What are your current projects?
I’m working very hard on getting the Drumsense Teaching Programme going in the USA, a new worldwide distribution deal for the Drumsense books, and the getting the Drumsense Drumkit Grades ready for validation…
What was your first gig?
school disco, 1970….
When did you start playing, and who were your biggest influences when you were starting out?
I started percussion lessons at school in 1970, but and then got my first drumkit. My first real influence was probably John Bonham, then Jon Hiseman and (biggest influence) Billy Cobham.
What is the most important thing you’ve learnt, perhaps something which changed your approach to playing?
Play the song, play the music, not necessarily the drums… My playing definitely took a turn when I learned to approach a song from the bottom up, to consider what a set of drums could add to the song, and to build a drum part for the tune, including fills, that could stay the same for every show. I learned not to get in the way of the melody and lyrics, this helped me particularly on jazz dates; don’t try to get the better of a good tune! (with a little encouragement, I will always tell the story of “not playing” at a gig and getting big praise for it!)
What advice would you give to young or new players wanting to get gigs?
hang out, hang out, hang out at jam nights, meet people, get your face around and always be polite.
What is the one thing a student should bring to Rhythmfest?
Bring an open mind and appreciate everyone for what they do and who they are…and that includes the other students and all the staff!
What are you going to be covering in your classes?
Last year I went with the flow of questions in order to cover things that the other teachers didn’t have on their agenda – that worked really well so I think I’ll do the same this time – bring your drumming questions and problems to me! Oh, and soloing….
What are the essential things a new drummer be spending their limited budget on?
Drumsticks! Assuming you’ve got a drumkit, I would say maintain a supply of sticks to hit them with! I’ve seen so many students turn up with one pair of rubbish sticks, they only have to break one and they’re stuffed! Sticks and a stick bag! Get them now!
Anything else you want to say?
Rhythmfest is the greatest week on the drumming calendar, anyone who plays drums to any standard, anyone who wants to learn more about drums and drumming, should be there!
