Zildjian.com

You Are Currently Not Logged In

Vinnie Colaiuta

BAND/AFFILIATION:		Recording Artist/Karizma
BIRTHDAY:		2/5/1956
COUNTRY:		United States
PRODUCTS USED:		A CUSTOM CRASH
		A CUSTOM CRASH
		A CUSTOM CRASH
		A CUSTOM MASTERSOUND HIHATS
		A CUSTOM REZO HIHATS
		A CUSTOM REZO HIHATS
		A CUSTOM REZO PANG
		A CUSTOM REZO PANG
		A CUSTOM REZO RIDE
		A CUSTOM REZO SPLASH
		A CUSTOM REZO SPLASH
		A CUSTOM RIDE
		A CUSTOM SPLASH
		ORIENTAL CHINA TRASH

Vinnie Colaiuta is regarded as one of the most influential drummers of all time; in fact, Modern Drummer has been quoted as saying that he is "the greatest drummer of our time." Vinnie emerged in the late 1970's, and took the world by storm. He spent his formative years backing up some of the most demanding bandleaders, Frank Zappa, and Gino Vannelli. Vinnie had a knack for difficult time signatures, and rhythmic invention, making him a perfect match for such groups. His unique polyrhythmic style was garnished while attending Berklee and studying under Gary Chaffee.

Vinnie played his first "name" gig with the legendary Al Kooper In 1978, but he is best known as the sideman for Frank Zappa, whom he began playing for soon after Vinnie relocated to Los Angeles. Being a preferred session player had its perks as well, earning him respect from such diverse artists as Sting, Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Al Kooper, Don Henley, and a plethora of others. During the 80's Vinnie was one of the most sought after session players, recording literally hundreds of albums with the likes of Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson, B.B. King, Ray Charles and Billy Joel to name a few.

In 1990, Vinnie was invited to audition for Sting, to be in his new touring quartet in support of the album, Soul Cages. Upon their first time playing together, they created a firm musical bond, which is evident to this day. This opportunity allowed him to play for stadium-sized crowds the world over, as well as record future albums with Sting. In 1994, Vinnie released his self-titled first solo album, with an unbelievable list of guest stars on the Stretch Records label. He was also instrumental in Zildjian's designing the A Custom line in 1991.

Vinnie remained a member of Sting's recording and touring band until the late 1990s and in 2003, was an integral part of Zildjian's second American Drummers Achievement Awards (ADAA) Tribute to Steve Gadd at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston. The event was documented on a DVD available through Zildjian and Hudson Music.

Vinnie continues to stay incredibly busy between session work in Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and London, and as a performer and producer. His relationship with Zildjian goes back to the late 1970s.

"When I helped Zildjian design the A Custom Cymbals, I had a clear picture in my mind. They have a "sweet" sound, not too dark, not too light. They are thinner cymbals that speak very quickly. A Customs open up as soon as I touch them. They are strongly reminiscent of the old A Zildjians, but with a more contemporary feel." Vinnie also uses Zildjian Vinnie Colaiuta Artist Series Drumsticks.


		Artist Profile
		Artist Video

Forgot your password?