I’ve just got back from a weekend in the south east with Voodoo Jukebox; the band fuse top popularity Gypsy Jazz tunes, and we pull in different soloists for the different gigs depending on the locations of the gigs. It’s great fun- each gig, the different taste and style of each player means constantly working to settle in your style with theirs- as a drummer this is really cool. I sit back in the groove and let the players around me find their places in the first few songs.

DRUMS – 

Chad Smith snare

14″ floor tom from my Starclassic kit

18″ Floor tom converted to a kick drum

( really handy for gigs where I drive people around- limited car space!)

Hand hammered cymbal and hats.

Small, tidy kit. It’s all you need right!?

I get to throw fast swing grooves in and work on my hit foot stamina, while staying true to the feel that is happening. Lots of brush work, and expressive feathery bass drum playing too.

I come from a funk background-

playing swing is fun!

The first of the gigs was a really funky art exhibition in someones house- we were treated really well and made some connections for the future including a wood and silver carver. The second , a wedding. Later that night after we drove back into BN1, I ending up with Joe strolling down the lively front on the dark, windy Brighton beaches and eventually crashing out his generous friends’ house.

The gig was an exciting one because it pushed my playing– it pushed all of us- our regular bass player Bill had been booked for another show, so Joe took up the double bass, and although this didn’t effect the amount of material we had, it meant the dynamic of the group totally changed!

I love gigs like this that send you ‘back to school.’ Just when you think you’ve got it all down..

you can check out the bible of Voodoo Jukebox here…Here if you want to hear the flavours.

Our next show in Bristol;

 

 

Twitter- @stackedpromo