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Dylan Barkowsky

Drums

Why/how did you come to choose drums?
At the time I was very little, so I can't really remember the reason. I think one day I just decided I wanted to play the drums.

Who were your influences and why?
Matthew Pelissier, because of the driving force and energy he put into every song. Dominic Howard, because of the unusual patterns and ability to play to what the song needed. Dave Grohl, for his mastery of technique and rudiments in his songs, and great live shows. Jim McGillveray, for his use of out-of-the-ordinary sounds, and timing percision.

I don't have a webpage, but I can provide some video links.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1081983364956

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCo0XU7iBK0

my email is:dbarkowsky@shaw.ca

Jonathan Carsten

I started by beating on the dashboard of my 69 Rambler American. As I progressed into a musician I got involved with Reggae and became the drummer for a band called Night Shift. We were based out of San Diego and played all variants but subsisted on Roots dance hall. The band opened up for such acts as Johnny Osborn, Meditations, Culture, Don Carlos, Altonellis, Itals, EEk A Mouse, Twinkle Brothers. One of our claims to fame was being the band for Mickey Dread. He Brought Reggae Music to the radio and is definitely one of the fathers of reggae music. The band progressed over a period of about ten years and like all good things, well you know. I have since moved to Canada and am enjoying a very tranquil life in rural setting playing in the band Anything Grows. Brian LIttle, Ray Ducharme and myself are the core of the band and will continue to be so till death due us part.

Derek Cole

Drums and Vocals

(What is your main instrument...)
Drums

(... and why/how did you come to choose it?)
I wanted to make noise

(Who were your influences, and why?)
Charlie Watts, Kenny Aranoff

(How long ago or at what age did you start playing?)
12 in school band
21 in first band The Naked Crows - country rock band in Vancouver

In between I've filled in with many bands including: Chained Lynx, The Extenders, Scrot and the Schmegmatics, Shattered Glass, Savage, More Beans Please/Tangled Web, River Rats, Vinjorek, etc.

I've had the privilege of playing with most of Powell River's finest musicians in bands and at Jam's. Hopefully I'll still be playing when I'm 85.

added September 2006

I'm very proud and feel very privileged to have played with some of the best musicians in this town. Music has played a huge part in my life and I can't think of a day without consciously or sub consciously having tunes run through me whether at work or at play. Music and rhythm are as old as time itself and playing with a small or large group of musicians steps a person back in time to when music was the only thing that people had to look forward to. I hope that I'll be able to pass on my love and appreciation of music to the next generation and she told 2 friends and so on, and so on...... If you're young, go for it, if your old, give it a new twist. Music will never die.

Live it, love it and don't ever give it up. Rock on.

My e-mail address is: derekc54@shaw.ca

Andreas David

Drums

Why/how did you come to choose drums? My brother got me into it when I was 13

Who were your influences and why? Back then, lot´s of weird 80`s music. New Wave, Punk. Growing up in Europe was certainly different than growing up in Canada I guess. The first Canadian band I ever listened to was D.O.A., later then No Means No. When I finally became a professional drummer I started listening to almost all styles out there, to get as much input as I could. Today it´s mostly electronic based music. I enjoy listening to other drummers but I don´t have any particular role models. Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band) is probably the one I like the most.

I started teaching at the Academy of Music 3 years ago. I run a recording studio in Cranberry. I got some instructional drumbooks published in Europe and they are available in English language now too. I got my own You Tube channel where I post drumming tutorials and performances at www.youtube.com/jungleritter. I'm currently working on a project to bring my music live on stage which involves Brad Collins (a local electronic VJ).

My E-mail address: asdavid@shaw.ca

My Webpage address: www.drumgate.com

Mike Deschenes

Drums, Vocals

I was born in 1955 in a small industrial / farming town just outside of Ottawa known as Arnprior. Like Powell River , it contained a vast number of musicians of all sorts. Both of my older brothers were musically talented. One on the guitar and the other a drummer. His band “The Avengers” was quite a popular 50’s band and my interest in the instrument grew more and more with every gig I’d attend.

