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Welcome to the Trapset, where each week we explore the lives of drummers.

I want to play something for you.

You're hearing Exordium by the Harry Parch ensemble, featuring featuring my guest John Santo on percussion.

Parch created his own musical universe, complete with a 43-note microtonal octave,

and several instruments invented solely to play his compositions.

Santo's rare combination of rigorous virtuosity and deep emotional intelligence made him a perfect fit for the iconoclastic composer's ensemble.

In 1976, John began performing with the San Diego Symphony, with whom he still holds a position.

His versatility has led to additional gigs ranging from live film scores to Klesmer.

He's also served as a mentor to generations of aspiring San Diego percussionists, including

past guest of this show, Matt Cameron.

John also remains active as a parched archivist and is preparing to release a new LP.

And now our conversation with John Santo. I got involved in music pretty early on,

and it's really funny because my mom wanted to play drums when she was a kid,

and of course, that was way too early.

I mean, they were never going to let her, and they were very poor at the time.

They couldn't have afforded it, but no girls weren't going to play drums. And somehow,

when I showed the interest, she was pretty much behind it. So between that and just the kinds of

cultural things that happen in a, in a at least slightly larger city.

I was able to do things that I think I probably would not have had the options to do back there.

...