Working Drummer
Working Drummer
Working Drummer
576 - Gustavo Cortiñas: From Mexico City to New Orleans to Chicago, In Search of Creativity and Community
1 hour 15 minutes Posted Jul 16, 2026 at 5:00 am.
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Show notes
Gustavo Cortiñas was born and raised in Mexico City. His interest in drumming and jazz took him to Loyola University in New Orleans where he studied with Johnny Vidacovich, and on to Northwestern University in Chicago, where he has lived and worked since. His sixth album as a leader is entitled "The Drum Also Sings."
In this episode, Gustavo talks about:
Growing up in Mexico City, the son of two educators, and being surrounded by all kinds of music
Being inspired by the individuality of jazz heroes who came through Mexico City, from Dave Weckl to Dave King to Brian Blade
How circumstances intervened to steer hims path toward both New Orleans and Chicago
The immediacy and accessibility of seeing and hearing jazz drummers in an intimate setting
“The immigrant blessing”
His new record being “conceived during a period of personal and collective difficulty”
The ancestral connection between drums and voice
Gustavo’s new record
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