Jakson "Thunderfoot" Spires the legendary drummer and founder of the southern rock band "Blackfoot" from Muscle Shoals, AL now with the Rock n Roll Heaven Band. He left his earthly band to join the Great One March 16, 2005.

He played 8x8, 8x10, 10x12, 11x13, 12x14, 14x16, 18x22, and 7x14. All in gloss black finish with black hardware.

Tribute to Jakson Spires

Never has there been, or ever will be- maybe unless and/ or until Jesus walks the earth again- such a spirit to grace us with his presence; touch us with his loving touch; hug us with his gripping arms; love us with his unbiased heart. From humble beginnings to world-wide recognition, one such man took that journey from the stage to your heart, directly. Fighting and finding his way through the crowds, trying to find security to help protect him- until reaching the solitude of his tour bus bunk overseas- to making sure he got to meet; talk to; get to know; lovingly hug or shake your hand; until this time of our parting. It has been almost six decades this mere man has had in order to meet; love; enjoy; and admire all the world into which he was born. Fame, fortune, and freewill may have been his initial driving forces, but this man who has touched so many so deeply realized early on what true life and fortune was all about and set out many, many, years ago to accomplish his goal. For it was truly to get to know each and every individual world-wide and discover how they loved life; enjoyed their passion; pursued what they sought for individually in life. He was a man fascinated with life; of extraordinary talent to please and entertain; and of taking a handful of happiness from the air and handing it to you- for you, and whoever else you wanted, to enjoy while he was there or around- for he wanted to share in your happiness. He knew he would leave you in your happiness to enjoy as long as you wanted. Magic. Well, no. Maybe not. I met Jakson as a drummer, 'wannabe-star'. (As he has had the pleasure of meeting so many of us). Make no mistake- Jak loved the drums. (Not to mention his achievements, awards, records, etc.- it all speaks for itself quite well). Along with being quite the man, Jakson is Indian- well aware constantly of his 'where abouts' and 'surroundings'- not to mention who's around him. If he wasn't comfortable with his 'surroundings', he changed them. Some might have been offended. Most took notice. Jak, by his mere actions and being, changed people for the 'better' without his ever knowing it. Maybe in just hopes of that they would on their own. Lives were affected, irregardless. Nothing could be said here that would overshadow anything else, anybody else, would have to say about this man. Nor, can anything be said here to ease the pain in each and every person who ever had the pleasure of meeting or being in this human being's presence. The point of this writing, I would say, is that angels are, and obviously do, walk amongst us. Maybe, a few more eyes could be opened by these thoughts. I celebrate in the fact that I had the pleasure of meeting and entertaining this man- verses him entertaining me, which was his life. I feel fortunate, to turn forty this year, that I gave Jak bed; food; and drink along with loving fellowship and joyous occasion afforded to me by a 'higher power' I am so unworthy of. I've known who he was since I was conscious enough to know who he was. He affected me for the better- me as a young child. He was a 'hero' of mine. A 'star' to 'shoot for'. It's been written for centuries; recorded in different ways; but the wise should keep their eyes toward the eastern skies. I lose a true reason for being. A 'mark' to 'try to achieve'. God may have called him home, but he's never leavin' me. Plain and simple. Thank you, Jak. The pleasure's been all mine.

Dave Barnhart
www.littlesoulrocks.com

Bob Conrad has been playing drums since 1982, most recently in Zoinks! and Prima Volta. He's toured the U.S. seven times with Zoinks! during 1990s, toured Europe and had the priviledge of opening for Green Day in Hawaii.

Bob is proud to be sponsored by Medicine Man Drums. He's playing a Medicine Man custom kit with 8, 10, 12, 14-inch toms and an 18x22-inch kick drum, all in black gloss stain with brass hardware.

Bob can be heard and seen playing here:

www.zoinksonline.com
www.myspace.com/zoinksnv
www.myspace.com/primavoltareno
www.youtube.com/zoinksnv
www.youtube.com/bobcdrums

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Chris Winder has been playing drums for 23 years and has performed in Regional Bands from 3 different cities. From Darker Daze in Richmond, VA where Chris preceded Lamb of God's Chris Adler to Falling Sky Friday an East Coast Favorite based in Virginia Beach, to the recently disbanded Zero Rain from Columbus, OH. Through his traveled career, two things are apparent in Chris' performance and that is a high level of energy and nothing but the best quality equipment. Chris has been playing Medicine Man Drums for over six years and is on his 3rd custom drum kit. With his energy and long time loyalty we cannot wait to see his next project on stage.

