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STICK ARTISTS

Graham Lear

GRAHAM LEAR has garnered critical acclaim for his drumming worldwide. His roots in R&B, Rock and Jazz were developed and honed through years of performing with musical giants such as Santana and Gino Vannelli, as well as a host of other equally talented musicians. Canadian rock icon Neil Peart has acknowledged Lear as an influence, as has Mark Kelso, former Head of Percussion Studies at Humber College, Toronto. Some highlights of a touring schedule that has taken him to almost every country in the world, Graham performed at the historic original Live Aid Concert (1985), Apple’s US Festival in California (1982), Bill Graham’s International Peace Walk in Moscow (1987) in addition to three appearances at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, London, England. He is the 2010 recipient of the FCLMA Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the FCLMA Hall of Fame in 2018. Originally from Plymouth, England, Graham began drumming at age eight, auditioning for the Police Boys Concert Band of London, Canada. An early student of Police Band alumnus Don Johnson and Robert Comber, he also cites Canadian jazz great Terry Clarke and Mandela drummer Penti Glan as musical influences. Additional tutoring with Ralph Humphrey, Bernard Purdie, Duduka DaFonseca, and Grove School of Music, culminated in the development of a unique style that is validated by the thousands of views of his drum solos on YouTube. In 1974 Graham moved to Los Angeles with Canadian singer Gino Vannelli during which time the Grammy nominated Powerful People and Storm At Sunup were recorded, produced by A&M records icon Herb Alpert. Significantly, drumming legend Buddy Rich covered two tracks from those sessions, Storm At Sunup and Love Me Now, for his Speak No Evil album. The critically acclaimed Vannelli recording, Gist Of the Gemini followed, recorded by Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick at Air Studios UK. Carlos Santana, hearing Vannelli’s recordings on his European tour bus, tasked manager Bill Graham with finding Lear to audition for his band. The rock impresario personally located Graham in Toronto rehearsing with guitarist Domenic Troiano, and within the month, Lear was performing before a sold out Wembley stadium with Santana. Recordings from the ensuing European tour resulted in the double platinum album Moonflower for the group. 1987 found him with rock group REO Speedwagon for their U.S. and South American tours, and with the Canadian progressive group Saga for their European tours. Relocated to Portland OR in 1990 found Graham reunited with Gino Vannelli for his Yonder Tree CD on the Verve label, acclaimed by Gino as a personal favourite. The jazz project Clovis ensued with saxophonist Tom Bergeron of Western Oregon U. He also worked with Native American Music Award winner Gary Small, and multiple live dates with Joe Cocker percussionist Bobby Torres and saxophonist Patrick Lamb. He also performed with jazz/fusion ensemble Sacbe’ at the Berklee College Latin Cultural Festival Boston. Graham has been featured in two articles for Modern Drummer, Drums and Perc., Drums Etc. and Sticks magazine and performed clinics at Musicians Institute of Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Toronto, St. Louis and Tampa. His personal passion for music has always been R&B and jazz, having performed at the inaugural Niagara on the Lake Jazz Festival in 2014, with three more in recent years. He endorses DW drums, Zildjian cymbals, Headhunters sticks-creations, Remo heads, LP percussion.

 

 

GRAHAM LEAR Artists toured /recorded with include Gino Vannelli; Santana, Carlos Santana; REO Speedwagon; Saga; Paul Anka; Tom Grant; Gary Richrath; Sacbe’; Randy Porter; Gary Small; Suzi Stern; Clovis; Bidondo Bros.; Truck; Ian Tyson; George Olliver; Natural Gas; Riverson; Syberia; Paris Black; Johnny Martin; Joey Ortega; Les Percussion Des Montreal. Producers Dave Devore, Keith Olsen, Dave Tyson; David Foster; Henry Mancini; Dennis Lambert; Brian Potter, Steve Sexton, Canadian icon Domenic Troiano. Selected recordings include, Gist of the Gemini; Powerful People; Storm at Sunup; Yonder Tree with GinoVannelli. Moonflower; Inner Secrets; Marathon; Zebop; Shango; Viva with Santana. Silver Dreams Golden Reality; Swing of Delight; Havana Moon; Blues for Salvador with Carlos Santana. Second Decade: REO Speedwagon; Natural Gas: Natural Gas; Instinct: TomGrant; Only The Strong Survive: Gary Richrath; Secret Seduction: Paris Black; Syberia: Syberia; Forest 4 The Trees: Randy Porter; Humanly Possible: Johnny Martin; Clovis: Clovis. Major concerts include the historic first Live Aid; US Festival; Moscow Walk for Peace and Cal Jam 2 ( Santana ). Cincinnati, Washington, Atlanta, Nashville, Naples FL symphony orchestras ( Anka ). Also with Mexican jazz ensemble Sacbe for the Latin Cultural Festival at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Video includes Saturday Night Live; Soul Train; P.B.S. Sound Stage; Kennedy Center Concert of the Americas, Viva Santana (C.B.S. Video); REO Speedwagon ( Vina Del Mar Festival Chile & Live in Hawaii), Paul Anka- Night of a Lifetime P.B.S.and Live at Montreal Jazz Festival ’05 plus multiple YouTube links. The sampling and loop CD, Graham Lear’s Latin Rock Drumscapes featuring Orestes Vilato on perc., released by Northstar prod., garnered a 4.5 (out of five) rating in Electronic Musician. “Head, Hands and Feet” the drum solo from Santana’s Moonflower CD and the track “Where Am I Going?” from Gino Vannelli’s Storm At Sunup CD were transcribed for Modern Drummer issues. Other print articles include two cover features in the German publications Drums and Percussion (Jan/84) and Sticks (April/90). Graham was first interviewed for Modern Drummer magazine in July /82, and in the Feb.99 issue. Graham endorses DW drums, Zildjian cymbals, Headhunters Sticks & Creations, Remo heads, LP percussion and Fatcat snare wire

Adam Bowman

Canadian drummer / percussionist Adam Bowman has been a mainstay in both the Canadian and international music scene for over a decade. Adam has toured and recorded with such well known and respected artists as Kellylee Evans, Ember Swift, Dawn Langstroth, Joni NehRita, Melissa Ferrrick, Carlos Morgan, Chris Rouse, Eccodek and VINX, to name a few. As a touring artist, Adam has traveled across Canada, The U.S., New Caledonia, The U.K. and Australia. As a session musician, he has played on dozens of recordings. Adam is also an accompanist for Canada’s premier Contemporary Dance organization, “Dancetheatre David Earle”. From Funk to Jazz, Hip Hop to Folk music, Adam’s big beats and deep feel are unmistakeable, and he has become the drummer of choice for songwriters, producers and music directors alike. For more on Adam, please visit: www.adambowman.com

Aaron Spink

Born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area.

After studying Jazz Performance for Drums and Percussion at Humber College, Aaron embarked on a performance career that has seen him play with the likes of Steve Gadd, Randy Brecker (The Brecker Brothers), Danilo Perez (Wayne Shorter), Sarah Brightman, Exes For Eyes, Coldjack, Eddie and Quincy Bullen, Nick “Brownman” Ali, Alessia Cohle, Steve Rivers, Urvah Khan, Saidah Baba Talibah (SATE), Björn “Speed” Strid (Soilwork), Lindsay Schoolcraft (Cradle of Filth), Doron Zor, The Vegas North Orchestra, Jane Lu, Dani Strong, Parkside Drive and The Rough Copies as well as countless theatre productions and studio sessions.

In addition to being a performer, Aaron is also a clinician, educator and adjudicator. For the past 9 years Aaron has been the head of the Yamaha Drum Course at the Yamaha Music School in North York, Ontario. This position has been a great opportunity for Aaron to not only share his wealth of knowledge but to exercise his ability to adapt to the drum curriculum put in place by the Yamaha Music Corporation. In recent years, Aaron has seen his position at the school grow from solely teaching private lessons and master classes to becoming a certified National Yamaha Drum Instructor Trainer and Yamaha Drum Exam Adjudicator for all of Canada.

Aaron’s website is www.aaronspink.com

Follow Aaron on Instagram at www.instagram.com/spinko84

    Allan Cox

    His musical versatility has endeared him, both on record and/or in concert, to a wide variety of artists such as Smokey Robinson, Randy Crawford, Cleo Laine, The Four Tops, The Drifters, The Temptations, The Three Degrees, Hot Chocolate, Maria Muldaur, Sacha Distel, Lulu, Sir Cliff Richard, Johnny Cash, Victor Borge, Cybil Sheppard, David Soul, Scott Walker, Ute Lemper, Jerry Lewis, Maria Friedman, Dame Shirley Bassey, Barbara Cooke and Chita Rivera.

    TV credits include London Tonight, Comic Relief and more.  He has worked with The London Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The BBC Radio Orchestra, The BBC Big Band aand many more. Productions include Evita (London), Cats (London) 42nd Street (London), Chess (London), Jesus Christ Superstar (London), Grease (London), Kiss of the Spiderwoman (London), Beauty and the Beast (London), Company (London), Damn Yankees (London), Chicago (London & Lebanon), Witches of Eastwick (London), Bombay Dreams (London), Anything Goes (London), Sinatra (London), Porgy & Bess (London), Mamma Mia (Finland, Israel, China, Switzerland and Hungary), Strictly Gershwin (London) and West Side Story (London).

    Allan has also studied extensively with Canadian drum teacher Jim Blackley in Toronto. 

        Barry Elmes

        Barry Elmes has occupied a position of prominence on the Canadian jazz scene since the 1980s and has become internationally-respected over the years since, not only as one of Canada’s most talented drummers, but for parallel accomplishments as a composer, producer, recording artist, and dedicated educator.  

          Chris Perra

          Chris was a late bloomer starting drums at the old age of 14 years…. His older brother used to play them when he was younger,.. back then Chris hated the drums…

          But growing up in a small unincorporated community in the Slocan Valley in British Columbia, his family was one of the only ones that had a drumset. Two of his friends had a bass and a guitar, and, they asked him if he wanted to play? He said “Sure, why not”….

          Since then he’s played non-stop for the past 27 years.

          Part of that journey has taken him to acquire a Diploma in Music Performace from Selkirk College in Nelson B.C. It was there that Chris developed his playing styles.

          Influences:
          Alex Van Halen, Stewart Copeland, Steve Gadd, Gregg Bissonette, Dean Castronovo, Tommy Adlrige, Dave Weckl, Jack Dejonette, Buddy Rich and Vinnie Colaiuta

          Diversity:
          Over the years he’s been hired for his ability to play any style with the feel and nuance that they deserve, playing/recording all over Canada and the U.S.

          Credit:

          Suzie McNeil, Gerome Godboo, Jack Dekeyzer, Morgan Davis, Brane, Bruce Domoney, Endosuasion and Kriya.

