John McTigue III is Making a Scene

July 16, 2021

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with John McTigue III

Award winning drummer John McTigue III, currently recording and playing with Grammy Award Winning Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, began making noise at a very early age. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts John earned a degree in 20th century composition and headed off to Nashville, Tennessee where he quickly started making his mark in the music scene.

A versatile drummer, John plays all styles of music, but being Nashville based he gravitated toward the rock-a-billy and alternative country sounds. A founding member of the well-known Nashville band Brazilbilly, John was instrumental in putting the “Latin beats” behind the band’s traditional country and rockabilly sound. Brazilbilly spent a year opening for the internationally popular BR-549. John and Brazilbilly were profiled in US News and World Report for their part in the revitalization of Nashville’s historic Lower Broadway music scene.

During his time with Brazilbilly, John developed a special type of brush with which he could play very quietly when doing jazz and traditional country, but also play loud rock and roll. This innovative design caught the attention of the renowned drummer Johnny Rabb and soon the brush was being produced and marketed around the world through the Johnny RaBB Drumstick company. John’s “Webs” as they’re called, were accorded the honor of outstanding new musical product by the International Music Press Awards at NAMM in 2001. They were also marketed and distributed by ProMark.

Well respected with a unique sound, style, and groove, John has played everywhere from small clubs, to touring with nationally and internationally known artists all around the USA, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Europe, UK, Austrailia and South America. John has appeared on HBO specials, PBS, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, CMT, ABC’s Nashville, Brazil National Television. GAC,Calgary Stampede Pandora, and many numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry.

John is also making his mark in the studio as a session player. From Raul Malo to Jim Ed Brown to Hank Williams III, John plays a wide spectrum within the Americana genre. His drums and percussion can be heard on Raul Malo’s sixth original recording since the Mavericks, one of four Raul Malo original records John’s played on.John also did a record with the Gateshead symphony Orchestra in Newcastle England with Raul, John played on Charlie Louvin’s last studio project before he passed away as well as the great Jim Ed Brown. Dale Watson’s, (Hyena Records) critically acclaimed “From the Cradle to The Grave”, Rounder Record’s Wylie and The Wild West Show and the Grammy Nominated Group Trout Fishing in America. His string arrangements can be heard on various albums in many styles, including former RCA rock and roll artist (Dwight Yoakum) sideman Keith Gattis. He has also recorded with the late Vassar Clements and was a member of his legendary “Little Big Band”.

John’s tasteful yet rocking style, pocket playing and skill with Latin rhythms led him to play through South America with Brazilian superstars Luis Carlos Borges and, Renato Borghetti. He has also backed up artists including Joe Nichols, Kix Brook, Ronnie Dunn, Shelly Wright, Lori Morgan, Lee Ann Womack, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Rodriguez, Ira Allen and John Stone. And he’s had the honor of being asked to provide drums on session work with the legendary Bob Babbitt of the funk brothers, Bob More from the Grand ole Opry and Spooner Oldham of Stax Records recording fame.

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