I'm passionate about music and play/listen to so many styles so the following list is only the tip of the iceberg and will obviously continue to grow! In no particular order, I would say that I'm influenced by the music and playing of Buddy Rich, Sting, Vinnie Colaiuta, Branford Marsalis, Jeff Tain Watts, Gene Calderazzo, Snoop Dogg, Bobby McFerrin, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Miles, Aphex Twin, Gary Novak, Jeff Porcaro, Dave Hassell, Bob Armstrong, Count Basie, Steve Gadd, Wynton Marsalis, Steve Jordan, The Roots, Gary Burton, Sergio Mendes, The Beastie Boys, Fundo De Quintal, Bob Marley, Zeca Pagodinho, Olodum, John Coltrane, Butch Miles, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Bill Stewart, Bjork, Rahzel Canonball Aderley, Keith Jarret, Sonny Payne, Jack DeJohnette, John Mayer, The Bad Plus, Sonny Rollins, Squarepusher, Frank Sinatra, Paul Clarvis, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, Chick Corea, Dizzy Rascal, Dave Hassell, Bob Armstrong, Stevie Wonder and my beloved TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR!! Below is my media where you can check out video samples of my live and studio playing. Enjoy! x
I studied music at Trinity College of Music Juniors, followed by Leeds College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. I then went on to occupy the drum chair in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra for three years, performing all over the country, as well as appearing several times at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London and recording several albums with the band. In 2002, I played in Hyde Park as part of the live broadcast on BBC1 with Ladysmith Black Mambazo for the Queens' Golden Jubilee celebrations, working with George Martin and the late film composer Michael Kamen. I have also performed live with Will Young and Gareth Gates, Patricio Buanne, Seth Lakeman, recorded music for the Opera 1984 in Covent Garden with conductor of The New York Symphony Orchestra, Lorin Mazel and drummed for The Rat Pack Show in The West End and European tour and have been the house drummer at Ronnies Scotts Jazz Club.
As well as my live playing, I have provided the music for numerous film soundtracks, including Ella Enchanted for Miramax films and The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, in which I also appear. My television credits include The Debt (BBC) Midsummer Murders (ITV) Ready When You Are Mr Magill (ITV) The Reversals (ITV), Lock Stock Two Smoking Barrels (Channel 4) and The Long Firm (ITV). Playing the drums has given me an opportunity to travel the world. My tours have included Argentina with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, The North Sea Jazz Festival, Holland and The Plovdiv Jazz Festival in Bulgaria. I also participate in the annual Paradise Jazz Festival in Cyprus, performing with singer Anita Wardell.
I co-lead an exciting new jazz group called Centre-Line with saxophonist Russell van den Berg with Mike Outram/Jez Franks on guitar, Simon Colam ..s and Tom Mason/Rob Mullarkey on bass
We have been gigging around the UK to much acclaim and have got some exciting things lined up in the near future. We have been thrilled with the feedback we are getting and are pleased that our music is being well received. Check the site regularly for updates and gig news!
I also teach drums and am currently the drum tutor for The Purcell School Of Music and The Royal Masonic School For Girls. I've given workshops at several schools and music courses around the country and abroad, including the Glamorgan Jazz Course, Guildhall School of Music, Royal Academy of Music Jazz Summer Schools and The Wavendon Jazz Course. In February 2002 I was invited to Cyprus by the British Council to give workshops in jazz and have taught at The Mediterranean Jazz Summer School.
Teachers I studied with include Dave Hassell, Bob Armstrong, Ralph Salmins, Trevor Tomkins, Mike Smith, Tenna Lyle and Kevin Nutty and John Chimes (BBC Symphony Orchestra)
As well as my drumming, I'm a voiceover artist. I pride myself on being extremely versatile and adaptable. Whether it's hard sells, reassuring reads, dynamic jingles & promos, clean on hold deliveries or narrations. My natural style has earned me two national TV adverts as the voice of Jacamo men’s clothing website and cashback.co.uk.
With a talent for characters, accents, impressions, I've been sought after by
animators who wished to use my voice talents for cartoons and clients needing him
to deliver celebrity impressions! I can be heard playing the main character in
Dimensity, an adventure game for PC.
I have only been in the industry for three years, but I've built up a Blue Chip client list consisting of X-Box, ITV, Virgin Mobile, The Discovery Channel, Cisco Systems, Learn Direct cashback.co.uk and Webex.
Thanks Darren. The band are likely to be musos you know...Simon Wallace on piano, Matt Ridley on bass and John Blease on drums. I'm working on finsihing my album now. Will catch up at a gig soon am sure and will let you when I next need a fab drummer. PS: Did you ever see that film we did at The Rivoli Ballroom?! Was it Miss Pettigrew? xxx
HI Darren, hope you're well. Very funny the voice over montage! please let me know what you think about the new tunes from our 2nd album "thesaurus". see you soonJames
Hey thanks for the add! If you’re free come down and see the new ZEROPLANE line-up play their first gig together @ Phibbers Bar, Islington, on the 4th of October, 8pm. Details are on our page. Hope all is well, Zeroplane.
darren im doing a new trio cd launch at the 6 . wed may 7th. early set. enzo zirilli and mike janisch... will be great to see you down there if you're free alex
Helloooo my southern friend. What's up cock? (that sounds a bit rude doesn't it!!) Are you well? When is your big schmancy wedding? Thanks for your lovely comment . Yes, this blonde is certainly having more fun. I've turned down 3 gigs just so I can spend pesach with my loved one(s). Hope everything is well for you both. I'm coming down to London this Thurs till Sat if you're around to hook up for drink? Lots of love x Laura