          Currently Chris teaches at Cosmo Music in Richmond Hill, Ontario, the world’s largest Music Store.

          He has a busy recording/live schedule playing venues in the Greater Toronto Area with his band Scully and the CrossboneS.

          Chris will be releasing an online drum instruction site in 2012.

          Buff Allen

          Buff Allen has had over fifty years of professional playing experience, in jazz, pop, theatre, recording studios, concert tours, television and movies. He is the recipient of a 1989 Juno award for best jazz album category, as well as the 1987 Laureate in the CBC-Alcan competition at the Montreal Jazz Festival, and was a Juno nominee for 2003. He’s had the honour of being able to play with a large number of great musicians, both local and international, including Diana Krall, Michael Buble, Daniel Lanois, Lenny Breau, Ed Bickert, Johnny Hartman, Moe Koffman, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto, Eugene Amaro, Hagood Hardy, Kathryn Moses, Peter Appleyard, Phil Nimmons, Hank Jones, Teddy Wilson, Johnny Guenieri, Red Norvo, Joanne Brackeen, Kenny Wheeler, Bob Murphy, Pat Coleman, Hugh Fraser, and many more

            Bob Ruggiero

            Bob has over 30 years of professional experience touring/producing/recording as a drummer/vocalist/musical director and producer.
            Credits:
            Van Morrison: 2004 to present
            Sam Butera: 1995-2004
            Keely Smiith: 1995-1996
            Beau Brummels 1993-1994
            He has played with everyone form Natalie Cole , Tom Jones , Al Hirt, Lee Greenwood, Tony Orlando, Jimmy Smith, Roger Daltry, Dean Martin and the Gold Diggers to George Burns.

            Recording Credits
            Disney Studios: Half time for the Super Bowl
            Sony Records: Sound track and motion pictures
            Sam Butera: Wildest Bans: On Fire
            Van Morrison: Astral Weeks: Live at the Hollywood Bowl
            Keep It Simple
            RE-Working the Catelogue
            Greg Piccolo: Homage CD
            Colin James: Little Big Band
            TV & Video
            Hollywood Bowl: Astral Weeks Live Van Morrison
            The Tonight Show with Jay Leno:  Van Morrison
            Regis Philbin Show:  Van Morrison
            BBC: Van Morrison
            BBC: Marty Allen & Steve Rossi
            BBC: Jules Holland Show with Van Morrison

              Brian Barlow

              Brian Barlow is one of Canada’s most recorded drummer/percussionists having performed on more than 500 albums over a career spanning almost 50 years.

              He has recorded and performed in concert with Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, Bob Seger, Branford Marsalis, Oscar Peterson, Anne Murray, Tony Bennett, Charlie Watts, Ringo Star, Alanis Morrisette, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and many other top international artists.

              For seventeen years Brian was the percussionist for the internationally renowned jazz ensemble, Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass. While he was a member of that group they were nominated for six Grammy Awards, winning that prestigious award in 1995.

              In 1999 Brian was named ‘Percussionist of The Year’ at the National Jazz Awards and received nominations in 2006 as ‘Jazz Drummer of The Year’, and 2007 as ‘Arranger of TheYear’. His theatre performances include the Toronto productions of Rent, Blood Brothers, Crazy For You, The Lion King and Spamalot.

              Brian is also active as a producer and composer. Two of his extended choral works, ‘There Was Setting, There Was Dawning’ and ‘Reflections & Improvisations on Mass For 4 Voices’, have been performed extensively in Canada and the US. He has also composed music for dance – ‘Trace’ (2005) and ‘Necessary Velocity’(2007).

                  Bob DiSalle

                  Robert C. DiSalle has been an international drummer, percussionist, recording artist and performer for over forty years. He has more than sixty albums and CD’s to his credit, having recorded in Paris, France; Copenhagen, Denmark; Milan, Italy; Hamburg, Germany; Hilversum, Holland; Sacramento, California; and Toronto and Montréal, Canada. His concert tours and performances across North America and Europe with Roger Whittaker (12 years), Bruce Cockburn (7 years), Bob Hope, Murray McLaughlan, Shirley Eikhart, Chuck Mangione, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, The Drifters, Buffy St. Marie, Valdy, Ronnie Prophet, Raffi, Jackie Richardson,Carol Baker, Dinah Christie, Don Franks, Ron Nigrini, Scott Merritt, Sandra Beech, Shari Lewis, Banda Brava, China, Lisa Dalbello, Ken Tobias, Ted & Kathryn Moses, and many more, attest to his ability and the diversity of his style. Bob is based in Toronto, Canada and has been a full-time studio musician with extensive experience in television, radio, film, and theatre. Credits include “The Producers”, “Mama Mia”, “Hair”, “Swing Step” (Mirvish Productions, Toronto); “High Society and “Mack and Mable” (Shaw Festival); “The Full Monty”, “A Chorus Line”, “Cabaret”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “The Rocky Horror Show” (Stage West), “Saturday Night Live” and “The Bottom Line” (New York), “Live at the Improv” and “The Roxy” (Los Angeles), “Roger Whittaker Live at Tivoli Gardens” (Copenhagen), “Roger Whittaker PBS Special” (Sacramento), “Rumours of Glory” (Film: Bruce Cockburn), Rita McNeil & Friends, The Bob MacLean Show (Toronto), and many others. He also performed on and co-produced “The Drift,” an album by Ron Nigrini, and has solo production credits on four Canadian country singles. 

                    Chendy Leon

                    His first percussion lesson at four years old taught from his father in San Antonio,
                    Cuba confirmed the acumen and love for all things percussion. By the age 18 he began his professional career performing and recording with many famous Cuban artists such as:
                    Yagrumas Jazz Band,
                    Melao Son,
                    Pancho Amat y su Grupo,
                    Silvio Rodriguez,
                    Roberto Javier,
                    Rojitas and the Metropolis (band leader 94-98)
                    In 1998 Chendy co-wrote the music for a Cuban documentary, Policlinico Infernal, which was nominated for an Oscar.
                    In 1999 he migrated to Toronto, Canada where he has collaborated and plays with various
                    artists:
                    Havana Express,
                    Nick Ali and Cruzao,
                    Eliana Cuevas,
                    Jane Bunnett,
                    Luis Mario
                    Ochoa and Cimarron,
                    Son Ache,
                    Roberto Occhipinti,
                    Ricky Franco & P-Crew Orchestra,
                    Alexis Baro,
                    Amanda Martinez,
                    Cane Fire,
                    Sultans of String,
                    Sophie Milman,
                    Hilario Duran Big Band and Trio,
                    Alex Cuba,
                    Parachute Club,
                    Jesse Cook,
                    Dominic Mancuso Group,
                    Rebecca Bennendyk,
                    Emilie-Claire Barlow,
                    Oscar D’León,
                    Paquito D’Rivera
                    Angelique Kidjo
                    Experienced in all styles of Cuban music he is one of the most “in demand” percussionist/drummer in Toronto.
                    Since 2006 he has been teaching world percussion and drums at Humber College, Lakeshore Campus.
                    Endorsements include
                    Moperc for percussion instruments.
                    PRK for Flamenco Cajon
                    C&C Custom Drums
                    Headhunters Sticks and Creations

                        Chris Pottie

                        Chris Pottie
                        Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Chris started playing drums in 1979 at the age of three. At the age of fifteen he started playing the local Halifax club circuit. Over the last two decades Chris has toured with many recording acts across Canada and has been fortunate to share the stage opening for acts such as: Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn as well as Canadian Acts such as: April Wine, Matt Mays, Emerson Drive, George Canyon and many more. Chris is a regular at venues such as Cavendish Beach Music Festival and the ECMA’s. When not playing large venues, Chris plays the local Halifax club scene and works part time at the Halifax Sheriff’s Department.
                        “Headhunters Drumsticks are the smoothest, most durable stick I have ever played. Whether I am playing Rock, Country or R&B, Headhunters have the perfect tools for each venue. Proudly Canadian.” Chris Pottie

                          Dan Bodanis

                          Dan Bodanis is a professional drummer that has played Headhunters Drumsticks since 1975! Dan has performed with some of the best musicians on the planet including: Don Ellis, Daniel Lanois, KC and the Sunshine Band, Lee Konitz, Reg Schwager, Don Thompson, David Restivo, Adrean Farrugia, Pat Collins, Gregg Arthur, Moe Koffman, Eugene Amaro, Bernie Senensky, Steve Wallace, Nancy Walker, Brian Dickenson, David Braid, George Olliver and Gangbuster, Grant Smith and the Power, Eugene Wright (Dave Brubeck), Pat LaBarbara, Mitch Forman, Gary Meek, Dave Weckl, and legendary vibraphonist Peter Appleyard. He has played drums on well over a hundred jingles and was the drummer on CTV’s “Live It Up” for several years at Grant Avenue Studio. The Dan Bodanis Band Trio, features Steve Wallace (b) and Bernie Senensky (p).

                           

                          Ernie Porthouse

                          Ernest Porthouse A 35 year veteran with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Mr Porthouse continues to play with the HPO as well as major orchestras, opera, theatre, jazz and latin groups across Southern Ontario. One of the few musicians who is well respected and comfortable in all genres of music. He is the co-founder of The Canadian Percussion Ensemble, an educational outreach presentation that has played over 550 shows in schools across the GTA/GHA/Niagara/Brant, to more than 100,000 students. Ernest is Professor of percussion studies at Redeemer University in Ancaster Ontario.

                              Chris Houle

                              Drummer Chris Houle comes from a long line of musical talents. Exposed to music at a very young age as a McCann Family offspring, it was only natural when Chris started playing drums at the age of 9. He joined the stage/big band in his first year of high school and has never looked back. Chris has performed with many local bands over the years, including Ragged Faith, The Burn, Bad Influence, Blues Chronicle, Private Stock, Blue Groove, and Cougar Chick Tribute Band. Currently Chris performs with the Leslie Rohonczy Band, Jenn Morin Band, Disco Inferno, 8 Track, and Comfortably Numb – Canada’s Pink Floyd Show.

                               

                              During this time, Chris has also had the opportunity to play on numerous demo and original studio tracks, and his work on drums and percussion has been captured on several sessions with Jenn Morin, Leslie Rohonczy, Ragged Faith, and other artists at SoundCreation Studios in Ottawa. Chris also occasionally sits in on drums and lends vocals with local favorites Chris McCann and Straight Goods, Staggering Punters, and Next in Line, enjoying the opportunity to play many diverse styles of music. Among his musical influences, Chris counts multiple decades of talent, ranging from the 1940’s swing and big band sounds, to today’s power pop and modern rock, blues, classic rock, pop, and yes, even disco! Chris’s exceptional meter and hunger for all things new and challenging keeps his bands sounding fresh, and brings energy to live performances.

