What was your first gig?
My first gig playing drums was aged 9 with a guitarist friend and a keyboard which I’d sequenced the bass parts on as we didn’t know anyone who played electric bass – you’re never too young to start learning to play with loops! After that, my first professional gig was playing timpani for an orchestra in Nottingham – I was doing a lot of that side of things before I took drum kit seriously.

When did you start playing, and who were your biggest influences when you were starting out?
Initially I pretty much taught myself by copping everything I could understand at that stage from guys like Mitch Mitchell, Ian Paice and Roger Taylor of Queen. It was only later that people exposed me to the likes of Gadd, Vega, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette etc, who then proceeded to, and still do, blow my mind. Another big influence is Ralph Salmins – one of the finest players on the planet and someone who I’ve learned a lot from in lessons over the past few years.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt, perhaps something which changed your approach to playing?
I was at a performance Paul Clarvis was playing on – just this really small kit he played mainly on brushes, a saxophonist and vibes player. I learned from that how deep groove can be without even playing a note! Paul’s pocket was so immense and yet he had the lightest of touch most of the time and played so simply and beautifully. I left the gig a changed man – he listen so well to the other guys and gave himself over for the sake of the music – there were no displays of chops, just beautiful music.

What advice would you give to young or new players wanting to get gigs?
Listen to as much music as you can – figure what makes it feel good and try and emulate it. Also, get used to practising to a click from the start – the main thing a band wants from a drummer is good time and feel.

What is the one thing a student should bring to Rhythmfest?
An open mind and open ears.

What are you going to be covering in your classes?
I’ll be focussing on a really musical approach to jazz playing – putting the melody of a tune first and developing vocabulary from that as matter of principle. We’ll also delve into some key players who shaped the evolution of jazz drumming and learn some of the ideas they brought to the table. I also plan on covering some areas of Cuban and Brazilian styles which drummers often get called to play in a jazz setting. Have sticks at the ready – there’ll be lots of volunteers needed!

What are the essential things a new drummer be spending their limited budget on?
I would say a metronome, ear plugs, and buying CD’s or mp3’s to inspire you are all top of the list.

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!

What was your first gig?
My first paying gig, with Gloria Gaynor at the tender age of 18.

When did you start playing, and who were your biggest influences when you were starting out?
I started playing percussion at 6 years old & drums at about 8 years old. Drums were around me from a baby, my musical family is my inspiration.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt, perhaps something which changed your approach to playing?
All info is good info!!

What advice would you give to young or new players wanting to get gigs?
Vocabulary, versatility & character on the kit.

What is the one thing a student should bring to Rhythmfest?
Bring more than one basket for your eggs. An open mind!!

What are you going to be covering in your masterclass?
Wait and see…

What was your first gig?
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra in 1976. Playing Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey ad Harry James music.

When did you start playing, and who were your biggest influences when you were starting out?
My biggest early influences were Keith Moon, Buddy Rich, John Von Ohlen, Billy Cobham and Tony Williams.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt, perhaps something which changed your approach to playing?
To ‘listen’.

What advice would you give to young or new players wanting to get gigs?
Familiarise yourself and study as many different styles of music as possible, and the people who’ve been great in those styles. Work on your time, your feeling and your confidence. Try to make friends with and play with the kind of musicians you’d like to be playing with. Record yourself often, and listen back after playing with people. Is it close to what you meant your playing to feel like or was it serving the music? Be the best you can be and try to get hooked up with like-minded artists. Networking is also important. The aim is to start getting heard by people you’d like to hear you.

What is the one thing a student should bring to Rhythmfest?
An open mind and some true aspiration.

What are you going to be covering in your masterclass?
I like to think I’ll be covering musicality, chiefly – and as many aspects of that as we’ll have time to cover. That’s my motto – it’s all about the music, whether it’s abstract, classical, folk, blues or all kinds of jazz, rock or pop. The drummer is a musician first!

What are the essential things a new drummer be spending their limited budget on?
Gear is not a major concern. On some of my favourite projects that I have played on, I played on dismal drum kits. You can be playing on dustbins and cardboard boxes and make amazing music. Maybe some cool clothes.. and maybe some antiperspirant for when you get through the gig or session and don’t want to smell too bad. These, and oh yes.. BUY your music. PAY for CDs and downloads.

Anything else you want to say?
As ever, I shall be pleased if even one thing I may say (or play) may be either helpful or inspirational to someone. Events like this are never about someone like me “showboating”, this is about me hopefully being of some help to aspiring players. That’s as much as I ever hope to achieve. That’s why I’ll be only too pleased to be there.

