Drummer/drum Educator Craig Pilo came to us through our interview with Ed Soph. As one of Ed’s students at the famed music program at The University of North Texas, Craig heard the interview with Ed and emailed to tell me how much he enjoyed it. I decided to ask him to be a guest on the show and he happily agreed.
Originally from Connecticut, Craig graduated from UNT in 1995 and began life as a working musician in LA a year later. One of his earliest gigs was with trumpeter Maynard Ferguson! He’s also worked with Pat Boone, Edgar Winter and was on tour for several years with rock and roll Hall of Fame’s Frankie Valli. Craig continues to work with the group Little Fish, as well as Player, which became famous for the song, “Baby, Come Back.” Craig also keeps a busy schedule recording and teaching, including a faculty position with the California School of Music.
Having studied with Alan Dawson, Ed Soph, Dave Weckl and Jeff Hamilton, to name just a few, Craig’s professional work and lifelong teaching and learning makes for a wonderful interview for Contraption’s new and returning drummers.
Like so many we’ve interviewed – wait is it all of them? – Craig started with drums very young, inspired by his father who took him to a life changing music performance with one of drumming’s royalty…
For more information on Craig’s work, teaching and schedule, check out CraigPilo.com
And click here to see an incredibly impressive performance of “Impressions” by John Coltrance.
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