Steve Fidyk, a jazz drummer, is well-known for his versatility, musical touch and musical approach. He has been praised as an author, columnist, and artist. Heads Up! is Fidyk’s latest album. (Posi-Tone 2014, a quintet album) features Fidyk’s original arrangements and compositions along with two covers by Shawn Purcell. Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield, and Regan Brough are joining Fidyk, Purcell, and Purcell on the band’s trumpet. Fidyk, a long-time student of Joe Morello’s jazz drumming legend, is committed and dedicated to education. Fidyk is currently a consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington program and on the Temple University jazz studies faculty. He is also the author of several drum method books, DVDs, and other publications for Mel Bay Publishing and Alfred Publications. Fidyk was four when he received his first set 1966 champagne sparkle drums. John Fidyk, his father, was a tenor saxophonist who performed with various groups in North Eastern Pennsylvania. He began taking Steve to gigs at eight years old as a replacement for his regular drummer. Fidyk was encouraged by his parents to pursue music through high school and majored at Wilkes University in music education. He was a drummer in the big band that Tom Heinze and Bob Wilbur led. He began to listen to jazz music, and he was captivated by the great big bands like Buddy Rich, Woody Herman (Woody Herman), Stan Kenton, Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Woody Herman. Rich was eight years old when Fidyk first saw a live jazz drummer. That experience left a lasting impression. Steve was fortunate to meet Joe Morello in 1987 at Mansfield State College, Pennsylvania. Morello was giving a masterclass. Morello accepted Fidyk as a student after hearing him play with the university’s big band. Morello played a key role in Steve’s technique, sound production, and overall approach to playing his instrument. His influence was also crucial in helping Steve to develop his articulate teaching skills. Fidyk is a co-leader on more than 100 recordings. His discography includes Big Kids (U.S.) with John DeSalme. Roots), as well as two albums with The Taylor/Fidyk Big Band, A Perfect Match (Write Groove 2003) and Live At Blues Alley (2006). He has performed with Wayne Bergeron and John Clayton, Wycliffe Gordon (Mark Taylor), Slide Hampton, Maureen MacGovern, Maureen Severinsen, Slide Hampton, Wycliffe Gar, Wycliffe Gor, Tim Hagans and Arturo Sandoval (Write Groove, 2003). He has performed with orchestras across the country, including The Cincinnati Pops and Spokane Symphony as well as The Nashville Symphony, Nashville Symphony. The Buffalo Philharmonic, The Richmond Symphony and The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Big Band. Fidyk is a columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and Teaching Music Magazine. From www.stevefidyk.com
