About
I was born in London in the late 70's. I am told my obsession with percussion began at the age of six when I was chosen to play maracas in a school concert - apparently I was the only one in my class able to hold a steady rhythm. I then began to hit anything I could get my hands on, and created makeshift drum-kits using pots, pans, cushions and boxes. Upon moving to Norfolk when I was eight, I got my first real drum and began drum lessons with the late Angus Honeyman and then Colin Brady. I played in various groups in school and out of school, and by the age of 15 was doing 50+ gigs each year.
At the age of 18, I turned professional, and also began teaching drums at my old secondary school. Since then, I have done over 1,500 gigs with many different groups including orchestras, pop, rock, brass, silver and blues bands, jazz ensembles, choirs, function bands, shows, plays, drum masterclasses, festivals etc. I have gigged across the UK, Europe, New Zealand and America. I have supported bands and artists including Walter Trout, California Guitar Trio, Johnny Winter, Robben Ford, Blue Oyster Cult, Eric Sardinas, Tony Levin, Gary Moore, Devon Allman, Jon Cleary, Aynsley Lister, and many more. Festival appearances include Glastonbury Festival, G-Taranaki (New Zealand), High Voltage, Colne Blues Festival, Burnley Blues Festival, Blues On The Farm, Bedford Rhythm Festival, Newark Blues Festival and many more.
I have played on numerous demos and projects for bands and artists and have recorded at studios in the UK, America and Europe including Ardent Studios, Memphis, Tennessee and BBC Maida Vale Studios, London.
I began playing with Oli Brown in January 2007. In September 2010 I was thrilled to be voted "Best British Blues Drummer" at the British Blues Awards 2010.
In December 2010 I left the Oli Brown Band, and I am currently playing for various original and function bands from the UK and America, including Nina Baker, Claire Barker Band, Ultra90s and Billy Walton Band from New Jersey, USA. Plus each week I teach around 30 students each week at Norwich School, and offer one-to-one lessons at Anglia Drum Centre, Norwich. I can also be seen depping for various bands and artists around the UK from time to time.
I have been influenced by many drummers, including Gilson Lavis, Billy Ward, Abe Laboriel Jr, Tim Alexander, Mike Bordin, Gavin Harrison, Lindsay Jamieson, Graham Jarvis, Vinnie Colaiuta, Ron Tutt and Liberty Devitto. Other musicians I admire include Ben Folds, Stevie Wonder, Jon Cleary, Beyoncé, Billy Joel, XTC, Porcupine Tree and David Gilmour.
My interests outside music include food, wine, web design, vintage drums, Zorbing, driving, films and body art.
A selection of bands and musicians I have performed or recorded with:
| Oli Brown | Gaz Rackham | Mike West Band | Ron Sayer |
| Billy Walton Band | So Excited | Potters Leisure Resorts | Ultra 90's Live |
| Guy Pratt | Beat Connection | Lowestoft Players | The Claire Barker Band |
| Roger Inniss | Quantum | Norwich Cathedral Choir and Organists | The Elevators |
| The Big Picture | Spike | Ego | Apostolina |
| Nobodaddy | The Fringe | The Cleaving Heevages | Trotters Bottom |
| NSJO | Chris Walls Big Band | Platinum Gold | Graham McGrotty |
| Freddie Gavita | Kit Downes | Norwich Young People's Theatre | The Planks |