His kit consists of 8x10, 10x12, 12x14, 18x22, and 6x14 all in purple sparkle with chrome hardware.

Bret Clark is an independent drummer from Nashville, TN.

Playing Medicine Man Snares: 5x14 Turquoise Sparkle, 6x14 Silver Sparkle.

Native of Great Falls, MT, started playing drums at the age of 10. He is the backbone of Voodoo Temple, P.J.'s rampaging is influenced by Igor Cavalera, Vinnie Paul, Tommy Lee, Mike Portnoy, and Stet Howland.

His kit is comprised of a 9 piece Medicine Man custom kit with 13 Saluda cymbals mounted on a Gibraltar rack. He uses Pearl & DW hardware, Capella drumsticks, and a shitload of attitude.

P.J. is part of the Medicine Man

Eric is in the band Beautiful Muse.

He plays a Medicine Man kit that consists of 7x8, 8x 10, 10x12, 13x15, 20x20, and 6x13 vented snare. All in polar ice pearl.

Paul Petsu is from Pompton Lakes, NJ and plays in Hardcore/Grindcore band, Fist of Hypocrisy. Paul plays an 8-piece maple kit in Black Glass Glitter finish. The kit consists of 7x8, 8x10, 9x12, 12x14, and 14x16 toms, with two 18x22 kick drums. Paul also plays three different maple snare drums. A 7x12 sixteen play maple vented in Rasta Fade finish, a 7x13 eight ply maple vented in Red Sparkle finish, and a 5x14 ten play maple vented in a satin lime green finish.

Will Cath is from Greencastle, IN, and plays in the pop/rock band TGL. He plays a 4 piece, ruby acrylic custom kit. Drum sizes are 10x12, 14x14, and 18x22 with a 6x14 vented snare drum.

www.myspace.com/tglrock

Andy Morris hails from North Liberty, IN and plays drums and percussion. He marched with Cincinnati Glory in 2000 and now serves as the drummer for The Darsee Project. He has also played with Kasey Jones, The Esla Project, Clif Newell, and Steve Foresman. Andy also teaches drums and percussion at John Adams and John Glenn high schools.

His Medicine Man kit consists of: Gray stained 6 ply maple kit with 8x8, 8x10, 14x14 toms, 18x20 kick, and 10 ply 6x13 black fade to gray snare with Trick throw-off and black chrome die-cast hoops, and 3x10 snare.

Andy is an independent drummer. He has done live performance and recording for fourteen years now. Andy has also done some small touring in the Midwest. He just recorded a folk, americana, roots, rock album in Pennsylvania with Clif Newell that is due out in 2008. Also, look for him at the 2008 CIA Summit in Franklin, Tennessee where The Darsee Project will be leading Friday morning worship. Check his myspace out for more info.

http://www.myspace. com/andrewalanmorrismusic

Al Christianson is from Williston, ND and plays with SWITCH, a blues/rock band. He has over 14 years of experience. He is best known for his dynamic playing style and his energy brought to every show. He plays a 7 piece kit with 8x8, 10x8, 12x8, 13x13, 16x16, and an 18x22 kick drum all in natural maple and an 8x10, 10x12, 14x16 toms, an 8x10 mounted side snare, and 18x22 bass drum in custom maroon stain.

www.myspace.com/switchnd

Breeze has had the opportunity to play with international blues artist E.C. Scott. He has gone on to complete three U.S. tours successfully and gain the knowledge needed to handle the road. He went on to work on a nationally released record "The Other Side of Me" which features the likes of blues legend and Music Academy legend Little Milton, award winning engineer and Music Academy board member Steve Savage, award winning producer Larry Batiste, and Guitarist for greats such as Mariah Carey and Chakka Kahn, Vernon Black and E.C. Scott herself. Breeze's development as a solid musician has granted him the opportunity to play with and share the stage and studio with great artists such as piano player for Chuck Berry and Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Johnny Johnson, Blues Hall of Famer Little Milton, Blues legend Bobby Blue Bland, Gospel Gold Artist John P. Key, Smooth Jazz Artist David Sparkman, Indy Pop Artist Terami Hirsch, Jeff Timmons of pop platinum group 98 Degrees and many more.

