311 – Dan Needham: Drumming for Michael McDonald, “Reading the Room” when Recording, Being a Chameleon in the Studio

Dan Needham is recognized in Nashville as one of the top session and live drummers. Dan has performed and/or recorded with Michael McDonald, Amy Grant, Peter Cetera, Dave Barnes, Chaka Khan, Nathan East, Garth Brooks, Sara Bareilles, Phil Keaggy, Gino Vannelli, Al Green, Billy Preston, James Ingram, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Carole King, as well as many other amazing artists. Besides being in the studio, Dan has appeared on several nationally syndicated television shows including Regis & Kathy-Lee and the Pat Boone Show. In this episode, Dan talks about: * The balance between live and studio work* “Reading the room” when recording * Being a chameleon in the studio* Working with Michael McDonald * Early and important lessons Dan endorses, Yamaha drums, Paiste cymbals, VicFirth sticks, Remo drumheads and SlapKatz