STEPHEN JOSEPH SCIUCCO SR. – “THE DRUMASTER”

Interviews

2021-10-15

STEPHEN JOSEPH SCIUCCO SR. – “THE DRUMASTER”

I recently chatted with seasoned multi-genre drummer/ percussionist/ instructor STEPHEN JOSEPH SCIUCCO Sr, aka “The Drumaster”, about his nearly five decade long career as a musician.

KATE/ AMP: You have drummed with quite a few bands over the years. Can you tell me about that? How old were you when you started and which bands stand out the most?

SJS: It all started when I was 6yrs old watching Lawrence Welk. My parents knew then something was up. My first band was Sage, a female vocal classic rock band, in 1975. Next was Sage II, Annie (classic rock), The Parents (progressive rock), The Dames (original classic rock/pop), Lynn Harrison (blues, rock, country, rockabilly, R&B), RAM (Beatles tribute), The Martini Brothers (classic rock, blues, R&B), Alone in the Wilderness (female-fronted Led Zeppelin tribute), The Muddy Walters (traditional blues, gospel, country) and lastly Heavy Delta (Delta blues) in 2012.

KATE/ AMP: Have you considered any other instruments

SJS: I’ve played guitar, bass and percussion. I teach drums and percussion.

KATE/AMP: I read that your inspiration to play drums and your technique were heavily influenced by John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. Any other influences? Any deviation/s

from the classic rock genre?

SJS: My top 4 bands: The Stones, The Beatles, The Who, and Led Zeppelin. Each

drummer was a huge influence. I’m influenced by many styles as I’m a world drummer.

KATE/ AMP: If you could create your own band with ANY musicians (living or dead,

local or national) who would be in your band?

SJS: My fantasy band would be Jimi Hendrix on guitar, Leon Russell on vocals, Dusty Hill

on bass and me on drums. Actually Steve Marriott of Humble Pie would be my first choice.

KATE/ AMP: Top 5 favorite albums and why?

SJS: For my 5 favorite LP’s I’d go with Physical Graffiti by Led Zep, Sticky Fingers by the Stones, Live at Leeds by The Who, Abbey Road by The Beatles, Band of Gypsies by Jimi Hendrix.

KATE/ AMP: Biggest musical regret? Such as the band you wished you had played

with or perhaps one you wished you hadn’t?

SJS: Regret? Wow. Not staying in London when I worked at EMI Abbey Road Studio.

1979 when Pink Floyd’s The Wall was being made next-door! Yes, really!

KATE/ AMP: If you had to exist in the same decade of music forevermore (and never

hear/play music from any other decade), which would it be?

SJS: Big Band era ballroom dancing music, easily.

KATE/ AMP: If you could give advice to your 16 year old self, what would it be?

SJS: Learn to read music so you can teach and not think you’re the best.

KATE/ AMP: Let’s pretend you have the power to improve my record collection with 5 albums you played on, what would I expect to appear among my albums?

SJS: Here’s a few I played drums on:

Booker T and the MG’s Green Onions

Arthur Conley: Sweet Soul Music

Elvis’ Baby, Let’s Play House.

Jerry Lee Lewis’ Great Balls of Fire

Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire