Charles Ruggiero

Drummer, Producer, Mixer.

starstarstarstarstar
26 Reviews (14 Verified)
Charles Ruggiero on SoundBetter

Professional Drummer from NY (living in LA) with 35+ years of recording, touring, production, and mixing experience ready to deliver exactly what you're looking for. From Kenny G to Ozzfest, and everything in-between!

I love making music with other people and creating something great - together. Aside from high quality drumming, creativity & collaboration are my strong suits. I've been in bands for as long as I've been playing, but I've also been a hired gun so I'm just as comfortable if you tell me "I have no idea what this should sound like" as I am if you say "play exactly this."

I also produce and mix, (I have 6 records of my own out!) so I know all the things that go into making music and I know how to cater and deliver the best possible track(s) for you from just a stereo two track for demoing to full mixed multitrack drums and percussion. I'm confident that my playing speaks for itself, as do my credits (see below), so I guess what I'd like to say (on this tinder for collaborative artists :) is this:

Whether you're looking for someone to give you what you already hear, or create something new to add life to your music, I'm your guy. I look forward to working with you!

Feel free to reach out and let's start a conversation about your music!

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Charles Ruggiero
  • The Uptown Quintet
  • Bob Stata
  • Bob Stata
  • Gretje Angell
  • Gretje Angell
  • Gretje Angell
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Jeremy Manasia
  • Jeremy Manasia
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Joseph Lulloff
  • Jeremy Manasia
  • Behn Gillece
  • Barak Mori
  • Jeremy Manasia
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Frank Basile
  • Charles Ruggiero
  • Jami Templeton
  • Jami Templeton
  • Jami Templeton
  • Ian Hendrickson-Smith
  • Ian Hendrickson-Smith
  • Ian Hendrickson-Smith

26 Reviews - 3 Repeat Clients

Endorse Charles Ruggiero
  1. Review by David Kissam
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Charles is a true collaborator. He was willing to work with me to create a great drum track that satisfies my vision (and beyond!). He's friendly, takes feedback well, and pays attention to detail. He has great ideas on the drums, and a great sense of what a song needs. His sound perfectly matches the song and is well-recorded.

  2. Review by Mike P.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Charles is an excellent, super thoughtful musician who goes the extra mile. He was really communicative, understood what I was going for (and provided ideas that made the song better), and gave me with a ton of material to work with. Great drummer and great dude!

  3. Review by Charlie R.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Charles did a great job laying down drums on a demo of mine - highly recommended to all!

  4. Review by Jari Salmikivi
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Another great experience working with Charles! Whether it be drumming or mixing, he always makes sure the result is exactly the way I want it. He´s such a pro and it´s always tons of fun to work with Charles, great communication. Fantastic musician and a great guy. Highly, highly recommended!

  5. Review by Jari Salmikivi
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Once again such a great experience working with Charles! With him you can be 100% guaranteed that you´ll get tasteful, in the pocket grooves that fits the song perfectly. His creative ideas are always great as well, lifting any song to a new level. I´ve worked with Charles several times already and will definitely work with him again. Highly recommended!

  6. Review by Josué P.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Excellent drummer and producer. Tasteful playing, great sound, and very personal approach! Will definitely be working with Charles again.

  7. Review by Matthew Henson
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Charles is great! He truly cares about making sure you get what you want and lays out his terms right up front. You will not be disappointed! I will continue to recommend him to anyone I can!

  8. Review by Jarin Bressler
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Once again, thank you Charles for a job well done! You are amazing with your skills, and incredibly friendly person to work with. All the best to you!

  9. Review by John
    starstarstarstarstar
    by John
    check_circleVerified

    Charles is a legit pro. Took a lot of extra time to make sure this project came out sounding perfect, and I couldn't be happier. All-around talented drummer, any style, any complexity. I gave him a real beast and he tamed it without issue. Would and will call again for the next drum session.

  10. Review by Grant B.
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Charles gave me a great jazzy drum part that fit perfectly with the feel of my song. Quick turnaround time - we went from my initial job request to his final mix in just a few days. Friendly and easy to work with.

