Brian

The heartbeat of the band. A veteran of the live circuit, Brian provides the steady, high-energy foundation that keeps the crowd on their feet. From the shuffle of Chuck Berry to the stadium drive of Lynyrd Skynyrd, he brings the "experience" in "Experience Matters."

Influences

Brian’s drumming style is a sophisticated blend of power and precision, shaped by an eclectic mix of rock and jazz legends. His rock foundations are built on the technical mastery of Neil Peart, the explosive energy of Keith Moon, and the heavy-hitting innovation of Carmine Appice. These influences are balanced by the world-class pocket and groove of Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, and the contemporary fusion of Joel Rosenblatt. To further refine his craft, Brian studied under the renowned jazz drummer Akira Tana, whose mentorship added a layer of technical finesse and jazz-infused sensitivity to his playing.

"Origin Story"

Brian’s musical roots go back further than most, beginning with the clarinet in first grade. However, by the time he reached sixth grade, he realized that the woodwind section couldn't quite compete with the "cool factor" of the drum throne. Even as he continued to hone his skills as a disciplined classical clarinetist, the pull of rock 'n' roll became undeniable. By seventh grade, Brian officially launched his life behind the kit, joining his very first rock band, The Rubber Band. This dual background in classical precision and raw rock energy laid the groundwork for the versatile, high-caliber drummer he is today for The Big Horse Band.

Experience

Brian’s career is a masterclass in musical versatility and industry expertise. From his early days in middle school bands to studying music composition in college, he has navigated everything from classical and jazz ensembles to high-octane rock. His professional journey took a significant leap at Angel Recording Studio in Blackwood, NJ, where he honed the recording skills that eventually led him to open his own facility, Studio One NJ. Brian’s credits include co-writing and producing a CD with Sound Dragons (which earned placement in Tower Records) and performing with a wide array of notable acts such as Painted Morrow (a brand-sponsored band), Mugshot, and the Social Distortion tribute band Another State of Mind, as well as Diablo Trucking Company and John Paul and The Road. Beyond the stage, he has produced three compilation CDs in partnership with Dean Guitars and has served as a go-to studio drummer for numerous original projects. A dedicated educator, Brian has shared his knowledge with numerous private students and inspired the next generation through his "Rock and Roll Boot Camp" for aspiring young musicians.

Memorable gigs or venues from the past

Brian’s time behind the kit has placed him at the center of some truly electric musical moments. He vividly recalls the adrenaline of taking the stage at Club Maui in Philadelphia, performing before a crowd that could only be described as a "sea of humanity." Even more legendary was his role as the drummer for an epic blues guitar battle hosted by Dean Guitars in Tampa, FL. That night, Brian provided the rhythmic backbone for a face-off between two of the world's most innovative players: the legendary shredder Michael Angelo Batio and the technically groundbreaking Bill Peck.

Gear

Brian’s drum setup is a precise blend of road-ready durability and studio-grade luxury, anchored by his proud endorsements of Cooper Groove Performance Drumsticks, Soultone Cymbals, and ddrum. 

For the Big Horse Band’s live shows, he relies on a 4-piece ddrum Reflex Rally Sport kit—a setup renowned for its punchy Alder-wood shells that cut through any mix. When in the studio, he switches to the deep, resonant tones of a ddrum Dios kit featuring sparkly bubinga and aspen shells, (like those seen in the movie Step Brothers). His cymbals are exclusively Soultone, chosen for their handmade character and tonal variety, featuring a sophisticated array that includes 13" Latin series hi-hats, a 16" Extreme crash, a 17" Natural hand-hammered crash, a 21" Explosion ride, and a 10" Explosion splash. To maintain total control during high-energy performances, Brian uses Cooper Groove coated 5B sticks, which feature a unique cross-hatched grip designed to prevent slippage while reducing hand fatigue.