Tom Brechtlein

A world-class drummer

Tom Brechtlein grew up in East Meadow, Long Island and has been fascinated by drumming since he first heard the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Cream and Jimi Hendrix. As a world-class drummer Tom had the pleasure to play alongside fantastic artists like Chic Corea, Wayne Shorter, Al Di Meola, Joe Farrell, Jean-Luc Ponty, Robben Ford, Rickie Lee Jones, Kenny Loggins and Eric Johnson.

Focus Areas: Jazz / Fusion / Touring / Studio

Later, his attention turned to big band jazz. His involvement with jazz led him to Dave Brubeck’s drummer Joe Morello and then to modern giants like Elvin Jones and Tony Williams, as well as legends like Papa Jo Jones, Max Roach and Philly Joe Jones.

“When I was 18 years old,” Tom recalls, “I saw Chick Corea’s Return To Forever on PBS Television; and I remember sitting there thinking, ‘Someday I’m gonna play with this guy.” Two years later, in 1978, he auditioned for Corea and got the gig. He remained in the band until 1983, when he joined Wayne Shorter’s band. Extensive tours with guitarist Al Di Meola and violinist Jean Luc Ponty followed, before Tom finally got together with Robben Ford in 1986.

In the Professional Program, Tom shares all his experience and skills as a world-class drummer.

Learn more about Tom Brechtlein HERE.