Big Fat Five: Chris Fryar's (Zac Brown Band) Top 5 Influences

Drummers on Drumming

This week's guest is Chris Fryar, primarily known for his work with the Zac Brown Band. He has also worked with Oteil and the Peacemakers, led by bassist Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers Band, as well as with Victor Wooten, John Popper, Steve Bailey, and many more.

Chris is powerful, creative, and consistent, yet very reactive and conversational with his playing. I was so happy to chat with him. I'll be honest—I haven't really said this in an intro before, but this conversation is what I envisioned when I started this podcast. Chris is incredible at sharing his story through his choices and offers invaluable advice along the way.

This is hands down one of my favorite episodes. Please enjoy my chat with Chris Fryar about the five records that shaped him into the musician he is today. And make sure you check out his honorable mentions. He's got plenty, and they'll all make you a better player. I promise.

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Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.

CHRIS' BIG FAT FIVE:

Album - Zenyatta Mondatta

Artist - The Police

Release Year - 1980

Key Track(s) - Shadows In The Rain, Driven To Tears, When The World Is Running Down

Drummer - Stewart Copeland

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Album - Ten Summoner's Tales

Artist - Sting

Release Year - 1993

Key Track(s) - Seven Days, St. Augustine in Hell, She's Too Good For Me, Shape of My Heart

Drummer - Vinnie Colaiuta

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Album - Kind of Blue

Artist - Miles Davis

Release Year - 1959

Key Track(s) - So What, All Blues, Freddie Freeloader

Drummer - Jimmy Cobb

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Album - Live and In Living Color

Artist - Tower Of Power

Release Year - 1976

Key Track(s) - Knock Yourself Out (live), What Is Hip (live)

Drummer - David Garibaldi

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Album - Robben Ford & The Blue Line

Artist - Robben Ford

Release Year - 1992

Key Track(s) - You Cut Me To The Bone, Real Man, Prison Of Love

Drummer - Tom Brechtlein

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Aja - Steely Dan

Big Swing Face - Buddy Rich Big Band

TOTO IV - TOTO

Led Zeppelin IV - Led Zeppelin

Moving Pictures - Rush

Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack - various artists

Life On Planet Groove - Maceo Parker

At Fillmore East - Allman Brothers Band

HELP! - The Beatles

Rubber Soul - the Beatles

Revolver - the Beatles

John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman

Apple Juice - Tom Scott

Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit

Heavy Weather - Weather Report

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