The Reviews are in... thank you!
"...I am absolutely impressed to death with your playing..."; "...because I would recommend you anywhere"; "Man, you just are one fabulous player..."
— Jazz Trombone Virtuoso Bill Watrous (August 26, 2005) (Bill's very kind words were transcribed from a voice message left on Steve's machine!)
"Steve knows how to kick a band as well as make it swing"
— Ralph Humphrey, Studio Legend/Drummer, Dancing With The Stars (March 9, 2013)
"Drummer Pemberton maintained interest through all of his turn, exploring every resource of his instrument from rims to skins. He also managed some delicate brush work..."
Arizona Daily Star — James Reel (February 15, 1989)
"Mr. Pemberton’s solo drew 3 ovations from the crowd before it was over. At times he was playing so fast that all you could see were blurry visions of his sticks flying by."
Composer's Manuscript Press — Scott Oyer (June 21, 1997)
Calls Pemberton a "steady-as-a-rock sideman"
Hartford Courant — Steve Metcalf (October 26, 1996)
"Drummer Steve Pemberton also showed great chops but of course, he had years of experience with the Boston Pops"
LA Jazz Scene — Ed Stauss (December, 2010)
"Pemberton was strong and aggressive, adding an exciting punch to the tune." Also noted: "Pemberton's solid drumming was felt throughout the tune..."; "Pemberton's brush work was just right for the tune."; "Pemberton kicked the band with plenty of fire."
LA Jazz Scene — Bob Comden (September, 2006)
"Pemberton urged the band on with his powerful, swinging drumming, while getting in a strong solo on this tune." Also noted: "and once again, Pemberton pushed the band with an exciting force."
LA Jazz Scene — Bob Comden (February, 2006)
"Pemberton is a first-rate drummer and really pushed the band hard."
LA Jazz Scene — Bob Comden (January, 2006)
"A Benny Goodman medley... gave the audience an opportunity to enjoy a great, exhilarating drum solo by Steve Pemberton. Gene Krupa himself would have surely enjoyed his display of rhythmic mastery."
Palm Beach Daily News — Nicole Rattinger (February 23, 1999)
Was amazed by his "wizardly solo, all followed by a standing ovation." Also noted: "Drummer Pemberton delivered (an) explosive solo in a version of 'Sing, Sing, Sing.'"
Philadelphia Inquirer — Leonard W. Boasberg (May 13–14, 1996/1997)
Referenced his appearance with Grover Washington, Jr. and Peter Nero, noting "percussionist Steve Pemberton... joined them in a dynamic four-way blues improvisation."
Philadelphia Inquirer (October 6, 1998)
"Many drummers fail in their solos because they aim only to show how fast and loud they can play. Pemberton's solo was an artistic exploration of timbre and articulation at soft and softer dynamics."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — Mark Kanny (October, 1987)
Considers Pemberton's drumming "elegant"
Sacramento Bee — William Glackin (January 14, 1990)
"...and Steve Pemberton on drums gave us a more intimate look at his mega-talent..."
Salt Lake Tribune — Jeff Manookian (April 10, 1995)
"Pemberton proved to be a percussionist in the mold of Buddy Rich."
The Sentinel-Ledger — Ed Wismer (February 4, 1993)
"former Boston Pops drummer Steve Pemberton tossing out impossible paradiddles as if he were feeding pigeons in the park." Also stated: "Pemberton executes a surgical waltz beat underneath what eventually morphs into..."
Spike Magazine (Online) — Eric Saeger (May 2, 2006)
"The Peter Nero Trio kicked off the show's second half, showcasing the impressive talents of ... drummer Steve Pemberton."
The Tribune Review (September 22, 1997)
"Pemberton used effective rhythms, varying tone colors and dynamics to create an enjoyable solo, so unlike most percussionists who rely on maniacal pounding to elicit a reaction from the audience..."
The Victoria Advocate — Gary DiMuzio (April 14, 1993)
Hails Pemberton's "show-stopping solo" at the Kennedy Center and considers him "breathless"
Washington Post — Joseph McLellan & Charles McCardell (1988–1992)
"Best of all was... he and his trio members--bass player Michael Barnett and drummer Steve Pemberton--worked a most inventive and swinging improv on 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.'"
Washington Post — Pamela Sommers (December 13, 1999)
"'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'... That Kringle tribute featured Nero's own guys: Michael Barnett playing his unusual electric upright Clevinger bass, and Steve Pemberton tearing things up on the drums."
The Virginian Pilot — Frank Roberts (December 18, 2000)