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Jean-Paul Gaster

Gretsch Artist Since: 
2006
Country: 
US
Band or Affiliations: 
Clutch
Current Kit Setup: 

USA Custom in Red Sparkle Nitron
14x24 Bass Drum, 10x14 Rack Tom, 14x16 Floor Tom, 5x14 USA Custom Chrome Over Brass Snare Drum

Influences: 

"Elvin Jones, Ju Ju House, Earl Hudson, Johnny Vidacovich, Dale Crover, Brann Dailer, Buddy Miles, Stanton Moore, Ginger Baker, Frank Beard, Jon Theodore, Bernard Purdie, Mike Dillon, Tiki Fullwood, Mackie Jayson, Lemmy, Jimmy Hendrix, John Coltrane, my father John Gaster."

We asked...Why Gretsch?: 

"As a young drummer I remember seeing Fugazi when Brendan Canty switched to Gretsch. The difference in sound was clear to me. The tone and clarity of that Gretsch kit made a great band sound even more powerful. I knew one day I’d play Gretsch too."

Advice to Aspiring Musicians: 

"Practice, study the history of the instrument, remain open minded. Listen to James Brown and be nice."

 

BIOGRAPHY

 

Jean-Paul Gaster learned to play drums by playing along to 1960s and 1970s heavy rock bands like Jimi Hendrix, Cream, ZZ Top and Black Sabbath. Washington D.C's Go-go music and in particular drummers such as Ju Ju House, Brandon Finley and Ricky Wellman were early influences as well. He is one of many students who studied with legendary Washington D.C drummer and educator Walter Salb. Some favorite drummers of Gaster are jazz drummers Elvin Jones and Jack DeJohnette, Bad Brains drummer Earl Hudson and New Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich.

Clutch
Jean-Paul, Neil Fallon, Dan Maines and Tim Sult formed Clutch in 1991. After releasing the Pitchfork 7" the band embarked on its first U.S tour in the summer of 1992. Since then the band has released 11 studio albums and toured extensively through North America, Europe, UK and Australia. The band continues to be an important fixture on today's hard rock scene. Clutch plays an average of 120 shows a year and its most recent release Psychic Warfare went number one on billboards rock chart. The band is currently on tour and working on new material.

RECORDINGS

Clutch, The Bakerton Group, Five Horse Johnson, The Wino Band, King Hobo, Mike Wescott, Jay Turner, Lionize, Jack Potential.

TOURS

Currently on tour supporting our latest album Book of Bad Decisions.

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