I was involved with a number of bands back east but the most successful was “Big White”. All the gear was painted white and the hook was having two drummers. My buddy played a Ludwig kit that his dad used in one of the Dorsey bands way back. There were interesting times and we were busy playing surrounding towns, etc. With a song list that included “Alice Cooper”, “G. Funk”, “Sabbath” and “CCR”. My main memory from those years is one gig that featured a seven hour drum solo the day of the gig. People were showing up hours before the gig to watch these two crazy guys just give ‘er then go on to play a four hour gig which included portions of the rock opera…”Tommy”. These days …I’d be lucky enough to hold the sticks for seven seconds!!

I came out to BC. circa ’84 and hooked up with a group of guys and a girl named Sylvie to form a band called “ Royal Flush“. Unlike the poker hand , this royal flush numbered seven after the arrival of a sax player by the name of “Armando.” He was a handful at times but very talented and quite a showman. He moved out of town and shortly after we disbanded.

My next encounter in music here was with my good friend jJohn Tait, Jim Brown and Dan Riley as a band called “On the Rox”. Those were the days of the Stillwater stomps and the old Lund community hall. New year’s on Texada was a memorable experience and a “goat” story that I’ll recommend anyone to ask John about!

After a break for a year or two , I auditioned and was accepted into “Chained Lynx” and played the Marine Inn as well as a biker bash or two. “the band that drinks” was the slogan, and I had a great time in that band which, could possibly have been partly due to the Zambuka and the groupies.

The opportunity to play in the Sam Hurrie band was also a very pleasant experience that I’ll never forget. Man that guy can play the blues. Myself , Ian Tite , and Glen Ogilvie all together at the Coast Hotel. A packed dance floor and a mix of blues and r&r made for a great evening for all.

Since then, a brief time with a band called “Kaos” and some gigs with “Retrofit” as well as sitting in with the occasional jam now and then pretty well makes up my last few years in the music industry in PR.

Currently, I’m working on an album which should be released in late summer or early fall. It’s a self-written collection of blues , r&r and a couple of tear-jerkers. I’m working with the boys from “Frenzy” and enjoying what could be described as my semi-retirement if you will. Working with John Tait again has brought back some fond memories of the old days and this project is iron clad proof of how closely knit the family of musicians really is.

As far as the future is concerned, other than the completion of the record, I’m quite satisfied with the memories created in the past with the many versatile musicians with whom I’ve been associated and forever grateful that I was welcomed into that elite group. One ambition or perhaps a better word would be ..dream that I have is to see a giant reunion event involving the old bands. But there’s lots of time for that I suppose. Seeing that “Mick” and the boys are still out there pounding out “Satisfaction” for the millionth time. Thankx to Glen and his associates for allowing me to participate in this site. See you all on that magic platform

cheers!!!

Email: michabs@shaw.ca

Tony Fernandes

Drums

"I have played the kit for 17 years. Ian Paice from Deep Purple really got me into playing the drums. But Tony Williams and Buddy Rich really got me serious into it.

"My influences are: Steve Smith, Sheila E, Omar Hakim, Dave Weckl, Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, too many to mention.

"I had a bit of Rodi experience. I am also a tenor. I have good recording experience in relation to sectional 'click track' recording. I've been in several bands, but I got out of that scence for a while, because I was really enjoying studio gigs. It was less complicated at the time.

"I teach here in Powell River. I am also in retail. I don't spend a lot of time defining what kind of a drummer I am. I like Bach, and I like Fusion. I like Queen, and I like the Mahavishnu John Mcglauchlan orchestra. So music is something that stimulates our emotions in a positive way. I find that too many people spend too much time defining what kind of music they play. It's like segregation. That aristocratic energy can be put to more constructive use. I really believe that the 2 fundamental ingredients needed to play an instrument well is play from the heart, and have good attitude."

