Album Notes

Pete Zimmer Quintet
Common Man
featuring:
Pete Zimmer drums
Michael Rodriguez trumpet
Joel Frahm tenor saxophone
Toru Dodo piano
Rick Germanson piano
John Sullivan bass

Drummer Peter A. Zimmer, born September 18, 1977 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, moved to New York City in 2001 upon his completion at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Since that time Mr. Zimmer has been gaining worldwide recognition as a jazz drummer, composer, bandleader, sideman, clinician, producer, and record label owner.

Pete Zimmer moved to Queens, New York in June of 2001 to submerge himself with many of the world’s best jazz musicians and he quickly became recognized for his uncanny swing and propulsive authority; all while maintaining a sense of musicality that is rare with a number of current jazz drummers. Zimmer has recorded or performed with musicians including: George Garzone, Joel Frahm, Jeremy Pelt, Michael Rodriguez, Toru Dodo, Avi Rothbard, David Wong, John Sullivan, Dennis Irwin, Rick Germanson, Robert Rodriguez, Peter Washington, Randy Napoleon, Michael Karn, Julius Tolentino, Jeb Patton, Pete Benson, Kyle Asche, Gene Perla, Matt Ray, Tom Kennedy, Wayne Escoffery, Jaleel Shaw, Carolyn Leonhart, Patrick Cornelius, Michael Janisch, Spike Wilner, Ryan Kisor, Dan Nimmer and many more…

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 called “an impressive debut” by the Philadelphia Daily News.

After gaining very positive recognition and exposure in the press and radio worldwide from his debut, Zimmer’s band began appearing regularly at venues in New York City including: Cornelia Street Café, Fat Cat, Smalls Jazz Club, and the Kitano as well as late night appearances at the Blue Note and Iridium. His group also appeared numerous times in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Zanzibar Blue and Chris’ Jazz Café. In the fall of 2005 Zimmer's band went on the road completing a successful US tour performing at jazz clubs including the historical Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, Michigan, and also presenting educational clinics at Colleges such as Ohio State University, Northern Illinois University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Indiana University, to name a few.

On February 7th, 2006, Pete Zimmer and his quintet recorded his second CD live at Manhattan’s Jazz Standard. Burnin’ Live at the Jazz Standard was released June 13th, 2006. Upon the release of Burnin’ Live, Modern Drummer Magazine declared, “Take note pronto of this young up-and-coming drummer/leader on his second disc. Rooted in hard bop, albeit shaded with modern harmonies, the quintet is winning while Zimmer’s drumming boasts a crisp, swinging command with judicious musicality.”

To follow up on the buzz and demand from radio stations and consumers across the nation and in other parts of the world, Pete Zimmer was able to succeed Burnin’ Live with a studio recording he produced that featured his quintet in addition to tenor saxophone master and mentor to Zimmer, George Garzone. The result, Judgment, released on October 31st, 2006 was welcomed by jazz fans and the media alike. Down Beat Magazine claims that “Judgment is packed with memorable pieces” and Mike Joyce from the Washington Post said "Expect to hear more than a few appealing tunes from "Judgment."” Judgment was heard on the air nation-wide and was featured on Music Choice Cable TV jazz station throughout the USA.

Mr. Zimmer’s highly anticipated fourth release, Chillin’ Live @ Jazz Factory, is coming out September 2nd, 2008. This live recording was conceived in Louisville, Kentucky at the Jazz Factory during a USA tour in September of 2007. The quartet features rising-star trumpeter Jeremy Pelt.

Pete Zimmer continues to keep busy performing, recording, and presenting educational clinics all over the world. In March of 2008 Zimmer led his group across the Atlantic Ocean on a well-received tour of the United Kingdom. The tour included headlining two sold-out sets at London’s premier jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s. Zimmer can be heard as a sideman on many CDs including George Garzone One Two Three Four (Stunt Records).

Zimmer’s label, Tippin’ Records, is excited and looking forward to expanding their artist roster beginning in 2009.

After reading Pete Zimmer’s biography along with hearing his music, one understands why Bill Milkowski, a contributor to JazzTimes and Modern Drummer, says, “Stay Tuned. There’s a lot more to come from this talent deserving of wider recognition.”


Pete Zimmer endorses YAMAHA Drums, SABIAN Cymbals, EVANS Drumheads, VIC FIRTH Drumsticks exclusively.