Home » Jazz Musicians » Pete Zimmer

Pete Zimmer

Drummer, Pete Zimmer, moved to New York City in June of 2001, and has since established himself as one of the top-call drummers in New York City’s jazz scene. Originally from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Zimmer has made his mark nationally and internationally as a versatile and articulate drummer, bandleader, sideman, composer, educator, and record label entrepreneur.

Since 2004, Pete Zimmer released five (5) critically acclaimed albums as a leader on his own record label, Tippin’ Records. The albums showcase both his constant swing on the drums and his skillful and melodic compositions. His composition, “Time That Once Was,” a moving ballad recorded on his first album Common Man, was recently licensed to Sony Pictures Television where it was featured in the opening scene of the series they produce “Masters of Sex” (Episode 307, Monkey Business), aired on Showtime. He has received many accolades from major publications. "Pete Zimmer has learned his New York lessons well, as his dry tone, meaty swing beat and subtle accents make him an old hand” (Down Beat), and "Zimmer's drumming boasts a crisp, swinging command with judicious musicality." (Modern Drummer)

Zimmer’s band has performed at many of the prominent jazz venues in New York City including: The Blue Note, Jazz Standard, Smoke Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Birdland Jazz Club, The Kitano, Fat Cat, and Cornelia Street Café. He has toured throughout much of the USA and the United Kingdom. Throughout the years his group has featured many of the top musicians in New York City including: Mike Rodriguez, Joel Frahm, Jeremy Pelt, George Garzone, Peter Bernstein, Avi Rothbard, David Wong, Peter Slavov, Rick Germanson, Toru Dodo, John Sullivan, Mike DiRubbo, Ryan Kisor, Vitaly Golovnev, George DeLancey, Jerry Weldon, Joseph Lepore, Jaleel Shaw, Robert Rodriguez, Jeb Patton, and others.

Pete Zimmer is a highly regarded educator and clinician. He has presented clinics and masterclasses at many top collegiate jazz programs throughout the United States and United Kingdom. He is a faculty member with the New York Jazz Academy since 2009.

As an active sideman, Zimmer can be heard on the latest recording by legendary bassist Ron McClure Trio, Hope and Knowledge. (McJolt Records, 2017) He has also performed and/or recorded with the likes of: George Garzone, Rodney Jones, Ron McClure, Dennis Irwin, David Schnitter, Akiko Tsuruga, Rick Germanson, Julius Tolentino, Gene Perla, Wayne Escoffery, Dan Nimmer, and many others.

Pete Zimmer’s record label, Tippin’ Records, was originally established to feature his own projects, but after having much success with his first few releases, it did not take long for other artists to solicit their projects to Tippin’. In 2009 Zimmer decided to expand the catalogue and encompass additional artists. The first additional artist was trumpeter Vitaly Golovnev with the release of To Whom It May Concern and was followed by guitarist Kyle Asche Organ Trio (featuring legendary organist Melvin Rhyne), Blues for Mel. The label now has a total of one dozen releases and six artists.

Read more

Tags

126
Album Review

Pete Zimmer: Prime of Life

Read "Prime of Life" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan


Prime of Life, drummer Pete Zimmer's fifth recording as a leader, has a clean, crisp, soulful sound. The players of the quartet--all top-notch musicians--meld their talents into a polished cohesion. Zimmer is a fine drummer capable of impeccable timekeeping and intricate, though usually subtle percussive flourishes. Zimmer's music, with its tight grooves, sounds like heartland jazz, like the quintessentially American sound of an organ trio--without, in this case, the Hammond B3 breathing into the mix.Guitarist Peter Bernstein, who ...

295
Rhythm In Every Guise

Pete Zimmer: Chillin' Live @ Jazz Factory

Read "Pete Zimmer:  Chillin' Live @ Jazz Factory" reviewed by David A. Orthmann


In an era when serving a lengthy apprenticeship in a working band is no longer an option, young players who shun fashionable pop-influenced sounds in favor of traditional jazz styles must be very resourceful. Thirty-year-old drummer/composer/bandleader Pete Zimmer balances a desire to extend the modern straight-ahead mainstream into the twenty-first century and the ability to support his ambitions by taking care of the business that surrounds the music. Shortly after arriving in New York City in 2001, Zimmer put together ...

205
The Jazz Session

Pete Zimmer: The Wonder of Waukesha

Read "Pete Zimmer: The Wonder of Waukesha" reviewed by Jason Crane


On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews drummer Pete Zimmer. Zimmer moved to New York several years ago after graduating from the New England Conservatory. He's released three records on his own label, Tippin' Records, the most recent of which is his new CD, Judgment (Tippin' Records, 2006). The album features tenor saxophonists George Garzone and Joel Frahm.Listen ...

