Jordan Perlson

Grammy Nominated Grooves

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136 Reviews (115 Verified)
Jordan Perlson on SoundBetter

Credits include Snarky Puppy, Adrian Belew, Hiromi, Matisyahu, Charlie Hunter, Blue Man Group, Becca Stevens, Jeff Coffin, Kaki King, Trevor Hall, Darlene Love, Grace Kelly, and more. I'm a Grammy nominated drummer/percussionist, and my drumming can be heard on ads for Netflix, the NY Rangers, Buick, Powerade and others.

I am a versatile, experienced drummer/percussionist currently living in Nashville, TN. I've toured all over the world and recorded on 100+ records, singles, commercials, soundtracks and more. My passion is creating interesting and grooving drum parts that will make your song shine.

There's nothing I love more than communicating with artists and finding what makes their music *pop.* I like finding the cross section between creativity and simplicity, giving your music the musical edge it deserves!

The part that I play and sound we come up with are completely custom driven by the song's needs and your direction. With 16 channels, multiple rooms and an extensive collection of vintage and modern drums, cymbals and percussion, I can create the track you need for just about any style. I've recorded extensively in Rock, Pop, Jazz, R&B, Singer-Songwriter, Metal and more. I am a proud Vic Firth Drumsticks, Meinl Cymblas, Masters of Maple drums, Swan Percussion and Ahead Armor Cases endorser.

Hit the 'Contact' button and let's get your project started!

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

136 Reviews - 20 Repeat Clients

Endorse Jordan Perlson
  1. Review by Michal G.
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    Excellent drummer, spot on communication, pleasure working with.

  2. Review by John H.
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    Jordan is great. Drums and percussion are my weak spot, but one of his strong spots, and he came right in and nailed it. He's timely, responsive and gets it. I'll be asking him for help on my next song and probably the ones after that as well. Five stars and great quality.

  3. Review by zeak
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    by zeak
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    I always come back to Jordan! fantastic groove, pro feel and sensational tones:) I work on many genres and in every situation he absolutely kills it. I can't recommend him enough! Do you're music a favor and hire him:)

  4. Review by Tony L.
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    Jordan consistently demonstrates the ability to take my songs and elevate them to a level higher than I previously thought possible with his incredible drumming. Extremely versatile and technical!!

  5. Review by Tony L.
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    Jordan absolutely shreds on drums! He is a clear communicator, and delivers fast, quality recordings.

  6. Review by Mario H.
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    Jordan Percussion was excellent on Percussion On My Remake of "Smells Like Teen Spirit"!

  7. Review by Li Z.
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    Jordan gave me an incredible tone and picture . It makes my song rich and dreamy ! Thank you Jordan !

  8. Review by Emerson M.
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    The recording, most importantly, sounds amazing; and is delivered in a way that's easy to mix. Jordan is also super professional, and a great communicator! Highly recommend

  9. Review by Tim R.
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    by Tim R.
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    It’s been my pleasure working with Jordan. Great communication and amazing sound.

  10. Review by Guenther W.
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    excellent emphatic work. That ideally complements our improvisation. Best suggestion

  11. Review by Mario H.
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    Jordan delivered again For Drums and Percussion On My Remake of "Give It Up Or Turn It Loose" by James Brown! Thank you again for your contributions to my musical journey!

  12. Review by Mario H.
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    Jordan NAILED IT on Percussion On My Remake Of "Slipping Into Darkness" by War! Thank You, Jordan!

  13. Review by Jared J.
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    Gave me a look at the track and I told him the song wasn't quite where I wanted it to be so he immediately drummed out a couple more and he was able to lock in a little better. It sounded great! Very tight and impressive! I would recommend him for darker sounding stuff, but he plays everything from what I understand.
    Amazing quality!

  14. Review by Mario H.
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    Jordan Perlson was just what I needed! Excellent Percussion For My Remake of "Offering" by Gil Scott-Heron! Bravo!

