Drummer For The Jonny Lang Band, Barry Alexander

Barry Alexander is a great example of a young drummer that is making it in the industry.

My buddy and keyboardist, Quinton “Q” Hufferd, turned me onto a new drummer named Barry Alexander.  Alexander currently plays with guitarist and singer, Jonny Lang, all over the world as a member of the Jonny Lang Band.  Q told me about the drummer after he saw him play live at the Thunder Bay Blues Festival in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.  So I decided to check him out myself and this guy can definitely rip it up on the drums.  He has killer time, so much so that he often plays around with the time as a part of his solos as you’ll see in a few of the videos I collected for you.  Alexander is a great example of a drummer that has been able to make it into the music industry, find a place where he can hone his craft in a style of music interesting not only for himself but for fans all over the world too.  I hope you enjoy these video performances from Barry Alexander.

The first video features a drum solo from Barry Alexander during a Jonny Lang show in 2008.  This would have been the time before the current rotation for the Jonny Lang Band, but it still included powerhouse rhythm section Barry Alexander on drums and James Anton on bass guitar.  Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctxMrWLQ2lY.

The next video features Barry Alexander on drums with the current installment of the Jonny Lang Band, but this time at a show in India.  This camera angle is a popular view for drummers interested in seeing other drummers play, so we can be thankful someone had the good idea to catch Barry Alexander’s performance for all of us to share.  Take a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_2UXrbMV_c&feature=relmfu.

I always find it cool when musicians take a break from playing shows and perform in the classroom.  I’ve been to several master classes that feature the great drummers of my day in a more intimate setting where we can ask questions and get inside their heads.  I found a video performance featuring Barry Alexander performing with a jazz trio at Wisconsin College for what looks to be a master class.  Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JARl6QR5u38&feature=relmfu.

Barry Alexander is definitely a drummer that I’m going to keep an eye out for and I encourage you to do the same.  According to Q, the current Jonny Lang Band is really something to see so look out for them in a city near you.  I hope you enjoyed these videos as much as I did and stay tuned for more drummer features at Play Drums By Ear.

Thanks,

Chris