165
Album Review

Pete Zimmer Quintet: Judgment

Read "Judgment" reviewed by Samuel Chell


Les Paul, the “Wizard of Waukesha," may be the better-known musician, but the guitarist's spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship is clearly evident in a fellow Waukesha native, drummer Pete Zimmer. Unable to find a studio to record his music, Zimmer founded his own label, frequently featuring other Wisconsinites (Rich Germanson, John Sullivan, Joel Frahm) and, on this date, tenor legend and former teacher George Garzone. Judgment, the third Zimmer-produced project, is a record of the young musician's meteoric development as ...

127
Album Review

Pete Zimmer Quintet: Judgment

Read "Judgment" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


Drummer and bandleader Pete Zimmer hasn't lost a step in getting his product to the people. Arriving in New York around the time of 9/11, he understandably found it difficult to get a record deal. So he created his own label, Tippin', on which Judgment is Zimmer's third release. He essentially keeps the same personnel from his last album (Burnin' Live At The Jazz Standard, Tippin' 2005), with the addition of his former employer, saxophonist George Garzone.

On ...

160
Album Review

Pete Zimmer Quintet: Judgment

Read "Judgment" reviewed by Terrell Kent Holmes


Pete Zimmer pays homage to the music and innovators of the hard bop era on Judgment, an inspired and sometimes exceptional collection of mostly original tunes played by a wonderful group of musicians who clearly share the drummer's admiration of the standards. “The Mingus That I Knew, written by guest George Garzone, captures the bassist's essence in the arrangement, complete with accelerating tempos and robust colors. The front line of tenorists Garzone and Joel Frahm and trumpeter ...

119
Live Review

Pete Zimmer Quintet at Cecil's Jazz Club

Read "Pete Zimmer Quintet at Cecil's Jazz Club" reviewed by David A. Orthmann


Pete Zimmer Quintet Cecil's Jazz Club West Orange, NJ August 11, 2006

An enterprising young drummer, composer, and bandleader, Pete Zimmer stakes his claim inside of the broad parameters of hard bop. Throughout a pair of releases on Zimmer's Tippin' Records label, Common Man and Burnin' Live At The Jazz Standard, all of the essential elements fall into place. A tight, efficient band forges a balanced ensemble sound; three primary soloists, tenor saxophonist Joel ...

Read more articles
162

Performance / Tour

Tony Malaby's Cello Trio (Fri) Pete Zimmer Group (Sat) at Cornelia Street Cafe

Tony Malaby's Cello Trio (Fri) Pete Zimmer Group (Sat) at Cornelia Street Cafe

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

CORNELIA STREET CAFE 29 Cornelia Street, NYC, New York 212-989-9319 between West 4th and Bleecker Sts, Greenwich Village 1 Subway to Sheridan Square; A, C, E, B, D, V, F to West 4th St. Fri Jan 04, 9:00PM & 10:30PM TONY MALABY'S CELLO TRIO Tony Malaby, tenor saxophone; Fred Lonberg Holm, cello; John Hollenbeck, drums Cover $10 Sat Jan 05, 9:00PM & 10:30PM PETE ...

109

Performance / Tour

Ribs & Brisket Revue (Mon) Speakeasy (Tue) Tony Malaby's Cello Trio (Fri) Pete Zimmer Group (Sat) This Week at Cornelia Street Cafe

Ribs & Brisket Revue (Mon) Speakeasy (Tue) Tony Malaby's Cello Trio (Fri) Pete Zimmer Group (Sat) This Week at Cornelia Street Cafe

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

CORNELIA STREET CAFE 29 Cornelia Street, NYC, New York 212-989-9319 between West 4th and Bleecker Sts, Greenwich Village 1 Subway to Sheridan Square; A, C, E, B, D, V, F to West 4th St. This Week At Cornelia Street Cafe Mon Dec 31, 10:00PM RIBS & BRISKET REVUE Paul Shapiro, saxophone & clarinet; Cilla Owens, vocals; Dan Rosengard, piano; Joe Ham, drums; Booker King, bass; w/ special guest: ...

162

Performance / Tour

Pete Zimmer to Take Detour to Birthplace of Modern Jazz

Pete Zimmer to Take Detour to Birthplace of Modern Jazz

Source: ASR Records - Publicity Division

Drummer Pete Zimmer, whose fine New York based quintet is currently touring the US will take a detour this weekend. Guitarist Avi Rothbard and Zimmer will have their turn at hosting the spirited jazz jam sessions at this National Historic Landmark - known by some as the birthplace of Modern Jazz. The sessions will take place Friday September 14th 4:30pm - 8:30pm and Sunday September 16th 1am -5am. These session, known the world over, have been going on since the ...

119

Performance / Tour

Pete Zimmer Group September USA Tour Featuring Jeremy Pelt

Pete Zimmer Group September USA Tour Featuring Jeremy Pelt

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Pete Zimmer Group Featuring: Jeremy Pelt - Trumpet Avi Rothbard - Guitar David Wong - Bass Pete Zimmer - Drums The Blue Wisp 318 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH Thursday, September 6th, 2007 8:30pm Pete Zimmer Drum Clinic (Sponsored in part by SABIAN Cymbals, VIC FIRTH Drumsticks, EVANS Drumheads) Mom's Music 1900 Mellwood Ave., Louisville, KY Friday, September ...