                                Daniel Barnes

                                Daniel backs a top echelon of jazz artists in Canada including Holy Cole, Molly Johnson,
                                Micah Barnes, Heather Bambrick, Adi Braun, Colin Hunter, Jane Bunnett, Richard Underhill
                                and 25 years with (Order of Canada recipient) Joe Sealy. He’s backed visiting Americans
                                Geoff Keezer, Rick Margitza, Russ Nolan, Dizzy Reese, Don Braden and Ron Westray.
                                Daniel has earned distinction in World Music circles as well having toured Internationally
                                for a decade and recorded with Ethiopia’s “Aretha Franklin”, Ms Aster Aweke as well as a
                                father of Ethiopian Pop Mr. Mohamed Ahmed. His work with The Flying Bulgar Klezmer
                                Band was nominated for a JUNO Award in 2003 (as was his 2007 CD with Richard
                                Underhill) and his work with Joe Sealy won “Best Contemporary Jazz CD” in 1996.
                                Daniel has recorded and/or performed with Maryem Hassan, Theresa Tova and Eliana
                                Cuevas.
                                Daniel is a Jazz Recording Artist in his own right. His two CD’s 2003’s “Culmination” and
                                2007’s “Classic Beauties” are still in regular rotation across the country on The CBC and at
                                JazzFm. His live band has played The Montreal and Toronto International Jazz Festivals
                                plus many local festivals and club dates. They have been broadcast in performance from
                                TVO.
                                He studied privately with renown drum instructor Jim Blackley and bandleader Claude Ranger.

                                 

                                  Corey MacDonald

                                  Born in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Corey started playing drums at the age of 13 and was influenced by many different styles of music & drummers. After high school he went on to Stoney Creek, Ontario and obtained a diploma in recording engineering at the Recording Arts Program of Canada. following his passion for music this led him to Brandon, Manitoba where he formed a band called SAUNTRY with Nazeem Lakay ex-basses from the Canadian blues rock band Wild T & the Spirit and a few close friends. SAUNTRY lead to a studio project called Beast of Love that gained some airplay on the East Coast as well as Western Canada. He was then asked to join popular Atlantic Canadian band JAKEBREAK which brought him back home and allowed him to perform 9 years with not only great musical talent but a band known for their amazing Audio / Lighting production. During this time JAKEBREAK released a single- On the rebound- which stayed in the east coast countdown charts for months as well ended up on a compilation CD in the USA. Looking to do something different he then formed a Celtic rock band called THE DURTY NELLYS. The Nelly’s had a great following of fans which allowed them to put out a CD entitled Black & Tans which then lead Corey into recording projects with other artist around that same time. Today you will find him playing drums in another Atlantic Canadian Celtic rock band RAGLAN ROAD who is well known for their high energy live shows! They just released a self-debut CD entitled Raglan Road. Corey has been fortunate to share the stage opening for acts such as Matt Minglewood, Matt Anderson, The Trews, The Sheepdogs, The Mahones

                                      David MacDougall

                                      David MacDougall is a versatile drummer and percussionist who plays in Toronto’s jazz, pop and folk scenes and brings a sense of musicality and groove to all the projects he’s involved with, including R&B singer Stephanie Martin and Juno-winning producer Chad Irschick, Juno-nominated songwriter George Meanwell, Andrew Austin, cajun party band Swamperella, Sean Bray’s Peach Trio, the Toronto Jazz Orchestra, and bebop phenom Brian De Lima. With these groups and others Dave has toured across Canada and the US and played at many major festivals and venues. Dave also has extensive experience in musical theatre, most recently in the pit for Acting Up Stage’s Dora-nominated production of “Falsettos”, and their Dora-winning “Caroline, or Change.”  David has maintained a busy performance and teaching schedule since graduating from the University of Toronto Jazz Program in 2003. 

                                      Emerson Tavares

                                      Emerson lives and breathes drums and has honed and sharpened his skills. 2 EP’s and a full-length album, touring locally and the USA has helped mold and instill his never-ending passion for all things music.

                                       

                                        Gary Craig

                                        Gary’s list of recording and performance credits include Bruce Cockburn, Anne Murray, Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, Colin Linden, John McDermott, Kathleen Edwards, Gregory Hoskins and Maple Blues Award winner Suzie Vinnick. Independent recording credits include Jimmy Rankin, Jenn Grant, Jadea Kelly, Scarlett Jane, Ariana Gillis, Dala, Justin Rutledge and Paul Reddick to name a few. He is also actively working as a part of the Toronto blues scene w Godboogie featuring Memphis Blues Awards winning harmonica player Jerome Godboo, Eric Schenkman from the Spin Doctors and Shawn Kellerman from the Lucky Peterson Band. In other blues news Gary has been recording recently in Nashville with Juno award winning producer Steve Dawson for many artists including the recently honoured Big Dave McLean as well having played on the 2016 Juno Award winning Harrison Kennedy recording. Earlier this year Gary, along with John Dymond and Colin Linden was awarded the Record and Producers of the Year Award at the 2016 Maple Blues Awards for Colin Linden’s “Rich in Love”. Touring credits over the last year include Blackie & the Rodeo Kings and the stars of the ABC network television series Nashville. Gary is featured on Bruce Cockburn’s new album Bone on Bone and is currently touring Canada and the US with Bruce Cockburn in support of his new record. Endorsements: Yamaha Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Headhunters Sticks and Creations.

                                          Ernesto Cervini

                                          Drummer Ernesto Cervini is making a name for himself as a consummate bandleader and in-demand sideman. Time Out New York encapsulated Cervini as “a buoyant drummer as well as a sharp composer,” while the jazz bible, Downbeat, described his fluid style as one that “exemplifies `float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’.” The drummer released There, his third album as leader of the Ernesto Cervini Quartet, in fall 2011. Reviewing the album, Modern Drummer magazine said: “Cervini recalls such old-schoolers as Art Blakey and Billy Higgins. . . It’s his robust, magnetic personality that fascinates consistently.” Born in Toronto in 1982, Cervini graduated from Canada’s Royal Conservatory of Music with a degree in classical piano and clarinet before focusing his energies behind the drum kit. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, Cervini laid claim to a diverse musicianship, one that has taken him to some of the hippest, most prestigious stages in North America. Along with the live There (Anzic Records), the Ernesto Cervini Quartet has released the albums Little Black Bird (Orange Grove, 2009) and Here (self-released, 2006). As part of MEM3 with pianist Michael Cabe and bassist Mark Lau, the drummer also recorded Pennsylvania Grey, which The WholeNote called a “tour de force.” Cervini also co-leads Myriad, with pianist Chris Donnelly and bassist Dan Fortin. As a sideman, Cervini’s studio experience includes albums with the Tara Davidson Quintet (Code Breaking, nominated for a Juno award) and with his singer sister Amy Cervini (Lovefool). www.ernestocervini.com

                                          Headhunters are the finest sticks to play with. They are as important to me as the tires on my car! As a child I used to play on pots and pans. My parents didn’t like that! So they sent me to the local marching band. Now I could play on a real snare…….and my parents didn’t like that either. As a young boy I earned some weekend money and when I could afford a real drum set: Kings, made by Tromsa in the GDR.

                                          Ilios Steryannis

                                          Ilios Steryannis is a drummer, composer and educator in Toronto, ON.  He leads his own jazz quartet and works extensively as a sideman with a wide array of musicians.  He recently released his debut full length album “Bethany Project”.  It has received rave reviews and extensive airplay world wide.  For more information, please check out www.iliosjazz.ca.  

                                            Kherson Amell

                                            Kherson is sending us his bio, we should have it soon.   But in the meantime this is what we know:  crash, boom, bam, whack….there’s more.  Sizzle.

                                              Glen ‘Archie’ Gamble

                                              Glen ‘Archie’ Gamble resides in London Ont. Canada. Having played drums for many years made the transition to a professional musician transparent. 20 years as a pro has fined tuned Archie sensibilities and creative approach behind the kit. Archie feels very fortunate to use his love of drums and music to earn his living honing these skills. He has had the privilege of playing with some classic bands, both as a side-man and in opening acts; his heroes like KISS, Alice Cooper, Vince Neil, Paul Rodgers, Robert Plant etc. As well as some cool younger bands; Sum 41, KAOS, The Trews, Finger 11 and many more.
                                              As a member of Helix (1996-2004)

                                              Dave Roberts

                                              Dave Roberts has not only been a drummer and percussionist for over 26 years, continually striving to improve his own abilities as a musician but helps those desiring to become musicians by encouraging them, teaching on a private level, and performing with the same enthusiasm and excitement he had the first time he picked up his sticks. Dave’s magical moment struck when he was a child watching the award-winning drumline of the high school he would later attend. But as often happens, he was steered towards other instruments in school. He joined the jazz and marching bands on trombone, but drums remained in his heart. A year later, he was a part of that magical drumline that had enthralled his imagination since youth.

                                              Dave’s early education came from some of the best instructors available to him, as he absorbed all he could from Tom Shriver, Paul Moore and Scott Lanham. Not to be tied to one genre, Dave began performing in jazz, blues, and rock groups. To improve his composition abilities, Dave took up piano and began writing. Today he composes for his band TriElement, who has opened for The Aristocrats, Sean O’Bryan Smith, Neil Zaza, Soften the Glare and Saul Zonana as well as contributes to his other project, Pale Nova. Momentum (now disbanded), performed the entire Miles Davis, Bitches Brew album twice after spending 4+months preparing with a 9-piece group in early 2015. Dave’s influences range from free-form jazz and fusion, funk, blues, progressive-rock, ambient and classical, giving him the confidence to push himself outside his comfort zone while writing and playing.

                                              Dave has taken every opportunity to experience and promote all types of music in many capacities. He accepted opportunities to tech for international drummers, Marco Minnemann, Todd Sucherman, and Gregg Bendian among others. He lent his talents recording drum tracks for the Charleston, WV version of the Evil Dead Musical. He has forged a friendship with booking agent Julie Cord of Blue Mouth Promotions, LLC, and has become a part of BMP’s fledgling house-concert network that brings world class musicians into a personal setting. Past concerts have included Neil Zaza and Sean O’ Bryan Smith. This series features the likes of Andy Timmons, Mike Keneally and many others. Along with musician, composer and educator Chuck Biel, Dave founded Charleston Ambient Music and Musicians, a networking platform for ambient style musicians and a platform to promote live ambient music in Charleston, WV. Dave, Chuck and fellow artist John Marshall performed the inaugural show for the CBAMMS series on January 25, 2014, at West Virigina State University’s EDC (Digiso) (http://www.digiso.org/category/wvsu-economic-development-center/). Dave had the opportunity to perform in the experimental band “Grounded” with friend Andre’ Cholmondeley, guitar tech for Greg Lake, Eddie Jobson, Adrian Belew Trio, and leader of Project/Object and the Wham Bamm Bowie Band. A clip of the performance can be found at https://soundcloud.com/grounded-1/mutterings-of-a-madman-improv. Dave has backed Nashville bassist, Sean O’Bryan Smith (Neil Zaza, Randy Brecker, Chuck Loeb, Esperanza Spalding, Gerald Albright, Victor Wooten), and sessions when called upon. (http://www.seanobryansmith.com/). Dave most recently worked as the fill-in drummer for Creek Don’t Rise. Dave worked as a guest-host for the Mike Keneally Band (with Doug Lunn and Gregg Bendian).

