The Nashville Drummers Jam, a fundraising gathering that honors prominent artists of the drumming community, held its eleventh production at the Mercy Lounge’s Cannery Ballroom in Nashville, Tennessee, this past December 4. At the event, the organization’s founders—drummers Tom Hurst and David Parks, and guitarist Chris Nix—honored Mr. Big drummer Pat Torpey, who would pass away two months after the show from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Proceeds from NDJ11 were donated to Torpey’s choice of charity, the Wounded Warrior Project, which is a nonprofit organization that benefits military veterans and active-duty service members. “Folks always talk about their favorite drummers,” Parks told MD at the event. “When I sat down to think about who influenced my playing, one man’s name rang out loud and clear: Pat Torpey. His fills and phrasing were always original and exciting.” After inviting Torpey to the show, Parks got a bit of a surprise. “Not […]

July 2018 Issue