Antonio Sánchez is best known as a jazz drummer, but his latest work finds him playing a wide variety of instruments and tapping into a diverse array of musical influences.
On his latest album SHIFT (Bad Hombre, Vol. II), the four-time Grammy winner plays virtually every instrument on the album. The album also features the talents of Trent Reznor, Dave Mathews, Kimbra, Ana Tijoux, Meshell Ndegeocello and more.
Sánchez began playing the drums when he was just five years old and performed professionally in his early teens in Mexico’s rock, jazz and Latin scenes. Since moving to New York in 1999, he has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the international jazz scene, recording and performing with such prominent artists as Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Michael Brecker, Charlie Haden and Toots Thielmans.
With more than a dozen recordings as leader or co-leader, Sánchez has won four Grammys and three Echo Awards, has been nominated for Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, and has been named Modern Drummer’s “jazz drummer of the year” three times.
We spoke with Sánchez about his latest work and his ever-expanding musicality.