Breeze plays an assortment of Medicine Man Drums - 10"(2), 12", 14", 16" toms and 20", 22", and 24" bass drums, all in gloss black finish with white gloss powdercoated hardware.

johnbreezeladson.com

Darryl Chalmers is a professional drummer from Queens, NY, who has been playing drums for 31 years. Darryl has worked with several groups including The Bridge, First Circle, Called, and Chosen. He is currently working with Ufouria featuring outstanding musicians Clarence Haynes, Eric Freeman, and Derek Buchanan.

Darryl has also performed on Fox 5's, The Bill McClary Report and appeared in television commercials featuring the NY based jazz fusion band, Axiom with Mark Gatz, Greg Sam, Ron Conner, and Ron Richardson. Darryl's talent has earned him a Cable Television appearance performing with the band Axiom on Willie Nelson's Rangler Invitational contest in Dallas, Texas.

Darryl states his influences are Collin Young, Adrian Grannum, Glenn
(Chango) Everett, Omar Hakim, Camille Gainer, Dave Weckl, and Dennis Chambers.

He also appreciates the great sounds of his 'Medicine Man' 4x13 piccolo snare drum, in a gloss mahogany finish, which Darryl describes as very crisp and clean that will cut through any music.

Darryl also endorses Stick Gripps.

From San Antonio, TX, Jonny performs on stage with the energy of rock, the feel of funk, and the finesse of jazz. Jonny is now touring throughout the country with the Texas based rock band "Nothing More". He has performed on various full length albums with Nothing More, Youthquake, and various independent artists. Jonny has shared the stage with names such as: The Burden Brothers, Salvador, 5 Bolt Main, The Newsboys, MXPX, and many other well known artists. When asked about his kit, Jonny usually replies with "I have proven their sound in the studio, their strength on the road, and their aesthetics in photography. Medicine Man Drums are the total package!"

Nick comes out of Bradenton, FL. He plays in the Grand Phunk Army, a funk/rock band that's completely unique in itself, and an Indie/Alternative band named The OBP. Nick's kit is a lime green stain, with 7x12, 10x14 toms and an 18x22 kick drum.

www.myspace.com/funkrevolution
www.myspace.com/theopenboxproject
www.myspace.com/nrillo

Hailing from the Pepsi-Cola area of secluded Howell, MI, Zach comes out to show off his talent, and his amazing drums. He plays in the Hardcore/Screamo band "Monte". Monte is touring full-time starting this summer and already has shared the stage with touring acts like Showbread, Brazil, The Hard Lessons, and Tyler Read. Monte is betting their lives on making this happen. Playing The Cornerstone Music Festival this summer with such bands as UnderOath, Norma Jean, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Chariot, they hope to build from there and have the time of their life doing it, especially for the right reason. There is no excuse why you won't have a great time watching Zach and his huge Afro fly around, on his great looking Medicine Man drums! Zach plays an all pure white finish 22x22 kick drum, a 9x12 tom, and a 12x14 floor tom.

Hailing out of Tampa, FL, Doug has over ten years of touring and studio experience already under his belt. He has backed many great artists in our business like Rock Ridge recording artist 10 Second Drop, legendary underground experimental project Pigeon Hoof and other south Florida greats, Solo Mayo and Silver. Doug has had the honor of sharing the stage with many national bands and personal drum heroes during this awesome run. He is now backing the very powerful and passionate hard rock outfit Paris is Burning from Miami, FL. The very soulful music and hard hitting rhythms are alive now more than ever.

Doug plays a 6 piece, all maple custom kit, black ghost stain with powdercoated mounts and lugs. 10", 12", 14", and 16" toms, 22x18 kick and 13" alloy snare drum.

Tron was born on March 12, 1980 in the Bronx, NY. He fell in love with the drums at age 3 and began playing in church at age 5. At the age of 18, he traveled with local gospel groups. He later joined Darrell McFadden & the Disciples, a nationally known gospel group.

Ricky Lawson, Gerald Heyward, Dave Weckel, Laddell Abrams, Teddy Campbell, Mike Clemens, Dennis Chambers, Lil John Roberts, Bryan Frasier Moore, Scott Blackwell, and Chris Dave all influenced Tron. He then made the decision to make drumming his profession and started to take it seriously. He would tape everything that they played on and try to mimic the licks. Practicing for hours and hours daily Tron began to hone his gift.

Tron has had the opportunity to play for Men of Vizion, an R & B group on Sony Epic. This opened doors in the R & B arena and Tron was given opportunities to play for a few R & B groups such as Ruff Endz, GUY & Blackstreet. He made appearances on the WOW gospel CD & DVD playing for Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson and the Spiritual Voices.

