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Jason Kruk
Jason Kruk is a New York City-based drummer, composer, and educator with over 30 years of experience. Known for his versatility and technical depth, Jason’s career spans a vast musical landscape—from the precision of jazz, fusion, and big band to the groove of funk, Afro-Cuban salsa, and rock.
His academic foundation includes a B.A. in Psychology from Lawrence University and an M.M. in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. Throughout his development, he has studied under legendary masters such as Ed Soph, David Garibaldi, and Ignacio Berroa.
Jason’s international footprint includes tours across Europe and North America, with performances in France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and the Caribbean. In New York, he has performed at iconic venues like The 55 Bar, Nublu, The Living Room, The Brooklyn Bowl, and The Bitter End. His collaborative resume is a “who’s who” of modern music, having worked with Grammy-winning members of Snarky Puppy (Mike League, Bob Lanzetti, Mike Maher, Jay Jennings), Tom Luer (Gordon Goodwin Band), Sean Nowell, Art Hirahara, Isamu McGregor, Dan Arcamone, Mike Nunno, FRO, Linda Oh, Pascal Le Boeuf, Remy Le Boeuf, Josephine Ancelle, the Bryan Hilton Quintet, Mojo Perry, Todd Parsnow, Shelley Carrol, Jeff Eckels, Ken Peplowski, Kim Richmond, Fima Ephron, Kelly Sill, Randy Sabien, Galen Abdul-Zarrahk, Chris Hoffman, Matt Turner, Marlin McKay, Mark Urness, Tom Washatka, Emilie Cardinaux, A.J. Mallory (Rebirth Brass Band), Dave Sullivan, Jon Harmon, Michael Spiro, Gene Bertoncini and many other gifted artists.
Jason is a proud endorser of Evans Drumheads, Ottaviano Cymbals, and Vulcan Drums.
Beyond the Veil, Jason’s newest release, features Wayne Krantz, Adam Rogers, Fima Ephron, and members of Snarky Puppy, out on Sun Goose Records May 1, 2026.
Awards
2007 Banff Artist Scholarship
1994 DCI World Champion
Endorsements: Evans drumheads, Ottaviano cymbals, Vulcan Drums
Gear
22" Ottaviano Ride
20" Ottaviano Ride
18" Ottaviano Ride
14" Ottaviano hats
12/14/16/5.5x14 snare - Custom
10/12/14/20/Marvin "Smitty" Smith Pearl snare - Custom
12/14/18 - Vulcan Custom
Tags
Anthony Garone, Claudio Scolari, Jason Kruk, Mohini Dey, Tom Kennedy, Miles Davis and Chick Corea
by Len Davis
We open with some fiery new music from drummer Jason Kruk with guitarist Wayne Krantz fromBeyond The Veil, and from German guitarist Sinan Cem Eroglu plus Greg Spero and Mohini Dey with some live fusion. From Italy Drift Lab lights things up quickly followed by guitar genius Matteo Mancuso. There's heavy fusion from Japanese band Dezolve followed by improvised music from Australian band Three Wise Monkeys. Guitarist Anthony Garone impresses with odd metered fusion and Italian band Claudio Scolari Project, ...
Continue Reading"Kruk, whose drumming is blisteringly vital throughout, wrote all the compositions, all of which are uniformly solid and invite serious listening." - Roger Farbey, Jazz Journal (UK)
"Beyond the Veil embodies a growing trend in contemporary jazz and fusion: music that prioritizes depth, collaboration, and emotional resonance over genre conventions. It’s a record that rewards patient listening; one where subtlety and nuance unfold with each play." - Michael Stover, Skope Magazine
"Throughout, Kruk’s drumming is the engine: precise, muscular, and always pushing the music forward. Beyond the Veil is memorable, energetic, and packed with standout performances - a must hear for fusion fans and one of 2026’s early high points." -Eric Porter, Sea of Tranquility
Miles Davis
trumpet
Herbie Hancock
piano
Dave Holland
bass
Wayne Krantz
guitar, electric
Charlie Parker
saxophone, alto
Chris Potter
saxophone, tenor
Tony Williams
drums
Adam Rogers
guitar
Eric Harland
drums
Snarky Puppy
band / ensemble / orchestraPhotos
Music
Videos
Jason Kruk
Location: New York City
Instrument: Drums
Born: January 19
Publicist: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
