Theodore Jacob Epstein is an American drummer and founding member of the noise rock band Blind Idiot God. He also improvised in the band Slan, which included saxophonist John Zorn and guitarist Elliott Sharp.[1] He has not been credited with a musical performance since leaving Blind Idiot God in 1996.
Epstein's drumming style has been highly acclaimed, with Brian Olewnick of allmusic saying that "[his] drumming is a marvel to hear, combining an overwhelming strength with an unusual subtlety of rhythmic choices that one doesn't often hear in music as ostensibly rock-based as this."[6] Epstein has commented that funk music played a pivotal role in his development as a musician, naming Funkadelic, Grandmaster Flash, Sly and the Family Stone, and The Meters as being particularly influential. Concerning improvisation, Epstein has said, "I find it really challenging and interesting to see what happens when I'm put in a position where I have to create on the spot. More often than not, something very unique happens that I think would be hard to get out of myself under normal circumstances. I have to achieve a certain level of adrenalin."[2]
