who we are

Joel Burns; Drums and Percussion

Joel Burns was born on August 6th 1982 in Omaha, Nebraska. After several years of piano lessons, Joel finally discovered the drums at age 11, playing percussion for his school band. Joel got his first drum set as a present for his 13th birthday, and the lessons and practicing began in earnest.

After graduation from high school, Joel began to pursue music full-time. He began working as a session player in several local studios, taught drum lessons, and played in numerous bands including Gideon's Few, The Delta 88's, and The Revolvers.

In the summer of 2003 Jesse Howard and Jon Borland asked Joel to come help finish a couple of songs they had written by recording some drum tracks. Due to the strong musical chemistry in the trio, the writing process continued and the guys kept recording demos. A few months later Abandonato was officially formed, with Jordan Howard and Mike Martinez filing out the original lineup.

Influences Include: Simon Phillips, Neil Peart, Vinnie Colaiuta, Manu Katche, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Stewert Copeland, Carlos Vega, Gregg Bissonette, Larry Mullen Jr., Alex Van Halen, and Micky Curry.

Favorite Bands and Artists: Toto, Rush, Van Halen, U2, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Steve Lukather, Aerosmith, Journey, The Police, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Genesis, Harry Connick Jr., Bruce Hornsby, Billy Joel, The Dave Weckl Band, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani.

Joel Uses and Abuses: Tama Drums and hardware, Zildjian Cymbals, ProMark Sticks, and Remo Drumheads.

You can also hear Joel play on Scott Myers album "Quench My Thirst."

What's in the CD Player?

John Hyatt — Best Of

Rush— Hold Your Fire

Phill Collins — Dance Into The Light

You can contact Joel at joel@abandonato.com