Mat Marucci


Mathew Roger Marucci III is an American jazz drummer, composer, author, educator and clinician. He has numerous critically acclaimed recordings as leader, and his performing credits include: Jimmy Smith, Kenny Burrell, James Moody, Eddie Harris, Buddy DeFranco, Les McCann, Pharoah Sanders, John Tchicai and others.

Early life and education

Marucci was born in Rome, New York, into a musical family with professional histories on both sides. His sister, Mena Marucci Colella, was a concert pianist. His brother, Ed Marucci, was a professional trumpeter. Marucci was classically trained on the piano and switched to drums at the age of 19.
After graduating high school from St. Aloysius Academy in 1963, Marucci studied drums with Dick Howard in Auburn, New York, from 1964–1965. At Auburn Community College, he received a degree in business management in 1965. Marucci relocated to the west coast in 1969. Attending Sacramento City College, he received his associate degree in music, in 1973.
Marucci has lived between New York City, Los Angeles and Sacramento since attending college.

Professional career

In addition to recording and performing, Marucci has authored several books on drumming for both Ashley Publications and Mel Bay Publications. His recordings and books have garnered four and five star reviews in JazzTimes, Jazziz, Modern Drummer, DownBeat and DRUM! magazines.
Additionally, Marucci has written numerous articles on drumming for Modern Drummer and Downbeat magazines, and for the Percussive Arts Society's Percussive Notes. He has also written articles for several prominent jazz websites including AllAboutJazz.com.
Contributing to jazz education, Marucci has been an adjunct professor in the Los Rios Community College District in the Sacramento area. He was also an applied music instructor at American River College in Sacramento, California, and at the Jazzschool in Berkeley, California, and an applied drum set instructor at the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society.

Personal life

Marucci married Diane in 1982. They have a son, Mathew Roger IV, who is a semi-professional drummer. Their daughter, Therese Renee, is an amateur pianist and flutist.

Discography

As leader

Who Do Voodoo Lifeline Festival Extensity Avant-Bop Body and Soul Ulterior Motif Genesis – with Marcus Burger 3 the Hard Way – with Doug Webb Change-Up – with Doug Webb No Lesser Evil – with Doug Webb Partners In Crime – with Doug Webb Live at the Jazz Bakery Why Not, with Doug Webb Live at Jazz Central Infinitesimal Flash Quartet Live! – co-leader with John Tchicai
  • ''Inversions''

As sideman

Dreamworld – John Allen Infinitesimal Flash – John Tchicai Daybreak – Jimmy Smith Nice 'N' Easy – Valerie V Avenue of the Americas – David Haney Live from Yoshi's – David Haney Invitation to a Song – Bruce Kelly Live from Jazz Central – David Haney

Ashley Publications

Progressive Studies for Drums
  • ''Progressive Studies in Jazz Drumming''

Dorn Publications

The 15-Minute Keep-in-Shape Workout for Sticks & Mallets magazine

Mel Bay Publications

15-Minute Warm-Ups for Drums A Simple Approach to the Drum Rudiments Drumstick Finger Systems and Techniques Drumming Facts, Tips & Warm-Ups Jazz Drumming Essentials and More Essential Snare Drum Exercises