September 17, 2025
Zach Danziger breaks down the five records that influenced his playing
Drummers on DrummingAbout this episode
We’re back with another installment of Big Fat Five - a segment of the show where I chat with my favorite drummers about the 5 records that shaped their approach to the instrument. This week’s guest is Zach Danziger ...a drummer/composer who refuses to let tradition box him in. From early days with Wayne Krantz to collaborations across jazz, fusion, film, and experimental projects, Zach has built a career that’s as deep as it is unpredictable. Sometimes you click with everything a guest says…and this conversation was just that. Talking with Zach not only made me more confident in who I am as a player, but also excited to explore elements I've been neglecting. That being said, I hope you enjoy the 5 records that helped shape Zach Danziger into the player he is today. Cheers. - Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today! 🎯 Click here to order now! Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit. ZACH'S BIG FAT FIVE: Artist – Bill Connors Album – Step It Release Year – 1985 Key Track – “Step It” Drummer – Dave Weckl - Artist – Chaka Khan Album – Naughty Release Year – 1980 Key Track – “Clouds” Drummer – Steve Ferrone - Artist – McCoy Tyner Album – Inner Voices Release Year – 1977 Key Track – Uptown Drummer(s) – Eric Gravatt & Jack DeJohnette - Artist – Luther Vandross Album – Busy Body Release Year – 1983 Key Track – For the Sweetness of Your Love Drummer – Yogi Horton - Artist – Squarepusher Album – Feed Me Weird Things Release Year – 1996 Key Track - Squarepusher Theme Drummer – Programmed by Tom Jenkinson (Squarepusher) For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices