|
||
Jerry Steinholtz
When it comes to a scoring date (i.e. for film or television), or a record date, only the best-equipped (thus, Jerry's choice of Toca percussion), most adept technically, and fastest readers are chosen due to the high union rates contractors must pay orchestras for three-hour calls. Thus, Jerry has joined the crème de la crème of LA sessioners, including Harvey Mason, Emil Richards, Joe Porcaro, Earl Palmer, John Guerin, and Ralph Humphreys. He has also done dates with the jazz elite, including Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, Roy McCurdy and Mel Lewis. In addition, Jerry Steinholtz has hit stage and studio with Diana Ross, Lee Ritenour, The Four Tops, and many others on the Motown roster. Going back fifty-some years, as a youth in LA, Jerry's first percussion memories were salsa-style drummers who had emigrated from Cuba. He was quick to pick up the clave, the thread that underscores Cuban percussion and band arrangements. And then, the LA melting pot scene being what it is, Jerry witnessed a variety of other approaches. Bossa nova was particularly popular, as was its more energetic older sibling, samba. Jerry appropriated these and other Brazilian styles, putting them to good use in the studios. Aside from Cuban/South American rhythms, Steinholtz is a jazz buff. He plays live in various big band configurations around the Valley and relishes many of his long time associations: Peter Christlieb, Conte Condolini, Chuck Findley, Bill Watrous, Bill Holman-and many others who have passed on. Aside from LAMA, Jerry's educational activities include clinics and master classes for the Percussive Arts Society. He travels near and far, from NAMM in Anaheim to Musikmesse in Frankfurt, to share his wisdom on percussion styles and the business world. An extremely well-rounded and sensitive percussionist, he still records despite the downsizing and decentralization of major studios, but education is chief on his priority list. His instructional video, The Essence of the Conga Drum (Warner/DCI), remains a classic. As one ex-student put it, "Jerry Steinholtz is a master of helping 'gringos' understand Afro-Cuban and Brazilian percussion. He opened my eyes to new worlds of rhythm." Watch Jerry's online instructional video:
< Back to the Toca Artists Main Menu
|
Up
in Pasadena, the Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA) is a thriving institution,
richer for the presence of Jerry Steinholtz, a well-known studio percussionist
down in the Valley. In fact, Steinholtz is a co-founder of LAMA. To that
institution, add the California State University Northridge, the Dick
Grove School, the Hamilton High School Academy of the Arts-all are recipients
of Jerry's extensive experience in studio, film and live percussion.