Darren Scorza - ProfilesArchive

About Me

So anyway, I'm this drummer here in Chicago. I've been involved in the Jazz Scene for the last ten years, but have also been involved in some rock bands and recordings.
I've done some gigs, but I figured it would be best just to tell you about what's current. Come and check out a gig sometime, or hire me to play drums on your next incredible project.
Current Projects
The Ari Seder Organ Trio-I recorded with Ari a while back, and I really dig his music. Paul Mutzabaugh plays organ. Come check us out, some groovy stuff. You may witness a "pop fakeout" or two. You'll surely hear our patented "low jam"! www.ariseder.com
Michele Thomas Quartet-My favorite singer (also my wife). We do some gigs sometimes, and we are currently working on her next record. Check her website out at www.michelethomas.net
Ted Hogarth Collective-I've done a couple of records with Ted. He's a swell guy, so much so that he recorded a few of my tunes (listen to the samples of my tunes above). He's a good friend, even after all the ribbing I give him. He sometimes even laughs at my jokes!! His Jazz Corner Site
Margie Gibson-I played on Margie Gibson's last record called 'All We Need To Know". It was a lot of fun, and I got to work some great musicians. A classy record from a classy singer. Check it out on Itunes. Check out Margie's site
Other Stuff-I also get a chance to work from time to time with...Ken Spur, Elaine Dame, John Paris, Scott Hesse, and the least working rock band of all time...CAST IRON SKILLET!!!
Also now teaching at Wunder Studios in Park Ridge, if you want to learn everything I have to offer
All music samples used with the permission of the artist.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/11/2006
Band Website: darrenscorza.com
Band Members: Once in a while I'll lead a gig of my own. Generally I try to hire some of the nuttiest miscreants that Chicago has to offer. This might include...
Scott Hesse, Bob Lovecchio, Doug Rosenberg, Ted Hogarth, Michele Thomas, Neal Alger, Kurt Schweitz, John Kregor & Ari Seder.
Think of us for your next wedding or party...we love and get along well with event planners. We'll also play for fashion shows...maybe even for free.
Oh, I almost forgot...we can play at jazz clubs too!!

Influences: Elvin, Tony, Roy, Jack, Billy Higgins, Jones Papa & Philly, Max, and all the other jazz drummers that have been doing it since we where hitting drums with flyswatters and stompin' on the low-boy.
All the torch-bearers such as Joey Baron, Lewis Nash, Brian Blade, Bill Stewart, Adam Nussbaum, Dafnis Prieto, Jeff Hamilton, Rakalam Bob Moses, Danny Gottleib, Zakir Hussain, Matt Wilson, Jeff Watts & Antonio Sanchez
Steve Gadd, Steve Ferrone, Andy Newmark, Zig, Levon Helm, Steve Jordan, Al Jackson Jr., Bernard Purdie, Mike Clark, Jeff Porcaro, Jim Keltner and all the guys that have a penchant for the "pocket".
Favorite Bands & Artists: The Band, Keith Jarrett, Wayne Shorter, Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, the ECM types, Joe Lovano, John Abercrombie, Meshell Ndegeocello, Stax/Volt stuff, James Brown, Dave Douglas, dated 70's session/fusion (Stuff, Tom Scott), anything with Gadd on it (even "the Hustle")
Currently checking out: Recently have been revisiting Chick Corea's two albums with Gary Novak. Also Michel Camilo's newest one with Danis Prieto on drums.
Currentlly working on: Learning the ins and outs of Apple's Logic and also Sibelius. These infernal machines!!!!
Non Musician favorites (in no particular order):Seinfeld, Orson Welles, Larry David, David Chappelle, Stan Mikita, Studs Turkel, Ray Borque, Ricky Gervais, Phil Esposito.

Sounds Like: ...you should come out to one of my gigs and find out! BANG!!!
Record Label: Perry Ellis or Claiborne
Type of Label: None

My Blog

Before the Music Dies

I caught an audio airing of the new documentary called "Before the Music Dies". It was playing on XM radio. It features interviews with folks such as Branford Marsalils, Dave Mathews, Erykah Badu, Bon...
Posted by Darren Scorza on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 11:21:00 PST

Ricky Gervais

I've now heard from a number of people that I might resemble comdedian Ricky Gervais. You'd know him from the original British 'Office' (the funny one), Extra, and his now-famous podcasts on Itunes. A...
Posted by Darren Scorza on Sat, 28 Oct 2006 03:29:00 PST