Tron has toured with 4 time Grammy award winning 5blind boys. Antrun is now signed to EMI Records with Darrel McFadden and the Disciples and is currently on tour with Blackstreet and GUY.

Tron uses Vic Firth sticks and Medicine Man Drums. His Medicine Man kit consists of 10", 12", 14", 16" short stack toms, 18x22 bass drum, and a 6x13 snare drum, all drums in Polar Ice Finish with Black Chrome Hardware.

Manny Mavrakis

Manny Mavrakis is a 19 year old Christian drummer out of New York. Manny is currently in the alternative rock band A Bridge Apart and used to drum and sing for Emo band called Movie Star Tragedy.

When you see him out at a live show, Manny will blow you away with his sheer insanity and extreme enthusiasm while playing. Playing every second straight for the good of the song, you will enjoy every second of watching Manny inflict pain on his amazing drum kit, the self proclaimed "Spartacus". Inspired by the Christian hardcore scene, Manny hopes to follow in the footsteps of drummer/vocalists such as Aaron Gilespie.

Manny's kit is made up of a 14x16 floor tom, 7x12 rack tom, and a 20x22 kick drum all in Light Blue Sparkle lacquer with white powdercoated hardware. He also plays a 6.5x14 snare drum in white finish with white hardware, and a single flue stripe to match his kit.

Music has been a part of Michael's life as far back as he can remember. He received his first drum kit at the age of five and the banging started and never stopped. After seeing KISS on the television, Michael knew what he wanted to do. So at the age of fourteen, Michael started his first band, and was playing shows soon after. The local newspaper even did articles on his young band. Over the next few years, he played in several bands while working on his craft and touring. Michael's training came from years of lessons from a Berkley graduate.

Drumming is an everyday part of Michael's life and a true passion. Live, Michael loves to put on the show that you love to see from a drummer. You can see how much he loves playing as well as interacting with the crowd his band is performing for. Michael has also done session work for many people and has over ten releases, including international releases on Fortune/Hellion records.

Michael plays once again for Dragonwyck, a hard hitting metal band. If you like hard hitting, knock 'em dead kind of drummers, you'll love Michael Gallagher.

Michael's drums include an 18x22 (2) kick, 8x8, 8x10, and 14x14 toms in a Hunter Green finish.

www.dragonwyckrocks.com
www.myspace.com/gxldrums

Adam has been playing for seven years and currently plays in the band "The NoNothingParty" from San Francisco. He has toured nationally twice and been featured on two independent label compilations. He also has his own clothing line.

Adam's kit consists of 10x12, 14x16 toms, 18x22 kick, and 6x14 snare all in Silver Glass Glitter finish.

Just hours away from Nashville, TN - music capital of the world - resides an impressive independent session drummer by the name of Josh Burris. He is a remarkable gospel drummer who possesses a professional experience beyond his years. His passion begins within his home church - New Life Deliverance Ministries - and professionalism extends into the realm of live session work and studio session work for recording record label Reformation Records. Josh has played for known artists such as: Jonathan Moore, Mickey Mangun, Jonathan Dean, Bo St. James, Jason D. Williams, Tori Fuller, and saxophonist Kevin Jiles - just to name a few. Josh is also in demand by produces Burton Garr, Greg Alexander, Bryan Lay, and Mike Hardwick. He as also performed various full-length albums for these talented individuals. In addition, he is currently involved with a spectacular rising Black Gospel group, Nu-Way of Livin. Josh's killer chops and impeccable timing will blow you away. Josh exclaims, "I appreciate Medicine Man Drums for letting me represent their unrivaled product. Being a part of Medicine Man Drums is definitely a blessing." He also adds, "Medicine Man Drums is the best kept secret in the drumming industry, and you owe it to yourself to invest in Medicine Man Drums. You won't regret it!"

Josh's kit consists of 8x8 rack tom, 10x8 rack tom, 14x14 floor tom, and 18x20 kick in a black wash finish with black chrome. He also plays a 6x13 alloy custom snare.

Alex is from Seattle, WA and his style ranges from thrash to death, to power, to just plain heavy metal. He plays in two bands: Krysna Ayas and Wilde Thunder and has been playing for about 4 years. Be sure to catch Alex out on the Seattle scene in the near future.

