Sabian - Because Sound Matters

Facts

Country	United States
Groups	"Weird Al" Yankovic, Rip Masters, Idle Hands
Genres	Rock,R&B,Pop
Website	www.bermudaschwartz.com
Email	bermuda@weirdal.com

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Biography

Jon decided early in life to be a professional drummer. His first recording session was at age 13 with studio guitarist Al Casey, and he played with youth orchestras and marching bands, performed in his high school theater arts band, and even managed to join a rival high school's stage band. He and his bandmates won the 1974 Battle of the Bands at the Hollywood Bowl, and also made recordings that received airplay on the Dr. Demento show, which would soon lead to a turning point for Jon.

Jon played wherever he could, did countless demo sessions, and by 1977 had joined a working band and was making a living playing drums, all the while pursuing additional work.

On September 14, 1980, Jon was invited by Dr. Demento to be interviewed about those recordings he'd submitted a few years earlier. There, he met "Weird Al" Yankovic, who happened to be answering request lines that night. Al was preparing to play his newest song - Another One Rides The Bus - live on the air, and asked Jon if he'd pound out a straight beat - on the accordion case! Jon agreed, had a great time, and told Al afterward â??You should have a band, I'll be your drummerâ?? to which Al agreed. In early 1981 Al gave Jon the nickname 'Bermuda', and bass and guitar players were soon recruited. Al's first album was released in May, 1983, with guitar legend Rick Derringer at the production helm. Al eventually took over production duties, and as of 2006 they have recorded twelve albums, most reaching Gold and Platinum status (with a few Grammies thrown in for good measure.) Theyâ?™ve also done their share of touring, making videos, and TV appearances.

Jon continues to perform in Southern California with various groups and projects, but regards his perennial association with Al with great pride: "I get to be a dozen different drummers on every album... I don't know of another drummer who has a gig like that. It's always fun and often a welcome challenge. Al's made me play parts I didn't know how to play. I need to thank him for that."

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