  15. Review by Mario H.
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    Always excellent! That's Jordan Perlson!

  16. Review by Mario H.
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    A wonderful drum performance on a song produced by a drummer! Jordan Perlson did a great job on my remake of "The Creator Has A Master Plan" by Norman Connors. Thank you!

  17. Review by Mario H.
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    I brought a Herbie Hancock remake to Jordan Perlson and he gave an excellent performance. Bravo, Jordan!

  18. Review by Mario H.
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    I came to Jordan Perlson with Parliament Funkadelic and he gave me back a wonderful performance!

  19. Review by Alessandro G.
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    I am very happy with the results! I was looking for some specific things and Jordon delivered. He maintains great feel while playing in time with the click but not in a robotic or manipulated way which is rare these days. He works incredibly fast because he is experienced, talented, and has a remarkable musical IQ. He is a world class pro period. He has been key in taking this song to the next level. I am grateful. Thanks Jordon!

  20. Review by Aliya Rose
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    I couldn't be happier with the track. Super professional and easy to work with and understood exactly what I was going for with the song right away. I'll be back for more drum tracks.

Interview with Jordan Perlson

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: 3 records that have come out in the last year which I'm very proud are: Becca Stevens-Perfect Animal (drums, percussion, co-arranging) Anna Rose-Strays in the Cut (drums, percussion, co-arranging) Bobby Avey-Inhuman Wilderness (drums, percussion) 3 *very* different records of music. I've been a longtime member of all 3 bands (8-10 years) and am extremely proud of the current sound of all 3.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: I am preparing to begin work on a loop library, as well as an instructional site for drum set and percussion. Becca Stevens Band, a group I'm a long time member of, is gearing up to record our second record for Universal Classics.

  5. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  6. A: Marc Plotkin

  7. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  8. A: Digital out of convenience. Analog one day!

  9. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  10. A: My priority is your satisfaction. I want to play on your music because I want it to be great, and I believe I can provide that. Any less and I wouldn't be here!

  11. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  12. A: Interacting with musicians and composers from all over the word. That, and playing drums all day :)

  13. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  14. A: -Do I really need to record the scratch to a click. Yes! -Will I get individual files for each mic or a stereo mix? Whatever you prefer, but I recommend the individual files for further mixing possibilities, even if all you want is a stereo mix to start.

  15. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  16. A: People often assume I'll just play whatever I feel like playing. While relying on your provider's instincts is important, we also care about what you want. When I'm feeling inspired to make my own music, I make it. I'm here to play YOUR music. That includes playing it how you want it to be played!

  17. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  18. A: Who are some artists, bands or drummers you like? Do you have any preferences in terms of sound (i.e. tight or open micing)? Is your music recorded to a click.

  19. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  20. A: Doing a little research into what kind of drummer you yourself like goes a long way. While you may prefer artist A to artist B, you may realize you prefer the style or sound of artist B's drummer. The more specific you an be with a session musician regarding your preferences the more successful your session will be.

  21. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  22. A: U87, Bricasti M7, Manley Variable MU, something Neve, Ludwig Acrolite snare

  23. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  24. A: I've been playing drums since 1992. I went to college for music and have been recording in my home for 8 years. I started to become interested in recording when I was in college. I was fortunate to be called for lots of recording sessions and interacting with the Production majors and watching them work was fascinating. Once I was able to have my own space and afford some of my own gear, I immediately started experimenting and was fortunate enough to begin working for many producers around NYC.

  25. Q: How would you describe your style?

  26. A: Equal parts John Bonham, Zigaboo Modeliste, Jay Bellrose and Bill Stewart...eclectic but deliberate and groovy.

  27. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  28. A: At the moment, Soundgarden is at the top of my dream list. They write such a range of music and it's all interesting to me. Hard, riffy rock. Chord based songs. All with deep regard for a strong drum part. So great!

