Brett Eldredge Drummer, Derrek Phillips, Plays to a Different Beat

Derrek Phillips grew up in the bay area of San Francisco, CA, in
a home filled with music of all genres. Some of his earliest
memories are playing percussion on whatever pot or pan he found
in the kitchen to the records of Sly and the Family Stone,
Metallica, and Digital Underground. 


Derrek met his wife at a local bay-area high school band
competition while she was playing trombone. His interest in
playing all types of percussion allowed him to play in community
orchestras, drum and bugle corps, including studying with the
late, great, jazz drummer, Tony Williams. 


His love for music took him east, where he graduated with a
bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies from William Patterson
University in New Jersey.


After years of honing his skills in and around the New York jazz
scene, Derrek's dreams of continuing his professional music
career led him to Nashville. He has played and toured with such
acts as Bonnie Tyler, Dr. John, Alison Kraus, James Otto, Delbert
McClinton, Charlie Hunter, The McCrary Sisters, and many
others. 


A two-time Grammy winner, his percussion skills can be heard on
the "Nashville" TV show, along with soundtracks by Vanessa
Williams and Michael McDonald. 


In 2014, Derrek joined Hank Williams Jr.'s band and he currently
plays and tours with country music sensation Brett Eldredge.


Derrek and I sat down one sunny summer day in 2020 on the porch
of Moo Country in Leiper's Fork, TN. We discussed the influence
his parents had on encouraging his musical ability and how the
coronavirus pandemic is impacting professional tour
musicians. 


He's endorsed by Pearl Drums, Istanbul Cymbals, Evans Drumheads,
Alclair Audio ear monitors, Drum Dots, Stack Ring Percussion, and
Vater Sticks. Sit back and enjoy this episode with one of country
music's most energetic and talented drummers.