About Jeff Pallay

Jeff Pallay's first ten years consisted of private lessons playing drums with his uncle, Al Jorgensen, a member of the New Jersey Pops Orchestra and the New Jersey State Opera. He was trained classically, and learned how to read music. Throughout his entire grammar, middle, and high school careers, he was UNDEFEATED in competitions, which consisted of New Jersey Regional Band and Orchestra, New Jersey Allstate Band and Orchestra, All   Eastern Orchestra and McDonalds All American Band.

Jeff then had the opportunity to study with Paul Price, a world class drummer and percussionist, and Fred Hinger, a principle percussionist for the Metropolitan Opera in New York and Manhattan School of Music. Saul Goodman, New York Philharmonic and Julliard School of Music, also spent time with Jeff to hone in on his classical drumming skills. He also had the privilege of taking some master classes with Joe Morrello, Dave Brubeck Quartet, who was most notable for his 5/4 time signature track, Take 5.

As a young adult, Jeff was hired to tour with the legendary Box Tops. The job came unexpectedly, but to get ready for the tour Jeff chose to take a crash course in endurance drumming from Joe Nevolo, an already established drummer, who has toured and recorded with notable artists such as Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush, the Good Rats, and Pat Travers.  Quote: "I never thought that studying with Joe would increase my chops and stamina as  much as it did and as fast as it did, but it did take some dedication on my part, as a  student. I should have done this a long time ago. It was a quick 2-week, crash course.  That's all the time I had! Next thing you know, I'm on a plane to Erie, PA., the first show  with Box Tops. No rehearsal, just sound check and a bunch of charts.  Whew!!!…we made…it…thanks to Joe."

Experience

Jeff was a member of the Blauwenburg Band, the oldest band in New Jersey. The diversely  integrated band consisted of semi-pro and local amateurs ranging from as young as 20 to as  old as 60 years old. He started playing for the band when he was only 12 years old and  continued to do so for two years.

"I remember playing in a wedding band at age 12 or 13, not knowing a single song from the song list. The leader of the band would turn around and yell out to me, 'Polka' or 'Cha Cha', 'Rumba', 'Bosa Nova', 'Swing', whatever the groove for the tune was. I was lucky, because  all of my studies to that point prepped me for that first live Drum Set gig. Like I said, at  12 years old, I had no idea that "Misty" was a "Standard," but I did know how to Swing or  Polka, or Cha Cha, which got me through it. That's why it's important to know all styles of  music and be able to play them convincingly."

Jeff was granted the opportunity to teach Piscataway High School's drum line, in Piscataway, New Jersey. Together he and his teaching partner, JR Thompson, helped the school transition from the traditional high school marching band to the more modernized drum corps style marching. Today, there aren't many high schools still marching the old, traditional way. Thanks to all their contributions and hard work, Jeff  and JR managed to change history with their new creative style of drumming. As a result of their influence, most schools have now incorporated the drum corps style of drumming into their own curriculums as well.

In the early '80's, Jeff opened a storefront in Hillsborough New Jersey, called "Percussion Plus."  He taught many methods of drumming while operating the store and held clinics as well as  autograph sessions with some of his friends in the business. One of the clinics was even  sponsored with Chester Thompson of the band Genesis and Phil Collins. Some other sessions  also included AJ Pero from Twisted Sister and Eric Carr from Kiss.

During this time, Jeff managed to keep up a performance career as well. He involved himself in everything from local Rock and Roll club acts to church chamber orchestras as a timpanist. Jeff was a busy young man that was just getting started.

Here are some bands, local club acts, and artists that Jeff has played or done sessions  with:

Blauwenburg Band « Plainfield Symphony « Church Camber Orchestras, Statewide (Tympani) « Fastlane « Chapter 11

Sweet Revenge « Naughty Neighbors « The David Tee Band « Cheap 'N Nasty « Street Jam

The Farmer's Daughter « Danny Nova « Touching Zoë « CC and Crew « Matthew Curran

And many more…

Jeff also toured nationally with The Box Tops. While on tour with the Box Tops, Jeff had a multitude of opportunities to share the stage with many Oldies and Doo Wop bands and artists such as, The Coasters, The Drifters, The Platters, Shirley Alston Reeves, Ronnie Spector, Davey Jones, Lou Christie, Joey Molland from Badfinger and many many more…

During Jeff's touring days, he sadly broke his back in a boating accident. It took him off the circuit and practically out of the "scene" for several of years, but Jeff was not going to let this debilitating set back end it all. With some rehabilitation and willpower, Jeff is presently making a comeback to the "scene,"  stronger and better than ever.  Future Aspirations  Jeff remains focused and driven to continue his career despite his injury. "It has been a tough road to get back to where I started. Yet, I believe with all of my hard work, I will be  able to continue for the rest of my life."

Jeff currently works with local cover bands and continues to tour on the Oldies Circuit. He has reopened his teaching studio in Brick, NJ. "There is no way I can continue in this business, without teaching and sharing my knowledge of drumming along with the music business. As a teacher, you are able to learn right along with the student. It's amazing how I can learn new approaches, and new techniques while in  a teaching session. Every student has his or her own approach, and by sharing my knowledge,  it gives me opportunity to keep an open mind and learn other peoples approach. It also increases my ability to teach, by learning at the same time! What a concept!"

The music business puts you on this crazy rollercoaster ride and you never know what is in store for you. Jeff's career in the future is uncertain, but the key is to always be ready for the next call. Jeff learned this lesson when he was hired to tour with the Box Tops. "I wasn't ready, so I contacted Joe Nevolo. Those lessons with Joe changed my approach to the business. It was an experience I will never forget. Two words always come to mind now –   "BE PREPARED."

Jeff is presently available to teach, one offs, tours, orchestral work, etc. Considered by some of his peers as a world class drummer, he has worked with some of the best session musicians in the world. He is sure to leave a lasting impression in the music business, just like so many others he's had the opportunity to work with.

Page Counter

Reset 5/28/07

Copyright © 2007 Jeff Pallay. All rights reserved.

 Website design & maintenance by AIKI DESIGNS LLC
For information on our low-cost website solutions for small businesses, please send an email to the webmaster.