  29. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  30. A: If you're drummer's sound is brash and bright, observe the volume at which he's playing the high hats. In most cases, drummers hitting the hats too hard are saturating their sound with the worst possible frequencies. Less high hat usually makes for a smoother, more even sound.

  31. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  32. A: My comfortable range includes Singer/Songwriter, Rock, Jazz, R and B, Country, and Brazilian music and plenty more. If you're having trouble finding the right drummer for something unique or eclectic, let's talk!

  33. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  34. A: Playing with great time but still grooving. I think we've all heard musicians who play with amazing sense of tempo but sound mechanical. Making music FEEL good is my business. That is my strongest skill.

  35. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  36. A: I bring creativity and deep knowledge of the drum set. The endless study of my craft is my true passion. I love drums; how they sound, how they're played, how they fit into a song, how they fit into an album. I'm often complimented on my ability to uncannily play "just the right part." Of all of the compliments I've received, I take this one closest to heart. Creating and executing the part is key!

  37. Q: What's your typical work process?

  38. A: After a client and I decide we're a good fit, we determine our terms and they send me their song along with any reference material they have. The client notes any specific requests (i.e. "ride in the choruses," "4 on the floor in the bridge") and I proceed with the initial takes. Based on our terms, the client will receive anywhere from 1-3 versions of the song from me. The client can choose which take they like best and I will, based on our agreed upon terms, record a number of retakes to the client's preference. Sometimes 1 retake is a part of our terms. Sometimes it's 3. After a satisfied take has been produced, I send you the stems and you authorize SoundBetter to release payment to me.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: I record to Logic on a Mac Pro tower. -Interface Rosetta 800 -Mic Pre's (2) API 500c (2) Great River MP500-NV (4) Daking -Microphones (2) AKG 414 (2) KM-69 Beta 52 Yamaha Subkick (2) Shure SM57 (4) Sennheiser e604 Electrovoice RE50N

  41. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  42. A: It's a very long list, but a short sampling: Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Aimee Mann, Jay Bellerose, T Bone Burnett, Joe Henry, Brendan O'Brian, Tchad Blake and much more!

  43. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  44. A: Clients range from commercial composers/producers to songwriters and bands. They either send me demos for me to put drums to in order to build the masters off, or, they send me the final takes of everything except drums, so I'm the final piece. I have no preference which order I lay drums down to, as long as the parts I'm recording to are played clearly and in time.

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Jordan Perlson's Reel

I was the Drummer/percussionist in this production

Terms Of Service

2-3 Revisions
1-5 day turnaround, depending on scheduling

GenresSounds Like
  • Becca Stevens Band
  • T Bone Burnett
  • Matt Chamberlain
Gear Highlights
  • UAD
  • API
  • Great River
  • Daking
  • AKG
  • MicTek
  • Soundtoys
  • Waves
  • NI
  • Slingerland
  • Ludwig
  • Yamaha
  • Meinl
  • percussion from all around the world.
More Photos
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SoundBetter Deal

Discounts for 5 or more tracks.

  • Back in the studio with Echolyn.Sep 06, 2016

    I'm excited to announce I'm recording tracks for Brett Kull and Chris Buzby of the band Echolyn. We're unsure if this will be an Echolyn project or something separate, but it's definitely got that classic sound. 17 years ago I had the pleasure of recording in a real studio for the first time with these guys. I'm thrilled to be at it again with them. 

  • Recording for Mike Ibrahim RN!Aug 18, 2016

    Thrilled to be putting drums on SoundBetter client Mike Ibrahim's beautiful songs. His EP features music to inspire love and understanding, in response to the bombings in Paris last year. They happened one block from his home. What an honor to be a part of such a special project. 

  • Becca Stevens Band hitting the studio!Aug 16, 2016

    Becca Stevens Band is settling into Figure 8 Studios in Brooklyn next week to begin recording their next record! Stay tuned for updates.