We are excited to announce that Antonio Sanchez, one of the most innovative young drummers on the New York and international jazz scene has joined the Pat Metheny Group for their upcoming albums and tours. Antonio, 28, has toured extensively over the past few years as a member of Danilo Perez's critically acclaimed trio and for the past year has been a member of tenor saxophonist David Sanchez's Grammy nominated recording and touring ensemble. Says Metheny “I first heard Antonio a couple of years ago when I played a concert with my trio opposite Danilo Perez and his. I literally ran to the stage to see who the drummer was. I have rarely heard such musicality, sensitivity, virtuosic technique, dynamic and stylistic range and soul all wrapped up in one player."
Sanchez comes from Mexico City, Mexico and in addition to his amazing drumming skills he was a degree candidate at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City with a major in classical piano. Metheny continues; “He is more than just a great drummer; he is an extremely intelligent all-around musician that brings a wide range of resources to his drumming. A number of my favorite drummers -- Jack DeJohnette and Bill Stewart would be a great examples -- are also really good piano players. That seems to allow people like Jack or Antonio to bring a knowledge of harmony and a larger view of music to their playing that seems to greatly expand the potential of their imagination beyond the parameters of what a drummers usual role can be. Antonio is deep - when he plays, you can hear that he has this wider awareness of all of the details of the music that had to have evolved out of all of those years of training on the piano and knowing intimately the inner workings of that music as a performer - and that's in addition to his amazing technique on the drums. But at the same time, having said all that; the guy simply can just groove beyond belief. He is also excellent as a more traditional jazz drummer and he is fantastic in a trio context as well. I can't say how much I love playing with him and how excited and energized we all are to have him joining us in the band."
Sanchez becomes only the third drummer in the Group's long history. Paul Wertico, who performed with the PMG from 1983 through the Group's last tour in 1998 has moved on to further pursue a wide variety of other musical projects including the formation of his own band, and to spend more time at home. Pat and everyone in the PMG organization wishes him good luck with everything and thank him for his great contributions to the band and the music over the years.
Danny Gottlieb, the Group's drummer from 1977 until 1982 recently relocated to Orlando, Florida and remains active performing and touring with a wide range of musicians, including his longtime partner, former PMG bassist Mark Egan.
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