  11. Review by Jarin Bressler
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Fantastic drummer who takes your song to the next level! He knows his style and genre to the utmost and is the most consummate professional. Details don't go unnoticed with him and he will go the extra mile to get you your tracks on time. Hire him!

  12. Review by David Kissam
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    Charles is a master of his craft. I gave him what I think was a fairly challenging set of instructions for an improvised drum part and he was able to quickly deliver a musical result. His playing is intricate and supports the melody, which is what I was looking for. He has enormous range, from reserved and delicate to complex and raucous. His sound is lush and beautiful. I look forward to working with him again!

  13. Review by Jari Salmikivi
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    This is my second time working with Charles. The first time was on a jazz tune, and this time I needed live drums for a rockabilly and a rock/blues song.

    Showing his versatility, Charles delivered some phenomenal drumming on both tunes and showed his extraordinary talent for playing what is best for the song.

    He also came up with some great creative ideas that only someone with his vast musical experience and talent could do.

    Once again, a great experience. I highly recommend him!

  14. Review by Erika Schiff
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified (Client)

    I cannot praise this man enough. Seriously. Besides the talent, intuition, precision and in-the-pocket groove while still feeling laid back...this man is one of the nicest, most positive vibe people you will meet in this industry. I've worked with so many people and Charles has a light that is infectious. Whether it's on a recording, a phone call, or a live show...his amazing energy cuts through. He's a great mixer to boot! To many more Charles. Cheers!

  15. Review by Jari Salmikivi
    starstarstarstarstar
    check_circleVerified

    What a pro! I had a jazz tune that needed live drums and contacted Charles. Not only did Charles provide world-class drumming that took the song to an entirely new level, but he also delivered a great mix/master of the song.

    Nothing but excellent quality of work and service.

    It´s been an absolute pleasure working with a top-level pro like Charles, and I will definitely work with him again. Do not hesitate to work with Charles on your next project. I highly recommend him.

  16. Review by James Salter
    starstarstarstarstar
    by James Salter

    One of the most versatile players in the business. Truly a joy to work with and he makes every session a joy to be on!

  17. Review by Sean Hurley
    starstarstarstarstar

    I’m a big fan of Charles’ playing, and as a bassist, I’m very particular about what I look for in a drummer. He’s got it all: groove, dynamics, creative ideas and great sounds. You can’t gone wrong with Charles on your track!

  18. Review by Glen Forrest
    starstarstarstarstar
    by Glen Forrest

    Charles is the quintessential modern drummer! Equally adept at multiple genres of music Big "C" lays down the groove and foundation every single time. His talents not only as a musician but as a songwriter and arranger makes him an incredible asset to any project. He has decades of stage and studio experience without the ego and always brings the positive energy which is so conducive to a successful session. Whether it's a tender ballad or an all out rocker Charles has that magic feel. He lives and breathes music and his playing speaks for itself. 5 stars is not enough for this guy!

  19. Review by Pat Harrington
    starstarstarstarstar
    by Pat Harrington

    Charles is an innovative drummer who is also an excellent arranger and real solid dude. I’ve recorded many an album, played many a show and traveled many miles with Charles and he is one of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with. An asset to any recording project, he’s a dynamic force behind the drum kit who knows how to bring out the best in everyone around him. He’s the guy you’re looking for.

  20. Review by Howard Snodgrass
    starstarstarstarstar
    by Howard Snodgrass

    Charles is my drummer. He brings groove, joy, and a creative flair to every situation. He can play anything, but excels at bringing each track exactly what it needs without any empty calories. He should be your drummer too. Check him out: https://howardsnodgrass.com/

loading
play_arrowpause
skip_previous
skip_next
Charles Ruggiero Sampler

I was the Dummer in this production

Terms Of Service

Unlimited revisions (within reason.) Turn around times depend on many variables but I work fast so there's that. Basically I'll work with you to get you what you need in the time you need it.

GenresSounds Like
  • Jeff Porcaro
  • John Bonham
  • Philly Joe Jones
Gear Highlights
  • I endorse Yamaha Drums
  • and Zildjian Cymbals. I have state of the art and industry standard mics and recording equipment in my home studio. I also have working relationships with 3 professional studios in LA if your budget allows.
More Photos
SoundBetter Deal

Multiple track discount available!