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 Passion and curiosity are driving forces behind drummer Gregg Bissonette. A veteran of diverse lineups, including Carlos Santana, David Lee Roth, Maynard Ferguson, Enrique Iglesias, and Bette Midler, this popular session and touring musician is always charting new musical waters in a constantly renewing percussion adventure.
"I want to be remembered as someone who can play a lot of different things and has a well-rounded style," says Bissonette. "I'm always trying to learn as much as I can about various forms of music. The more you learn about music, the better a musician you are." Indeed, Gregg's second solo album, "Submarine" (on the Favored Nations label), reflects his quest. It features ten world-class guitarists, ranging from Steve Vai (a founder of Favored Nations) to Joe Satriani, and shifts from Miles-Davis-style funk/fusion to Beatles-esque pop. Bissonette tackles lead vocals, drumset, tablas, trumpet, and percussion.
A student of the late Tony Williams, Bissonette is currently working on Afro-Cuban drums. This passion was recently renewed by his 1999 trip to Cuba as member of a U.S. cultural entourage. To get the authentic sound and feel of Latin music, Gregg always integrates a variety of LP cowbells into his drumset.
Back in his native Detroit, Gregg's father had played drums, his mother the piano. "My brother Matt, sister Kathy, and I grew up playing in bands together," recalls Gregg. "My first gig was subbing for my dad at a private party. I was fourteen and too young to drive, so my uncle drove me to the gig."
It's interesting that the guitar was Gregg's first choice, a reflection of his love for the Beatles and, in particular, for John Lennon. "But when I was seven," Gregg says, "my parents took me to see the Buddy Rich Big Band and that fueled my desire to be a drummer."
Gregg's influences included icons Charlie Watts, Mitch Mitchell, John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, Danny Seraphine, Billy Cobham, and Bobby Colomby. He enrolled at North Texas State University, honed his skills in the lab bands, and earned a degree in Music Education. He then moved to Los Angeles at twenty-two.
In no time he was touring and recording with Maynard Ferguson, Gino Vanelli, and David Lee Roth. After his time with Roth, Gregg and Matt Bissonette formed the Mustard Seeds, a pop combo in the Beatles/Foo Fighters/Oasis mode. Gregg's creative partnership with his brother continues with the release of "Submarine."
In the meantime, Gregg enjoys the clinic circuit. "Drummers have a real camaraderie," enthuses Gregg, "whether they're from Tuna Fish, WY, or Japan!" Back at home, he's guarding another Bissonette treasure, son Noah - who, at age three, is already tapping out time in the family tradition.
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