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 my mother's pots and 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.
I turned professional at the age of 18, and also began teaching drums at my old secondary school. Since then, I have done way over 1000 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 and in America. I have supported bands and artists including Walter Trout, Johnny Winter, Blue Oyster Cult, Gary Moore, Devon Allman, Jon Cleary, Aynsley Lister, 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.
My current gig is with Oli Brown, a blues/funk guitarist. I also dep for various high level function bands and other groups when time permits. Plus each week I teach around 50 students in two Norfolk schools.
I have been influenced by many drummers, including Gilson Lavis, Billy Ward, Abe Laboriel Jr, Tim Alexander, Mike Bordin, Gavin Harrison, Eddie Christmas, Lindsay Jamieson, Paul Geary, Vinnie Colaiuta, Ron Tutt, Liberty Devitto and Doug Vipond. Other musicians I admire include Ben Folds, Stevie Wonder, Bily Joel, Mike Patton, Paul Simon, Porcupine Tree and Ian Dury.
My interests outside music include food, wine, web design, Zorbing, driving, films and body art.
SD