                                              TriElement (2007-present)
                                              Pale Nova (January 2016-present)
                                              Neostra Music (Ambient Music Sound Creations)
                                              Previous groups:
                                              Momentum (formerly 4tet)

                                              Tape Age (April 2015-October 2016)
                                              The Nanker Phelge (2009-2014)

                                              Endorsing:
                                              Amedia Cymbals
                                              Headhunters Sticks and Creations

                                                George Schuller

                                                George Schuller (Drummer, Composer, Arranger, Producer) has released several albums as a leader including Listen Both Ways (Playscape), Life’s Little Dramas (Fresh Sound) and JigSaw (482 Music). He leads several groups (Circle Wide, Schulldogs, George Schuller Trio) and co-leads several others (including Conference Call, Trio This). Schuller appears on Joe Lovano’s Rush Hour (Blue Note, 1995) and has also recorded and/or produced CD’s with Orange Then Blue, Ran Blake, Luciana Souza, Armen Donelian, Mike Musillami, Lisa Thorson, Ballin’ The Jack, Burton Greene, Peter Yarrow, Jason Robinson and Gunther Schuller. Currently Schuller has been touring with legendary alto saxophonist Lee Konitz. Since graduating from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1982, he has performed with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nnenna Freelon, Jaki Byard, Dave Douglas, George Adams, Fred Hersch, George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Mose Allison, J Geils, among many others. He was also a co-producer for the 2007 film documentary “Music Inn,” which was screened at the Tribeca, Berkshire, Galway, Munich & Prague Film Festivals.

                                                    Gregory Harrison

                                                    Greg Harrison (M.Mus, B.Mus) hails from Fredericton, N.B. and now resides in
                                                    Toronto. As a freelance percussionist he regularly performs with his groups:
                                                    Falcon Punch, Taktus duo, and bEQUALSd. Specializing in classical
                                                    percussion and electronic music, Greg has performed with a wide range of
                                                    musicians and ensembles including Cirque du Soleil, R. Murray Schaffer, Beverley Johnston, Symphony
                                                    Nova Scotia, Motion Ensemble, and The Rose Orchestra to name a few. Greg currently
                                                    accompanies contemporary dance at In Studio (National Ballet of Canada), Metro Movement, GMD, CCDT, and Ballet Jorgen. In addition, Greg performs regularly with his childhood idol Fred Penner.
                                                    For more info and happenings please visit: www.gregpercussion.com

                                                      Glenn Milchem

                                                      Glenn Milchem is a Toronto based musician who has been playing drums for 39 years and has been playing professionally for 29 years. During that time he has performed and recorded with countless artists in a variety of genres, appearing on dozens of records, film soundtracks and television commercials and playing on stages all over North America, Europe and Australia. Some of the artists he’s worked with include Vital Sines, Whitenoise, The Garbagemen, Groovy Religion, Plasterscene Replicas, Change of Heart, Andrew Cash, Andy Curran & Soho 69, Jane Siberry, Hayden, Starvin Hungry, Luke Doucet, Holy Fuck, The Beauties, and Andy Maize, among others. For the past 21 years he has been the drummer for enduring Canadian Music Hall of Famers Blue Rodeo. He is endorsed by Yamaha, Paiste, Evans and Headhunters. In addition to his drumming career, Glenn led his own band The Swallows for more than a decade as lead singer, guitarist and composer. The Swallows released four albums and Glenn’s song “Turning Blue” appeared on the soundtrack to the Sony Pictures film “Catch and Release”. 

                                                        Ian MacKay

                                                        Born and raised in London, Ontario, Ian MacKay became interested in drumming at a very young age. His father, Sandy MacKay, is an award winning professional drummer from London, ON.

                                                        Studies:
                                                        In 2009, Ian received a BA in Popular Music Studies from Western University in London, ON. During his time at Western, Ian studied classical percussion with Dr. Jill Ball, performing in the percussion ensemble, wind ensemble and jazz band, as well as freelancing around London.

                                                        Credits:

                                                        Theatre: Drums and percussion in various musical theatre shows
                                                        “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline ”
                                                        “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”

                                                        Touring:
                                                        Ian has toured across Canada, the United States, Europe and Scandinavia, Mexico and South Korea.
                                                        Performance:
                                                        Juno nominated artist Basia Bulat
                                                        The Bettys
                                                        Irene Torres and the Sugar Devils
                                                        Mike Evin
                                                        Shad
                                                        Roy Leblanc
                                                        the Marrieds
                                                        The Most Loyal
                                                        Chris Staig and the Marquee Players, and more!

                                                        Ian keeps a busy schedule performing, teaching and recording as a session musician.

                                                            Don McDougall

                                                            Don McDougall, a graduate of the Humber College Music Program.
                                                            He is leader, producer and drummer/percussonist for fusion jazz band Top Pocket.
                                                            Don has also been performing and recording with the Gary Cain Band for the last seven years and is on their debut CD “Twangadelic Bluesophunk” which was released mid 2017 and is earning world wide rave reviews. 

                                                                Sandy MacKay

                                                                Drummer Sandy MacKay has been part of the Southwestern Ontario music scene for over 50 years. Originally from Ingersoll, he moved to London in 1969 to play with the rock group Truck and subsequently with the groups Persuasion,Tanis and Terry Dee’s Flying Rock and Roll Circus.

                                                                He was a regular participant in the FM96 “Live from the Marienbad” jazz radio broadcasts 1980-1983 hosted by Janice Zolf.

                                                                From 1984-1989 he held the drum chair with the Juno-nominated (1985) Oliver Whitehead Quintet and appeared at Montreal Jazz Festival, Ottawa Jazz Festival, Toronto DuMaurier Jazz Festival, Montreaux-Detroit Jazz Festival, Edmonton ‘s Jazz City and Vancouver ‘s World Expo ’86.

                                                                From 1983-1998 he played drums for the dance band Hawthorne.

                                                                Sandy has been the Artistic Director of the JAZZ FOR THE PEOPLE concert series at the Wolf Performance Hall in London, Ontario since 1986, presenting + playing over 300 concerts.

                                                                He currently drums with the Nevin Campbell Trio, the Ken Foster Quartet, Rick Kish & Friends Combo,Laurraine Segouin & Enchante, The “Young Ones”,Roy “Elvis” Leblanc, and jazz vocal trio Take Three.

                                                                He currently hosts the “Jazz Junction” radio show, heard Sundays 9 AM – 1PM worldwide at www.1069thex.com(106.9FM)

                                                                In 2011, Sandy was chosen by his peers to be the recipient of the Forest City London Music Award, Jazz Instrumentalist Distinction.

                                                                He uses HeadHunters Maple C and Hickory B Bop Hickory drumsticks

                                                                    John Collin

                                                                    John Collin is an accomplished professional drummer specializing in the jazz and swing genres. He attended the Jazz Program at Humber College and received training with notable great Roger Flock. Hailing from Toronto, John has over twenty years of drumming experience and has played with most of Toronto’s prominent Big Bands.

                                                                    John currently leads his own jazz ensemble and plays various venues in and around Toronto.

                                                                      Jesse Stewart

                                                                      Jesse Stewart is a Juno award-winning drummer and percussionist. He has performed and/or recorded with musical luminaries including George Lewis, Pauline Oliveros, Roswell Rudd, Evan Parker, Bill Dixon, William Parker, Joe Mcphee, David Mott, Malcolm Goldstein, Jandek, and many others. He is currently a member of the David Mott Quintet and Stretch Orchestra (with virtuoso musicians Kevin Breit and Matt Brubeck) in addition to leading his own group, the Jesse Stewart Ensemble, and performing regularly as a soloist. He received the 2012 “Instrumental Album of the Year” Juno award for his work with Stretch Orchestra. His music has been featured at festivals throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe and is documented on over 20 recordings. He has a remarkable ability to coax sounds out of virtually any resonating object or material: he has built instruments out of such unconventional materials as stone, ice, and cardboard. His playing has been described as “truly exciting” (Musicworks 76), “exceptional” (Cadence Oct. 2002), “phenomenal” (Cadence Nov. 1999), and “ingenious” (Exclaim! June 2006). In a 2002 review, Texas-based music critic Frank Rubolino described him as “…one of the finest young drummers and percussionists on the scene today” (One Final Note Summer/Fall 2002). art

                                                                        Jim Gelcer

                                                                        Brimming with musical influences as diverse as the exotic places he’s called home, Jim Gelcer hit the North American scene at age eighteen and has not looked back. He was seduced by the township energies of his father’s South African home, drawn by his mother’s Middle Eastern mysticism and came to that table with more than a dollop of his own brand of jazz, funk and soul. The result is a heady amalgam of old world devotion and new age syncopation, music for the 21st century.

                                                                        Gelcer is a multi-instrumentalist and singer, an in-demand collaborator who’s performed and recorded with other artists at the top of their game, people like Paul Hoffert, John Switzer and Richard Underhill, to name a few. Gelcer rocks on piano, guitar, harmonium and vocals but his musical through line has always been percussion. And as a timekeeper, Gelcer is second to none on djembe, cajon, dumbek or a standard drum kit.

                                                                        Gelcer patented his unique sound and sensibility early on. As a child, he used any kitchen utensil he could get his hands on to drum the beats he couldn’t get out of his head and onto a surface fast enough. The rhythms were informed by the sights, sounds and smells he picked up living in 1960’s South Africa. A space where indigenous music had pride of place among soul singers like Bill Withers and jazz musicians like Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk.

                                                                        Hitting his formative years in 1970’s Canada, Gelcer was now paying passionate attention to pop soul radio. Early influences began to add up, helping lay the groundwork for the artist Gelcer was to become – global in style, popular in nature, fat and funky in tone – laced with references to pop and soul giants like Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. The table was being set for a new brand of musical continentalism. International tour dates with a wide variety of bands and artists in a suite of musical genres followed.

