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Larry Lelli

  • Country: United States

  • Affiliations: Doug Stone, The Mamas & the Papas

Larry
Lelli

Larry is one of the top-call freelance drummers in NYC. His eclectic resume spans the gamut from major pop/rock artists, to jazz to country and even classical percussion. Larry has recorded and performed with such musicians as Sebastian Bach (former lead singer of Skid Row), pop stars Vanessa Williams, Heather Headley, Doug Stone (Multi Platinum Nashville Recording Artist), and a two year world tour for the reunion of the legendary 1960’s band, The Mamas & The Papas. His impressive resume also includes performances with jazz piano virtuoso Geoff Keezer, Indie hard rockers SuffraJett, Latin trombonist Andre Stephani, and the Minneapolis based, nationally acclaimed Cedar Avenue Big Band. His versatility has taken him to Broadway, and his resume of Broadway shows is extensive, including over 25 different shows, including holding the Broadway drum chair for “Jekyll & Hyde”, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and the Broadway debut of Stephen Sondheim’s five time Tony Award winner, “Assassins”. An advocate for music in the schools and promotion of the arts in general, Larry remains an active educator making music festival, school and store appearances. He enjoys writing and is a regular contributing author for Modern Drummer Magazine. He has also been the subject of various feature articles in Modern Drummer, DRUM!, and The International Musician publications. Larry holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Q & A

BORN IN: Chicago, IL

LIVES IN: New York City

DRUMMING SINCE: 4 years old!

CURRENT BAND/PROJECT: “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” Broadway Shows, The Mamas and the Papas, Doug Stone.

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S): Ron Keezer (my drumming teacher at the University of Wisconsin), Phil Hey, (Cedar Avenue Big Band, Minneapolis), Bill Berg (Flim and the BB’s), Buddy Rich, Terry Bozzio, Jerry Marotta, Dave Weckl.

FAVOURITE ALBUM PLAYED ON: “Million Dollar Quartet”, Original Broadway Cast

FAVOURITE ALBUM DIDN’T PLAY ON: Anything by Count Basie or Sting.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT(S): Featured soloist at Montreaux Jazz Festival, playing with Melissa Etheridge, performing on the David Letterman Show.

FAVOURITE SABIAN CYMBAL: Impossible to name just one, but I almost always have at least one Sound Control Ride cymbal at every gig.

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