What was your first gig?
I said yes to a gig, found a kit, learned to play it and did the show all in three weeks. I’m pretty chuffed to say that I’ve never not had a gig in my diary since. That was 20 years ago. Hooked since that day…!

When did you start playing, and who were your biggest influences when you were starting out?
Nicko McBrain initially but then Steve White who became my teacher and a good mate now. Steve really taught me the importance of being a great drummer but being an even better musician. Between then and now Pete Riley and Stanton Moore have also become influences, teachers and friends. All my favourite musicians influence me.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt, perhaps something which changed your approach to playing?
It’s got to be that point that Steve said to me and has been reinforced time and time again about being a musician first. My favourite bass player Billy Fuller says the word ‘listen’ a lot. That’s good advice too…

What advice would you give to young or new players wanting to get gigs?
Remember what you’re asking the audience to do – listen to your music – and do the same critically. Would you go to your show? Be honest and remember that no one cares about your drumming, they just want to hear a great band. Do the right thing for music and forget about your ego and you’ll be fine.

What is the one thing a student should bring to Rhythmfest?
A spare hard drive for the brain. You’ll fill it up.

What are you going to be covering in your classes?
Playing music! I’ll be looking at loads of things from applying stickings in lots of ways, some linear stuff, coordination and independence ideas plus how to approach playing a track, being creative and applying all the drummy ideas practically in a musical setting.

What are the essential things a new drummer be spending their limited budget on?
A metronome. A drummer with bad time is not a drummer. There are so many reasons to buy a metronome. Come on the Rhythmfest – I’ll prove it…!

What was your first gig?
My first gig was with my family band when I was a kid…playing original rock songs….but my first professional gig was with Jean Toussaint, a saxophonist who use to play with Art Blakey…I really learnt a lot playing with him and he was a very encouraging guy.

When did you start playing, and who were your biggest influences when you were starting out?
I got my first set of drums when I was 9 and my first influences were Mark Helm from ‘The Band’ and when they use to back Bob Dylan and Alex Acuna from Weather Report ….but I didn’t know who they were at the time of course. Later on I got more into jazz and Drummers like Papa Jo Jones, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams and Ralph Peterson who later became my teacher.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt, perhaps something which changed your approach to playing?
Playing in church really altered the way I feel and play music. The church I grew up in was not a gospel church as such (although I am very much into that sound) but playing songs in that context helped me to think about something higher than myself and the drums . It was also about playing with sensitivity and support.

What advice would you give to young or new players wanting to get gigs?
Persevere with trying to make better music, be a nice person and turn up on time! Preparation is the key to success.

What is the one thing a student should bring to Rhythmfest?
Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. oh…that was 2 things!

What are you going to be covering (in pretty general terms) in your masterclass?
How to make music feel good as a drummer ie keeping time/pocket, complimenting other musicians/ artists, and playing a song AND…how to expand your vocabulary as a drummer with the use of the rudiments, Rhythmic formulae and experimentation.

What are the essential things a new drummer be spending their limited budget on?
apart from the obvious…sticks and instruments…spend money on going to see musicians play live….so much can be gleaned from watching other players.

Anything else you want to say?
Come to Rhythm fest….you will be challenged, inspired and refreshed and we are planning on having a lot of fun!

What was your first gig?
First paid gig was when I was 10. I think they must have tried everyone else that Saturday night at short notice before me

When did you start playing, and who were your biggest influences when you were starting out?
When I was a young boy I was listening to Jeff Porcaro, Phil Rudd, Phil Gould, Don Henley and John Robinson. I had my first toy kit at the age of 2 and a half.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt, perhaps something which changed your approach to playing?
Most of my learning is done by listening. To relax, keep time and make it all feel groovy was the most important thing I ever learnt.

What advice would you give to young or new players wanting to get gigs?
Forget it… no I’m joking. Practice, play and listen to as many kinds of different music as you can.

What is the one thing a student should bring to Rhythmfest?
Their ears….

What are you going to be covering in your masterclass?
Groove, Time keeping, Variety, Simplicity and sound.
What are the essential things a new drummer be spending their limited budget on?
A good Snare, Pedal, Cymbals and Heads.

Anything else you want to say?
I’ll save it for the day. Looking forward. K

Rhythm Fest (drummers) Students receive approximately 6 x 6hr days of tuition.
Access to all masterclasses and clinics £356
Concert & SU jam pass (B) (compulsory for residential students) Access to all concerts & SU £40

Accommodation

Arrive Sat 31 July‐ Depart Friday 6 Aug. 6 Nights
Challinor half board – single room with shared bathroom, breakfast and dinner (very limited places) £255.00
Park Villas half board – single room with own bathroom and meals as above £294.00