heads have it all covered."" |
DRUM WIZARD BOBBY JARZOMBEK - LANDING ON ICED EARTH!
From Riot to Halford to his latest gig with Iced Earth, drummer Bobby Jarzombek continues to amaze and inspire anyone who has had the privilege of seeing him perform. Speed, chops, and power - Jarzombek has it all. Read on to learn more about Bobby's impressive career. And for all you aspiring drummers out there, heed his advice!
How did you get the Iced Earth gig? Did you have to audition?
"I got the Iced Earth gig by recommendation from their drummer Richard Christy. (Richard decided to leave the band to pursue his comedic dream of working for the Howard Stern Show.) Richard and I became friends about a year ago when he ordered my VHS drum video "Performance & Technique" through my website. When I received his check in the mail I immediately called him and asked him why didn't he just contact me through my website to say "hello" and inquire about my video. I knew of Richard's incredible playing on the "Iced Earth" and "Death" CDs so I was taken back a bit by him ordering my video, but that's how Richard is. Great guy, taking nothing for granted! Anyway, a couple of the other "IE" members were already familiar with my drumming in the bands "Riot" and "Halford". In fact, Tim Owens (IE new vocalist and ex-Judas Priest frontman) came out to a couple of shows when I was touring with (Rob) "Halford". Before rehearsals started I had a few conversations with Jon Schaffer (IE guitarist) about the songs, click track tempos, arrangements, etc....and he just put his faith in me. I had about a week of rehearsals with the band before I played my first show with them."
For you what is the most exciting aspect to playing the drums?
"I love the physical aspect! Live, Studio, Practice, whatever. I really enjoy the process of learning a new song. Working my parts to create something new and exciting on the kit has always been inspiring and is probably the most enjoyment that I get from playing the drums."
How long have you been playing professionally?
"I started playing rock clubs in a band with my 2 brothers while I was still in high school. My first major recording/touring situation came when I was 22 years old. I recorded 2 albums (those big black plastics discs) with the Texas based band "Juggernaut" on "Metal Blade Records". We pretty much toured Texas opening shows for other metal acts such as King Diamond, Metal Church, etc...."
 Who are your influences?
"My earliest drumming influence was Neil Peart. Then came Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio, Dave Weckl. Then later came Deen Castronovo and Mike Portnoy. Now I listen to all the great extreme drummers for ideas; Virgil Donati, Mike Mangini, Marco Minnemann, Thomas Lang, etc...."
How do you warm up before a show?
"As I've gotten older (and the music that I've been performing has gotten more difficult) I've become more conscious about getting my hands and feet warmed up before a show. Lately, I've been carrying around a practice pad kit (in a suitcase) which includes a mounted pad for the hands and a double pedal and pad for the feet. For the hands I have a bunch of exercises that I use which isolate the wrists, arms, and fingers. For the feet I make sure to play some control and speed exercises 1) with my heel up using the ball of my foot on the pedal, 2) with the heel down using the front part of the foot to create the stroke, and 3) with the ball of the foot stationary on the pedal and the heel coming down to create the stroke."
What advice would you give to kids who want to play drums for a living?
"Go to college or music school and learn the most you can about this profession that you're choosing. After I graduated high school I jumped right into clubs, bars, theaters, whatever.....I've had to go back to learn the things that I should have taken care of years ago. The kids of today want to get out there and play their music, and I understand that, but there is plenty of time to do that. You'll be doing that for the rest of your lives. The education that you'll be getting at school will prepare you now for a variety of musical situations that you'll encounter along the way." What records have you appeared on?
Artist Title Label
Spastic Ink Ink Compatible Eclectic Electric
Spastic Ink Ink Complete Eclectic Electric
Halford Crucible Metal-Is
Halford Live Insurrection Metal-Is
Halford Resurrection Metal-Is
Riot Sons Of Society Metal Blade
Riot Thundersteel Sony/CBS
Tell us about your gear.
Pearl Drums
Masters Custom MMX Series
(2) 22" bass drums
10" tom
12" tom
14" tom
16" floor tom
14" Steve Ferrone model
Paiste Cymbals
14" 2002 Hi-Hats
20" 2002 Ride
18" and 20" 2002 Chinas
10" and 11" Dimensions Splashes
(6) crashes sizes between 16" to 19". Crash lines include Dimensions, Signatures, 2002s, and Innovations.
"Paiste created the 'Rock Sound'. The most explosive cymbals in the world."
Vic Firth Sticks
S signature American Classic Rock Model
Evans Drumheads
Bass Drum Heads:
EMAD on the batter side
EQ3 on the front side
Tom Heads:
Genera 2 (Clear) on the top
Genera 1 (Clear) on the bottom
Snare Drum Heads:
Rock AF on the top
Hazy 300 on the bottom
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