This was an incredible mind-expanding, spiritually enriching . . . really indescribable experience.
Lives were changed!
Drummers from all over the US and the world:
All points of the US, including Wisconsin & Michigan, New York, Florida &
California
and places around the world including Singapore, England & Japan!
I'd try to describe it, but I'd fail miserably . . . and really, you just had to be there.
You'll have another opportunity for a similar event (but not
this one) next year.
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BREAKING NEWS! ANNOUNCING . . .
The
2008 Drummers For Jesus International Celebration
Savings Club
For complete information, go to: NEWS
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But for now, the following pictures of me making friend s and
fellowshipping
with some of the top drummers on the planet will have to suffice.
(Oh yea, you can also buy the DVD when it comes out)
It's all his fault! This is THE man!! This is the guy who started it all -
Carlos Benson - Founder & Director of Drummers For Jesus International
Sean McCurley
Sean is a drummer of incredible versatility. As the driving force behind Kirk Whalum, Sean can wield an impressive array of funk, be-bop and R&B. He incorporates infectious grooves with mind blowing facility. His “chameleon like” skills keep him in a vast array of musical situations. “I love the challenge of playing with so many different kinds of musicians. It really keeps things interesting” In addition to Kirk, Sean has played or recorded with LeAnn Rymes, George Duke, Jonathan Butler, Dwight Sills, James Ingram, Everette Harp, Philippe Saisse, Jeff Golub, Rick Braun, Marc Antoine, Paula Abdul and Peter White. Check him out on Kirk Whalum’s Gospel According to Jazz ch.2 as well as the artist section of the Yamaha Drums web page.
Gregg Bissonette
Family and music go hand in hand for Gregg, growing up in Detroit, Michigan with his bassist brother Matt & band leader Dad.
Gregg went on to study at North Texas State where he was featured in the famed "One O'clock Jazz Band." After college he soon joined Matt in the Maynard Ferguson Big Band.
By the early `80's Gregg had relocated to Los Angeles where his ability to seamlessly fit into a wide variety of musical situations rapidly established him as a session legend.
Gregg has performed and recorded with an amazing variety of artists including Santana, Joe Satriani, Don Henley, Hans Zimmer, Keiku Matsui, Gino Vannelli, Tania Maria, Brian Wilson, Frank Gambale, Carole King, Robin Zander, Yarborough and Peoples, Andy Summers, Linda Rondstat, Steve Lukather, The Mustard Seeds, David Garfield, Enrique Iglesias, Larry Carlton, Pat Boone's Heavy Metal Big Band, Toto, David Lee Roth, Tribute to Jeff Porcaro, Celine Dion, Steve Vai, and many others.
One of the highlights of his career was being invited to perform with the Buddy Rich Big Band on the Buddy Rich Memorial Concert video/CD project. Gregg has recently cultivated his own solo career with his albums, Gregg Bissonette and Submarine.
Gregg Bissonette's trademark is his powerful, and inspirational drumming, whether as a soloist, sideman, or a band leader.
Russ Miller
Russ Miller is one of the top touring and session drummers of today. As a
Multi-Platinum, Grammy award winning recording artist, his musical versatility
has led him to work with an incredible list of artists including legends like
Ray Charles, The Fifth Dimension, Cher, Tina Turner & Bobby Caldwell through
Modern heroes such as Babyface, Hilary Duff, Nelly Furtado, Daniel Bedingfield
and Meredith Brooks.
As a strong force on the Los Angeles studio scene, Russ was voted in the top 5
Studio Drummers in the world, 3 years in a row, by the Modern Drummer Magazine
Readers Poll. He has performed on more than 250 albums and dozens of
international movies such as "Rugrats Go Wild!", "Resident Evil Apocolypse",
"O", "Garfield", "Boondock Saints", "Lethal Weapon 4" and "The Hulk".
Along with his many album credits, he has two solo albums, Where's One? and
Cymbalism on R.M.I Records. In addition, Russ performs clinics throughout the
world. Russ also has authored two books: The Drum Set Crash Course and
Transitions, along with his video/DVD, The Drum Set Crash Course, all of which
were voted the #1 educational books and video in the world (2001-2002) by Modern
Drummer Magazine.
John Blackwell, Jr.
