Jim Pugliese

Born in Newark, NJ, in 1952, percussionist Jim Pugliese was influenced by R&B while growing up. Later, he studied percussion with Raymond Des Roches, and performed new music with composers John Cage, Philip Glass (including a '90s performance on PBS' Sessions at West 54th Street), and Carlos Chavez, to name a few. Pugliese studied and performed microtonal music, and spent 12 years playing in Dean Drummond's Newband, as well as performing in the Harry Partch Ensemble. During this time, Pugliese also became interested in Afro-Cuban music, and began studying with master drummer P...