                                                                        In the 80’s, Gelcer launched another career, this time as a composer for film and television, working prolifically for the CBC’s arts and current affairs portals, scoring jingles and soundtracks for television MOW’s. He is now a partner in Gopher Lunch, an international company specializing in music for tv and movies.

                                                                        Gelcer’s early exposure to earthy African grooves and Middle Eastern spirituality drew him to Kirtan, a powerful style of devotional music involving call and response mantra chanting, fostered during an intensive period spent on a Paradise Island ashram. There, Gelcer learned the ancient teachings of Sivananda Yoga. His practice and Kirtan concerts continue to this day.

                                                                        Gelcer’s upcoming album is only the last in a line of notable releases the artist has produced in the jazz, pop and Kirtan genres. Future tour dates include stops in Los Angeles, Bali and Australia. Ain’t no stopping him now.

                                                                         

                                                                        Jimmy Boudreau

                                                                        Jimmy Boudreau is a seasoned professional with 30 years of international touring and recording experience with notable blues and country stars from Canada and America. Artists such as Sam Moore (Sam and Dave) Chuck Berry, Jason McCoy, Aaron Lines and perhaps most notably 17 years as the drummer for esteemed blues guitarist Mel Brown (and the Homewreckers). See more at www.jimboudreau.com.
                                                                        Photo by: Roslyn Witter

                                                                        John McColgan

                                                                        Drummer John McColgan has been playing professionally for over thirty years. .
                                                                        He has played and/or recorded with: Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Richard Thompson, Teddy Thompson, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Buddy Guy, Big Mama Thornton, Pine Top Perkins, Kenny Pearson, Loudon Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Danny Thompson, Norma Waterson, Michel Pagliaro, Jean Pierre Ferland, Michel Rivard, Jimmy James, Brian Greenway, Susie Arioli, Sue Foley and many others.

                                                                        He has been teaching drums steadily for the last ten years, has recently published his first book, “Groove and Technique”, and has performed educational clinics for Pearl Drums Canada, at schools and music stores throughout Quebec.

                                                                        Jorge Mata

                                                                        Born in San José, from the age of 9 years he was able to perform the Drums in a surprising way. Starts in this year under the tutelage of the master Nelson Alfaro, successfully completing the necessary training so his interpretation becomes surprisingly good, even more for someone of his age. Throughout his life he has enjoyed the tutelage of great masters, such as Gary Fernandez, Jorge Villalobos, Felipe Gutierrez, and Dennis Muñoz. Currently part of the band “Pili & Delaflote” with which in October 2008 presented its first album material, called “La Linea.”, and now parte of the second Material (still in progress). He was also a media launch in musical productions such as “De Vuelta a Casa” artis Jonathan Alvarez, and “Megapositivo” with José Cañas. . He has accompanied many big shows as “Canciones por la Vida”, Teleton 2009, launched “La Linea” (P & D SJ Costa Rica). He has also participated in music sessions and interviews to international inspirational channels repeatedly with Pili & Delaflote. As part of our band he participated in our second single and video “Flotar en el Aire”. As friends and musical partners in this venture and wish you the best of success! “

                                                                            Karl Sloman

                                                                            Karl Sloman is from Ontario, Canada. Karl has formally studied with Dom Famularo, Jim Chapin and Joe Morello, in addition to many other accomplished musicians. He is the author “The Coordination Code’ (Alfred Publishing 2012) and occupies his time as a clinician, member/producer of the band Opus Rex and Trainwreck a band that highlights people with disabilities, all this while serving as a full time artillery officer (appropriate for a drummer) in the Canadian Armed Forces.

                                                                            Karl has been associated with Headhunter drumsticks since 2008 and became an endorser in 2016. Karl has always used our Groove Line and recently switched from Maple to Hickory. This is no surprise as he plays progressive metal music and wanted durability in his sticks. Karl says “the Groove line is fantastic, it has wonderful balance and due to its light weight allows me to move around the kit with lightning speed and facility.”

                                                                            Karl is a staple at many drum events including: Kosa, NAMM, PASIC, Chicago Drum Show etc.

                                                                            When you hear Karl play you will notice “controlled intensity.” He is physically a big guy but his size belies his sheer speed and finesse on the drums. Having studies with Jazz Masters his technique is excellent which he applies to the music he plays which is Progressive Rock/Metal.

                                                                            He is endorses: Tama, Evans, Dream Cymbals, Polecat Percussion, Pintech Electronics and of course Headhunter Drumsticks.

                                                                                Lorne Nehring

                                                                                Juno Award and Jazz Report winning drummer, Lorne Matthew Nehring is originally from Montreal where he began playing piano, saxophone and drums. Lorne studied percussion and began his jazz studies at McGill University. He has studied with noted Toronto drum teacher and author, Jim Blackley as well as with American jazz great Keith Copeland in New York City.

                                                                                 

                                                                                  Lorne is a much-in-demand musician in all aspects of “live” performance as well as in the recording studio. “The Tom Reynolds Trio” constitutes Lorne’s primary playing and recording focus at this time. This trio has produced one CD, while the second release is currently in production and is due out soon. Lorne has worked extensively in the theater, having performed in the orchestras of “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Piaf”, “Dreamland”, “Cookin’ at the Cookery”. In recent years Lorne was heard in the Stratford Festival production of the G.F Walker/John Roby musical, “King Of Thieves”.

                                                                                 

                                                                                 Lorne Matthew Nehring is an accomplished teacher who for fourteen years was the director of, and instructor at the much-respected Drum School at Long & McQuade on Bloor St. in Toronto. Lorne is currently a drum set instructor at Humber College in Toronto. Lorne recently completed a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at York University focusing his research on the relationship between improvisation and its current and future role in jazz education.

                                                                                 

                                                                                 Lorne has played and recorded with the finest Canadian and international musicians and groups including: Tom Reynolds, George Koller, Jeff Coffin, Michael Occhipinti, Bob DeAngelis, John MacLeod, David Braid, Aaron Davis, Neal Swainson, Richard Underhill, Nancy Walker, Cocada, Rob McConnell, Bernie Senensky, Dave Young, Manteca, Alex Dean, Guido Basso, Freeflight, John Roby, Scott Alexander, Gord Sheard, John Sheard, Alannah Myles, Jim Lewis, Phil Dwyer, Kirk MacDonald, Victor Bateman, Devotion, Susannah McCorkle, Reg Schwager, Bob Brough, Duncan Hopkins, Carol McCartney, Roberto Occhipinti, Michael Stuart, Pat Coleman, Ed Bickert, Moe Koffman, Peter Appleyard, Jonathan Goldsmith, Joey Goldstein, Holly Cole, Warren Chiasson, Doug Riley, Frank Wright, The Tait Brothers, The Jazz Mechanics, The Canadian Jazz Quartet, The Rick Tait Big Band, Molly Johnson, Jackie Richardson, Tabby Johnson, Jack Grunsky, Mashmakhan, Henry Heillig, Russ Little, Carlos Lopes and many others.

                                                                                Lorne plays Headhunter Sticks and Creations

                                                                                 

                                                                                    Derrick Gyles

                                                                                    Derrick Gyles has been playing drums for decades and truly cut his teeth in the music industry during the era of New Wave and Alternative radio in the 1980’s. to stardom and to the forefront of the Canadian music scene. 

                                                                                    Derrick now spends his time as president and CEO of MAD Design Company, as well as playing live as a guest drummer for popular artists such as Platinum Blonde, The Spoons, and with members of The Guess Who and Loverboy. Derrick’s exuberance and love for the ‘80s is the indispensable backbone of The Bomb.

                                                                                        Luc Boivin

                                                                                        Luc Boivin has been professionally involved in music for the past 40 years, first as a percussionist, and later as music director, producer, teacher and
                                                                                        composer. Luc has become renowned in stage, recording and television circles. For 12 years Musical Director and bandleader for Télé-Québec’s hit show “Belle
                                                                                        et Bum,” which features different musical performers every week. As such, he has had the opportunity to work with most Quebec artists and many international
                                                                                        performers such as Gino Vannelli, André Gagnon, Angélique Kidjo, Ginette Reno, Holly Cole, Patti Labelle, Johnny Clegg, and many others. “Belle et Bum” has won
                                                                                        two Gémeaux Awards for Best Musical Show of the Year, and one Félix best musical show 2011) Musical director of the legendary tv show Beau et Chaud
                                                                                        has won Gémeaux for best musical show, proof positive of Luc’s versatility, his creativity and his ability to seamlessly adapt his band’s music to the style of so
                                                                                        many different artists. This ability was in evidence when Luc served as Musical Director composer and arranger for the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in 2010, where
                                                                                        Canadians were joined on the Hill for the Noon Show by Her Majesty the Queen. He then inspired and led his tireless house band to play most of the
                                                                                        accompaniment for both the 70-minute Noon Show and the 3-hour evening show. His ability to combine a sense of professionalism with an upbeat attitude and
                                                                                        creative approach has made him much in demand for large-scale live and broadcast shows that feature many different artists, and he has served as Musical
                                                                                        Director for such shows as the Governor-General’s Performing Arts Awards; Voices of Soul” during the 2005 Montreal Jazz Festival; “Rencontres,” a
                                                                                        highlight of the 2008 Quebec City 400th Anniversary celebrations;( Gémeaux for best musical show of the year) The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Nationwide Gala,
                                                                                        broadcast live from Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto in 2002; and La Fête Nationale in Montréal in 2008, and in Quebec City in 2011.
                                                                                        While directing the music, Luc also performs as a percussionist onstage. His career as a percussionist has led him to perform with the Société de musique
                                                                                        contemporaine du Québec, the Grand Ballets Canadiens Orchestra, and as a studio musician on more than three hundred albums and in hundreds of TV
                                                                                        shows. His live performances placed him on some of the most famous stages in Quebec, across Canada, the United States and in Europe.
                                                                                        He Study at McGill Univesity classical percussions with Pierre Béluse, played with the McGill percussions ensemble and Concept Neuf ensemble, recorded the
                                                                                        album McGill Percussions ensemble Les Sept Jours, Walter Boudreault. Also worked with Claude Vivier in Ottawa in 1971 at the National Art Centre. Study has taken him to New
                                                                                        York, Cuba and Barcelona.
                                                                                        Arranger:
                                                                                        Luc also did a series of thirteen hours of documentaries on world music as a musical director and host of a documentaries on world music (La Symphonie du Nouveau
                                                                                        Monde) arranged for 60 musicians on stage for ARTV in 1993. Work as arranger on different TV and live shows,
                                                                                        As Composer:
                                                                                        Luc co-wrote the “Ulalena” a multi media show in Maui with Michel Cusson, for
                                                                                        Réalisations Productions. He also composed the music for “Immortal Chi” Beijing China productions with
                                                                                        Michel Cyr as collaborator in 2014 He wrote and arranged the music for the show “EQI Cheval Libre” France in 2015 for
                                                                                        Novalux Production and is currently teaching percussions at Université du Québec in Montreal for the past 25
                                                                                        Years. He has and opened his own percussions school in 2011 in Montreal, École de
                                                                                        Percussions Métissage.

