Scott Hoffman, Drum/Percussion Technician

WHERE DO YOU LIVE WHEN NOT ON THE ROAD?
Cumming, Georgia (Suburb of Atlanta)

WHAT IS YOUR TOUR JOB?
Drum/Percussion Technician for Steve Gadd and Luis Conte on US legs of tour
Drum Technician for Steve Gadd and Keyboard Technician for Larry Goldings on European leg of tour

WHAT WAS THE FIRST TOUR THAT YOU WORKED ON AS A CREW MEMBER?
Drum and keyboard technician for .38 Special (1991)

WHAT YEAR WAS YOUR FIRST JAMES TAYLOR TOUR?
2003

WHEN DID YOU MEET JAMES FOR THE FIRST TIME?
I met James in the catering room during the first day of 2003 tour rehearsals. James and his wife Kim came to the table were I was sitting and asked if they could join me. They welcomed me to the tour and we talked over lunch.

WHAT PART OF THE TOUR DAY DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST AND WHY?
After soundcheck because everything has been set up, checked and is ready for show time.

DO YOU ENJOY TRAVELING BY BUS AND SLEEPING IN A BUNK?
There is something about the engine noise and movement that makes me sleep better on the bus than any other place.

WHEN JAMES AND THE BAND ARE ONSTAGE AT CONCERT TIME WHERE ARE YOU POSTED AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
I sit just behind Steve Gadd during the show and keep an eye on him and Luis Conte just in case something breaks or comes loose during the show. I also communicate their ear monitor requests thru intercom to Rachel the ear monitor engineer.

WHAT IS ONE ITEM YOU NEVER LEAVE FOR TOUR WITHOUT?
A drum key (which is used to adjust the pitch of a drum).

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
It is a great honor to be starting my 12th year with James Taylor and all the awesome people in his band and crew.

_{Photo: Robert Riddle}