My e-mail address is: tonylisa@prcn.org

Peter Howey

Drums

Hi my name is Tim Ironmonger. Some of you may remember me.

I started drumming at age 7 in 1968. My bio includes the following bands I have played for; Tophat, Mike Kennedy and The New Directions, No Left Turn, Foxx Roxx, all from Powell River 1970's to 1980's.

In 1985 I moved to Vancouver and played in the following acts; Cradle, Ruf-Howzer, Mantissa, Planet Blues, Strait-Shooter.

I have toured all over western Canada. When I was not on tour I could be found playing drums at jam sessions including, Outlaws, Frams, the Yale and other A-room clubs. Some of the talent I have been fortunate to jam with are players from the following acts; Prism, Trooper, Loverboy, Powder Blues, Streetheart, Kd. Lang, Sarah Mclachlin. I was also able to play with Danny (rip) Tripper and Gerry Doucette regularly at the Yale and American hotel.

I am very versatile and can fill in at a moment's notice. I have excellent meter and attitude. My gear consists of a professional 12-piece pearl drum kit and I also have a set of vintage Ludwigs. I live in Powell River with my wife and kids and various animals. Willing to travel. If interested I can be emailed at wtironmonger@msn
or ph# 250-715-1028
Videos and tapes/cds can be provided. I also have studio experience. KEEP ON JAMMING. CHEERS!!!!!

Drums

The drums "became a part of me" through school, originally being pianist I had the opportunity to play an instrument in Grade 6 band class I chose drums. Why?????????? Couldn't tell you..... Played them ever since.

My musical influences were mostly my music teachers throughout the many years of teaching I have received, piano, drums/percussion, music theory, composition etc.

Nathan's email address is remedyx0@lycos.com

Corey Matsumoto

Drum, Djembe

Corey moved to Vancouver in the fall of 2001 from his home town of Calgary. He met Craig at the end the summer of 2002 in Vancouver while looking for people to jam with on the beach with his djembé. The jam lasted well into the evening and it was soon obvious that there was some serious musical chemistry between them. Corey is a self taught drummer who has been playing the drum kit for nearly a decade. He was with heavy groove-funk band Upshot for 6 years before the band dissolved in the fall of 2002. Since meeting Craig he has further honed his djembé playing skills while jamming on the streets of Vancouver.

Corey and Craig Nokes have left Vancouver for the beauty (and cheap rent) of the BC's Sunshine Coast. Craig and Corey have opened a music cafe in their new home city of Powell River. The cafe is called Local Loco's and opened on July 1, 2005.

Email Corey at corey@poeticwarriorpress.com

Paul Murphy

New York City, a soul overflowing with music, an ear for the blues. Paul Murphy was destined to lead a life full of song.

Though he has spent much of his adult life in Powell River and on Texada Island, Murphy grew up in New York City. It was there that the blues found their way into his heart.

"When I was a child, [the blues were] basically all I heard," he says. "I was living back east in New York, surrounded by the black community...I also did a lot of travelling with my folks, and I got to see why [black people] sang the blues. When you see people living in tar-paper shacks, when before you've only read about it..." he shakes his head.

In high school, Murphy did a lot of research about the guitar and blues music. The original design for the guitar, he says, came from the English lute, but the North American guitar originated with the black people who were slaves on plantations.

"They used to use old tin cans and the piano strings their "masters" had discarded [and shape them into a guitar-like instrument]." He is fascinated by the way blues music evolved in the fields. Although he has always been interested in the guitar, it is only in the last few years that Murphy has been playing it seriously. He started out on the drums, showing an interest in percussion when he was five years old by banging on anything he could find. When he was 10, his parents bought him a set of drums. His earliest influences ranged from Hank Williams to Billie Holiday to Muddy Waters.

The first band he joined was Frank Jekyll and the Hydes when he was 14 years old. That started off Murphy's musical career, and so far he has played with more than 10 different bands. With some he toured, with others he recorded.

