109 – YonRico Scott: Playing in The Derek Trucks Band, The Musical Legacy of Detroit, Approaching the Drumset with a Percussionist’s Mind

Yonrico Scott has been a fixture on the Atlanta scene and in Southern music in general for decades. He was born and raised in Detroit, where he began touring and recording as a teenager. His interest in percussion brought him to The University of Kentucky where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in classical music. After college, he moved to Atlanta and quickly felt like he was home. In the late 90’s he joined the band led by guitar prodigy Derek Trucks with whom he recorded several albums and toured extensively for a decade. He was also a member of Southern super group The Royal Southern Brotherhood, co-led by Devon Allman, Mike Zito and Cyril Neville. YonRico has just released Life of a Dreamer, his fifth album as a leader.

In this Podcast, Yonrico talks about

Recording “Life of a Dreamer” at ZAC Recording Studios in Atlanta with engineer Tony Terrabone

Recognizing when a unique drum part is called for vs. something more obvious

Playing congas and percussion in funk, R&B, and pop settings as opposed to Salsa, and the subliminal power of a shaker

How he was shaped by the musical culture and history of Detroit.

Studying percussion at Kentucky State University and the University of Kentucky, and approaching the drumset more like orchestral percussion.

His time in The Derek Trucks Band, and what he and Derek learned from each other.

Sentiments on his recently departed friend and Allman Brothers drummer, Butch Trucks.

Yonrico Scott endorses Pearl Drums, Ziljian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, and LP Percussion.

This episode is sponsored by Mapex.