A Chat With Trans-Siberian Orchestra Drummer Jeff Plate

Here's a brand new June 2011 interview with Trans-Siberian Orchestra drummer Jeff Plate. Jeff, who has also been a member of Savatage - playing on one of my all-time favorite records, "The Wake Of Magellan," also spent time in Metal Church and Wicked Witch. Jeff talks here about his Savatage days - getting the gig, his first tour with the band, recording with Jon Oliva and Paul O' Neill, and more. He also talks about his time with Metal Church, including meeting Kurdt Vanderhoof and the recording of the "A Light In The Dark" and "This Present Wasteland" albums. Of course, Jeff talks in depth about being a member of one of the most successful touring acts of the past decade - Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Jeff's also got a "new" band tha the talks about - Machines of Grace. This band is the evolution of his late 80's/early 90's Boston-based band Wicked Witch, with vocalist Zak Stevens of Savatage/Circle II Circle fame. Machines has a fantastic CD out, which is essentially reworked recordings of Wicked Witch material, sonically punched up with brilliant sound and vitality.

Jeff also gives us some of his personal history, like why he chose to play drums and what music inspired him as a budding musician. I'd like to thank Jeff for the interview, it was great to talk with him. Make sure to check out the following sites Jeff's a part of including his own www.jeffplate.com, TSO's www.trans-siberian.com, and MAchines of Grace at www.machinesofgrace.net.

Listen To The June 2011 Interview With TSO's Jeff Plate: