Mike’s Drumming Blog

Jumpstreet co-founder Peter Calo’s new release is available!

Featuring, “If My Heart Was Yours”, co-written by Peter Calo and Mike Ruggelo NOW AVAILABLE “Time Machine” A new release From Peter Calo En Route Records I am pleased to announce that the new CD, “Time Machine,” is NOW available for purchase through www.petercalo.com . This is a collection of 8 original songs written over a few…
Read more


January 20, 2017 0

Current and former members of Jumpstreet have performed with or opened for;

George Martin, Chick Corea, Pousette-Dart Band, Brad Delp, Joe Cocker, Tower of Power, The New York Voices, Carley Simon, Little Feat, Bono and the Edge, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The O’Jays, The Fools, Paquito D’Rivera , Extreme, Steve Smith, Martha and the Vandella’s, The Chiffons, and many more.


July 29, 2016 0

Sitting In

After finishing a corporate event on a boat in Portsmouth, NH, a couple of members of the band and myself headed over to our favorite watering hole, The Dolphin Striker. To our surprise and delight, crammed into the downstairs playing area was three of the best sidemen in the business: Marty Rowan on organ,  Dave…
Read more


January 10, 2009 0

A Most Embarrassing Moment

In the early ’80s when I was studying with Alan Dawson, the mayor of Boston held a dinner in Alan’s honor and dubbed the day, Alan Dawson Day. Alan was given the key to the city and a dinner was held at Anthony’s Pier Four. Present were many jazz and music industry dignitaries. At the…
Read more


June 6, 2008 0

A Gig Nightmare

In over 30 years of gigging I can count on one hand the number of minor problems I’ve had dealing with subs. Most musicians in the New England area that do this kind of work are proud professionals that take their role seriously. There was one sax player who subbed on one gig. He had…
Read more


May 24, 2008 0

You Never Know

Picture an idealic sunny Sunday afternoon at the prestigious Wellesley Country Club just outside of Boston. Spending breaks walking around the beautifully landscaped grounds, enjoying a cold beer on the deck overlooking the golf course…. I thought it odd that all day long people were asking, “Is John going to play?” “Hey, are you guys…
Read more


May 15, 2008 0

Remembering Buddy Rich

At the age of 7 or 8, circa 1962/63, growing up in a Boston suburb, in a home with a dad who was a drummer, it was difficult for me not to be influenced by music. The combination of having a drumset always at the ready in our basement, great music constantly coming from the…
Read more


May 14, 2008 0
Elvin Jones

Two Minutes with Elvin

To me sometimes, certain people seem bigger than life. There is something special that separates them from the rest of the pack. I’d bet that anyone who’s met or known Elvin Jones would say that about him.   I’m estimating it was around 1995, Jumpstreet was working a wedding at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA.…
Read more


May 6, 2008 0