Jim Catalano

Backstage at The Enharmonic

August 11, 2019 For as long as I can remember my next guest, Jim Catalano, has always been the face of Ludwig Drums for countless other musicians and me. Jim recently retired from Ludwig Drums after a 36+ year tenure and shared many stories and lots of great advice with me during this interview. During our discussion, he recounts how first hearing a drum and bugle corps warming up in his backyard while growing up in Western Pennsylvania ultimately started him on the path for a career in music as both a performer and industry professional.

Jim is an Adjunct Instructor of Drums / Percussion at The University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College. In addition to his many freelance gigs Jim stays busy playing the drums for Truth in Jazz Big Band, Jazz Assemblage Big Band and French Quarter, and even leads his own band, from the vibraphone, called VibeNation.