Big Fat Five: Jason Gerken (Shiner, Hum, Molly McGuire) Shares His Top 5 Influential Records

Drummers on Drumming

Today, we’ve got another segment of the podcast called Big Fat Five. This is where I invite my favorite drummers on the show to break down the five records that helped shape their approach to the instrument.

Our guest today is Jason Gerken, a Kansas City-based drummer known for his work with Molly McGuire, Shiner, Open Hand, Project 86, and most recently, Hum. After our episode with Jared Shavelson a few weeks ago, I got a flood of DMs from people thanking me for introducing them to Jason’s drumming on The Egg by Shiner. I knew I had to get him on ASAP. Jason’s drumming carries so much weight—in every sense of the word. I know a lot of my friends were especially looking forward to this one, so here you go. I hope you all enjoy the five records that shaped Jason Gerken into the drummer he is today.

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Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.

JASON'S BIG FAT FIVE:

Artist - Chicago

Album - IX

Release Year - 1975

Key Track - Beginnings

Drummer - Danny Seraphine

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Artist - Rush

Album - Moving Pictures

Release Year - 1981

Key Track - Red Barchetta

Drummer - Neil Peart

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Artist - Jimi Hendrix Experience

Album - Essentials 1&2

Release Year - 1967

Key Track(s) - "If 6 Was 9" and other B-sides

Drummer - Mitch Mitchell

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Artist - Yes

Album - Fragile

Release Year - 1971

Key Track - Heart of the Sunrise

Drummer - Bill Bruford

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Artist - Government Issue

Album - You/Crash

Release Year - 1987

Key Track - Jaded Eyes

Drummer - Peter Moffett

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HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Artist - Bitch Magnet

Album - Umber

Release Year - 1989

Key Track - Navajo Ace

Drummer - Orestes Delatorre

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Artist - Steely Dan

Album - The Royal Scam

Release Year - 1976

Key Track - Green Earrings

Drummer - Bernard Purdie

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Artist - Bastro

Album - Diablo Guapo

Release Year - 1989

Key Track - Sing the Troubled Beast

Drummer - John McEntire

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Artist - Helmet

Album - Strap It On

Release Year - 1992

Key Track - FBLA

Drummer - John Stanier

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