About Brian

Appreciated for his deep musicality, tastefulness, and creativity on the drum set and in his compositions, Brian Wright has been somewhat of a musical chameleon, performing and recording with ensembles spanning a wide spectrum of genres from swinging straight-ahead jazz to experimental avant-garde improvised music to mainstream pop and rock. As a freelance session musician, Brian has recorded on over 50 albums, soundtracks, and television commercials. 

He holds a master’s degree in jazz studies from California Institute of the Arts, where he studied with renowned jazz drummer Joe La Barbera, bassists Charlie Haden and Darek Oles, guitarists Larry Koonse and Steve Cardenas, avant-garde trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, pianists David Roitsten and Alan Pasqua, and others. Brian also holds a bachelor's degree from Washington State University, where he studied with saxophonists Geof Bradfield, Horace Alexander-Young, Greg Yasinistky, percussionist Dave Jarvis, pianist Charles Argersinger, and others. Having performed and adjudicated at jazz festivals and universities, Brian has recorded in studios throughout the U.S., including work with Grammy Award-winning producers and engineers. 

From 2012-2017, Brian was a recording and touring member of pop band Pure Bathing Culture, where he toured throughout North America and Europe as a headlining act and as an opening act for internationally recognized bands. In 2022, Brian relocated to New Mexico, where he has been a guest artist, clinician, and part-time instructor at New Mexico State University, teaching drum set lessons and leading a jazz combo. Since 2022, Brian has performed with jazz artists such as trumpeter Terell Stafford, UK-based pianist Raffy Bushman, guitarists Steve Cardenas and Craig Hall, bassists Ben Allison and Nat Reeves, saxophonist Abel Mireles, vocalist Candice Reyes, and many others. Brian performs regularly with his jazz group, Third Line Jazz Trio (originals and standards), with bassist Arnold Schnitzer and guitarist Mike Sunjka. 

Brian regularly records remotely for a variety of music genres in his fully professional Pro Tools-equipped studio, using vintage and modern equipment. In 2025 and 2026, Brian has been busy recording drums for artists such as Adam Arcuragi, Leigh Moody, and others. The room has been specifically treated to achieve outstanding drum sounds. Reach out to hire him for your next project!