Story Follow Up – Peter Zeldman (3/5/58-2/28/23) – A Pioneer Of Multiple Pedal Orchestrations Has Died

Latest Drumming News

On January 19^th we posted the story about a GoFundMe campaign for Peter Zeldman, there was serious hope that he could be helped with a new procedure.  Sadly, that procedure didn’t help, or even take place. You can read the story: HERE

In the below bio, portions were taken from his Drummerworld profile: HERE

Pete went to Berklee College of Music where he met and started gigging with fusion bands whose members included Baron Browne, Vic Bailey, Stu Hamm, Steve Vai and a host of other futures.

It was there that Pete recorded his first album with a Brazilian outfit that he was involved with. Pete would travel to New York to take some lessons with Kenwood Dennard.

When Pete went back to Pittsburgh, he got to play with some great artists at a jazz club called Heaven. These artists included Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry, Jimmy Ponder, Lee Konitz, Slide Hampton and Lew Soloff. This was a great opportunity and was a welcome part of his early education. At the same time, he was doing outdoor jazz festivals with American hard bop sax player Nathan Davis.

Pete was one of the pioneers of multiple pedal orchestrations.

We encourage you to read about him at the above link, if you are not familiar with him, he has accomplished much including contributing greatly to the drumming community.

The announcement of his death was posted on his GoFundMe page by organizer and friend Cindy Shapiro on March 4^th 2023.

“Dear GoFundMe funders —

It’s my sad task to let you know that the great Pete Zeldman left our world and went on to the next on February 28, 2023 at 5pm GMT. As I grapple with my own personal grief, the world tragically has lost a musician and theorist of staggering genius. As I have written elsewhere, if Bach tempered the scale, Pete Zeldman tempered time. It is now the work of those of us who knew, collaborated with, struggled to understand, studied under and/or venerated Pete’s contribution to the understanding of music and time to bring that knowledge to the rest of the world. We take this responsibility seriously, given the enormity of Pete’s contribution.

As supporters of Pete’s health and well-being, I will keep you updated as to our progress in these endeavors.

Pete’s beautiful wife Cheryl has made sure that regardless of where you are physically in the world, you will be able to observe his funeral through a live stream, which will remain available for 28 days afterwards.”

His funeral took place March 31^st. Please consider continuing to make donations at his GoFundMe page: HERE

On February 10^th, 2023 – Pete was a guest on Vinnie Colaiuta’s “Breakfast With Vinnie” Podcast.

Episode 47 – Special Guest Sheila E. – Breakfast with Vinnie!

  In this engaging conversation, Sheila E. and Vinnie discuss the passage of time, the healing power of music, and the importance of being present in the moment. Sheila shares her musical journey, from her early influences in a musical family to her Grammy-winning achievements. They explore the philosophy of music, the significance of space in compositions, and the spiritual connection that drives their passion for music. The conversation culminates in Sheila's aspirations for future projects and her commitment to blessing others through her art.  

1. Episode 47 – Special Guest Sheila E. 58:21
2. Episode 46 – Special Guest Mike Clark 01:09:24
3. Episode 45 – Aftermath A Line Crossed 04:12
4. Episode 44 – Special Guest Harvey Mason 01:08:21
5. Episode 43 – The Dairy Girl Diaries. Family Farms In Crisis. 36:24

Rest well Pete.