Platters that Splatter all over your brain Matter
Hell's Kitchen Radio #582: Scott Amendola
September 8, 2025 8:00pm
Scott Amendola doesn’t just play the drums — he opens up a whole other world with them. He’s one of those rare musicians who can sit behind a kit and make it sound like a full conversation is happening. Over the years he’s worn a lot of hats: composer, bandleader, and the kind of drummer other inventive musicians want in their corner.
Scott grew up in New Jersey, studied at Berklee in Boston, and then made his way west. Out here he became a key part of the amazing TJ Kirk quartet with Charlie Hunter, Will Bernard, and John Schott — their second record, If Four Was One, even got a Grammy nomination.
And he’s not afraid to think big. In 2011 he premiered an orchestral piece called Fade to Orange with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, joined by Nels Cline and Trevor Dunn. That’s the kind of career Scott’s had — one foot in the small, intimate club, and the other in these ambitious projects that stretch way beyond genre.
He’s worked with some of the most exciting names in jazz and beyond, including
Larry Ochs of ROVA Saxophone Quartet
Mike Patton
John Zorn
Will Blades
Jim Campilongo
Ben Goldberg
Skerik
Cyro Baptista
Jenny Scheinman-violin
It was my absolute pleasure to host Scott in the studio on Monday night where he shared some great stories from his youth, where his grandfather, jazz guitarist played a major inspiration in his life. We spoke about the great risks he took with his music, the amazing people he has been able to record, perform and tour with, as well the current challenges of surviving as a full time musician.
I also asked Scott to bring some music that he enjoys listening to. I surprised him with some of his own live shows. I peppered some tracks in throughout the show. See the playlist below for details.
Go check him out with SticklerPhonics this Thursday night, September 11th at The Back Room in Berkeley.
I know you're going to really enjoy this show.
jh
Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
https://radiovalencia.fm
Dream Brother: Jeff Buckley
Interview with Scott Amendola
When Kabuya Dances: Geri Allen Trio
Interview with Scott Amendola
Wall Town: Amendola vs. Blades (January 31, 2025 San Jose Jazz Break Room)
Well Blazed: SticklerPhonics
Afro Pusherman: Tony Allen
The Good Life: Pat Metheny and Ornette Coleman
Percussion Party! (Improvisation) > Down Tempo Slam (Improvisation) > Space… Sound… (Improvisation): Nels Cline Singers (Friday, March 28, 2025 - The Big Ears Fest)
Scott grew up in New Jersey, studied at Berklee in Boston, and then made his way west. Out here he became a key part of the amazing TJ Kirk quartet with Charlie Hunter, Will Bernard, and John Schott — their second record, If Four Was One, even got a Grammy nomination.
And he’s not afraid to think big. In 2011 he premiered an orchestral piece called Fade to Orange with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, joined by Nels Cline and Trevor Dunn. That’s the kind of career Scott’s had — one foot in the small, intimate club, and the other in these ambitious projects that stretch way beyond genre.
He’s worked with some of the most exciting names in jazz and beyond, including
Larry Ochs of ROVA Saxophone Quartet
Mike Patton
John Zorn
Will Blades
Jim Campilongo
Ben Goldberg
Skerik
Cyro Baptista
Jenny Scheinman-violin
It was my absolute pleasure to host Scott in the studio on Monday night where he shared some great stories from his youth, where his grandfather, jazz guitarist played a major inspiration in his life. We spoke about the great risks he took with his music, the amazing people he has been able to record, perform and tour with, as well the current challenges of surviving as a full time musician.
I also asked Scott to bring some music that he enjoys listening to. I surprised him with some of his own live shows. I peppered some tracks in throughout the show. See the playlist below for details.
Go check him out with SticklerPhonics this Thursday night, September 11th at The Back Room in Berkeley.
I know you're going to really enjoy this show.
jh
Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
https://radiovalencia.fm
Dream Brother: Jeff Buckley
Interview with Scott Amendola
When Kabuya Dances: Geri Allen Trio
Interview with Scott Amendola
Wall Town: Amendola vs. Blades (January 31, 2025 San Jose Jazz Break Room)
Well Blazed: SticklerPhonics
Afro Pusherman: Tony Allen
The Good Life: Pat Metheny and Ornette Coleman
Percussion Party! (Improvisation) > Down Tempo Slam (Improvisation) > Space… Sound… (Improvisation): Nels Cline Singers (Friday, March 28, 2025 - The Big Ears Fest)
