Kirk was great at getting prepared for our four hour show with only 4 days notice. He even drove all the way out to my house which was an hour away to rehearse and get the material down. He also took an hour to help set up our drum kit for us and get it tweaked out and ready for the show. His attention to detail was instrumental in a successful show with us. He was also flexible when we wanted a certain style of playing and was happy to help us achieve what we wanted even using a V-drums kit for our shows. He was always right on time and ready to rock. He was very good as well at playing with sequence tracks and is an old hand at playing with a click. We’ll definitely keep calling him when our regular drummer can’t make it.
I had the great opportunity of having Kirk sit in on a few shows with my band. Kirk seems to be a very easy-going individual, fun to be around, and comfortable to work with. It's not too often a person can set in on a gig and automatically click with the band. He seems to be quick on learning material, and very willing to conform to any style he's playing. If you're looking for a stress and ego free easy going individual, Kirk is your guy.
Joel Warren joelwarrencountry.com
We threw Kirk into what seemed like a really difficult situation for other guys we'd tried in the past. We literally called him 3 days before the gig, were out to rehearse with him (4 straight hours and he didn't complain once) the next day, and he was game-ready by gig time. These shows were our EP releases in our heavy markets (very important to us) and I continued to see him studying the songs and his notes throughout the weekend. He conducted himself in the most professional manner and put on 2 awesome shows. We couldn't have asked for more, professionalism, quick-learning, very laid back and easy to work with, and great style! I won't hesitate to make Kirk my first call when we need a quick fill in again...in fact, I hope someday I'm cool enough to try to put a permanent bid on his special talents.
My band, Driftwood Moon, had a situation where our drummer found out at the last minute he could not make a Saturday night show. On the recommendation of a friend, I called Kirk, who said he was available and could handle the gig. Kirk showed up to the gig earlier than he said, and we had a chance to make notes on some of the tunes. During the show, Kirk demonstrated excellent musicality, a good ear, and a deep groove. His playing and attitude certainly exceeded our expectations. Kirk is a true professional, and we would not hesitate to call him again. Jeff Wood http://driftwoodmoonband.com/
My band THE JOLLY GAROGERS had a very important gig on September 19th 2009 for International Talk Like A Pirate Day. We needed and drummer and Kirk McDow filled in brilliantly. Not only did Kirk help us out on drums he also found us a stand in bassist. Kirk is a true professional and a pleasure to work with. He also makes a great Pirate! If you need a drummer Kirk McDow is your man! - Captain Phleabag
"I've worked with many drummers, and Kirk is top-notch. Kirk is easy to work with, and has a wealth of background from which to draw in search of the right sound for any piece. I could not imagine trying to accomplish the same amount of work in such a short period of time, on such short notice, with anyone else. Kirk exhibited the utmost professionalism, devoting the right amount of focus to get the job done. Kirk was very open to feedback to capture exactly what I had in mind, while introducing helpful suggestions where needed. Kirk's years of experience saved me hours of time. I would strongly recommend him as your drummer for the next professional recording project or gig!"
Jeremiah Streets
Recent session at Cedar Creek Studio
Gretsch Renown Series
Cedar Creek Studio
"Kirk filled in on very short notice, no rehearsal, or familiarity with half the music and performed superbly for my Latin jazz brunch gig. Great chops with attitude to match" Felix Perez The Bonobos
"Kirk McDow is a consummate professional and has filled in for us on a moments notice on numerous occasions at the 2008 SXSW in Austin. On each occasion he has played flawlessly, whether it be material that he hasn't heard before or from recordings and charts. We highly recommend Kirk for any professional drum session or gig.
I was looking for a professional drummer who could learn the complex arrangements of my songs quickly.
Kirk listened to my CD and arrived at the gig with the arrangements in hand. He has a great attitude and was easy to work with. - GreenTaRA http://www.myspace.com/greentaramusic
“Kirk: Thanks for helping The Pacers by performing at our corporate holiday event. You did a great job with no rehearsals…and provided some unexpected DJ capabilities as well that the customer loved… Thanks again!Mike” The Pacers http://www.lovethepacers.com/
“WOW!That’s all I can say.I manage several bands here in Austin and around the country.I’ve worked with countless musicians over the years and I have to give Kirk his due.This guy is awesome.I’m not just talking about his playing, which is first rate, but his ability to improvise and save the day.With only 3 hours before a gig, we lost our drummer.I called Kirk and asked, he not only got back to me and confirmed within 5 minutes, but he offered up his practice space for a last minute quick rehearsal before the show.We met up with him, rehearsed for about an hour and put on an awesome show.You would have never guessed he was a fill in.Anyway.Thanks Kirk,you saved our ass!” Matt Bennett Manager, Savanna Roots http://savannaroots.com The Brandon Raines Band http://www.brandonrainesmusic.com
Recent quotes…
Hi Kirk,
Thank you for filling in on short notice. You are a very talented guy and a tasty drummer. I appreciate that you caught on and adjusted to our style so quickly without a chance to hear our stuff. Great job.
Thanks again,
Randy - Hammer Down
"It's always a pleasure to work with Kirk McDow. He's a tasty and energetic drummer with a feel for the groove. Beyond that he has a sense of what the music is really all about - building our community." Paul Klemperer, saxophonist/bandleader - www.pksax.com.
When looking for a drummer one has to look at both talent level and professionalism. Kirk has both of these in spades. With little to no practice I have had him fill in on gigs with little to no warning and he has never let me down. Extremely versed in a vast array of musical styles Kirk is always good to go with rock, blues, soul, RB, jazz, country and various other styles. He is also a consummate professional and a genuinely great guy who shows up early and brings a smile. If and when I need another drummer for any of my projects Kirk is always at the top of the list. Bjorn Kelker
"Thank you, Kirk! Professionally, you were skillful, responsive, dependable, had a great attitude, and added to the band's dynamic energy. Personally, you were a blast to play with. We'll definitely call on you again!"
Hi Kirk, we really enjoyed working with you; since we had no time for a rehearsal, it was no problem for you. I liked the way you worked with our bassist, who feels the same. So we'll see you again on our stage. Thanks again, Mark Campbell, Soulshaker www.soulshaker.com
Kirk, I really appreciated the fact that you were able to do that last minute gig. You did a great job especially watching and catching cues for endings and breaks. Most drummers lack that ability and you were right on! Your personality was great and your woman was a blast! Really great to get to know you a little and hope we get another opportunity to do a repeat performance. Sincerely, Dawn Maracle www.dawnmaracle.com
Yo Kirk, thanks so much for coming in at the last possible minute and savin' my butt. Especially given the circumstances. I only hope you had enough fun to want to do it again sometime and anyone looking for a last minute drummer will be getting your name from me. Great playing and great attitude! Thanks again, Matthew DeOrazio - El DeOrazio www.eldeorazio.com
Kirk, Thanks for sitting in with us last night on such short notice. Your drumming kicks! You bring exactly what we are looking for in a rock & blues drummer--power, dynamics, excellent rhythm and excitement! Your drums look and sound great! Thanks again, Vicki Anderson Band Manager KneeDeep www.kneedeeptexas.com
Kirk, Thank you for coming in on such short notice and playing so beautifully, funky and dynamic. Your confidence and awareness is much appreciated. Michael Elam and Funk Shui www.austincitynolimits.com
I quickly learned I was to cool for the guitar.
Kirk MCDow - 512-663-2808 - Kirk@KirkMcDow.com Austin Drum Lessons Austin Drummer - New Orleans Drummer - Drummer for Hire - Austin Drum Lessons - New Orleans Drum Lessons - Austin Drum Teacher - New Orleans Drum Teacher
