Porsche Never Built a Tour Bus, But This Drummer Did
A Unique Journey: From Jazz to a Porsche
Touring as a musician can be an intense and demanding experience. For many bands, flying is the preferred option, offering comfort and convenience. However, touring by bus often means long days of travel, repeated for months on end. For Joel Rosenblatt, a drummer with the jazz group Spyro Gyra, his final tour took an unconventional route—he drove his Porsche.
Rosenblatt’s love for cars began early, influenced by his mechanically inclined father, who owned unique vehicles like the Citroën DS19, Peugeot 404, and Borgward Isabella. While he initially wanted to fit in at school, his passion for cars eventually became a part of his identity. His mother, a pianist, also played a significant role in shaping his musical interests.
At age 13, Rosenblatt attended a Buddy Rich concert that changed the course of his life. Instead of being captivated by trumpet players, he was drawn to the drummer's energy and skill. That moment sparked his desire to become a drummer. He started with a go-kart, but his parents were concerned about his safety. They offered him a choice: stop karting or get a drum kit. The drums won out, and he began his journey into music.
After high school, Rosenblatt studied jazz at the University of Bridgeport, but he quickly realized that practical experience was more valuable than academic credentials. He joined wedding bands and worked with artists like Matt “Guitar” Murphy and Pure Prairie League, gaining experience and building connections.
His career eventually led him to Spyro Gyra, where he spent 13 years playing and recording. During this time, he accumulated a variety of cars, including a 1971 Chevy Nova and a 1973 Plymouth Fury. By 2000, he felt the need for something more stylish and expressive—so he bought a 1982 Porsche 911 SC Targa through eBay.
Rosenblatt made several modifications to the car, including adding Fuchs wheels, lowering it, and installing performance parts. These changes gave the Porsche a unique sound and style that reflected his artistic personality.
When it was time to move on from Spyro Gyra, Rosenblatt decided to take a different approach to his next tour. Instead of flying, he opted to drive his Porsche across the country. This decision came after some doubt and hesitation, but ultimately, he embraced the challenge.
The trip was not without its challenges. He had to replace a distributor, deal with tire issues, and make several mechanical fixes along the way. Despite these obstacles, he managed to cover 15,000 miles in seven weeks, making stops in cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, and even a quick trip to Mexico.
Throughout the journey, Rosenblatt used his Porsche as a mobile workspace, carrying gear, camping equipment, and even a plastic urinal to manage leaks from the Targa top. He followed back roads, avoiding interstates, and experienced the thrill of driving at high speeds.
Despite the difficulties, Rosenblatt found the experience rewarding. It was a journey of self-discovery and renewal, helping him transition from a stable gig to a new chapter in his career. The Porsche became a symbol of his journey, a faithful companion on the road.
The trip left a lasting impression on Rosenblatt. It was more than just a tour—it was a personal adventure that brought him closer to himself and his art. As he reflects on the experience, he sees it as a meaningful step in his life, one that helped him grow both as a musician and as an individual.