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Vinnie Colaiuta - Featured Performer
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Vinnie Colaiuta is regarded as one of the most influential drummers of all time; in fact, Modern Drummer has been quoted as saying that he is
"the greatest drummer of our time." Vinnie's career blossomed in the late 1970's and he took the music world by storm. He spent his formative years backing up some of the most demanding bandleaders: Frank Zappa, and Gino Vannelli. Vinnie had a knack for difficult time signatures, and rhythmic invention, making him a perfect match for such groups. His unique polyrhythmic style was honed while attending Berklee and studying under Gary Chaffee. He played his first "name" gig with the legendary Al Kooper In 1978, but he is best known for his work as a sideman for Frank Zappa, whom he began playing for soon after Vinnie relocated to Los Angeles. Being a preferred session player had its perks as well, earning him respect from such diverse artists as Sting, Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Al Kooper, Don Henley, and a plethora of others. During the 80's Vinnie was one of the most sought after session players, recording literally hundreds of albums with the likes of Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson, B.B. King, Ray Charles and Billy Joel to name a few.
In 1990, Vinnie was invited to audition for Sting, to be in his new touring quartet in support of the album, Soul Cages. The musical bond between Sting and Vinnie was formed upon their first time playing together, and survives to this day. With Sting, Vinnie played for stadium-sized crowds the world over, and recorded numerous albums. In 1994, Vinnie released his self-titled first solo album on the Stretch Records label, and it included an unbelievable list of guest stars. Vinnie was instrumental in the designing of Zildjian's A Custom line of cymbals. These days, Vinnie's popularity among artists, fans, and drummer's alike cannot be understated. He continues to carry a rigorous schedule of playing, producing and educating.
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