John Blackwell Jr., the sound, funk and fury behind Prince and the New Power Generation is a spectacle for the eyes and ears. Blackwell’s slamming tight grooves, popping snare and furiously flamboyant drumstick twirling and cross-arm strokes must be seen to be believed.
Blackwell, born in Columbia South Carolina, was raised in a very musical family. John’s father, John Sr., was a very well known professional drummer who performed with acts like The Drifters, The Spinners and Mary Wells. John Jr. got his first drumset at age 3 and was brought to many concerts that came through South Carolina by his father. While in high school, John was playing in the High School Jazz and Marching Band while performing every weekend with the R&B/Jazz/Fusion group, Robert Newton & Lotusfete as well as with Billy Eckstine.
In 1992 John chose to further pursue his drum studies by enrolling into Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. John kept himself extremely busy and created a strong buzz about him while performing as much as possible with many Jazz and R&B artists around Boston. John was also teaching students and performing drum clinics during his time away from college. John left Berklee in 1995 and landed the gig with legendary funk group Cameo who he played with for the next 3 years. In 1998 after his time with Cameo, John packed up and moved to Los Angeles, California. Blackwell was in LA for only 3 days when he landed the drum position for the legendary R&B Diva, Patti LaBelle. During this time John recorded for LaBelle’s Grammy Award winning CD, DVD and VHS, "Patti LaBelle-Live One Night Only".
Zoro
Zoro has toured and recorded with Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The New Edition, Jody Watley, Philip Bailey of Earth Wind & Fire, Vanessa Paradis and many others. He was voted #1 R&B drummer in the Modern Drummer reader's poll for three consecutive years, 2000-2002. He is also author of the best selling and critically acclaimed Warner Bros. Publications book, video, and DVD series, The Commandments of R&B Drumming: A Comprehensive Guide To Soul, Funk & Hip Hop. All were awarded with the prestigious #1 educational products title in the Modern Drummer reader's poll. A respected educator who teaches privately and conducts master classes around the globe, Zoro was voted Best Clinician in the 2001 & 2002 Modern Drummer reader's poll, and has his own CD entitled, "The Funky Drummer".
Gerald Heyward
Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Terry Santiel,
Puff Daddy, Janet Jackson, Blackstreet, Michael Jackson, Natalie Wilson, Carl
Thomas, Missy Elliot, Coolio, St. Paul Sounds of
Praise Chorale, Philip Henry, and on and on.
Johnny Rabb
Johnny has performed with a range of artists including SheDaisy, Hank Williams III, Mindy McReady, and Maynard Ferguson. He continues to perform with his original band Super Action Heroes and country legend Tanya Tucker. Johnny is an active clinician, performing master-classes and workshops worldwide. His Warner Bros. Publications release Jungle/Drum ‘n’ Bass for the Acoustic Drumset was voted the #1 instructional book in Modern Drummer Magazine’s 2003 Reader’s Poll.
Johnny proudly performs with DW Drums and Hardware, MEINL Cymbals and Percussion, PRO-MARK Drumsticks, REMO Drumheads, AUDIX Microphones and Roland Electronic Percussion.
Carl Albrecht
Carl has been a professional drummer & percussionist for over 20 years. He has a Bachelors of Music Degree in Composition and Arranging with an emphasis in percussion studies from Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. He has played drums and percussion on over 70 Integrity Music projects; the Kent Henry worship series; Maranatha Praise Band recordings, and numerous other Christian, Pop, Country, and Commercial projects. Carl was part of the worship team at Grace Church of St. Louis for 9 years, and is now part of the worship ministry at Belmont Church in Nashville, Tn. He and his wife, Leann currently live in Nashville where they both are involved in recording, writing, teaching, and ministry work.
Carl has worked with such artist as Paul Clark, Ron Kenoly, Lenny LeBlanc, Paul Baloche, Don Moen, Marty Nystrom, Alvin Slaughter, Randy Rothwell, Paul Wilbur, Bob Fitts, Billy Funk, Darrell Evans, Paul Smith, Phil Driscoll, Koinonia, Michael W. Smith, Kim Hill, John Sellers, Maranatha Praise Band, Don Potter, Anita Cochran, LeAnn Rimes, John Tesh, and many others.
