Darrell Green

Gretsch Artist Since: 2011

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Camille Thurman & the Darrell Green Trio, Charles Tolliver, Lakecia Benjamin, Cassandra Wilson, Darrell Green Quintet, Wallace Roney, Russell Malone

Current Kit Setup:
Gretsch Broadkaster or Gretsch USA Custom
14x18" BD, 6x14" SD, 8x12" TT, 9x13" TT, 14x14" FT, 14x16" FT

Influences:
"Billy Higgins, Pappa Jo Jones, Art Blakey, Kenny Clark, Elvin Jones, Charlie Parker, Sonny Payne, Tony Williams, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Stewart(saxophones), Osie Johnson, Allen Smith, Miles Davis, Roy Haynes, Philly Jo Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Big Sid Catlett, Alfred and Kobla Ladzekpo, John Coltrane, Ray Charles, Lee Morgan, Ornette Colema, Nature, Life, so much more…"

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"Gretsch is the drum sound I naturally hear, when it comes to playing the drums. They have a beautiful rich and full tone that always resonates to the end of the concert hall. I love the fact that the beauty I hear can be heard throughout the entire venue, without the tone dissipating. That sound is apart of the musical experience. It’s important to me that my drums always sing. Gretsch Drums sing!"

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Always have fun and fall in love with music and your instrument. As you develop the skills on your instrument also learn how to play music. Study and gain as much knowledge as possible. Live life to the fullest and play your experiences through the music."

Bio:
“Darrell Green’s drums are reverant to the Tyner/ Jones diad without being wholly imitative” — Downbeat Magazine

“Drummer Darrel Green summoned Elvin Jones’ polyrhythmic swirl” — Downbeat Magazine

Innovative master drummer, Darrell Green is one of the leading, most sought after masterful drummers on today’s jazz scene. As a prolific sideman, bandleader, educator, clinician, composer and producer, Darrell developed his mastery in the heart of Oakland, California.

He developed a style rooted in modern post-bop, but retains elements of his gospel and classical lineage. As a soloist, Green is known for his effortless, masterful technique and captivating rhythms that bring the music to life, taking audiences on a spiritual journey. Many have compared his rhythmic sense of style, inventiveness, feel and mastery to the likes of Elivin Jones, Tony Williams and Art Blakey —being deeply rooted in the drum tradition. Though jazz is his primary focus, Green is conversant in every genre from straight-ahead jazz to Latin and West African music.

As a performer, Darrell has toured and performed in notable concert halls and music festivals in over 50 countries around the world, including Jazz At Lincoln Center, The Blue Note Jazz Club, Birdland, The Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall and the Montreaux Jazz Festival.

Green has toured and recorded with leading jazz artists such as Cassandra Wilson, Pharoah Sanders, Benny Golson, Buster Williams, Mary Stallings, Houston Person, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Antoine Roney, Charles Tolliver, Marlena Shaw, Sherman Irby, Steve Turre, Wallace Roney, Stefon Harris, Myron Waldon/Darren Barrett Quartet, Red Holloway, Faye Carol, Amina Figarova, The Black Arts Collective, and Jeremy Pelt. In addition to being one of the most sought after, in demand drummers of his generation, Darrell leads his trio and quintet. He also co-leads a collaborative project with vocalist and saxophonist Camille Thurman. In 2017, Darrell along with Camille were recipients of the American Music Abroad Cultural Ambassador Program — touring 5 countries in Africa (Senegal, Mozambique, Cameroon, Nigeria and Mauritania).

Darrell has a strong belief in mentorship and nurturing the next generation of musicians. He was the product of a community of mentors (including Billy Higgins, saxophonist Bill Stewart, Faye Carol, Wallace and Antoine Roney) that helped him to develop and shape his musicianship and skill. His strong desire and mission to give back to the community has led him to conduct masterclasses, clinics and workshops all around the world. Within his exhaustive schedule of recording and touring, Darrell conducts residencies at educational institutions, universities and cultural centers. Darrell was the drum instructor at UC Berkeley’s “Young Musician’s Program” for 8 years as well as an instructor at numerous jazz camps across the country and around the world (Jazz Camp West, Stanford Jazz Camp, Lafayette Jazz Camp). Recent educational residencies include Montana State University, Hart School of Music, Queens College, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Northeastern University.