One of Murphy's most cherished memories is when he met BB King. "I was with the Psychotic Blues Band at the time, and we were doing a marathon musical concert in Elizabeth, New Jersey. We were one of the bands along with BB King, Santana...and a bunch of different local bands." Murphy and his brother [who was also part of the band] got there early and BB King's manager asked them if they could pick up BB King from the airport.

"He's the number-one guy who influenced me...I've noticed I play guitar more and more like him, even though it's unintentional. He plays with feeling he's full of humility...and he's full of heart. I guess when you've paid as many dues as he has to play the blues, you have to be."

In 1969, Murphy moved to Vancouver with his family. His father is Canadian and the family wanted to get away from the states during the war. "There were too many riots, we were right in the middle of the civil-rights movement."

They stayed in Vancouver for a year and then moved out to Texada Island. "Wow, from New York to Texada, what a culture shock," Murphy laughs. "But I managed to get a job at Texada Mines and I worked there until 1976."

In 1978, Murphy moved to Powell River where he once again picked up the music beat, playing with Trio, a blues-classic rock band.

"I quit that band to further my horizons in BAN'D in BC," he says. With BAN'D in BC, he traveled around Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland for almost a year. "It was a total nightmare because [at one point] we were in Prince George in a broken-down school bus in a snow storm. That was enough for me I quit when I got back."

Even though many of the bands he played with were rock or country, "my heart was with the blues the whole time," Murphy says.

About four years ago, Murphy started playing guitar and harmonica. "I had always wanted to try singing," he says, "so I incorporated that as well." At the time, he was organizing a regular jam session at TC's Pub. Two and a half years ago, he and Ian Tite started up another band called Blues Train in which Murphy (otherwise known as Blind Boy) plays guitar, lead guitar, harmonica, percussion, and sings lead vocals. Blues Train is still together despite a few personnel changes.

"It's hard to keep five guys together, but when we do get together, we shine," Murphy says proudly.

Not all of the band members live in Powell River, so they practice independently and get together as often as they can sometimes only once every couple of months.

"The confidence is high because we all consider ourselves professional musicians."

Blues Train plays every two months at The Westview Hotel, and at other events, like the recent blues night at Myrtle Point Golf Club.

"We don't play often enough," says Murphy. "There aren't enough venues to play the kind of music I enjoy [in Powell River]."

Even though he has been performing for many years, Murphy says he still gets nervous for a few minutes before he gets up on stage. "That never goes away. It has a lot to do with the audience. I need to get in tune and in touch with the audience. As soon as I've finished the first song, the nervousness goes away."

The most rewarding thing, he says, is to watch all the people in the audience smiling and having a really good time.

"Music is in me when I'm up there singing, that's the ultimate high. That's how I express myself."

Drums

I started music at age ten, but flute was my first instrument (read "cheapest"). My band teacher still couldn't keep me off of the drum kit, though mom wouldn't have them in her home. I joined little league that year. My drummer uncle's house on way home from the ball diamond. My band teacher relented: Neko was now a percussionist!

I played orchestral, symphonic, big band, and stage band music in school bands. I knocked around in a few "hobby" bands before getting a chance to get "serious."

I was recruited in a Lund local band, "Anything Grows," by Brian Liddle in fall or 1999. I auditioned for Zoot Suit Riot in October 2002.

Your advertisement on my bass drum for $150.00 a night.

Ron Piechotta

Drums

Ken Price

Ken played drums in jazz and rock bands in the UK before coming to Powell River in the 60's, where he played in local ensembles. His day job is with MBPR, and he plays in several jazz ensembles.Jazz Unlimited

John F.A. (Jack) Russell

The Eclectic Drummer

Jack Russell began his versatile career in 1960 as a tenor drummer with the Seaforth Highlander Pipe Band in Vancouver and also learned 'side' or snare drumming under the tutelage of Don Bellamy.

In 1963 he moved to Powell River to continue tenor drumming with the world renowned Powell River Company Pipe Band where Drum Major George Pryde Sr. took him on as his side drum protégé and also introduced him to dance band drumming (trap kit), Progressive Jazz and Latin American styles.

