New Jersey born Roger Cardillo began playing snare drum at the age of eight in the school orchestra. Lessons from the local music store along with playing along to records became the steady diet. Local bands would follow with steady gigs in the New Jersey/New York City club and festival circuit. “I was influenced by guys like Dino Danelli, Ian Paice, Denny Carmassi, Tony Brock, and John Bonham as well as the jazz greats like Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson and Big Sid Catlett from the start.”
Roger studied percussion and theory with Phil Romano from the Mannes College of Music in New York City. He also studied privately with Sandy Gennaro of the Pat Travers Band, Joan Jett, and Cyndi Lauper fame. Since moving to Arizona Roger has worked with many artists and has toured the U.S. and Mexico extensively with the Barry Sparks band (bassist for Ted Nugent, U.F.O., Michael Schenker). Other artists include country singer and Sony recording artist Cindy Standage. He is currently with “Snakes in Love”, an original hard rock outfit getting ready to hit the road very soon and you can be sure that TJS drums will be there with him.
“To me, tone is as important as technique. Tom is a true craftsman and he understands that. He knows how drums should sound. He’s the man. I’m honored to be part of the TJS family.” – Roger Cardillo