                                                                                         

                                                                                         

                                                                                         

                                                                                         

                                                                                         

                                                                                         

                                                                                          Kim Zick

                                                                                          MRS.FUN plays nu jazz. Complex, sophisticated and adventurous, their music is a unique blend of off-center jazz, ultra-funk, spoken word rap, and their own brand of neo-cabaret. Intelligent lyrics, stellar musicianship, and a dynamic stage presence are hallmarks of their music. The MRS.FUN sound is derived from Connie Grauer’s funky bass-driven keyboard playing, combined with Kim Zick’s skillful in-the-pocket drumming. “ Grauer is a piano player with few equals whose drive and energy spills across the stage and into the audience like nitrous oxide. She’s got a left hand that doesn’t quit, the mark of any great pianist, and a right hand with limitless boundaries”. Zick holds court as a “heart-stopping drummer” whose “grooves get so far out, most people need a map to get back.” Voted Best Contemporary Jazz Group by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry(WAMI) three consecutive years, Grauer and Zick have also received WAMI awards for Best Instrumentalist: keyboards and drums. Grauer has also received awards for Best Female Vocalist and Best Stage Entertainer. For more information please visit www.mrsfun.com

                                                                                          Lowell Whitty

                                                                                          Lowell has been an active musician in Toronto’s vibrant jazz scene for many years. His infectiously energetic approach to the drums has kept him in demand on sessions and performances all over the world.
                                                                                          As a member of The Heavyweights Brass Band he brings the vibes and tradition of Crescent City drumming to the stage. Laying down second line grooves, Afrocuban influences and Rocknroll is all part of what keeps the band swinging.
                                                                                          When Lowell isn’t bringing swampy grooves to the Heavyweights, he can be heard at The Soupepper Theater Company as the resident drummer accompanying a variety of theatre productions and concerts. His recording credits include many notable artists such as David Clayton Thomas, Jane Bunnett, Jackie Richardson, percussionist Giovani Hidalgo, Albert Shultz, Kevin Breit, Saidah Baba Talibah, Patricia O’Callahan, Suba Sankaran, Walleed Abdul Hammid, Kevin Quain, and jazz pianist Robi Botos.

                                                                                          Lowell plays the Headhunters’ MG C model.

                                                                                          MacKenzie Longpre

                                                                                          Mackenzie Longpre is a drummer and composer active in Toronto’s music scene. He is an honors graduate of the University of Toronto jazz program and has studied jazz drums with Jim Blackley, Bob McLaren, and Terry Clarke, classical percussion with John Rudolph, and jazz piano with Frank Falco. He also spent a year studying with bassist Jim Vivian.
                                                                                          Mackenzie is a part of many exciting projects including The Shafton Thomas Group, Chloe Charles, Tara Kannangara’s Quartet, Grannis Bea, The St. Royals, A Series Of Tubes, Circles Quartet, Undrcovr, Beetleback Trio, The Elastocitizens, and the Alex Tait Quintet. He has shared the stage with prominent artists such as Rich Brown, Alex Dean, Chris Donnelly, The Henry’s, Kelly Jefferson, Kirk McDonald, Mike Murley, David Occhipinti, Three Metre Day, and Jim Vivian among many others. Along with work as a sideman and co-leader, Mackenzie leads a standards trio and his own large and small ensembles playing all original material, and recently released his debut album summer house.

                                                                                            Markus Gilvear

                                                                                            Currently a part-time member of the rock band Inkubus Sukkubus and several others, Marcus has also been writing and producing his own dance tracks with the up and coming singer Rebecca Carter; quite a departure from his rock roots as drummer with the likes of Stormtrooper, Gene Loves Jezebel (Beggars Banquet/Geffen) and I Love You (Geffen)… ‘The look, grip, weight and balance afforded by Maple Groove Cs enhance drumming whilst also being exceptionally kind to the wrists!’

                                                                                                Mark Scholl

                                                                                                Mark is originally from Winnipeg.  He has had the opportunity to perform with touring acts, The Mama’s and Papa’s, Herman’s Hermits and Rosemary Clooney when they performed in Winnipeg. Mark’s composition career also started in Winnipeg as he was commissioned by the CBC to write and record several pieces for a Jazz  Radio series. 

                                                                                                After many years in Winnipeg, Mark had an opportunity to move to Los Angeles where shortly afterwards he started working with Pop Superstar Barry Manilow. He toured with Barry for 11 years which included multiple tours of over 1,100 shows in Arena’s and Amphitheaters in 14 countries around the world. They also performed dozens of times on all of the major Network talk shows such as The Tonight Show, Today Show, Good Morning America, A&E’s Live By Request, Arsenio Hall, Entertainment Tonight etc. as well as the 25th Anniversary of Arista Records.

                                                                                                Mark also recorded drums and performed with a wide variety of shows in LA including many gigs for Disney as well as being hired by noted composer Emilio Kauderer to contract the musician’s and to play drums on a Lion’s Gate film soundtrack for a Robert Downey Jr. movie called ‘Friends and Lovers”.

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                    Jamie Vitullo

                                                                                                    Jamie is currently the full-time drummer of indie rock band Spirit of the Bear and has been actively touring the midwest in support of their latest album ‘Fade Into Blue’ since late 2017.

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                      Mark Inneo

                                                                                                      Mark began playing drums at age three, and enjoyed a wide variety of musical experiences as a young person due to his parent’s great support for the arts. He started his professional career at age thirteen when he became full time drummer for three time Grammy winner, (and Polka King) Walter Ostanek. Later as a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Degree in Orchestral Music Performance, he gained much practical experience as an orchestral percussionist. After that Mark spent 5 years studying with acclaimed musician Jim Blackley. Mark’s seemingly boundless musical appreciation and experience has taken him around the world and allowed him the opportunity to work with such artists as David Foster, Sarah Mclachlan, Amy Sky, Eva Avila, Rich Little, Bob Newhart, Ben Vereen, Petula Clark & Regis Philbin. Mark was recently featured as house drummer on Country Music Television’s Cross Country Tour and TV special. In the country world Mark has toured with Tara Oram, Victoria Banks, The Higgins, Jason Blain, Alex J Robinson, Chris Commings and Adam Gregory. Mark completed two seasons as the studio and live TV drummer for CBC’s TRIPLE SENSATION hit TV reality series. Mark has been a first call sub for several long running theatre shows in Toronto including WE WILL ROCK YOU, DIRTY DANCING, ROCK OF AGES, and JERSEY BOYS. Along with a busy studio career Mark is currently touring the globe with Decca/Universal Recording Artists THE CANADIAN TENORS. Mark can be heard playing his new YAMAHA Maple/Birch Custom Absolute Nouveau kit with JR Robinson signature snare drum on The Canadian Tenors PBS special and DVD as well as their most recent CD ‘The Perfect GIft’. Mark has been part of the YAMAHA family since the early 1990’s; and considers himself blessed to be sitting behind these beautiful drums at home, in the studio and on the road. mark@markinneo.com

                                                                                                        Mark Kelso

                                                                                                        Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Mark Kelso has made Toronto his home for many years. A former student of Humber College, Mark has built his reputation around his ability to be a musical chameleon and has become one of the first call players across Canada. His ability to play many different styles has enabled him to work with diverse artists such as John Scofield, Herbie Hancock, Bob Mintzer, Chaka Khan, Gino Vannelli, Dave Grusin, Mike Stern, James Taylor, Holly Cole, Paquito D’Riveria, Michael Bublé, Marc Jordan, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, the Hilario Duran trio & big band, Carol Welsman, NOJO, Brigham Philips Big Band,Ranee Lee, Olivia Newton John, Amy Sky, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Jovino Santos Neto, Molly Johnson, The Montuno Police, Maria Schneider, Soul Stew, Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) Michel Cusson, Susan Tedeschi, Measha Bruggergosman, Joe Sealy, Brian Hughes, Matt Dusk, John Pizzarelli, David Clayton-Thomas, Dave Douglas, Vince Mendoza, Alain Caron, Jeri Brown, David Foster, Deborah Cox, Gary Morgan’s Pan Americana Big band, Ron Sexsmith, Jesse Cook, Ian Tyson, Eliana Cuevas, Gordie Sampson, Susan Aglucark, Bonnie Raitt and Shania Twain. Mark’s touring schedule has taken him to such places as Russia, Japan, Iceland, Australia, England, Scotland, South Korea, Italy, France, Germany, Indonesia, the United States and even the North Pole. He has over 220 CD recordings to his credit along with many movie soundtracks and recording sessions. Mark also runs his own recording studio aptly called “Groovy Drums Studio” where he records drum tracks for many recording artists. A clinician for Yamaha Drums and Paiste Cymbals, Mark has performed at major drum festivals such as the Montreal Drumfest, Cape Breton Drumfest and KOSA and he has been featured in Canadian Musician, Drums ETC and Modern Drummer. More info can be found at Mark’s website – www.groovydrums.com

                                                                                                        Check out Mark’s new Headhunters’ custom stick…..Mark loved our 2B maple but was looking for more warmth and cymbal focus, that sort of elusive sound that you can’t really describe until you hear it. And hear it he did after many tries….we re-worked the tip on our 2B maple platform to a unique tapered down bead, not round, not square, not acorn, not oval……..magically delicious.

                                                                                                        The Mark Kelso Groover!

                                                                                                        Max Senitt

                                                                                                        Drummer/Percussionist Max Senitt is a highly regarded and in-demand freelance musician on the Toronto and international scene. He brings a wealth of experience and versatility gained from performing across Canada, USA, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe with such Grammy and Juno award winning artists as: Alex Cuba, Hilario Duran, Odessa/Havana, and Carol Welsman. Presently a member of Tzadik Recording artists “Zebrina” and Urugayuan singer Valeria Matzner’s bands, he also leads his own Trio. A Yamaha Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, and Headhunter Drumsticks artist, Max is also quite active as an educator. http://www.maxsenitt.com

                                                                                                          Mike Gallant

                                                                                                          Mike Gallant is a drummer and percussionist based in Charlottetown, PEI. He studied
                                                                                                          percussion performance at the University of Prince Edward Island under Dave Shephard. Mike
                                                                                                          joined the PEI Symphony in 2010 and has served as Principal Percussionist since 2015. He has
                                                                                                          performed extensively across the country including stints with The Band of the Ceremonial
                                                                                                          Guard and the 5th Canadian Division Band. Recently, he won an audition for a coveted
                                                                                                          percussion position in one of six regular force bands in the Canadian Armed Forces. He was a
                                                                                                          member of The Stadacona Band of The Royal Canadian Navy in which he played and toured
                                                                                                          for two years.
                                                                                                          In the past, Mike has performed with top Canadian artists including; Measha Brueggergosman,
                                                                                                          Catherine MacLellan, Rose Cousins, and more. Mike has performed on and under the stage as
                                                                                                          part of various musicals including this summer’s sold out run of the new hit show “Becoming
                                                                                                          Dolly” as part of the Charlottetown Festival season. He has performed with ensembles for the
                                                                                                          ECMAs and Festival of Small Halls.
                                                                                                          Currently, Mike is playing with PEI’s professional big band, Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble as
                                                                                                          well as The PEI Symphony Orchestra and EMCA nominated violinist Tzu-Cheng Wang.
                                                                                                          Throughout the year, he takes part in various freelance gigs across PEI and the Maritimes.