Alex's kit consists of 18x22 kick (2), 8x10, 10x12 toms, 14x14 floor tom, 16x16 floor tom, and an 8 x14 snare all in wild purple stain finish with black powdercoated hardware.

www.myspace.com/alexkelley
www.myspace.com/saintskill
www.myspace.com/wildethunder

Scott has endorsed Medicine Man Custom Drums for many years. Scott has played drums professionally for over 30 years with a variety of talented acts & has traveled all over American and Japan performing and recording. You can find out all about Scott at his website, www.scottnickerson.com. Scott was with A1A, the Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show for ten years, but is currently playing freelance with a number of bands and artists around the country.

Scott plays a 6 piece kit with 8", 10", 12", 14", toms and a 22" kick drum. All toms are fitted with matching wood hoops and the entire kit is finished in Medicine Man's custom Blood Maroon high gloss stain.

Independent Drummer
Zanesville, OH

Jeff has been playing the drums since 1976 and the snare drum has always been his favorite. Four years ago when he first heard a Medicine Man snare drum he knew he had to have one. He now owns three of them and says, "they sound better than anything I have ever heard before." He also has a full Medicine Man drum kit which matches his snares in looks and sound. He says, "I'll never play anything else."

Dr. Jeff's Medicine Man snare drums consist of a 6x12 solid black acrylic with brass hardware, a 6x14 gloss black wood hoop snare, and a 6x13 alloy snare drum. His Medicine Man drum kit has 8x8, 8x10, 10x12, 12x14 toms and an 18x20 kick drum all in solid black acrylic with brass hardware.

Band: Insidious New World El Paso, TX.

Influences: Sean Kinney, Neil Peart, Jon Theodore, and many more. Drumming has been a tribute to his late father. He has preferred Medicine Man Custom Drums since September 2005. "Medicine Man's organic feel allows me to remain in tune to the dynamic tones and subtle qualities you may never find anywhere else. I have found no other product that relays my voice as clearly as Medicine Man Drums". His kit consit of 10"x10", 14"x14", 18"x22" and 3"x13", all in a custom Indigo finish.

Hailing from East San Jose, CA. Erik has been drumming for 10 years and making a name for himself. He's currently drumming for the unique and explosive band called FIRME, a Reggae/Rock band guaranteed to make you move
your feet.

Erik's current kit consist of a 18x20 bass drum, 8x10 tom,10x14 floor tom all in clear acrylic with red hardware. The snare drum is a 6x13 vented drum wrapped in Silver Glass Glitter with red custom stars.

www.firmemusic.com
www.myspace.com/firmemusic

Todd has been drumming since age 4 on his muppet show drum set. He now plays with the national act, Lab Partners on Portland, Oregon’s Reverb Records. He just finished a west coast tour, sharing the stage with the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Black Angels, The Warlocks, and Brian Jonestown Massacre. He resides in Dayton, Ohio. Todd plays an 8x14 medicine man snare finished in Emerald Green Pearl with all black chrome hardware..

Thom was drawn to music at a very early age. There was always music playing in the house or his Mother singing away in the car. His attraction to the drums was immediate after listening to bands like KISS, Elton John, ELO, and his favorite band Journey. His grandmother bought him his first drumset from a relative at the age of 9. That 5 piece set of Whitehall by Pearl, with its blue suede homemade covering with a 20" crash ride cymbal and no hi-hats opened his eyes to new world of excitement and discovery.

Growing up in the small textile town of Joanna, Thom used drumming as a way to keep him out of trouble and to take him to places in his mind. With albums playing on the record player and blacklights in his bedroom, Thom became his favorite drummers

Thom’s drumming influences include drummers like Steve Smith, Peter Criss, Neil Peart, Larrie London, Deen Castronova, Buddy Rich and Charlie Adams. Thom credits his love of drumming to his high school drum instructor Scott Keever and band director Charlie Jones.

After attending the University of South Carolina majoring in music education, Thom began teaching high school percussion programs while also playing in local bands. He then moved to Nashville, TN where he took lessons from one of his idols Charlie Adams, and became an in demand live drummer at some of Nashville’s most famous venues. Thom has sinced moved back to the Columbia, SC area where he is playing regionally and doing studio work.

Thom has been a Medicine Man endorser since 2000 and has had 2 kits from Dana. Nothing comes close to sounding like his Medicine Man’s, and he is proud to call Medicine Man Drums "HIS" drum company of choice and Dana Cheney a good friend.

