Description
Sometimes you just give a great drummer a great set of drums and get out of the way.
Peter Varnado takes the spotlight for a drum solo that showcases his touch, dynamics, creativity, and unmistakable musicality behind the kit.
The Gretsch Nashville Sessions: We went to the beautiful Ivy Hall Studios in Nashville, gathered some friends and recorded a lot of great music. Volume 1 included: Van Romaine, Keith Carlock, Connor Denis, Peter Varnado and Zach Dubay.
Featured drummer in this episode: Peter Varnado @petervarnado
Peter Varnado is an accomplished American drummer and educator from New Orleans whose versatile playing draws from jazz, funk, R&B, blues, and gospel. He has performed with acclaimed artists including Ellis Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, and Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah.
Peter also forms the instrumental duo 95MP with bassist Miles Hancock, blending jazz, trip-hop, drum and bass and more into an adventurous, highly musical sound all their own.
Drums played in this video:
Gretsch USA Custom Series in Caribbean Blue finish
7x10 Tom
14x14 Floor Tom
14x18 Bass Drum
Gretsch 5x14 Ridgeland Snare in Dark Ebony Gloss finish
Studio - Ivy Hall Studios, Nashville TN
Microphones by DPA @DPAmicrophones
A drum solo is the perfect opportunity to hear the range of the Gretsch USA Custom. From Peter’s lightest touches to the biggest accents, the kit responds with warmth, clarity, articulation, and plenty of power when he asks for it.
#thatgreatgretschsound #gretschdrums #nashvillesessions #petervarnado #95mp
Gretsch Drums has been shaping the sound of modern music for more than 140 years, with its roots firmly planted in American drum making.
But what truly defines Gretsch is not a single sound—it’s the remarkable range of voices the drums can deliver. From the warm, woody punch and controlled resonance that have become synonymous with jazz, to the powerful attack and projection demanded by rock, pop, funk, blues, and contemporary studio work, Gretsch drums adapt naturally to almost any musical setting.
The brand’s legendary sound has been heard in the hands of jazz greats such as Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, and Tony Williams, while rock and pop drummers including Taylor Hawkins, Charlie Watts, Steve Ferrone, and Vinnie Colaiuta have made Gretsch part of some of the most recognizable recordings and performances in music history.
Today, artists such as Mark Guiliana, Cindy Blackman-Santana, Ash Soan, Eric Moore, and Keith Carlock continue to demonstrate just how far that sonic versatility can reach—from intimate jazz and sophisticated pop music to hard-hitting rock, metal, and beyond.
Whether you are looking for warmth, articulation, depth, punch, or effortless musical response, Gretsch offers a voice that can become distinctly your own.