The sound you want. The expertise you need.
Chris has recorded and performed with artists across the spectrum, from George Clinton and Fishbone to The Headhunters, Lester Chambers and Patrice Rushen. He’s become a favorite engineer and drum tech for legendary drummers like Bill Summers,Mike Clark and Prairie Prince.
In addition to co-leading Seal Party, a fluid ensemble blending rock, soul, and jazz, Chris is a busy session drummer, ready to craft the perfect drum track, remote or in-person.
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Drums
Decades behind the kit. One of the Bay Area's most respected drummers. Chris brings feel, precision, and an engineer's ear to every performance, playing every note with the final mix in mind.
“Chris is down to earth…a drummer who really could play, and knows his way around the studio. His drum tracks came out sounding big, beautiful, and rocking. Chris was game to give us several iterations, and worked with us until we were very happy with the result.”
Jesse Walkershaw, Go Van Gogh/Blonde Toledo
Tracking drums at Wally's HydeOut inside the legendary Hyde Street Studios, Chris captures world-class drum sounds at the source with the depth, clarity, and character that no plugin can replicate.
“Recording drums…at Wally’s HydeOut was the ultimate experience for me. All the criteria I look for was covered and then some: killer room, drum tones for days, awesome cymbal selection and…the affable and supremely knowledgeable engineer Chris McGrew (who is also a badass drummer). The sessions I did flew by but by the time we were finished, I came home with some of the best tracks of my life. Affordable rates too. I gave the experience an A+ and will return in the future and am already referring Chris out to friends.”
Rob Ahlers, 50 foot wave
Great drum tracks start long before the record button is pressed. Chris builds every session from the ground up selecting kits, tuning drums, and shaping tones that serve the song.
“Chris made it happen as engineer & producer on our very first album, He helped us organize our arrangements, stepped in on drums to drive our songs, and helped us find our signature sound. He framed our very eclectic sound with just the right choices and we just couldn't have done it without him. we are forever grateful.”
Daniel Scharff, Super Fantastics
Press & Reviews
"In the world of music production, the drums are more than just rhythm. They are the pulse of a song, the energy that drives a track forward and gives it life. For drummer, engineer, and drum tracking specialist Chris Mcgrew, shaping that Puls has become both a craft and a calling..."
“Chris McGrew is the personification of today’s hybrid producer/engineer/artist/businessman. His vast experience as a musician and producer provides a hands-on experience for bands and artists who need to take their recordings to the next level. He not only helps you mold your sound with microphones, amps, and setups but uses his vast knowledge as an artist himself. All while watching a budget and keeping a business humming.”
