December 2002
The beat goes on: A drummer returns home
December 15, 2002
MARK BIALCZAK MUSIC NOTEBOOK (Syracuse Post Standard)
Todd "Vinny" Vinciguerra was enjoying some of the finer rewards of
the drumming world.
He had his first book of drum charts for students put out by Mel Bay Publications in 1998 and his second published by the same company earlier this year.
He's recently switched his drumstick endorsement deal to Pro-Mark.
Winning an audition over 40 other drummers for the house band for the play "Love, Janis" led to a tour of Europe as a replacement for the ailing original drummer in the late Janis Joplin's band, Big Brother and the Holding Company .
Vinciguerra also held a spot in the national band he founded, Alternate Realities , a cutting-edge ensemble in which the song is passed up from the rhythm section to the guitarist. He's recording with bassist TM Stevens , who's played with Steve Vai, James Brown and Chaka Khan, and guitarist Joel Hoekstra . The band's Web site is anotherstateofmind.com .
A little more than a month ago, Vinciguerra decided he could still reap these benefits - as well as expand his role as a drum educator - right here in his hometown of Syracuse.
So Vinciguerra, his wife, Jenn , and their 5-month-old son, Kaden Giovanni , moved east from sunny San Diego.
"I want to teach. We have a family now. I thought, I might as well go home. People will know me there," says Vinciguerra, 35, who made a big mark in the '80s and early '90s with Syracuse rock bands Marilyn's Chamber and Below Zero .
Vinciguerra left Syracuse in 1993 for North Carolina. That's where he met his wife-to-be. Then they moved to California, where he worked in the computer networks business for NTN and Callaway Golf, among other companies.
He didn't play in any bands at that point, but wanted to continue teaching drums. That led to his book deal.
"I've been teaching for years off and on. I got sick of writing out the charts in kids' notebooks," he says. "After writing more and more, I thought I had enough for a book."
The folks at Mel Bay agreed, and his first book was published, at 32 pages of drum charts. This year's book was expanded to 76 pages.
Since moving home, Vinciguerra already has run into former band mates Pete Walker , who has a studio in Liverpool, and Lee Anderson , who fronts rock band Under the Gun .
"Lee called me at 10:30 to get me out to a show that night, and I was already in bed," Vinciguerra says with a laugh.
Vinciguerra also will play some local gigs, and is looking to expand his contacts.
He's already formed an opinion of the Syracuse music scene some nine years after he left it.
"It really hasn't changed," Vinciguerra says.
He can be contacted at vinny@anotherstateofmind.com.
November 2002
Modern Drummer - December 2002
review of "Studies in Drumset Independence Vol. 1"
Just finished driving across counrty to move back to Central New York.
If you live in the CNY (Syracuse) area and are interested in drum lessons, email me.
I am proud to announce that I am endorsed by Promark Drumsticks!
Visit their website for for info about all their great products at www.promark-stix.com
Lots of good things are in the works. More updates to follow!
October 2002
The play, Working just closed at the San Diego Repertory Theater.
I just recieved a copy of the review for my latest book,"Studies in Drumset Independence Vol. 1", from Modern Drummer magazine, 8 out of 10 with a real good write-up. Make sure you get a copy.
July 2002
The play, Love Janis is in full swing at the San Diego Repertory Theater, downtown San Diego. It runs through Aug 4th.
Just got work that I will be drumming in the play Working at the San Diego Rep, from Sept 14th - Oct. 20th. More details and ticket info can be found on the San Diego Rep's website at www.sandiegorep.com
June 2002
Best news of all, my wife gave birth to our first son, Kaden Giovanni.
*New gig with Big Brother & The Holding Company
June 29, 2002:Tussey Mountain Amphitheater, Boalsburg, PA, (W/ Jefferson Starship & Vanilla Fudge)
I just received copies of my new book, "Studies in Drumset Independence Vol. 1". It can be ordered directly from Mel Bay . Stay tuned for more info.
May 2002
The play, Love Janis will be returning to San Diego at the Lyceum Theater.
It will run from 7/10 to 8/4 and once again I will be the drummer.
April 2002
Here is a copy of the new Paiste Cymbals ad that will be running shortly.
Go here for the low res version, or here for the high res version
March 2002
Just returned from the European tour with Big Brother & The Holding Company. Had a good time in the UK, and Germany was great. The band sounded real good. I really played more double bass drumming than I thought I would, especially in Germany, thanks to the guys encouraging me to play what I felt. After trashing the drumheads the first night in Germany, the crew took to calling me "The Destroyer". Here are some photos.
My next book, "Studies in Drumset Independence Vol. 1" is being released in May and Mel Bay will be featured in the June Hot List.
More updates and photos will be posted later.
Febuary 2002
Gearing up for the European tour with Big Brother & The Holding Company.
January 2002
I'll be at NAMM 2002 in Anaheim, feel free to email me if you would like to schedule a time to meet.
Just received the new cover for "Studies in Drum Set Independence Vol. 1". The release should be very soon, stay tuned!
I will be drumming once again for Big Brother & The Holding Company for a European Tour beginning 2/13.
We will start in the UK for 10 dates, then Germany for 6 shows, Switzerland for 2 then Germany for the final 2 shows.
The complete tour dates are posted here at www.bbhc.com/tour.htm