Thom's Medicine Man kit consists of: 9"x10", 10"x12", 13"x15" toms, 18"x22" kick, all in a Sunset Fade finish, and a 6"x13" snare drum in a natural finish.

Jean "Boomer" Grenier has been playing live, and touring professionally for over 20 years, with countless hours of studio work under his belt. He currently holds endorsements with Medicine Man Drums, Wuhan Cymbals, and Hot Sticks. Some other endorsements are in the works as well. He will be performing on the 2008 BOTTOMS UP Tour starting in March 2008.

He has appeared on the World Wide released CDs & DVDs:

BOTTOMS UP: "Wild N' Free" 2007 DVD/CD Package

BOTTOMS UP: "Whiskey Down" 2005 CD

ALIVE & KICKIN' (International Anthems Compilation) 2002 CD

"THINKING OF ALICE": A Tribute To Alice Cooper 2001 CD
(Which included: Michael Bruce & Neal Smith)
(Formally of: THE ALICE COOPER BAND)

FLESH TUXEDO: "Last Night Of Sin" 2000 CD

He has shared the stage with LA. Guns, Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot), Vinnie Appice (Black Sabbath & Dio),
Chas West (Jason Bonham Band), Krigger (Guiffria), Dokken, Pat Travers Band, Jimmy Bain (Rainbow & Dio),
The Tracii Guns Band, Enuff Z' Nuff, Britny Fox, Pretty Boy Floyd, & more.

www.bottomsupband.net
www.myspace.com/boomerjnk

Through God mercy and his grace, Christopher DeCarmine was born on June 18, 1984. Inheriting the talent of music from both sides of his family, God bestowed the gift of entering the music profession at age 10 to Chris. During the early years, Chris recorded with the National Choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. He worked with various choirs and with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, took Chris to another level once he reached high school.

The talent of music was inherited from both sides of my family but it was the gift from God that allowed me to be in the music business since the age of 10. During those early years I recorded with the National Choir of the Gospel Music workshop Of America and continued my journey while with various choirs but it was the beat of the drum and the anointing of the Holy Spirit that would take me to another level once I reached High School.

I was trained and mentored by professionals in the industry on the art of playing drums. I was even giving the opportunity to play for former president Bill Clinton on two different occasions. This musical journey had given me the opportunity to meet, greet and work along side those musicians in R&B, Hip-Hop and Gospel who I have a great deal of respect for taking me under their wings. I was blessed to meet Omar Hakim, Chris Daddy Dave, the late Ron Kornegay, Anthony Brown, Camile Gainer, Jeff Davis, Nat Townsley, Gerald Heyward, Aaron Spears, Eddie Heyward and Justine Brown just to name a few and who I've come to admire. They opened up a whole new world for me by giving me the advice and those who had time allowed me to train under them gave me the opportunity to play for concerts with various artists, The Gospel Music Workshop of America, record a DVD, perform live on ABC World News Now ...

January 2001-2002 Beach Channel Marching Band and Concert Band.(Playing for the Intrepid in New York, playing for ex-president Bill Clinton at C-air space museum, and with the concert band at Beach Channel High School where I had done a drum solo in his honor.)
June of 2001-Present (Spring Concert)
January of 2001-2005 (Gospel Music Workshop- traveling to different states and performing each year.)
November of 2002 (G.M.W.A video tape recording where i was assisted by mentor Eddie Heyward.)
Essence club 2004-04 (subbing for my other mentor Camile Gainer.)
November of 2006 (Keith Ashmead Praise and Anthems dvd album recording.)
January of 2007 (Performing on an televised TVshow ABC world news now in honor of black history.)
April 22,2007 (Rock Solid Concert)
July 27,2007 (playing for Dorothy Norwood)
July 28,2007 (Greater Second Youth Explosion)
August 17,2007 (Kitra Williams concert)
Oct 21,2007(ChoirDay@Stjhons )

Gerald Ware
Chattanooga, TN.

Gerald Ware grew up in a house full of music in Chattanooga, TN. Everything from jazz, gospel, funk, rock, Motown to whatever was on the radio.

Gerald was always drawn to music. Just like many other drummers he would beat on pots, pans, boxes, cars, etc. but really had no idea of what being a musician was all about. Officially it all started when he was seven years old. One day a set of drums showed up in the house. He would sit for hours practicing rhythms and playing along to records before he could even see over the drums. Joel Smith with the Hawkins Family on the early Love Alive albums was some of his favorite drum tracks to play along with. Soon he got to the point where he could play in his church. Eventually he was playing in local gospel groups.

