Mark Caro|1/16/2025
Michael Jerome had been drumming in a post-industrial metal band when he auditioned for Richard Thompson in 1999, little knowing he would be this brilliant guitarist’s percussive foil for the next 25 years and counting. Jerome also has played with Charlie Musselwhite, the Blind Boys of Alabama and, for several years, John Cale. He’s been Better Than Ezra’s drummer since 2009 and played and toured with Slash for his latest album—and what started as an experimental side project is now moving center stage: The Third Mind, the improvisatory psychedelic band assembled by Dave Alvin and Victor Krummenacher. As thoughtful in conversation as he is dazzling behind his kit, Jerome tells how he developed his unique style and adapts it for each project—and he relates what it’s like to be in Los Angeles now as he tries to help friends and others who have lost almost everything in the catastrophic wildfires. (Photo by Robby Klein.)
Deep Dive
With Michael Parrish
Dec 6, 2024 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
This Week’s Deep Dive spotlights the varied work of master drummer Michael Jerome, who got his start in the Dallas/Fort Worth Indie-rock scene, later working with many musical greats has been on tour this year as a member of four different bands – the Richard Thompson Band, Better Than Ezra, The Third Mind, and Slash’s band.
Playlist
1:10:38 PM Toadies Dig A Hole
1:14:13 PM Pop Poppins Bridges and Towers
1:18:10 PM Course Of Empire Freaks
1:23:20 PM The Blind Boys Of Alabama Spirit In The Sky – Instrumental Version
1:26:26 PM John Cale Magritte – Live
1:30:39 PM Charlie Musselwhite Blues Overtook Me
1:37:34 PM Richard Thompson Man In Need
1:43:38 PM Better Than Ezra Live A Little
1:46:14 PM Slash Oh Well feat. Chris Stapleton
1:54:00 PM The Third Mind East-West Version 2
This week I’m talking with good friend and professional musician, Michael Jerome Moore. Michael Jerome has been the drummer in Better than Ezra since 2009. He’s played with several other incredible artists, including Richard Thompson, Toadies, Course of Empire, James Hall, Pop Poppins, and Halls of the Machine. Recently, Michael Jerome plays drums on Slash’s (Guns N’ Roses) latest solo album, “Orgy of the Damned”. Michael and I talk about growing up around music, his experience working with different artists, and his dependence on his network and wife (Emma) has impacted his career. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Please like, comment, Follow & Subscribe.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfJVkrlfiis
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dependence/id1747139175
Mike Graff and Michael Jerome Moore are DFW music royalty. Both grew up in the Deep Ellum area music scene of the 80’s and 90’s. We talk about their music history as individuals and bandmates. Mike & Michael Jerome released several albums with their bandmates in Course of Empire and continue to write and record music together in Halls of the Machine. Both bands have upcoming vinyl releases. Additionally, we talk about Michael Jerome’s time in Pop Poppins which also has an upcoming vinyl release.
Check out some of Michael’s most recent work:
Better than Ezra’s latest album, “Super Magick”
Check out Slash’s latest album, “Orgy of the Damned”
Check out Halls of the Machine’s last album:
An interview with Michael Jerome Moore, Drummer & Percusionist of Richard Thompson OBE Electric Trio and Better Than Ezra, and many more. He talks with us about his musical journey, the impact music has on society, and his experiences of growing up in a musical family in an overtly racist America.
Hosted by Nicholas J. Barlow & Luke Baker
Links:
Michael Jerome Moore: https://michaeljeromeondrums.com/about/
Nicholas J. Barlow: @njbarl0w/ http://nicholasjbarlow.com/
Luke Baker: @Lxke_Trix/@TheAdoptedMagician/ https://lxketrix.com/