Ollie Usiskin Interview (Christopher Lee, Mike Stern, Jimmy Haslip): Tony, Clinics & NYC Drums
We first met Ollie Usiskin at the Dorset Drum Festival. We caught his masterclass that was filled with some serious jazz chops. It was really clear after we started chatting with him that, along with having serious chops, he was also really down to earth.
We asked if he was up to chat on our podcast and he was game. You can find audio version of the interview on Spotify and the video version on YouTube. You can find a written account below.
A Session Drummer’s Life: Controlled Chaos
When we caught up, Ollie had just finished recording drums for a new album co-produced by Jimmy Haslip, co-founder of the Yellowjackets and a heavyweight of the LA session scene. His recent projects span experimental cello-and-drums improvisation, a jazz trio record, and an upcoming release, Interplanetary Funk, a groove-driven jazz-rock project.
“I’ve always wanted to be a chameleon,” he explained. “I grew up playing to everything - Iron Maiden, Level 42, fusion, jazz. I didn’t want to be boxed into one style.”
When he was hired to record a heavy metal album for actor Christopher Lee’s symphonic metal project, the parts required extensive double-kick work - something not in Ollie’s regular setup at the time. What followed was days in a practice room, learning every note by ear and drilling the patterns until they were second nature.
The Myth of the “Big Name”
Ollie has shared studios and stages with musicians connected to giants like Billy Cobham, Alan Holdsworth, and the Yellowjackets. But one of his most powerful insights came not from a drummer - but from meeting screen legend Christopher Lee.
“I was so starstruck I didn’t really get to know him,” Ollie reflected. “Looking back, I wish I’d just relaxed and spoken to him like a person.” “At the end of the day, they’re human beings. If you stay grounded, that’s how real relationships form.”
It’s advice that feels increasingly relevant in an era of celebrity culture and social media highlight reels. For musicians, idolising can create distance.
Meeting Tony Williams
One of the most electrifying stories from our conversation involved jazz titan Tony Williams. While studying at Berklee, Ollie saw Williams perform from a table directly in front of the drums.
“It was like a tornado of energy,” he said. “I’d never experienced anything like it.”
He returned the next night, met Williams briefly, and was even offered the chance to work as his drum tech on tour - an opportunity he ultimately declined to finish his studies. A decision he still reflects on with mixed emotions.
Williams’ advice to him was simple but profound: different places nurture different musical paths. If you want to immerse yourself in a genre, go where it lives.
The Influence That Never Fades
When the conversation turns to formative records, the attention turns concretely to Tony Williams' 'Life Time'. Ollie talks about the collision of jazz and rock, the sheer energy of it, and the fearless way Tony played, all of which left a permanent mark on how he approaches the kit.
But Ollie’s musical DNA was never shaped by one voice alone. He grew up absorbing the feel and finesse of Dennis Chambers, the precision and creativity of Vinnie Colaiuta, and the raw swing and authority of Elvin Jones and Art Blakey. Add the groove mastery of Jeff Porcaro and it becomes clear why he moves so comfortably between styles.
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