Terry Bozzio Jams With Frank Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers (Part 1 of 2)

Joe Travers, currently playing in the Zappa band, blew us away with his incredible musical sensibilities in an amazing two-part part jam with Terry Bozzio.

Watch the second part of the jam, along with an exclusive 'The Art of Drumming' interview featuring Joe Travers & Art Tripp now on Drum Channel.

This Drum Jam is a great reminder of how important it is to use your ears if you want to be a musical working drummer. In addition to his contribution to Zappa drumming, Joe has gone on to play for many acts, including Duran Duran, Lisa Loeb, Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes), Billy Idol, Eric Johnson, and Joe Satriani.

---

Upgrade your playing on Drum Channel!

Free drum lessons!

---

Connect with Terry Bozzio!

Stay in touch with Drum Channel!

Get better faster with our Practice Assist Metronome™!

Visit the Drum Channel Store!

[La_sagne]

if this were just going in the background 17 hours every day as i went about my day, i would not complain at all

[pedroi]

I love that primitive-looking, tribal-sounding exotic arrangement of percussive elements Terry has put together.

[richiesplayground]

I saw Bozzio at a drum clinic at Montclair College in 1993. I was in awe he was like nobody else. It's like each of his limbs has its own independent brain. Excellence.

[mattstetzel]

Joe is a really underrated drummer. Can't be a slouch playing anything Zappa. Great tom work and great tuning on those toms as well. Really fit in with Terry's overall sound

[demonicsweaters]

Man, this is so cool. Terry is the king of unique, melodic drum sets. I think this is one of his coolest to date! Great job with Joe too, knowing exactly how to accompany such a unique setup!

[dagmark.]

Well done, so musical and complimentary, Terry one of my all-time idols and i love and respect Joe as well.

[Bradwick]

Ancient and modern drums coming together. A model for the world.

[iamnoone]

Bozzio is one of the most imaginative drummers I have ever seen, and I love it!

[michaeldominick]

Over 70 years old and still playing like that. GOD BLESS HIM!

[pzool]

Great contrapuntal playing by Joe. Gave us a real show about listening and complimentary playing. Terry was his usual brilliant...I think he has invented a new form of drumming...melodryhthm...

[fuelflownormal]

Terry being Terry. Jaw hit the floor. Percussion symphony. Nice to see him include the whole kit.

[jeffbrett]

Very sympatico! Real MUSICAL...these guys are the real deal!

[Strellock]

I mean had this been written note for note before being played I don't see how it could have been more clean and more musical. Incredible. Can't wait for part 2.

[JeroenJaquet]

I loved Joe's choices so very much. From 2:00, when he follows Terry's fill on the toms, that's some fast thinking right there. And then the groove he lays with the toms and the bark, while Terry establishes a melodie and then completely locking in on the 6 flams, THAT is brilliance to me. Thank you, gentlemen!

[garytitone]

Amazing.

In speaking of Bozzio and his soloing over ostinatos yesterday I was watching a segment that led up to a recent drum solo of Joe Travers . It was a quiet section during a Ray White guitar solo in Pound For A Brown. Steely Dan on steroids. Joe had a pocket that was as true as can be. It had me thinking of this Bozzio clinic I was at in Trenton NJ in the 90s, around the same time his first ostinato video was out, anyhow I believe Jim Keltner was also there and he was talking about playing in the pocket on Josie. Just creating that perfect pocket of sound and it all was symbolic of Joe's playing. Jim Keltner only used that snare in that recording of Josie that one time and used that snare never again.

So Bozzio's kit is always evolving and this new one with all the nature leather skins. We barely see full use of that kit in this first clip but Joe just did his thing, providing perfect accompaniment, keeping it real for Terry and just moving in and out with a groove and taking some moments of exploration. Can't wait to see an hear more.

I am ever looking forward to hearing more things from Joe Travers outside of his amazing work with The Zappa Band. While labeled as a jam this is nothing short of amazing, it feels like Terry and Joe have been playing together for decades. A level of trust in exploration and performance. Mission accomplished.

[ALCDNY]

Love Terry's kit! Industrial vs hand crafted sounds. Nice contrasting kits. Thousand year old sounds from TB's kit.

[burtgreicher]

Its incredible to watch how these two amazing musicians talk to each other without speaking a single word

[kieranheffernan]

There are dummers and there is Terry, totally unique.❤️

[johns]

Terry B was here few yrs ago did drum clinic, what a treat he was such a showman, so underrated all round. Great guy so down to earth and a musical genius. TY so much for post !

[kipstork]

Having run sound for both of these gents at shows, I’d say what an amazing show of force they put forth!! I love the Sabian cymbals above Terry!❤. Cheers to one and all!,