Michael Shrieve pioneered and co-developed electronic percussion systems in the early 70s, and today he continues to strive for innovative approaches to experimental percussion-based music. He’s best known for his work with Santana, but has also performed with Klaus Schulze, Bill Frisell, David Torn, Shawn Lane and Andy Summers. His new album, “Drums of Compassion,” features Zakir Hussain, Trey Gunn, Airto and Jack De Johnette.

Learn more about Michael at http://www.michaelshrieve.com/

Paul Wertico is an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies best known for his drumming with the Pat Metheny Group. He’s played on several gold records, won seven Grammys, and has a new record called “First Date,” marking the 25th anniversary of the Paul Wertico Trio.

Learn more about Paul at https://paulwertico.com

Chester Thompson is a legendary drummer & percussionist whose resume includes Frank Zappa/Mothers, Genesis, Phil Collins and Weather Report. His playing has been formative in fusion, progressive rock, soul, funk, pop and with jazz stalwarts like Freddie Hubbard & Ahmad Jamal. Chester has been releasing albums recently leading his own ensembles.

Tom Fowler is a bass guitarist well known for his tenure with Frank Zappa/Mothers, Ray Charles, Jean-Luc Ponty, Steve Hackett, Banned From Utopia (Zappa Alumni band) and many others. He is part of the incredible “Fowler Brothers,” (two of them also played with Zappa) and with whom he has done a number of amazing records as Air Pocket.

Interview conducted by André Cholmondeley

Live on YouTube

Carmine Rojas: bass guitarist, musical director, composer, producer. Carmine has recorded and toured with an incredibly diverse list of pioneering and legendary artists including Labelle, Nektar, David Bowie (multi-platinum hits like "Let’s Dance", "China Girl", "Modern Love") . He's been on tour with Rod Stewart for 15 years....with Joe Bonamassa for over a decade now......a touring journeyman.

Carmine is one of the busiest bass players in studios playing rock, funk, R&B, and jazz - fitting in perfectly on sessions and gigs with Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, Ian Anderson, Herbie Hancock, Tedeschi andTrucks, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Todd Rundgren, Mike Patton, Macy Gray, Ian Hunter, and with his own flamenco/rock project with Marcos Nand - Ziroq, and many others.

Zack Alford is the longtime drummer for superstar guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei, and is well known for his years touring and recording with David Bowie. His varied drumming and in-demand sessions career includes stints with The B-52’s, Bruce Springsteen & Billy Joel. (Photo: Kazuyo Horie)