85

Technology

The Jazz Session: Pete Zimmer

The Jazz Session: Pete Zimmer

Source: All About Jazz

On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews drummer Pete Zimmer. Zimmer moved to New York several years ago after graduating from the New England Conservatory. He's released three records on his own label, Tippin' Records, the most recent of which is his new CD, Judgment (Tippin' Records, 2006). The album features tenor saxophonists George Garzone and Joel Frahm.

Listen

About the show:The Jazz Session

The Jazz Session is a jazz interview podcast featuring conversations with musicians, ...

64

Performance / Tour

Pete Zimmer Band @ Blues Alley Monday, February 26, 2007 8PM and 10PM

Pete Zimmer Band @ Blues Alley Monday, February 26, 2007 8PM and 10PM

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Pete Zimmer Band Featuring: Joel Frahm - Tenor Saxophone Toru Dodo - Piano David Wong - Bass Pete Zimmer - Drums BLUES ALLEY 1073 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington D.C. Monday, February 26, 2007 8pm and 10pm $18 Cover Latest CD Pete Zimmer Quintet Judgment George Garzone: tenor saxophone; Michael Rodriguez: trumpet; Joel Frahm: tenor saxophone; Toru Dodo: piano; John Sullivan: ...

124

Performance / Tour

Pete Zimmer Band @ Blues Alley Monday, February 26, 2007, 8PM and 10PM

Pete Zimmer Band @ Blues Alley Monday, February 26, 2007, 8PM and 10PM

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Pete Zimmer Band Featuring: Joel Frahm - Tenor Saxophone Toru Dodo - Piano David Wong - Bass Pete Zimmer - Drums

at BLUES ALLEY 1073 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington D.C. Monday, February 26, 2007 8pm and 10pm $18 Cover

Latest CD ? Pete Zimmer Quintet, Judgment George Garzone: tenor saxophone; Michael Rodriguez: trumpet; Joel Frahm: tenor saxophone; Toru ...

72

Performance / Tour

Pete Zimmer Quintet at the Blue Note Friday, February 2nd 12:30am

Pete Zimmer Quintet at the Blue Note Friday, February 2nd 12:30am

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Come celebrate the 4th Anniversary of the Pete Zimmer Quintet while they perform late night at the Blue Note this Friday. The Pete Zimmer Quintet started back in February of 2003 with a pair of gigs at Fat Cat and we're going to celebrate our 4 year Anniversary this weekend. Hope to see you there! Pete Zimmer Quintet featuring: Michael Rodriguez - Trumpet Joel Frahm - Tenor Saxophone Toru Dodo - Piano ...

44

Performance / Tour

Pete Zimmer Quintet: Judgment CD Release Party at The Kitano, 8pm Thursday, November 16th

Pete Zimmer Quintet: Judgment CD Release Party at The Kitano,  8pm Thursday, November 16th

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Pete Zimmer Quintet: Judgment CD Release Party

at The Kitano 8pm, Thursday, November 16th, 2006 66 Park Avenue (southwest corner of Park Avenue and 38th Street) New York, NY 10016 212-885-7000 http://www.kitano.com/

Pete Zimmer Quintet featuring George Garzone: Judgment (TIP1103)

Upcoming Appearances: -Friday, November 17th, 2006, Pete Zimmer as guest artist, Carroll College, Waukesha, WI, 7:30pm -Friday, November 24th, 2006, Pete Zimmer Band at ...

45

Radio

Drummer Pete Zimmer on WKCR Wednesday Oct. 4th 6pm to 9pm

Drummer Pete Zimmer on WKCR Wednesday Oct. 4th 6pm to 9pm

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Pete Zimmer will be the guest DJ on WKCR 89.9FM (NYC) TODAY October 4th, 2006 6pm to 9pm for their Musicians Show with Drew Pierson

He will spin some of his favorite CDs in addition to his own CDs including the new release Judgment

Listen LIVE at 89.9FM or ONLINE: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/wkcr/

Upcoming appearances:

11/16/06 Pete Zimmer Quintet CD Release Party for Judgment @ The Kitano, NYC 7:30pm & 9:15pm

11/17/06 Pete Zimmer as guest ...

"Crackle-and-snap drummer Pete Zimmer spoke volumes with a few thumps of his snare." FINANCIAL TIMES

"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

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Dust Settles

Tippin' Records
2023

buy

Prime of Life

Tippin' Records
2011

buy

Burnin' Live at the...

Tippin' Records
2006

buy

Judgment

Tippin' Records
2006

buy

Common Man

Tippin' Records
2005

buy

Videos

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.