Every once in a while, a band comes along with a sound so tight, so full of soul and drive, it leaves a lasting impression—even if the mainstream never quite caught on. One of those bands is Big House, known for their Bakersfield Sound and led by Monty Byrom alongside an outstanding lineup of musicians: David Neuhauser, Chuck Seaton, Sonny California, Ron Mitchell, and Monty’s brother — the incredible Tanner Byrom on drums.
This post isn’t about promotion. It’s not about gear. It’s about giving a little recognition to a drummer who never got the spotlight he truly deserved.
Tanner Byrom isn’t flashy. He’s not out front. But he’s the best drummer I’ve ever heard. Bar none.
Solid as a rock, Tanner sits behind a simple setup—kick, snare, hi-hat, crash—and turns every track into a masterpiece of groove and feel. His ability to control a song’s tempo and emotional are is second to none. He doesn’t overplay. He plays right, and that makes all the difference.
Being the brother of the frontman may have pushed him further into the shadows, but make no mistake: Tanner’s drumming is the heartbeat of Big House. The soul behind the swagger.
If you’ve never given them a listen, I recommend starting with just a few of their standout tracks:
- Guitars and Whiskey
- Amarillo
- Cold Outside
- You Ain’t Lonely Yet
- Road Man
- There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight
- I Walk Alone
Trust me, listen close—and see if you don’t agree.
This is just one musician tipping his hat to another. Tanner, if you ever see this: thanks for keeping it real, keeping it tight, and making it groove. You’re one of the greats.
