Drummers aren't like other people, and they don't want to be. You have to love them for who they are.

Luis Hernandez is a case in point. Most professional musicians start fairly young, or at least during their teen years. But the Puerto Rico-born Hernandez didn't start seriously studying music until he was 21. Hernandez quickly learned his art and craft, however, studying drums and percussion with such heavyweights as Freddy Santiago (Chaka Khan, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Chick Corea) and the late, great jazz drummer and educator Jim Chapin.

Before long, he was touring (as a drum technician) with Ricky Martin, working on the David Letterman, Today Show, and much more.

Musical endeavors alone weren't enough for Hernandez, however, so he joined the military during the height of 911 in 02, swapping from the sticks to infantry, subsequently played in the U.S. Army 4th Division Band.

After completing his military obligation, he returned to performing as a session musician and live performer and developed his skills as a clinician. In his most recent clinics, he is going well beyond discussing technique to talk about physics, ethics, and professionalism. You don't get that from most clinicians, but Hernandez is not most clinicians. He tries to do well and do right and brings that approach to everything he does. It's easy to love a drummer like that!

From studio sessions to HBO TV bumpers, Luis covers all bases with excellency and attention to detail.