"The Barking Eye"

Probably the biggest influence to my own local drumming career is Alan Lukala.  Alan is one of a few local drummers that can actually say they have over 3 decades of music experience in the field of drums.  Alan can easily read drum music notation faster than most read the English language in print.  His talent in rock, jazz, and latin is second to none amongst local drummers.  Currently, Alan teaches periodically through the Music Depot music store and only does a few shows a year mainly in jazz settings but also stage productions.  The drumset in his photo was custom built for him to his specs. Alan studied with Canadian drumming great Rick Gratton  and studied drums for many years in the Toronto area before moving back to the Sault.  Alan is easily one of the best players around.



Another amazing local drummer is Ed Young and yes, another of the over 3 decades playing drums club and still going strong.   My first introduction to Ed was with a band Spring Hill Jack (sp) at Algoma University back many decades ago.  Ed is not only a great drummer but also guitarist and song writer.  He has been a staple at Tom Wall's Music as a teacher.  Ed can easily be called the hardest working drummer in town and currently plays in numerous bands like Blues Harvest, Buffalo Alice along with numerous side projects like Big Suit and more.   Ed also worked for the Ayotte Drum company many years ago.
http://www.myspace.com/bluesharvest



I first heard Jimmie Chiverelli at last years Rotaryfest 2nd Stage when his band Kalle Mattson followed my band on stage.   The first thing I noticed about Jimmie's playing was how in the pocket it was which seems to be a lost art amongst local drummers lately.  Jimmie is also a very dynamic player that plays for the song rather than himself.   I later found out Jimmie is an avid Bruce Springsteen fan along with his drummer Max Weinberg.   Jimmie and his band Kalle Mattson are currently riding high in popularity and doing a lot of touring around Canada. (Jimmie photo courtesy of Donna Hopper)
http://www.myspace.com/kallemattson


Ric Datson is simply the Sault's most recognizable drummer.   Yet another member of the over 3 decades in the music biz drummer club, he shows no signs of slowing down.  He currently plays in the country rock band "Boneyard" and also the classic rock band "That's Chester".    Ric is also a local music historian and works for our local museum keeping great info on the Sault's music history amongst other things.   Ric's drumming has always been explosive and is noted for his big finishes to songs.   Although his music roots are now in rock and country, I first met Ric when he was playing in the semi punkish band Youth in Asia many decades ago.
That's Chester on Facebook



I only recently met Kev Riain  when his band and my band were competing in the KISS Battle of the bands held some months ago.   His band Sense of Truth are in the final stages of recording and releasing an album and I'm looking forward to hearing it.   Kev's playing is definitely solid and he has a ton of energy behind the kit but he also has dynamics which like I mentioned earlier, seems to be lost with many local drummers.  His playing at this show that included a ton of players easily stood out and his personality did the same.   I don't know much about Kev or his playing, though I like what I hear so far, but I do sense (no pun intended ;-) Kev will continue to grow as a musician.  Expect good things from Sense of Truth. (photo courtesy of Curtoneil.com)
http://www.myspace.com/senseoftruth



Lastly for this first segment of the Local Drummer Showcase #1 is yours truly me, Glen "the Freq" Thomas.  I will simply say that I love playing all styles of music and will never say no to attempting a style of music.   Researching and talking about local music has always been a love and I will always attempt to throw something online for others to read.  Drum wise, I'm part of the over 3 decades club and continue to play and record to this day.  I've recorded albums for Rainhorses, Patrick Stewart, Wishbone, Huckster and currently play in my own band Flat Stanley which is celebrating 10 years together this summer.  My favourite music is Jazz and Progressive Rock.  Drum wise, I love playing jazz more than anything.  I'm an avid music gear collector and built the kit shown in my photo.  I also play other musical instruments and love writing and recording my own music in my home studio.
http://www.myspace.com/the_freq

Stay tuned for "Local Drummer Showcase #2"

Glen "the Freq"