Early in Gerald's musical life, he encountered the late bass player Joseph "Lucky" Scott who is probably best known for his work with the late great Curtis Mayfield (Superfly, Curtis Live!, Roots, something to believe in, and honesty. With Aretha Franklin he did Almighty Fire. A lot of this is probably known to you "bass heads"). Lucky was able to impart to Gerald the proper approach to music; how a musician thinks, approaches a piece of music, how not to dictate to the music what you want it to be. But rather, how to listen and let the music tell you what it wants to be. This was all Gerald needed at the time to continue his growth as a budding musician. These are concepts he still practices. So, thanks Lucky for your wonderful influence!

Some of Gerald's other early major influences were Joel Smith, Steve Gadd, Billy Cobham Clyde Stublefield (another Chattanooga native), Miles Davis and, of course, Buddy Rich.

Gerald would like to mention in recent times he has been blessed to meet and become close friends with drummer Chris Coleman (Israel and New Breed, Chaka Kahn, Rachel Ferrell, 2001Guitar Center Drum-Off champion, etc). Knowing Chris has helped Gerald to become a stronger person as well as a stronger drummer/musician (Psalms 66:2 go shed!!!). Gerald wishes everyone could encounter a true god-send like Chris.

Some of Gerald's other contemporary influences are Jeremy Haynes, Terry Baker, Carter Beauford, Dennis Chambers, Charlie Adams, bass players, bass players, and bass players! Can you tell he likes bass players?

Gerald has played with many different bands with various musical styles. Gerald feels it is important to have an open mind musically and to expose oneself to different forms of music. The more you have in your bag the better. Never put all your eggs in just one musical basket. Always challenge yourself.

Gerald lives in Chattanooga, TN with his beautiful wife, two sons, and daughter. He currently records and tours with Dishwater Blonde: www.myspace.com/dishwaterblonde

Gerald's MedicineMan kit is a four ply maple kit in a natural finish. He plays an 18x20 kick, 10x7 tom, 12x9 tom, 14x14 floor tom (on legs), and the 13x7 brass MedicineMan Custom Drums 10th anniversary snare drum (#1 in black finish with brass hardware).

Gerald is proud and honored to endorse these fine hand made drums!

Brian Tolbert
Queens NY.

Brian Tolbert Jr. has been playing drums every since the age of 3. He had his first drum experience at the garden of prayer cathedral COGIC in the Bronx ,NY and has been playing for churches all over new York ever since. Brian has crafted his own unique style around the styles of drummers such as Dennis chambers, JoJo Mayer, Tony Royster, Thomas Pridgen, and Ronald Bruner Jr. just to name a few. He is currently apart of a gospel group, based out of New York, by the name LIV’RE which is managed by Conrad Robinson, who discovered Alicia Keys, and gospel recording artist Roger Hambrick. In addition to his Medicine Man Custom Drum endorsement, Brian also endorses Xcel drumsticks and Soultone cymbals. His Medicine Man Kit consists of 8x8, 8x10, 10x12, 12x14 toms, 18x20 Kick Drum, and a 7x12 snare, all in a Cherry to Natural Fade finish.

website:
www. Myspace. com/btolbertjr
www. myspace. com/livremusic

Rick Boucher: Drums/Vocals
Tampa, FL

Rick has been performing as a professional musician since his days in grade school in Detroit, Michigan. Since relocating to the Tampa Bay area during high school, Rick has been playing gigs non-stop all over the southeastern United States. Rick is currently performing with Glenn Cummings & The
Session Hounds. Rick averages almost 130 live dates a year and when not on stage he is a first call studio drummer and also does sub work for a few bay area bands. Rick has played almost every imaginable gig in his 35 year career and enjoys the challenge playing in a wide variety of musical situations.

Rick is currently endorsed by Medicine Man Drums and is employing a Medicine Man 13x6 10 ply maple snare finished in high gloss black with black hardware. Rick states that " This snare covers all the bases for me, a nice full bodied sound for the ballads we perform, or a nice full bark when cranked up. This drum meets & exceeds all I need to have in my live and
studio set up ".

Contact Rick @ rboucher1@tampabay.rr.com and visit
www.glenncummingsandthesessionhounds.com
Medicine Man Drums Endorsee
www.medicinemandrums.com