Bash or brush, Dresel drumsto please

By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer

While men struggle with whether to be self-aware “Iron John” types or the traditional strong, silent types, Jonathan Dresel has to straddle both camps.

Professionally, that is.

The Sharon native, a drummer, has juggled the demands of playing for Japanese jazz pianist Keiko Matsui, and American rocker John Waite.

“It’s two very different gigs,” Dresel said, reached at his home in Los Angeles. “John Waite’s gig is more of a meat-and-potatoes, rock style of drumming. Keiko Matsui is more of a jazz-finesse-fusion style, where you have to be a little more technical and sensitive.” Dresel will display his sensitive side when he drums for Ms. Matsui Friday at the Tangier, Akron. He bangs it out with Waite July 1 at the Akron Rib and Music Festival.

Ms. Matsui mixes jazz, classical and rock in her music, a combination that made her last studio album, “Full Moon and the Shrine,” one of the best-selling jazz albums of 1998. She released a new album this week, “Whisper From the Mirror,” which features guest pianist Bob James but no live drumming.

Waite first made his name as the lead singer for the Babys, which had hits with “Isn’t It Time” in 1977, “Every Time I Think Of You” in 1979 and “Back On My Feet Again” in 1980. His biggest solo success was the song “Missing You” in 1984.

Dresel got the Waite gig by auditioning. He met Ms. Matsui through his brother, Bernie, also a professional drummer, who had played on some of her albums, including “Full Moon and the Shrine,” and toured with her.

Bernie Dresel is a member of the Brian Setzer Orchestra and is gearing up for a summer tour and the release of a new album.

Jonathan Dresel said he easily moves from playing with Waite to Ms. Matsui. “I’ve been doing it so long I’ve learned how to do different styles,” he said. “It comes with experience.”

Dresel’s been handling both jobs for about a year. “Last year it worked out that I was able to do most of the gigs,” he said, but he does line up a substitute when their schedules conflict. His brother will be subbing for him on an upcoming Waite gig.

“He’s been a big influence on my drumming,” Jonathan Dresel, 32, said of his 38-year-old brother. “Growing up I watched him to see what he was doing.”

He credits his parents, Marilyn and Bernie, with supporting them as they entered a rather fickle business.

“They’ve been so cool to me and my brother. I feel very fortunate to have parents who were so supportive of me, especially with a lot of banging drums.”

Dresel, who played on “Keiko Matsui Live,” also plays sessions for recording projects, usually for jingles and television commercials, and as a sideman for musicians who need a fill-in for a show, including the Captain and Tennille, Paul Anka and Dave Koz.

He toured Europe in 1996 with Sovory, and played in the band that provided audience warm-up music for “The Nanny” and “Seinfeld.” He’s also been a member of the bands Nothin’ Personal and Lula. Dresel said he has no particular career path.

“The music business is always changing. You never know what’s going to happen. You’re always looking for opportunities. I don’t have any goals other than to play great and have a lot of fun.”

Ms. Matsui does two shows at the Tangier, 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets and information: (330) 376-7171 or (800) TANGIER.

Ms. Matsui also is booked to play Aug. 12 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Tickets: (330) 747-1212 or at Kaufmann’s or Iggle Entertainment, both in Hermitage.

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Bash or brush, Dresel drums to please

Bash or brush, Dresel drumsto please