Marvin McQuitty
Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, The Winans, Yolanda Adams, Take 6, Kim Burrell, The Williams Brothers, CeCe Winans, Israel & The New Breed, Sheila E., Stevie Wonder, Jessica Simpson and on and on.
C. G. Ryche & his percussion set-up
C.G. Ryche is a World-Class Percussionist who has traveled the world as a Performer, Educator & Clinician. Widely known for his Dazzling Showmanship & Serious Chops. Ryche has made special appearances with artist such as, Wayne Newton, Ambrosia, Kevyn Lettau, Medhi, Perla Batalla, Disney’s “Eureka” parade & Samba Nova to name only a few. C.G. has been invited to perform, assemble & choreograph for many Drum fest across the U.S. including, T.R.A.P. benefit, Avila Drum Day II, Drummers for JESUS, Remo Percussion Center, N.A.M.M., Disney, Latinsphere and the Museum for Making Music to name only a few, as well as Schools and Collages abroad. Praised for his Ground- Breaking Performances with Benise, C.G. also arranges & choreographs all percussionist for Benise’s live and filmed performances as can be seen on their DVD’s “Spanish Nights” and their latest “Nights of Fire” airing December 2005 nationwide on PBS or their 2006 World Tour including an array of African, Afro-Brazilian & Afro-Cuban percussion. With Numerous Recording, Film scores as well as T.V. & DVD appearances under his belt C.G. desires to continue to work with some of the Biggest & Brightest Stars in the industry as well as push the percussion envelop to audiences abroad while leaving a lasting mark that Honors & Respects his peers.
Louis Santiago, Jr.
Twenty -nine year old drummer Louis Santiago Jr. has already
had a remarkable musical career that is the stuff urban legends are made of.
Born in New York City in 1976, Lou did not purchase his first drum set until he
was eighteen. After two years of eight to twelve hours of daily practice, he
quit playing and joined the Navy - intent on earning tuition money to attend the
Drummer's Collective in New York City. Five years later, during his last year of
enlistment, Lou finally picked up his sticks again and, incredibly, after eight
months of practicing, won the 2001 Guitar Center South East Regional Drum-Off,
placing him 7th in the nation. Two years later, in 2003, he won the over 18 age
division of Modern Drummer's "Undiscovered Drummer" contest and then toured with
legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band. "Louis is
without a doubt one of the most exciting new young drummers on the scene. He is
dedicated to his craft and I look forward to watching the progress of his
career!" says the venerable Ferguson.
Since then, Lou has gone on to work with some of the
industry’s finest artists, such as afro-cuban/jazz bassist, John Benitez, top
German session bassist, Martin Engelien, Del Sol (latin pop band, Curve
Records), Drummers for Jesus, Lamar Boschman and the International Worship
Institute, just to name a few. Recently, Lou has joined forces with Jeff Deyo,
one of today’s prominent worship leader’s formerly of Grammy nominated Christian
rock band Sonic Flood. In addition, he has been very successful as a clinician,
inspiring and influencing drummers of all ages in Europe and the US.
Highlighted in Modern Drummer Magazine, Lou says his goal is, "To become a
better person and drummer than I was yesterday. I sincerely believe that music
both inspires and speaks to people. I pray that my drumming does the same. This
isn’t just a job or hobby for me. I understand fully that it is a ministry given
to me from GOD the father to further his kingdom."
After playing for little more than 4 years, Lou's prodigious talents have earned him endorsements from Sonor Drums, Meinl Cymbals and Percussion, Evans Drumheads, Vic Firth Drumsticks, and Shure Microphones.
Robert "Sput" Seawright
Kirk Franklin's drummer.
Bill Bachman
Has studied percussion performance at the University of North Texas and is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. He has played quads in the University of North Texas' indoor drumline, and in the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps. Bill's awards include Drum Corps International's 1st place percussion with the Cadets at the world finals in 1994, Drum Corps International's over all runner-up in 1994 and 1995, the Percussive Arts Society's 1994 tenor individual competition runner-up, and 1st place at the Percussive Arts Society's 1996 Indoor Drumline Competition with the University of North Texas. Bill has nstructed with many award winning groups including the Bluecoats, Blue Knights, and Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. He's the author of Row-Loff's Quad Logic, Rudimental Logic, and Bass Logic, designer of Vic Firth's Heavy Hitter pad series, and is an endorser of Dynasty drums, Remo drumheads, Vic Firth sticks and mallets, and NDCtech.com. He's an active clinician and still loves to drum!
