Born: September 18, 1977 Primary Instrument: Drums
Since his arrival to New York City over a decade ago in June of 2001, Pete Zimmer has established himself amongst the forefront as one of the top-call young drummers in New York's jazz scene. Born and raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Zimmer has made his mark locally and internationally as a versatile and articulate drummer, bandleader, sideman, composer, educator, and record label entrepreneur.
Before moving to New York, Zimmer studied both at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois and also at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where he earned his bachelors degree. At the Conservatory he had the good fortune to have apprenticeships with master musicians such as Danilo Perez, Cecil McBee, George Garzone, Bob Moses, Jerry Bergonzi, and Bob Brookmeyer.
Since 2001, Zimmer has performed and recorded with both master jazz legends, as well as up-and-coming, rising jazz stars including: George Garzone, Joel Frahm, Jeremy Pelt, Peter Bernstein, Michael Rodriguez, Jerry Weldon, Dennis Irwin, David Wong, Rick Germanson, Anthony Wonsey, Randy Napoleon, Michael Karn, Julius Tolentino, Gene Perla, Tom Kennedy, Wayne Escoffery, Jaleel Shaw, Dan Nimmer, and many others.
In May of 2004, Pete Zimmer launched his record label, Tippin’ Records, and on September 7th, 2004, released his first album as a leader, “Common Man,” which was declared “an impressive debut” by the Philadelphia Daily News. Since that time, Zimmer has produced and released three additional CDs as a bandleader, “Burnin’ Live at the Jazz Standard” (2006), “Judgment” (2006), and “Chillin’ Live @ Jazz Factory” (2008). These CDs, two studio and two live recordings, feature many of his compositions that have brought him a great deal of critical acclaim across the globe. His fifth album as a leader, “Prime of Life,” is scheduled to be released in April of 2012.
During 2005-2011 Zimmer led his band on numerous tours throughout the United States as well as the United Kingdom performing at many of the top jazz venues as well as presenting clinics at many collegiate jazz study programs. Some of the major jazz venues he’s performed at during this time include: The Blue Note, Iridium, Jazz Standard, The Kitano, Ronnie Scotts, Dazzle Jazz Club, The Jazz Factory, Night Town, Blues Alley, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Zanzibar Blue, The Blue Wisp, and The Blue Room, among others.
As a Yamaha clinician, Zimmer has been dedicated to educating and developing the talents of students. He presents clinics and workshops at colleges, universities, and conservatoires that have included: Birmingham Conservatoire, Indiana University, Leeds College of Music, Loyola University (New Orleans), Ohio State University, Middlesex University, Northern Illinois University, Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College of Music, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
All Music Guide has stated, “Pete Zimmer's fourth recording as a bandleader and composer might stake his claim as a modern day version of Art Blakey.”
Pete Zimmer plays and endorses YAMAHA Drums, SABIAN Cymbals, EVANS Drumheads, and VIC FIRTH Drumsticks exclusively
”Pete Zimmer has learned his New York lessons well, as his dry tone, meaty swing beat and subtle accents make him an old hand on Chillin' Live @ Jazz Factory” DOWN BEAT
”Zimmer's drumming boasts a crisp, swinging command with judicious musicality.” MODERN DRUMMER
Personnel: Pete Zimmer drums; George Garzone: tenor saxophone; Peter Bernstein: guitar; Peter Slavov: bass.
Chillin' Live @ Jazz Factory (Tippin', 2008)
Personnel: Pete Zimmer: drums; Jeremy Pelt: trumpet/flugelhorn; Avi Rothbard: guitar; David Wong: bass.
Judgment (Tippin', 2006)
Pete Zimmer: drums; George Garzone: tenor sax; Joel Frahm: tenor sax; Michael Rodriguez: trumpet; Toru Dodo: piano; David Wong: bass; John Sullivan: bass.
Burnin' Live at the Jazz Standard (Tippin', 2006)
Pete Zimmer: drums; Michael Rodriguez: trumpet; Joel Frahm: tenor sax; Toru Dodo: piano; David Wong: bass.
Common Man (Tippin', 2004)
Pete Zimmer: drums; Michael Rodriguez: trumpet; Joel Frahm: tenor sax; Rick Germanson: piano; Toru Dodo: piano; John Sullivan: bass.
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