                                                                                                            Mike Mallais

                                                                                                            Mike “Machine” Mallais is a passionate Canadian drummer who has made a life long commitment to his craft. Having played since the age of 2, Mike so far is best known for being the Worlds Fastest Double bass player, having set 3 undefeated World Records in 2007 in the Double Bass Single stroke category with “WFD”.

                                                                                                            Mike has performed countless shows all over Canada and beyond. He is also a globally recognized teacher who is always craving more from the art of music and continues to showcase himself as a very diverse and open minded player and educator.

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                              Maury Baker

                                                                                                              Maury comes from a showbiz family.  His grandfather was Maurice Abrahams, the acclaimed Tin Pan Alley composer.  His grandmother was Belle Baker, the famous vaudeville singer.  His father was Herbert Baker, the Emmy Award winning Hollywood comedy writer.

                                                                                                              Maury’s experience as a drummer, timpanist, and composer includes all genres of music.   In 1969, he toured with Janis Joplin in her Kozmic Blues Band (performed at Woodstock, and several other large pop festivals, including Madison Square Garden).  He can be heard on her I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! album on the hit single Try, and others.  Maury’s television appearances with Janis include The Dick Cavett Show, The Tom Jones Show, The Glen Campbell Show, and The Music Scene.  In 2003, he performed with the Kozmic Blues band, sharing the bill with Big Brother and The Holding Company at New York’s prestigious SummerStage in a tribute to Janis Joplin.  

                                                                                                              You can find Maury’s credits listed with Janis Joplin in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

                                                                                                              He performed and/or recorded with Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Carlos Santana, George Duke, Ron Carter, David Benoit, Jimmy Haslip, Bunny Bunel, Johnny and Edgar Winter, Tom Jones, Jackson Browne, Steve Stills, Van Morrison, Seals & Croft, Judy Collins, Phil Ochs, Bobbie Gentry, Trini Lopez, R. B. Greaves, Albert Lee, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Robert E. Luna, Booker T. Jones, Tom Paxton, Bobbie Gentry, Theodore Bikel, Zoot Money, Dr. John, Scott LaFaro, Pepper Adams, David Amram, Lee Michaels, Miroslav Vitous, Henry Franklin, Theo Saunders, Nick Mancini, Michael Saucier, Otmaro Ruiz, Leslie King, Barbara Morrison, Leddie Garcia, Austin Peralta, Zane Musa, and many others.

                                                                                                              He composes music for film, TV, video games, and the Internet.  His music can be heard on national promos for CBS including: JAG, Nash Bridges, Dr. Quinn, – Medicine Woman, Walker, – Texas Ranger, the soundtrack used by the award winning Russ Saunders Electric on the 1995 Emmy Awards show, the logo used on District 9 (See QED Project in the VIDEOS page) for the international film distributor QED, the score to an Aikido documentary that received rave reviews in the Los Angeles Times, among other projects.

                                                                                                              A new Frank Zappa CD “Little Dots” was released November 4, 2016 featuring Maury on drums, and steel drums in Part 1 and  Part 2.  Maury wrote Liner Notes for the CD.

                                                                                                                Norman Marshall Villeneuve

                                                                                                                Felix Award winner, bossman and hard-driving bebop master, Canadian jazz legend Norman Marshall Villeneuve is very proud to bring to the bandstand Montreal jazz icons Mike Rud, Morgan Moore and Al McLean. This outstanding quartet will inspire and excite you with bebop jazz as it was meant to be played.

                                                                                                                Known as “Canada’s Art Blakey”, Norm grew up in Little Burgundy, Montreal. In 1955, during the bebop jazz era, he was just 17 when his fiery style caught the attention of jazz veterans and he was tapped to perform in the smoky clubs of Montreal, including Rockhead’s, Cafe La Boheme, Biddles and Black Bottom.

                                                                                                                Norm has performed with jazz royalty, including Duke Ellington, Curtis Fuller, Cootie Williams, Wayne Shorter, Junior Mance, Oliver Jones, Nelson Symonds, Charlie Biddle Alvin Wellman, Richard Parris, Linton Garner, Chuck Peterson and vocalists Renee Lee, Anita O’Day, Blossom Dearie, Sheila Jordan and Jackie Richardson.

                                                                                                                In 1974 Norm moved to Toronto and performed at jazz landmarks, George’s Spaghetti House, The Rex, The Pilot, Bermuda Onion, Jazz Bistro and Montreal Bistro, building ensembles with musicians Dave Restivo, Jake Wilkinson, Grant Stewart, Robi Botos, Bernie Senensky, Reg Schwager, Neil Swainson, Dave Young, Mark Eisenman and many of Toronto’s finest.

                                                                                                                Celebrating his 7th decade in music, Norm has come home to Montreal, where he continues his life’s work, blazing the way for a new generation of jazz musicians. Norm remains an active and beloved leader on the Canadian Jazz scene.

                                                                                                                For more information about Norm, please see is website, normanmarshallvilleneuve.com

                                                                                                                Olaf Szester

                                                                                                                Olaf Szester is a Toronto based percussionist/drummer and composer. Olaf graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Music from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2006 where he specialized in Orchestral Performance and Composition. In addition, he had the opportunity to perform across Holland while studying percussion at the Royal Conservatory in Den Haag (Koninklijk Conservatorium), which is renowned for its focus on New Music. He graduated from Koninklijk Conservatorium with a second Bachelor Degree in Percussion in 2008, where he studied with Luuk Nagtegaal, Hans Zonderop, Fedor Teunisse, Ali N’Diaye Rose, Wim Vos, and Stefan Kruger.
                                                                                                                In Canada, Olaf has had the pleasure of studying percussion with Trichy Sankaran, Dave Campion and Gary Tomlin. In the field of composition he has studied with Michael Coghlan, Richard Windeyer, Peter Hatch, Glenn Buhr, and Linda Catlin Smith.
                                                                                                                Olaf currently focuses his energies on freelancing, teaching and exploring a variety of diverse projects. 

                                                                                                                  Sean Kilbride

                                                                                                                  Seanʼs credits include being a member of the Kim Mitchell Band for three years as well as working with Alannah Myles, Sass Jordan, Moe Berg and touring and recording with Juno Award winner Derek Miller. He has also performed with Tom Cochrane, Randy Bachman, Sarah Harmer and Louise Pitre among others. He became involved in musical theatre with the original Toronto production of HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. He was also the principal drummer in the productions of ROCK OF AGES, THE TOXIC AVENGER, OH CANADA WHAT A FEELING! and was picked by Brian May and Roger Taylor for the Queen musical WE WILL ROCK YOU.

                                                                                                                  Currently, Sean is the drummer in the Toronto production of the hit musical, COME FROM AWAY. He also plays with The Test Icicles (www.thetesticicles.com), as well as doing sessions for numerous artists at his own drum studio.

                                                                                                                  www.seankilbride.ca

                                                                                                                    Ray Von Rotz

                                                                                                                    Ray Von Rotz has been one of Nashville’s most in-demand drummers and percussionists. Since 1979, he has performed around the world with a wide variety of artists in almost every kind of music. Among the artists Ray has performed with are Boots Randolph, Al Hirt, Engelbert Humperdink, The Mills Brothers, The Ink Spots, Lee Greenwood, Floyd Cramer, Chet Atkins, Foster Brooks, Tanya Tucker, Vassar Clements, Vicki Lawrence, Grand Ole Opry members Jeannie Seely, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Jack Greene, David Allan Coe, Leslie Uggams, Peter Marshall, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lou Rawls, the Gatlin Brothers, and Tony Orlando.
                                                                                                                    He has played on numerous shows on radio and television including Nashville Now, On Stage, Music City Tonight, The Shotgun Red Variety Show, The Waking Crew, and Crook and Chase. He has performed with both the Milwaukee and Nashville Symphony Orchestras, and has also played on hundreds of recording sessions. He was a member of the Jack Daniels Original Silver Cornet Band, and performed for years in shows at the Opryland Theme Park.
                                                                                                                    Ray is currently busy doing sessions at his home for people around the country, performing with a Matt Davenport production on the Gen. Jackson Showboat, drumming for John Beardsly’s show, “A Tribute To the King”, playing with Western Swing female vocalist of the year Carolyn Martin, doing numerous freelance jobs, both in and around Nashville and road dates, and is now working with his own group, Jennifer Bruce and DejaNu, a jazz group which is performing around the country. With around 300 dates a year he is still one of the ‘workingest’ drummers in Nashville and loving it!

                                                                                                                      Rick Lazar

                                                                                                                      Rick was voted Percussionist of the Year five times by Jazz Report magazine and has produced and released 4 CDs with his group Montuno Police: “Bang,” “Touch,” “The Call,” and “Nomads.” Rick has toured/recorded with such artists as Bruce Cockburn, Barry White, Paul Shaffer and is a regular collaborator with Loreena McKennitt on her recordings and tours. Rick is the creator and artistic director of Samba Squad and has written, produced and released 2 CDs with this group,“Samba Squad” and “Batuque.” He is also an educator at York University (ESCOLA DE SAMBA AND CUBAN MUSIC COURSES). Lazar has also developed workshop techniques, which are being successfully used in the Samba Kidz and Samba Teens programs. Rick’s knowledge of world drums and passion makes him a unique percussionist who is first call for a diverse array of artists.

                                                                                                                        Riley O’Connor

                                                                                                                        Riley O’Connor is a sought after Canadian drummer with a Humber background who is established as an international touring musician and session player in genres ranging from jazz, r&b and country to heavy rock.

                                                                                                                        Riley plays regularly with Toronto acts The Michael Schatte Band, Love Tapper, CR Extraodinaire and freelance with many others.  He has also performed with many of Canada’s notable jazz musicians including Brownman Ali, Jordana Talsky, Ted Quinlan and Shirantha Beddage.

