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Drummer / Guitarist
I'm a Herts / London-based jazz drummer and guitarist available for sessions or lessons. My classical training, sound theoretical knowledge, and broad playing experience from rock to jazz, enables me to play any style of music. I can be contacted here:
Below on this page you can hear samples of my playing.
My interest in music began when I was encouraged to play classical piano at the age of 8. I passed grade examinations and continued playing for several more years. However I felt a strong desire to try other instruments as well. The first time I picked up a guitar I had a natural ability and a strong affinity for it.
A coming of age in the mid to late 70s coincided with the punk rock explosion, the energy and abandon of which still inspire me today.
Eventually I felt a need to listen to more complex music, and it was at a heavy rock party that I first heard the band Rush, whose drummer Neil Peart captivated me with his melodic drumming and technical brilliance.
Meeting Los Angeles composer and producer Scott Wheatley at Sussex University in 1984 introduced me to improvisational music, and brought me a whole new range of influences from the early bebop of Charlie Parker to the modern jazz of Pat Metheny and John Scofield. Scott and I continue to record together.
On leaving University, I spent formative musical years in Brighton (UK) playing with influential guitarist Robin Jones in the acclaimed jazz/flamenco guitar duet Passion Dance, which often paid homage to the unique partnership of John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia. We recorded an album and played many concerts including the Royal Festival Hall, London. I also played drums with then Hove-resident ex-Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Weston, when he expanded his popular duo The Pontiacs into a full band.
A work-residency in Paris from 1996 to 2000 included studying jazz improvisation at the Paris Conservatoire de Musique with French Vibraphone virtuoso David Patois. I played guitar and drums in a jazz and blues ensemble around the bars and clubs of Paris, and my spin-off saxophone/guitar duo was popular attraction on the banks of the River Seine.
A desire to travel and play music has led to studies at music schools in Cuba and Brazil, where I explored the roots of Afro-Cuban and Samba music. More recently, I have reached a new playing level through lessons with drum legend Pete Zeldman, which were challenging and inspiring to say the least.
The last few years have brought concerts and recordings with:
- North Herts Jazz Orchestra (guitar)
- Janos Agocsi / band Ruah (drums)
www.freewebs.com/janosagocsi/ruah.htm
www.myspace.com/ruahband
- London School of Samba (lead surdo) with whom I played samba festivals around Europe.
- Psychoyogi (drums) progressive "punk jazz" acclaimed by many including UK Drum Magazine, Rhythm. I currently play with this band
- Drummer with the progressive rock band I.F.O
I currently play with this band.
Demos:
Live Appearances:
Please email me for details
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