Chris Coleman
Chris has been playing drums since the ripe old age of 2, sitting on his Uncle's knee in church. He traveled with his father and uncles who performed together in a gospel ensemble. In his youth he practiced relentlessly with the aim of making it big as a drummer. In Junior high school he earned numerous awards in band competitions, including 1st place for instrumental soloist three years running. He also took top honors in his hometown "Music Appreciation Awards" at the age of 14, and began traveling throughout the country with several gospel groups (including Marvin Winans, Edwin Hawkins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong) and performing with three variety/show bands.
In 1999, Chris graduated with honors from the Drummer's Collective. He was offered a scholarship to Berklee School of Music, was accepted into Manhattan School of Music, and received a recommendation from Ed Soph to attend North Texas State. He opted instead to return to his home town of Saginaw, Michigan to start full-time ministry and the CRC Drum and Bass Institute. He moved briefly to Cleveland to join the instructional staff at Christian Music Academy.
December 8, 2001, Chris was honored to win 1st place in the National Drum Competition sponsored by Guitar Center, which hosted 30,000 drummers. He then came to Atlanta to study Bass at AIM, where he was pleased to accept a position teaching drums.
In addition to his teaching, Chris keeps a busy schedule touring. He has toured with Pastor Creflo A. Dollar Ministries throughout the world since June 2002, and has traveled to over 40 cities in 3 countries with praise and worship band Israel and New Breed, since September 2003. Ever on the move, Israel and New Breed has a 12 country tour planned for 2005, and has had a #1 Billboard hit with "Again I Say Rejoice." The DVD from that recording will be available at the beginning of 2005.
Chris has participated in recording 4 major gospel recordings this year, including Bishop Eddie Long, William Murphy Ministries and others. He plans to record with his band, ATW Ministries in the very near future.
Todd Wilson
Todd's sound is an amalgam of gospel, R&B, Funk, Latin, and Jazz. Across more than a decade as a professional drummer, Todd has played for such renowned gospel artists as Donnie McClurkin, Ronald Winans, Ron Kenoly, Gary Oliver, and Bobby Jones Gospel. Today, he is the drummer for the FaithWorld band and Pastor Clint Brown. He has performed and written for Clint Brown's 'In His Presence 3' album, performed on Rod Parsley's World Harvest project, co-produced 'Young Tribe' for Tribe Music Group, and performed and co-produced for LaRue Steward's debut album 'Free'. In addition, Todd has played for a host of other artists such as Martha Munizzi.
Todd Wilson's love for percussion began in the church, where he learned from other contemporary gospel drummers. He took his gift and built a career in music at Florida Memorial College in Miami, FL. The diverse influences of his Miami home mark his distinct style. His sound is an amalgam of gospel, R&B, funk, latin and jazz.
Todd's intense and skillful playing is exhibited on his video projects. "Dynamic Drumming" volumes 1 and 2. He not only demonstrates his knowledge of the drum profession, but also amazes viewers with creative displays of drum fills.
"Todd Wilson is one of America's greatest drummers. He is not just a regular drummer, he is a very innovative and creative drummer as well." - Clint Brown
Terl Bryant & Psalm Drummers
Terl is a respected and experienced English musician with pastor's heart. He is gifted at encouraging people in matters of faith and is an insightful teacher and minister. Terl is credited on more than 150 albums with artists including John Paul Jones, Faith Hill, Iona, Matt Redman, Lesley Garrett, Paul Wilbur, Paul Baloche and many more. He is not only in demand as a drummer in the main stream but regularly teaches and ministers to churches, music teams, and at events across Europe and in the States.
He is founder and visionary for the drumming network Psalm Drummers (founded in 1994) and he has gathered drummers for numerous events including St. Paul's Cathedral (for the Archbishop of Canturbury), Soul Survivor UK, One Day USA, The Call UK, Greenbelt UK and others. He is currently gathering drummers in support of 'Calling all Nations' an international worship event at Berlin arena July 2006. Terl is married to Juliet; they have four children and live in Sussex, England.
