Global Drum Network

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Global Drum Network podcast. This time we’re featuring our exclusive interview with the Funk-tastic PETE RAY BIGGIN, who has been tearing up stages all over Europe and beyond with the brilliant LEVEL 42, and driving his own project, the equally funky PB UNDERGROUND. With the latter outfit, Pete’s having to wear all the hats, from Songwriting to Producing and Arranging. It all makes the actual drumming part of day the most relaxing. Just as well he’s a bundle of en...

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Global Drum Network podcast. This time we have not one, not two, but THREE drummers for your delight and delectation. We went to the Colston Hall, Bristol, to see all three of them performing onstage together, but only two of them were playing drums on the night. The other is the man whose name is at the top of the bill, the star of the show, Mister PAUL CARRACK. Labelled by the BBC as ‘THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN VOICE’, Paul is not only a highly successful singer, s...

Welcome to Episode 12, featuring the one and only LLOYD RYAN. In a very busy career spanning many decades at the top of his game, Lloyd has worked with over 100 top-line acts from Comic Magic Maestro TOMMY COOPER to Eurovision winners THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN. Along the way, he's appeared in many feature films, countless TV shows and played as many as 7 gigs in a day! When he's not been driving bands along (including his own Big Band), Lloyd has been a passionate teacher. So far his successful ...

Welcome to episode 11, which is another bumper feast of drumming goodness featuring exclusive interviews with two of the UK’s greatest giants. ASH SOAN is known worldwide as one of THE go-to guys for both recording and live work and his extensive CV backs this up. From Grammy award-winner ADELE to DEL AMITRI, FAITHLESS and SQUEEZE, JAMES MORRISON and many more, Ash is also the resident drummer on BBC TV’s primetime series ‘THE VOICE’. Ash is very relaxed company as he talks us through his ca...

Welcome to episode 10. In this bumper edition you'll find our exclusive interviews with the mighty MEL GAYNOR of SIMPLE MINDS and TIM BROUGHTON from PROVENANCE DRUMS. Mel needs little introduction as his work with epic stadium-rockers Simple Minds has taken him all around the world for over 30 years, but did you know he was already well established as a leading session man before getting that call? His CV includes the likes of Tina Turner, The Pretenders, Robert Palmer, Imagination, The Nola...

Welcome to Episode 9, this time it’s our exclusive interview with special guest MARK BRZEZECKI. Mark is one of those drummers whose style is so innovative and instantly recognisable that he’s inspired a whole generation of players. That’s why he’s so often mentioned in the same breath as his contemporary Stuart Copeland, and that’s also why he’s so much in demand! He came to prominence as the driving force behind the huge BIG COUNTRY, and has also brought his unique style to the work of THE ...

Welcome to episode 8. This time we have a bumper edition for you, featuring exclusive interviews with CRAIG BLUNDELL, CHRIS ‘WOODY WOOD’ from BASTILLE and a report from the FREDDIE GEE DRUM ACADEMY. Workaholic CRAIG BLUNDELL is possibly the busiest drummer on the planet, with an work ethic which puts most of the world to shame. For some time established as one of THE most inspirational clinicians and teachers around, Craig has become an accomplished composer, arranger and producer too, with r...

Welcome to Episode 7, featuring our exclusive interview with the extraordinary PETE LOCKETT. Probably the finest world percussionist on the planet, Pete's CV features work with a host of A-listers in addition to being an accomplished artist in his own right. He's also composed, arranged and performed the ethnic percussion parts on the last 5 James Bond movies, has developed his own smartphone app and is now a published novelist! Enjoy, and always remember; Whatever you Play, Play it with Pa...

Welcome to Episode 6, featuring our exclusive interview with '70s legend DON POWELL of SLADE. As you'll hear, he's really lived the dream while powering the world's favourite GlamRock giants for more then 40 years of hellraising. And don't miss his tale of being attacked on live kids' TV by SHEP, the Blue Peter dog. It's a belter! Rounding off the show we preview this year's London Drum Show and celebrate the launch of our new website: www.globaldrumnetwork.com . Thanks for listening, and al...

Well Folks, it's been a long time coming, but here at last is Episode 5 of the Global Drum Network podcast. This time we're taking a long, hard look at the visceral, epic percussive art that is TAIKO DRUMMING, as practised by the mighty MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS. They're Europe's only touring Taiko ensemble, and they're thunderously good. In Bob's exclusive interview, Mugenkyo's founder NEIL MACKIE gives us the lowdown on all things Taiko, the group itself and he takes us on a walk-through of t...

Welcome to episode 4 of the Global Drum Network podcast, featuring our interview with the highly acclaimed GILSON LAVIS. World-renowned for his drumming with SQUEEZE and JOOLS HOLLAND'S RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA, Gilson's eclectic career spans 5 decades and he's worked with almost everyone you can name. As you'll hear, he's also an accomplished artist and eloquent raconteur. Enjoy, and always remember; Whatever you play, Play it with passion!

Welcome to episode 3 of the Global Drum Network, our first of 2014. In this bumper, extended edition we welcome some special guests to the studio for exclusive interviews and more. First up is ex-International Footballer-turned-broadcaster and now percussion instrument inventor DION DUBLIN. He joins us for a chat about drums, professional sport and life lessons in general before leading a roomful of us in an inspirational DUBE JAM. Next in is drummer and author SPIKE WEBB. After an entertaini...

Welcome to episode 2 of the Global Drum Network. Features this time include interviews with some truly inspirational players: STEVE WHITE ( Paul Weller / Style Council / Oasis / Trio Valore ), CHERISSE OSEI ( Mika / Paloma Faith / Bryan Ferry ) and BOB HENRIT ( Argent / The Kinks / Adam Faith ). And always remember: Whatever you play, Play it with Passion!

Welcome to our first episode!On this special edition we feature a report from the annual FREDDIE GEE DRUM ACADEMY, including interviews with STEVE WHITE, PETE CATER and GEOFF DUGMORE. We also take a look at the ethereal world of the haunting instrument that is THE HANG (played by our guest CLOUDSONG), and take a fond look back at the life and career of the late, great COZY POWELL. Enjoy, and remember; WHATEVER YOU PLAY, PLAY IT WITH PASSION!