Pierce Downer-Old School Blues Drummer

Pierce Downer is a professional drummer, whose foundation is deeply rooted in Chicago’s traditional Blues. Pierce grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago. He discovered his love for music at a young age, listening to his father's band, a popular Jump, Rhythm & Blues band in the Chicago music scene. Hearing the band as they practiced in their living room, he felt an instant connection to the genre of “old school” Rhythm & Blues music that they were playing.

Pierce started on saxophone at an early age, but was drawn to the drums in middle school. One early highlight was when he got to meet Milt Trenier (founding member of the Fabulous Treniers) and play saxophone in his living room with 1950’s Sax legend, Big Jay McNeely! Another seminal moment came at a young age while seeing Muddy Water’s son, Mud Morganfield at a local venue. Early exposure to these world class artists, along with the encouragement of his father, helped Pierce’s realization that his heart beat to that of traditional Blues!

After graduating high school, Pierce focused on pursuing music full time, and started his own band. Just a few short years from his high school graduation, he received the call to join the Nick Moss Band as their new drummer. With a steady diet of “everything blues”, the Nick Moss Band immersed Pierce with a constant flow of material to study and master. 

Pierce’s first year with the Nick Moss Band also produced his first recording session with the band. “Get Your Back Into It”, on Alligator Records, released in July of 2023, was nominated for “Album of the Year”, “Band of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Traditional Blues Album of the Year”. The band took home the award for “Band of the Year”! Back in the studio in early 2025, NMB recorded their next album due out in 2026.

Since joining forces with Nick, Pierce has had the opportunity to play with many seasoned Blues veterans such as Anson Funderburgh, Billy Flynn, Kirk Fletcher, Kid Ramos, Sax Gordon, Piano Willie O'Shawny, and Curtis Salgado. Pierce is greatly influenced by drumming greats, such as Fred Below, Gene Krupa, Earl Palmer, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith.

Pierce Downer is not merely a drummer; he is a dedicated custodian of the classic Blues sound, bringing authenticity and powerful precision to every performance.