Wally Schnalle

Wally Schnalle has shaped the advanced jazz scene across northern California as a drummer and bandleader since the mid-1990s. After earning his degree from San Jose State University, he cut early sides alongside Francis Wong and appeared with both the Nova Vista Symphony and the San Jose Symphony. His first recording under his own name arrived in 1994 on the modest Tree Fort imprint, after which he assembled a steady-working quintet, though he had already directed ensembles intermittently since 1989. Featuring tenor saxophonist Dann Zinn and trumpeter John Worley, the group performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, taped a 1997 date for Retlaw, and maintained a busy schedule throughout northern California. Beyond his activities as a drummer-leader, Schnalle has served as music editor of International Drum! magazine and has maintained a parallel career as an educator.