Press Kit

Biography, Photos, and Audio

Pete Zimmer, a drummer and native of Waukesha, WI, moved to New York City in June of 2001, and has since released six (6) critically acclaimed albums as a leader since 2004 on his own record label, Tippin’ Records.  These albums, which feature in addition to his own masterful playing and compositions, a wide array of many of the best artists that have become the forefront of jazz during the past 20+ years.  This has claimed Zimmer’s stake as one of the top leading jazz drummer/bandleaders of the first part of the 21st century.  His latest album, Dust Settles, released September 8th, 2023, along with his five previous albums, showcase his identifiable and propulsive swing on the drums and his skillful and melodic compositions.  His composition from his first album Common Man, “Time That Once Was,” a ballad, was licensed to Sony Pictures Television and is featured in the opening scene of the series “Masters of Sex” (Episode 307, Monkey Business), aired previously on Showtime.  He has received many accolades from major publications. "Pete Zimmer has learned his New York lessons well, as his dry tone, meaty swing beat and subtle accents make him an old hand” (DownBeat), and "Zimmer's drumming boasts a crisp, swinging command with judicious musicality." (Modern Drummer) Zimmer has performed and recorded with George Garzone, Lezlie Harrison, Jeremy Pelt, Peter Bernstein, Michael Rodriguez, Joel Frahm, Champian Fulton and others.

As a highly regarded educator and clinician, Pete Zimmer has presented clinics and masterclasses at dozens of top collegiate jazz programs throughout the United States and United Kingdom. He was a faculty member with the New York Jazz Academy from 2009 until 2021.

All Music Guide stated, “Pete Zimmer's fourth recording as a bandleader and composer might stake his claim as a modern-day version of Art Blakey."