                                                                                                                        Performance credits include The TD Canada Trust Jazz Festival, Beaches International Jazz Festival, NXNE, CMW,Oakville Jazz Festival,Canadian Country Music Awards, World Pride Toronto, Russian Music Festival (Dundas Square), The International Blues Challenge finals (Memphis) and The Motor City Music Festival (Detroit).

                                                                                                                        Riley’s drumming is captured on recordings from Toronto’s top studios such as CBC, Phase One and Coalition Music and has been featured on The Edge 102.1, Much Music, CBC Television and Lionsgate Pictures.

                                                                                                                        Sam Cino

                                                                                                                        Sam has studied music at Humber College and with many private teachers such as: Nick Macerollo, Pete Magadini, Jim Blackley, Roger Flock, Don Vickery, Paul DeLong, Rick Gratton, Memo Acevedo and Ted Warren.

                                                                                                                        He has been involved in many recording projects and performing ensembles over the past 30 years including: Adams Rib, A Single Voice, Back Drop Theroy, Robin Benedict, Big Smoke, Black Cabbage. Brothers Inc, Ken Brown, B.T.K, C2 Entertainment, Sam Cino Trio, Cardiac Arrest, Chipotle, Collateral Dammage, Eccodeck, Fiddlestixs, Grier Copins and Taxi Chain, The Hodads, House of Velvet, Shane Phillips, Brent Rowan Trio, King Cobb Steelie, Kinnie Star, The Kramdens, Teresa Levasseur, Dutch Mason, Brenda McMorrow, Andrew McPherson, Lewis Melville, Microbunny, The Nationals, Nice House, Passanger, Parker Thomas Jazz, Peeler, Aaron Riches, Oliver Schroer, Tanis Slimmon, Aaron Solomon, Sexual Chocolate, Spank, Superex, Jude Vedela, Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind and The Woodchoppers.

                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                          Terry Clarke

                                                                                                                          TERRY CLARKE (drummer) was born August 20, 1944 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He began displaying rhythmic aptitude at a very early age, and was just 12 twelve years old when he began studying formally with noted drum teacher and author, Jim Blackley, Blackley was, and remains, a primary figure in Clarke’s continuing development as a musician.

                                                                                                                          In 1965, Clarke moved to San Francisco to work with legendary saxophonist, John Handy III. He performed with Handy for the next two and a half years, during which time the GRAMMY nominated recording, Live at The Monterey Jazz Festival (Columbia – 1966) was made. Following the John Handy experience (which included Terry’s long-time musical collaborator and friend, Don Thompson), Clarke began building his reputation for versatility by joining the world-famous pop vocal group, “The Fifth Dimension” at the height of their popularity, travelling and performed extensively with them throughout the U.S.A., Canada and Europe.

                                                                                                                          Clarke left “The Fifth Dimension” in 1970, subsequently re-locating to Toronto where, for the next 15, he played an abundance of jazz in all styles, and established himself as a major figure in Toronto’s then-considerable studio scene. Countless television shows, jingles and recording dates were his mainstay, as well performances in legendary Toronto jazz clubs including “George’s Spaghetti House”, “Bourbon Steet”, and “Basin Street”, often working with international jazz figures including Frank Rossolino and Lenny Breau. During the same period, he also toured extensively in Japan and Europe with jazz guitar legend Jim Hall and piano great, Oscar Peterson.

                                                                                                                          Terry Clarke is an original member of the “Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass” jazz big band, recording and touring with the world-acclaimed ensemble for 25 years. In 1985, seeking greater musical challenges, Clarke moved to New York City to pursue an exclusively jazz-oriented career. During his tenure there, he worked and recorded with The Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, Helen Merrill, Toots Theilemans, Ann Hampton Callaway, Red Mitchell, Marvin Stamm, Jim Hall, Bill Mays, Roger Kellaway, and Joe Roccisano, to list just a few.

                                                                                                                          Having recorded over 300 albums with various jazz artists, Terry Clarke is a familiar face at jazz festivals, concert halls, and venues throughout the world. In August of 1999, he returned to Toronto, reuniting with Rob to join his exciting new ensemble, “The Rob McConnell Tentet”, Terry Clarke’s most recent CD release is ‘Bick’s Bag’ (Triplet Records) featuring the trio of Bill Mays, Neil Swainson, and Terry Clarke, in tribute to Canadian jazz guitar legend, Ed Bickert.

                                                                                                                          Terry Clarke continues to perform and record with a number of international artists, including Nancy Wilson, Bill Mays, Renee Rosnes, Jim Hall, and Helen Merrill, as well as with an exciting line-up of Canadian musicians, among them David Braid, Jake Langley, Don Thompson, Nancy Walker, Neil Swainson, and David Occhipinti. Clarke is also an enthusiastic jazz educator, and for the past several years has been a member of the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto.

                                                                                                                          In 2009, Terry released his first album as a leader, “It’s About Time.” The record featured Jim Hall, Greg Osby, Joe Lovano, Phil Dwyer, and Don Thompson and won the JUNO Award for Traditional Jazz Album of the Year in 2010. The following summer, Terry toured Canada extensively with a trio that featured multi-instrumentalists Phil Dwyer and Don Thompson.

                                                                                                                          Awards:

                                                                                                                          2002 – Named a Member of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour given in this country. It is granted to Canadian citizens ‘for outstanding achievement and service to the country or to humanity at large.’

                                                                                                                          2004 – National Jazz Awards winner as ‘Drummer of the Year’

                                                                                                                          2005 – National Jazz Awards winner as ‘Drummer of the Year’

                                                                                                                          2006 – National Jazz Awards winner as ‘Drummer of the Year’

                                                                                                                          2007 – National Jazz Awards winner as ‘Drummer of the Year’

                                                                                                                          2008 – National Jazz Awards winner as ‘Drummer of the Year’

                                                                                                                          2010 – JUNO Award for ‘Traditional Jazz Album’ for the album “It’s About Time”

                                                                                                                            Tim Shia

                                                                                                                            CURRENT MUSIC PROJECTS

                                                                                                                            THE WORST POP BAND EVER (2006-PRESENT):

                                                                                                                            Original music blending aggressive improvisation with pop sensibilities.

                                                                                                                            A loyal Headhunters user since his days at Humber College in the late 90s and as a sideman has been fortunate enough to  perform and/or record with a number of award winning local and international musicians in a number of different genres.  Some of these artists include: Rich Underhill, Amanda Martinez, Suzie McNeil, Rain Lau (Hong Kong),  Elizabeth Shepherd,  Laila Biali, Brian Hayman, the Drayton Theatre Group, Michael Danso (Scotland), George Koller, Julie Michels, Big Rude Jake, the Samba Squad, Jaymz Bee, James Robertson, Eric St. Laurent, Attila Fias, Adrean Farrugia, Chris Gale, Ron Davis,  Robi Botos, Brandi Disterheft, Kevin Clarke (USA), DK Ibomeka, Jason Chan (Hong Kong), Chris Hunt Tentet, Sophia Perlman,  Nick Zubeck, Coryn Raymond, Richard Styla (Poland),  Shannon Butcher , Rhonda Stakich, Shameem (Australia), Milosh, Quique Escamilla, Magnolius, LEO37, John Poon, etc.

                                                                                                                            Tim has been busy with his own project;  The Worst Pop Band Ever and the band has met with critical acclaim, played to packed rooms and festivals across North America.

                                                                                                                            Tim has also been a contributor in original music for Film and Television for the likes of CBC, NFB, OMNI, Disney, Teletoon, etc

                                                                                                                            www.wpbe.ppfhouse.com.

                                                                                                                            http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/kevin-hurley/td-toronto-jazz-festival_b_5501318.html?1403023544

                                                                                                                              Tim Timleck

                                                                                                                              TIM TIMLECK

                                                                                                                              Tim Timleck is a Toronto-based drummer who is currently touring with multi-platinum,  Juno-award winning rock icon Carole Pope of Rough Trade, Emm Gryner, as well as 80’s inspired hard rockers Trapper (featuring Emm Gryner and Sean Kelly), with whom he recently completed a Canadian arena run in support of Def Leppard)

                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                              Tim came up as a drummer in the early 80’s Queen Street scene in Toronto, cutting his teeth with a number of punk and rock n roll bands, and developing a sense of street style that permeates his playing to this day.  This led to touring Canada’s then burgeoning cover band bar circuit, playing 7 nights a week, and ultimately landed Tim the drum chair in Atlantic Records recording artists Michael White’s world famous Led Zeppelin tribute band, The White. Tim then further diversified his playing with Virgin Records roots and country artist Lori Yates (alongside such venerable players as Blue Rodeo’s Basil Donovan and guitar legend David Baxter).

                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                              His next big touring stint came with 90’s recording act Universal Honey, a gig that had Tim playing festivals, clubs, theatres and arenas all over North America.

                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                              Other acts Tim has toured and/or recorded with include Tariq (EMI), Galore (Fading Ways), Crash Kelly (Century Media/EMI) and others, and continues to work as a first call freelance studio and live drummer in Toronto.

                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                              Tim is proud to play and endorse Sonor Drums and Headhunters Sticks and Creations.

                                                                                                                                Tony Rabalao

                                                                                                                                Tony “Leh-lo” Rabalao started playing drums at age 8. He was self-taught until he deciced to study jazz and composition at College. After graduating, he went on to tour and record extensively, throughout Europe and North America, with bands such as Joydrop, Kalan Porter, Shakura S’Aida, Ko, Redman, Big Sugar, and Binker the Star, to name a few. He has appeared in 11 MTV and Much Music videos and is founder/drummer/songwriter of the Juno nominated, alt-rock band Joydrop, penning their Billboard top 20 hit “Beautiful”. His broad taste in music allows him to easily switch from hard hitting rock to head- bopping hip-hop, with intensity, a deep groove, and the sensibility and taste of a songwriter. His drumming style is influenced by greats such as Bonham, Stewart Copland, Questlove, and Dave Grohl. Check out his playing on any of the Joydrop or Bass is Base records, and you can hear how those influences have been fused into his own unique style.

                                                                                                                                  Troy Feener

                                                                                                                                  Troy Feener has been playing drums ever since fate brought him into the Toronto Percussion Center and he left with a pair of drum sticks and a new drum teacher. Ironically the sticks were what became Headhunters BB’s and the store was owned by Dave Rundle! Troy spent many years touring the world and recording with artists like Tom Cochrane, Gowan, David Usher, Rick Emmett and his own band The Full Nine. These days you can find him on stage across North America as the drummer for Classic Albums Live, a position he has held for almost 10 years. Troy is also busy with his progressive rock band Druckfarben who are making fans around the world with their debut CD and live performances. Troy uses the Headhunter 5B, BB, Brushes and Bundled Rods.



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