At the 2020 NAMM Show, we asked Kaz straight forward about how he landed the gig with Chaka Khan. His answer was just as easy and informative as it could be:

"Well, it was because of the bass player of Josh Groban that I got invited to do a rehearsal with the band. It wasn't and didn't feel like a real audition. I sat in, and afterwards I heard the band felt good about my playing. Next thing I know I'm adding Chaka Khan gigs to my calendar."

Kaz' first official show was on the Monday right after the NAMM Show, in Washington DC.

The Stick Science
Back to Kaz' Zildjian sticks. As Kaz explains in the video, he added 3/4" to the stick mainly to get more definition when using the tip. For Kaz, these sticks allow him to make dark cymbals sound brighter, and because the taper is a little bit longer, it has more forward motion and gives it more capability for washing the cymbals.

Kaz Rodriguez shows you his Zildjian Signature Drumsticks
Here is Kaz, presenting them to you as the open guy that he is. During the Zildjian LIVE! video below, recorded in 2019, he was already playing them.


Official Kaz Rodriguez Artist Series Drumsticks Specs:

• Diameter: .580" | 1.47cm
  
• Length: 16.75" | 42.55cm
  
• Coating: Lacquer
  
• Wood: Hickory
  
• Tip Shape: Acorn
  
• Series: Artist Series

Zildjian LIVE! - Kaz Rodriguez
Here is Kaz playing Zildjian Live! in 2019. Recording sessions that are unparalleled in line-up and music. Watch closely to see many of the Zildjian artists digging each other. A few hints: you see Aaron Spears, Camille Bigeault, Sput Searight of course, Nate Werth (Ghost-Note, Snarky Puppy) on percussion and the insanely talented MonoNeon on bass.

Zildjian LIVE! Episode 2: Kaz Rodriguez
Song: Rain | Written by: Kaz Rodriguez | Arranged by: Robert Sput Searight


Kaz Rodriguez uses

• Zildjian cymbals & sticks
  
• Tama drums
  
• Remo drumheads
  
• Roland
  
• Earthworks Audio
  
• Protection Racket