The Local’s List is our series highlighting cool people doing cool things around Boston. Each week, we’ll check in on what they’re working on and get their go-to spots and personal recs.
If you've spent any time around Boston's music scene, chances are you've heard Jonathan Ulman play (even if you didn't know it). The eight-time Boston Music Award-winning session drummer has worked with hundreds of artists over the past two decades, earned national recognition and now helps shape the city's next generation of musicians at Berklee. Read on for stories from behind the kit, the local venue he misses most and the songs he’d use to soundtrack Boston.
Can you talk a little more about what being a session drummer is like?
Being a session drummer means every day is different, and that's what I love most about it. One day I'm recording a pop record, the next I'm playing hip-hop, rock or jazz. I've always been a fan of all kinds of music, so getting to move between genres keeps me inspired. Beyond the music, it's the people I get to meet and collaborate with that make it so rewarding. I've been fortunate to travel, see the world, and work with artists from every background imaginable.
Have you ever had to learn a song on the fly?
I feel like my entire career has been built around learning music on the fly and I love that challenge. I've learned hour-long sets sitting outside a venue 20 minutes before showtime, memorized songs 10 minutes before going live on national television, and everything in between.
If you could bring back one legendary Boston venue for a night, what would it be?
The Rat. It was such an iconic venue and hosted so many of the bands I grew up listening to. Boston has produced so many incredible artists over the years and The Rat played a huge role in building that community.
What advice would you give someone trying to break into Boston's music scene?
Get out and meet people. Build relationships. I work at Berklee College of Music and every year I tell my students, "This is not the time to be introverted. You're surrounded by one of the greatest networks of musicians anywhere in the world. Take advantage of it.” That applies whether you're a Berklee student or not. You just have to jump in and become part of it.
Who's a local artist you'd love to play with?
I'd love the chance to make a record with Gang Starr or Bell Biv DeVoe. If we're really shooting for the moon, it would be Bobby Brown and New Edition. Their music had such a huge influence on me growing up and on the way I approach drumming today.
What's your ideal day look like when you're not working?
Between recording, touring, teaching and running my own creative agency, (JMU Creative Inc.), there's always something happening. I'm really fortunate that my work revolves around creativity and the things I genuinely love, but it definitely keeps my schedule full. When I do find a rare free day, I like to spend time with friends and family at Fenway for a Sox game.
photo: jonathan ulman
Where would you recommend for folks looking for live music on a random weeknight?
Boston has a great live music scene and there are so many good venues. A few of my favorites are The Sinclair, Roadrunner, Club Passim and The Beehive. They all have their own vibe and there's something worth checking out on any given weeknight.
Any pre- or post-show spots you frequent?
Depends on where I'm playing. If I'm in Central Square, Little Donkey is a great pre-show stop, and La Fabrica afterward. Around Harvard Square, I'll usually hit Longfellow Bar before the gig and Lou's afterward. If I'm playing in Allston/Brighton, Lone Star is a go-to before the show, and The Abbey is a great stop on the way home. Around Fenway, Little Whale for oysters before a show and HUE is a great spot for a post-show cocktail. One of the best parts about Boston is that there are amazing restaurants and bars in just about every neighborhood.
If you could create a soundtrack for Boston, what songs are going on it?
I learned to play the drums by "borrowing" my brother's hip-hop and R&B cassette tapes back in the day. I'd spend hours in my room learning every drumbeat I could, so those artists had a huge influence on the way I play. Boston has produced so many incredible musicians that my playlist naturally leans in that direction, but I wanted to mix in a few other genres and some newer artists too... and maybe a couple of songs I've been fortunate enough to play on myself.
• "Mass Appeal" – Gang Starr
• "If It Isn't Love" – New Edition
• "Loungin'" – Guru
• "Roadrunner" – The Modern Lovers
• "Poison" – Bell Biv DeVoe
• "80's Babies" – STL GLD
• "Last Dance" – Donna Summer
• "Buena" – Morphine
• “Everything Once” – Slaine, The Arcitype, Rite Hook
• "Gigantic" – Pixies
• "Every Little Step" – Bobby Brown
• “Why Do I Cry” – The Remains
• "Nightcrawler" – CZARFACE
• "Boston" – Zola Simone
• "Cannonball" – The Breeders
• “Out of My Mind” – Jake Swamp and the Pine
THE LOCAL’S LIST is a weekly series where we ask cool people doing cool things about their recent projects, favorite spots and New England hot takes. Know someone who should be featured? Nominate them (or yourself).
