THE PEARL LEGACY FEATURING JAI ROW KAVI
Venia

Track Order
Contact Us+91 91520 04939

THE PEARL LEGACY FEATURING JAI ROW KAVI

16 Aug 2021 Views

Jai Row Kavi has been a professional drummer for the past 18 years. He is known for his versatility and skill. He is proficient as a Rock, Heavy Metal, Pop, and RnB drummer. Jai has also played live or in the studio with numerous Bollywood artists and composers. Namely – Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Vishal and Shekhar, Ram Sampath, Hitesh Sonik, Bappi Lahiri, Farhan Akhtar, Amaal Malik, Kailash Kher, Sachin and Jigar, Sunny MR, Shalmali and Arijit Singh.

Get to know Jai Row Kavi and his journey with Pearl Drums as part of The Pearl Legacy.

How Did You Get Introduced To Pearl Drums?

Probably through some early drum videos I watched when I started playing. I vaguely remember coming across Pearl ads in Modern drummer magazine that featured drummers like Ian Paice playing Pearl drums.

Tell Us About Your Drum Kit And Set Up?   

My current setup has been with me since 2013. It’s a Pearl Reference kit finished in Arctic white with Black hardware. Before that I played a Masters for several years.

The sizes are: 

20’/18” Bass drum.

10”/8” Tom Tom

12”/9” Tom Tom

14”/14” Floor tom.

16”/16” Floor Tom

I also use various Pearl snare drums like the Reference brass and wood , both 14/6.5” and some discontinued models like the Pearl Ultracast Aluminium and the older Dennis Chambers signature maple snare. Another favourite is my 14”/5” free floating copper. I’ve spent years collecting these drums and understand their sonic capabilities. It’s so much fun!!

What  Are The Qualities You Look For In A Drum Set?

For me, drums have to project a clean, well balanced tone and be versatile. Having a drum set that can be tuned and tweaked to suit various musical genres is what I’ve always wanted. Hardware is very important. It has to be built strong to take years of wear and tear. At the end of the day, it’s important for me to have drums that I can rely on in terms of having a consistent sound.

Do You Set Up Differently For Live And Studio? What Are Your Preferred Configurations? 

It absolutely depends on what kind of music I’m playing. Secondly, the Venue. Choosing my drums and tuning them to the room is something I’ve always paid attention to. If its loud music I’m playing I need to have drums that project and cut through all the other frequencies, yet retain a tone that isn’t brash or overpowering. In a perfect world, I’d like to be able to play my Reference kit with my sizes every time. Although, logistically, this is a nightmare. So we rely on a backline provided by local vendors. It sure is a relief when I get a Reference kit, although the sizes may vary. I’m certain the overall sound isn’t compromised.

When I’m hired to record drums, I Always use my drums. I’m always on the lookout for what the right snare drum is in terms of the music or the song I’m recording. Sometimes a wood snare works better than a metal snare and vice-versa . Having that choice is important and helps me be my creative best.

Can You Name 5 Pearl Artists You Really Love?

The first drummer that comes to mind is Dennis Chambers. His monstrous drum sound is very commanding and he’s an absolute hero. Chops or pocket, nobody does it like Dennis. I have spent hours listening to him and watching his videos and to me he is truly one of the greatest.

Todd Sucherman is another one of my favourite drummers that plays Pearl drums. An absolute powerhouse, his playing is solid. He has the ability to make the musicians he plays with sound even better. He’s also a very successful recording drummer and I look to him for inspiration as he always gets some fantastic drum sound.

Matt Halpern. If you want to listen to how great Pearl drums record in a studio, listen to Matt’s work with Periphery. Hope you’re prepared to have your face melt a wee bit.

Gary Husband has always been one of the greatest instrumentalists to grace the drums and the keys. He’s an absolute genius. He also has some of the most melodic drum sounds I’ve ever heard. I remember watching him at the NAMM show back in 2006 and I was left pretty speechless. 

Moritz Mueller is a Bavarian drummer you should check out if you haven’t. He’s pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved and he makes it look easy.

How Do You Look After Your Drum Gear? 

I wipe my drums with a Microfiber cloth ever so often. Sometimes a little drum polish to shine them. A little WD-40 on the hardware to keep everything rust free.

If You Have To Choose One Pearl Kit Configuration That Covers A Studio Session And A Live Performance, Which One Would You Go With And Why?

I’d have to say my current rig. Reason being, I’ve got most tom sixes covered from high to low and the 20” kick is versatile and can be tweaked low or high, depending on the music.

Do You Have A Memorable Moment From A Performance With Your Pearl Drum Kit? 

I do specifically remember how blown away I felt when I played a Pearl Reference kit the first time. It was a rental kit and they had tom sizes all the way from an 8” to an 18”. Even a Gong drum. I hadn’t felt power like that before. That was truly an unforgettable experience. 

Also probably every time I play my Reference brass snare in a great sounding room. YUP that snare is Money!!

Do You Feel At Times Your Drums Set Pushes You To Play Better?

Having instruments that sound great is something any musician can appreciate and it's always inspiring. I’m trying to express myself musically and these drums help me channel that beautifully.

How Would You Describe Pearl Drums To Someone Who Has Never Played One Before?

They are magnificent, top quality drums that will inspire you to be musical.  

Which Is Your Favourite Pearl Snare? 

The Reference Brass 14”/6.5”. It’s otherworldly in every way.

Can You Tell Us About Your Drum Hardware? 

I’ve had my hardware since 2008 and it's still going pretty strong. I use the 2000 series stands and they are built strong. I play the eliminator double bass pedals with the red cams and the chains are replaced with the strap drive.

What’s The One Piece Of Hardware You Would Always Take With You For A Performance? 

I’d say the Pearl D2500 Moto style drum throne. Or the CH70 boom arm. It’s helped me heaps when I need to set up an extra cymbal in a tight space.

With The Emergence Of Many Rehearsal Spaces Housing Only One Drum Kit, Which Pearl Drum Kit Do You Think Would Be The Best Fit To Cover Different Styles Of Music?

I’d highly recommend the Masters or the Reference. They are very versatile instruments.

Explore the Pearl collection on FurtadosOnline.

To know more about Jai Row Kavi, check out his FacebookInstagram and YouTube Channel.