The trials and tribulations of the traveling band / road warrior / touring musician are the stuff of legend. At least for those of us who leave home and manage to survive and later recount the highs and lows of successful gigs, balanced out by canceled flights and beat-up backline drum sets. I’m currently touring Europe with three other veteran musicians, we are being billed as “The Art of the Quartet.” Danish saxophonist Benjamin Koppel has organized this project, casting pianist Kevin Hays and bassist Scott Colley as players number three and four to complete the quartet. I could not be a happier drummer. The music has been great, nine nights in a row so far. But the days have not been without their hiccups. Ten gigs. Ten drum sets. Ten flights. Ten hotels. What could possibly go wrong? “Pivot” has become an operational word as well as an essential […]

March 2026 Issue