Artists
Chris Mead is Byrne Cymbal’s first ever endorsed artist. Chris is a working drummer in Austin Tx. as well as frequently on tour across the country. He also has the distinction of being the resident gear expert at the A&F Drum Co. showroom. His Byrne Cymbals set up includes 15″ Turk Hihats, a 20″ Quarter Turk Ride, and 19″ and 22″ Custom Hybrid Cymbals that he worked with Ray Byrne to develop. The Custom Hybrid Series of Cymbals are thinly lathed cymbals featuring a partially lathed bell on both sides and five evenly spaced hammering pockets to add some dirt in the wash.
Fred Mandujano is a full-time working drummer based in Austin, TX. He is relied on heavily for studio work and live music. Working on a wide variety projects, Fred is the definition of pro musician. His set-up consists of several unique and custom pieces but most notably the very rare Reverse Quarter Series which is fully lathed on top and wide lathed on the bottom. Complete with a classy Butterscotch Patina.
Tony Lee is a full-time player and educator in Columbia, SC. As a professional drummer, Tony works across a number of musical styles and is an accomplished jazz drummer. His Byrne Cymbals setup consists of a variety of cymbals including the flagship Vintage Series and an experimental, deep-hammered ride.
Jason Baczynski Originally from Houston, Texas, Jason Baczynski graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Music. He was mentored by the late A.D. Mannion during his university studies and was a member of the 1999 World Champion Percussion Section for the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corp of Rosemont, Illinois.
Jason’s distinct passion for drumming imbues his every musical action, and motivates his desire to embrace opportunities to be creative with sound and rhythm. With flawless cadence, inventive assertion, and a highly sensitive ear, Jason has the impressive ability to produce exhilarating sounds with deep affect while simultaneously illuminating the voices of his peers. It clearly vindicates the high degree to which his peers acclaim and esteem him and why Massimo Ricci of “Touching Extremes'” wrote: “Jason Baczynski’s variegated drumming sustains the rhythm and contributes to the visceral feeling of the whole….Baczynski sustains the rhythmic picture all alone, contributing with his own eclectic palette, underlining and stroking with utmost artistic education and gentle perspicacity.” Jason is currently touring and recording with Vincent Neil Emerson, among many others. Jason Baczynski makes his home in Austin, Texas.