Eddie Tuduri – Fatback, Life in the Pocket

Foreword by David Garibaldi (Tower of Power) Eddie’s personal take on his book will give you a real sense of him and his incredible journey in the music industry….

“The only place I could consider myself a household name would be in the Doghouse…LOL! Here is my take on this effort and or confession, as it were. Fatback, Life in the Pocket is filled with a lifetime of notes and bits & pieces of a sideman’s bizarre, idiosyncratic life in the business of drumming for a living. Many of my friends, most in fact, are worker bees in this business of music, including me.

We are not stars nor household names. We don’t live in those houses on the hill unless our financial status came from elsewhere. The likelihood of most of us becoming famous, rich, or celebrated beyond the realm of our fellow players, families, friends, and local supporters is slim, regardless of musical prowess, talent, or tireless determination. Most will never get the kind of recompense and compensation afforded by our “Hall of Fame” friends. They, too, have worked hard to achieve that status, but the element of time, place, and luck always plays a significant role, and the path is only sometimes paved in gold. Please enjoy this book, this journey, this life in the pocket!

About The Author

Drummer Eddie Tuduri’s story is clearly one that turns tragedy to triumph. After years as a successful musician in Los Angeles, working with the best of the best (The Beach Boys, Rick Nelson & The Stone Canyon Band, Brenda Russell, Brian Auger, Jimmy Messina, JD Souther, and Michael & Amy McDonald), Eddie unexpectedly met with tragedy. Eddie Tuduri broke his neck while in the ocean off the California shore in 1997. He thought his career was over and was told he’d never walk again. But Eddie’s fierce determination defied all odds, and he turned to music to serve him during the healing process. That began his long and arduous journey back to his career as a drummer, but, together with this unforeseeable life experience, a new chapter in his life was born, with an ever-widening horizon of opportunity to make a difference in so many other lives. He developed The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) – a methodology and curriculum that has become a widely used methodology helping thousands of children and adults with intellectual and developmental differences. The miracle of his positive influence on others now reaches around the globe today. His story from beginning to end is, all at once humorous, yet one of perseverance and triumph. In his words, “I thank God every day for my broken neck. The Rhythmic Arts Project has given me purpose. After all, there is no better life than a life of service.” Having been an endorser of Pearl Drums since the 1980s, Eddie developed a great relationship with the company, which has been a strong supporter of TRAP since the beginning — even building specially made drums and percussion easy for TRAP participants to play.

Additional Information 

“Our friend Eddie Tuduri’s story is one of turning tragedy to triumph…. The miracle of his positive influence on others reaches around the globe today. His story from beginning to end is all at once humorous, yet one of perseverance and triumph.” -Michael McDonald & Amy Holland

“Eddie is a mountain and has more than stood the test of time. He is a fierce advocate, focused, deliberate, most definitely, deeply kind, and has the biggest, loving heart of anyone I know.  He and I have been good friends for decades, and sometimes even bandmates along the way. Even now, after all these years, I am finding tidbits, here and there, in this glorious read, that he so kindly let me have an advance gander at! Bravo, my friend, never doubt for one second that you are so honored and loved here by so many, and more to come. Your life is a testament to all that is finite and truly good in a world so lacking!!!!” -Shaun Murphy (Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Herbie Hancock, The Moody Blues, Bob Seger)

“Eddie Tuduri has managed to detail what it is to negotiate the veritable “minefield” that is The Music Business and what it takes to make a living in it. He also amazingly describes the many subtle and nuanced elements that comprise a “groove and “feel.” At times, it is hysterically funny, but it is all delivered with the huge heart, wit, and wisdom of Eddie Tuduri. A tremendously fun and insightful read!” – Tris Imboden (Chicago, Firefall, Honk)

“Eddie Tuduri’s new book Fatback, Life in the Pocket, is a must-read for anyone in the music business or music education…or anyone who wants to read a heartfelt story with great advice from a wonderful longtime friend and a great musician. Eddie’s incredible personality shines through in every chapter. He breaks down the meaning of groove and feel better than anyone! Way to go, Eddie! What a great book!” -Gregg Bissonette(LA Recording Session/Touring Drummer, member of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band)

“While My role in Eddie Tuduri’s life is minimal, Eddie’s role in my life was quite significant.
I met Eddie in Nashville while working to put together a band to tour and record an album of songs that would include material that I had either written, produced, or performed while a Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins and Messina member….Eddie became a member of the new band, and we recorded an album in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, titled “Watching the River Run.” Eddie was instrumental in making that album feel as good as it did with his creative drumming and musical input. Recording and performing with Eddie was one of the better experiences of my life…and it’s my guess after reading his book, you too will find there are many parts to Eddie you may find extraordinary, if not surprisingly eye-opening.” –Jimmy Messina

$15.99 Price for E-book