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In this interview, we sit down with Ollie Usiskin, a well-regarded session drummer who's played across a huge range of genres. Ollie shares his experiences working on a wide variety of music projects, from a free-jazz duo with an electric cello player to a heavy metal album with actor Christopher Lee.

Ollie discusses his career as a session musician, including his philosophy on preparation and his approach to adapting to different musical styles. He speaks candidly about his collaborations with legendary musicians like producer Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets) and guitarist Carl Orr (Billy Cobham), emphasising the importance of treating everyone with respect and humility.

A major focus is on Ollie's deep appreciation for fusion music. He talks about his love for the genre and the influence of iconic drummers like Tony Williams and his band Lifetime. In a brilliant story, Ollie recalls meeting Tony Williams and even being offered the chance to be his drum tech, and reflects on the incredible energy of his performances.

This interview is a must-watch for drummers and music fans, offering valuable insights on professionalism, learning, and the importance of staying grounded in a world of musical legends.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Ollie Siskin
00:01:25 - Working with Producer Jimmy Haslip
00:04:45 - The Free-Jazz Duo Project
00:07:42 - The Trio Zone Album & Collaborations
00:19:45 - Working with Legends & the Christopher Lee Story
00:27:52 - Ollie's Versatile Playing Style
00:38:31 - The Influence of Tony Williams
00:41:40 - Meeting Tony Williams: An Incredible Story
00:54:19 - Drummers Collective & Final Words of Wisdom
00:56:09 - Dorset Drum Festival & Tuning Workshops

Links & Info
Ollie's Bandcamp - https://ollieusiskin.bandcamp.com/

#ollieusisikin #tonywilliams #drums

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