Steve Di Stanislao
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Steve Di Stanislao is an accomplished drummer, who was most recently drumming on tour with Pink Floyd guitarist and singer, David Gilmour, promoting his new solo album "On An Island".
On the West Coast, the name Stevie D. (nickname for Steve Di Stanislao) is quickly becoming known in the pro-drumming community. It's not surprising, when you look at what he's been up to recently. Stevie has toured Europe with Carl Verheyen (guitarist with Supertramp), played rock shows in front of 40,000 fans with Joe Walsh, conducted NAMM show product demos for Roland V-Drums, produced independent film scores, and formed a new band of his own with Frank Simes (musical director for Don Henley).
Stevie certainly enjoys a busy career, but there are highlights that shine through the mix. One of these is his work with the legendary David Crosby in the band CPR. In this band, Stevie not only contributes a solid pulse, he sings, co-writes material, and records every track.
When asked about Stevie D., Crosby relates, "Technically and artistically, Stevie's the best I've ever played with. It's because he "gets it." He doesn't just play the drums, he plays the song." Crosby believes that there are two types of drummers, "Groove drummers and flash drummers. Stevie is a groove drummer. He's friendly, not an egotist, and curious, and he wants to learn. This is what makes him a pleasure to work with."
In 2006, Stevie Di Stanislao enjoyed another musically exciting and memorable year. A busy touring and recording schedule had Stevie traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Stevie D had the great honor of touring the globe with legendary guitarist, David Gilmour, of Pink Floyd. David's highly anticipated "On An Island" tour was nothing less than spectacular and very well received worldwide. The band featured several original members of Pink Floyd such as keyboardist Richard Wright and Dick Parry on saxophones. Also featured were Guy Pratt on bass, Jon Carin on keys, lap steel and vocals as well as Roxy Music's Phil Manzanara on guitars.
A highlight from the tour included three nights at The Royal Albert Hall with luminary special guests such as David Bowie, Crosby/Nash, Robert Wyatt, Mica Paris and Nick Mason. Other memorable performances took place in Venice, Italy, set in the beautiful St. Mark's Square in Vienne, France, at the breathtaking Theatre' Antique which made for a magical evening for both the band and the audience.
The last official show of the tour took place in Gdansk, Poland where David and the band were joined by conductor Zbigniew Preisner and The Gdansk Philharmonic Orchestra. This special concert was to celebrate the 26th anniversary of Solidarity of the Shipyard Worker's Union in Gdansk. Over 55,000 fans turned out for this highly rated concert.
Along with a busy touring schedule, Stevie spent time in the studio recording tracks for artists Joe Cocker, Kenny Loggins, DeccaTree, Phil Manzanara and Pixar as well as producing tracks of his own.
It's early into 2007, and Stevie has already started recording sessions with David Gilmour. He will also be playing selected shows with Kenny Loggins to support his new upcoming release "How About Now" and is scheduled to tour with David Crosby & Graham Nash later this year.