Artist Profile: First-Call Session Drummer, Scott Williamson
Highlighting some of WFLIII Drum’s leading artists, recognizing their work as drummers as well as their contributions to the rest of the music industry.
We would venture to say that if you’re a drummer or in the music industry then you’ve probably heard of Scott Williamson. Williamson is known around the world as one of the most sought after session players currently working! His reputation precedes him as a leading figure on the music scene, working in Nashville since 1990. He is not only a first call session player but is also a highly sought after producer.
Williamson was fortunate to grow up in a musical family with a father who was an arranger, orchestrator, producer and music minister. Williamson had the privilege of constantly being around music – at school, church and the recording studio – and played his first session when he was only 12 years old.
He credits some of his father’s session drummers as his earliest influences; including Greg Bissonette (David Lee Roth band), Peter Erskine (Weather Report, Steps Ahead) and Bob Wilson (Seawind). In addition to these formidable influences on Williamson at a young age, he also admired Jeff Porcaro (Toto), Steve Gadd (Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra and Jon Bon Jovi) and Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers).
These days, Scott Williamson works with a wide variety of artists, spanning the genres of rock, jazz, country, Christian and more. His session drumming credits include The New Cool by Nathan East and Bob James, Pure BS by Blake Shelton, All the Women I am by Reba McEntire, Welcome 2 My Nightmare by Alice Cooper Woven and Spun by Nichole Nordeman and many more.
In addition to his session work, Williamson is also a skilled producer and arranger with his own studio. He has an extensive list of credits, producing, arranging, mixing and mastering various notable projects.
He has worked on several Point of Grace albums including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, 24, The Whole Truth and the self-titled Point of Grace.
He’s done extensive work with the band FFH. He’s credited as an engineer and drummer on the albums The Way We Worship, Still the Cross, Ready to Fly, Have I Ever Told You, Found a Place and I Want to Be Like You.
He has collaborated with the show VeggieTales as producer, engineer and drummer. His credits include Hosanna! Today’s Top Worship Songs for Kids, VeggieTales: Easter Collection and Bob and Larry Go Country.
He also has producer, engineer and arranger credits on Michael O’Brien’s Conviction, Alvin Slaughter’s Yes!, Lincoln Brewster’s Amazed, Go Fish’s Parade and Snazzy, This Hope’s Final Destination and It’s Christmas amongst many others.
In addition to all of that, Scott Williamson has a number of solo albums out; including his debut solo album called Biography and a Christmas album.
As we’re sure many of you can relate, throughout Williamson’s career, he wanted to have a connection with his drums and didn’t necessarily care or pay attention to the brand name. However, that was all before discovering WFLIII Drums!
When Williamson first saw a WFLIII kit, it was love at first sight. He walked into a studio one day where there was a WFLIII kit and started playing it. He immediately fell in love with the high-quality, ‘60s-era drum sound. It was the type of connection he – and nearly all musicians – desire.
“The kit felt like a part of my body, playing it was natural and it sounded great. I didn’t have to think too much about it and I could just play,” Williamson said. “WFLIII’s drum kit helps me play better and truly stand out. The drums have great stick attack, a warm sound and easy-to-tune toms.”
You can check out a recent appearance of Scott Williamson jamming on his WFLIII kit on drummer Stephen Taylor’s YouTube channel. Williamson was featured on his recent video, “I Paid 3 Drum Legends to Record the Same Song, Then This Happened!” where each drummer performed their own take on the same song.
Taylor highlights Williamson’s take on the song, saying he especially loved Williamson’s snare tone, his work with the high hat and ride cymbal, how he brought energy to the half-time section, his technique and the way he ended the song.
You can visit Scott Williamson’s All Music page for his complete discography.
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About WFLIII Drums: WFLIII Drums is proud to host a community filled with talented drummers, such as Scott Williamson. Some of the other featured drummers on our roster include Bobby “T” Torello, Greg Herrington and Kofi Baker.
Our company loves working with our favorite drummers and creating customized kits that they’re passionate about playing. We also want to offer these benefits to you! If you’re interested in trying WFLIII drums, check us out at wfliiidrums.com or try our custom builder!