Andrew Lloyd
Andrew's beginnings with music were practiced through an Ethnomusicologist's method, learning Ethnic musical stylings and instrumentation through a wide variety of world cultures. This lead him to the discovery and love of many intriguing instruments including the steelpan. The steelpan has become one of his most proficient and widely enjoyed instruments due to its versatility allowing an artist uninhibited freedom from the preconceived notion of style or genre.
Over the span of 10 years Andrew has been fortunate enough to learn from and perform with top steelpanists from Trinidad and around the world. During this same time he has been touring jazz festivals, achieving high placement in professional competitions and serving as a steeldrum clinician throughout many parts of North America and Europe with groundbreaking bands and ensembles, thus granting him a deeper respect and understanding of the steelpans history and future.
Andrew's time is mostly focused on his recording studio in Los Angeles where he lives and performs, building a career as a composer for film, television and multi media.
Derek Winkley
13-year-old Derek Winkley from Dallas, TX has been playing drums since he was 3 years old. The quiet, shy teenager fades away whenever he starts to play - his drumming prowess is WAY beyond his years. When you see it, you will believe it ... a truly gifted young man.
Jeffrey Jones
Jeffrey is the director of the Oklahoma chapter of Drummers for Jesus. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah Oklahoma, he teaches over 70 students a week, and he has performed with Joe Lovano, Bobby Shew, Bob Mintzer, Slide Hampton, and several other artists. He has also written two books, Groovology: The Study of Double Bass Drum Grooves and Groovology: The Study of Basic Drum Set Grooves, and he has a DVD, Praise and Worship Drumming: An Inspirational Approach to Drumming, that will be released very soon.
Rodney Harrison - Photographer for Modern Drummer who happens to also be a great
drummer!
Herb Alpert, The Delphonics, Roberta Flack, Isaac Hayes, Bobbie Humphrey, Freida Payne, The Persuaders, Phylicia Rashad, Dionne Warwick, Mary Wilson, Jessie Dixon, Daryl Doleman, Reggie Stewart, Danibelle Hall, Eugene Harrison, Eric & Sandra Huff, Tramaine Hawkins, Hizown, Donnie McClurkin, Darrell & Veronica, Jae Nixon & Dunamis, Maurette Brown Clark, Renetha, Alvin Slaughter, Jonathon DuBose, Unity, Fletch Wiley, David Gates & LPJ, Living Hope Ministries
Future Drummers For Jesus Chapter Directors.
From left to right: Rodney Harrison - New York City, Me, Jeff
Woosley - North Carolina,
Jeremy Yeo - Singapore, Nigel Gan - Singapore, and Joe Knowles - North Carolina.
My friend Tommy Fields
Tommy was a huge help to me in enabling me to attend this weekend. He made me feel at home in Texas, assisted me with many things and became a great friend. I am forever indebted to him!
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I couldn't find my picture with the following two guys,
but I didn't want to leave them off this page as they played a big role this
weekend
and they were a bunch of fun to be around!
Nathaniel Townsley
Nathaniel has performed with the likes of Joe Zawinul, Corey Clover, Maria Carey, Will Downing, Manolo Badrena, Sabine Kabongo, Amit Chatterjee, Linley Marthe, Jermaine Hawkins, Stevie Wonder, Special EFX, Richard Bona, Michal Urbaniak, Jim Prayor, Chulo Gatewood, The Chieftains and Dez.
Keith Banks
Keith is a professional worship musician and anointed worship teacher. He has 20 years of drumming experience, and has worked in musical productions with television networks as well as radio. Keith also has musical experience in various styles such as Jazz, Blues, Latin, Pop, Rock, Funk, R&B, Gospel, and Christian Praise & Worship. Keith is a current drum instructor as well as a graduate at Christ For The Nation Institute and has a Bachelor in Business Management from Dallas Baptist University in Dallas Texas. Keith has been apart of many different musical venues such as jazz festivals, drum workshops, DVD recordings, and live concerts. Keith has played with such artist as Joseph Vincelli, Arlington Jones, Tom Braxton, Martha Burks, Marco Barrientos, Klaus Kluen and many other artists. Keith is a full-time musician and is committed to innovating people with his talent and worship teachings.