Jack began his rock and roll career in 1964 with Ike Guignard's group, The Casuals, and also with the Mason Brothers, one of whom had just return from a professional tour of Scotland.

The Playmates, probably the most colorful rock and roll band to ever come out of Powell River, were formed in 1965 with Jack Russell as the drummer, alongside such notables as Art Hobbis, Dean Hobson, Al Salmon and Martin Hinds and Al Clark Band Manager. The Playmates competed in the 2nd annual CKLG Battle of The Bands in Vancouver, placing 3rd behind now world famous Chilliwack and Trooper. A recording contract from Guy Mitchell's company in Burbank, California was in the works when the band broke up and went their separate ways. Anyone who has ever seen the Irish movie about a struggling band called "The Commitments" will readily understand how that happened. Whoever wrote that story could as easily have been writing about The Playmates.

In 1968 Jack began a five year stint with Tom Paproski (whose LP's are still on the market today) and Al Salmon playing Latin American, Jazz, Blues, Rock and just about anything else an audience is capable of requesting. In 1969 recording artist and songwriter, Sam Hurrie, who had just moved to Powell River from New York, joined them. Since then Jack has performed with numerous rock bands including The Hanson Brothers and The Driving Rain.

Into the nineties, Jack began passing on some of his diverse talents (he also reads and writes drum music) by tutoring young people, some of whom now perform in such varied genres as Rock, Pop, Punk, Heavy Metal and Highland Pipe Bands. And, true to his Cape Breton Highland roots, Jack still marches out on parade occasionally with The Clansmen and Sechelt Pipe Bands as a side drummer.

Lately, he's been performing with Mike Percey's Men in Plaid and, more recently, forming the JCR Trio along with Chris Greenwell and Roger Haugejordan.
You can reach him at:
(604) 485-6958
Fax Number (604) 485-0237
My e-mail address is: jrussell@aisl.bc.ca

Footnote: The foregoing is written and edited by a musical peer of Jack Russell's who, in this heavy handed day and age, appreciates a drummer who knows how to "come in under the beat" to find "the hook" and is as equally competent with a set of brushes as he is with the 'sticks' and a steady right foot.

Rob Wade

Drums

Rob was born in Powell River, where he showed an early interest in music, expecially percussion. At about 5 years of age he began his drumming adventures with his first KISS album, thus setting the stage for things to come.

His early years were spent practicing, playing in his first band at age 13, and being involved with his school band for 4 years.

To realize his goals he had to move, so to further his playing abilities, at age 19 he enrolled in a 2 year jazz program at Capilano College which opened his eyes to many playing possibilities. During these years he decided he wanted to make a career of music and so began the journey; bouncing from band to band. The next 5 years were spent auditioning people as well as answering many drummer ads, and playing in 4 or 5 different bands on the Vancouver circuit. Many demos, a C.D. project, and a role in a Vancouver T.V. series, Madison. Through the course of events, he managed to put together JAR.

Just like his musical influences, powerful and entertaining, so was his ideal project, and with JAR. he's able to explode into his full playing potential.

Band: JAR

Rawn Wolfe

Drums, Bass, and Vocals

Rawn started playing drums at age 12, progressing to bar bands by 17. Home has been Stratford and Thunder Bay, Ont. to southern Alberta, ending up in Powell River, BC in 1994.

Since moving to paradise, I've been fortunate to play with members of Tequila Bedspins, Crossroads, Bumps on a Log, Brent Nicol Band, Rhythm Rockets, Sam Hurrie Band and Retrofit. Right now, I'm having the time of my life with ZOOT SUIT RIOT, as well as, The Sam Hurrie Band on the island.

Drumming influences are Jim Keltner and Geoff Arsenault (Morgan Davis Band, Carlos del Junco).

Musical influences are the roots music of early blues and country swing.

A memorable experience was playing to 15 people in "some town" Alberta bar one night, then playing to 5000 people at a music festival the next day.