Creating rhythm and sonic textures…

Tiny Spies* is the musical postcard for what’s most inspiring and affecting at any given time. In other words, a varied, musical roadmap filled with scenery, some winding roads and a few potholes along the way! I hope you enjoy the ride.

*(inspired by the PBS documentary “A Spy in the Wild”)

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Like many drummers growing up, nearly all of us have gone through different “phases” of musical influences. (or the infamous, copycat period!) I was no different. From bands in makeup and tons of pyro & lights, to drummers with larger than life setups, odd times galore, to musicians embracing world music rhythms, and textures as much as the almighty riff! Over the past 20 years or so, what remains to have had an everlasting impact both in my playing/setup and musical outlook as a whole, has been the incorporation of electronic drums into my acoustic setup. There have been a number of pioneers in this area (Bill Bruford, Danny Carey, & Matt Chamberlain immediately come to ming) but the first person I saw use electronics in a not so obvious way, was British drummer Chris Blackwell, while on tour with Robert Plant. He was playing marimba parts, triggering background vocals, and firing off the occasional loop and it blew my teenage mind. Fast forward to seeing Critter’s Buggin’ up close and personal w/Matt Chamberlain doing loops in real time in a small club and my mind was blown once again. Since then, I’ve not looked back.

Over the years, I’ve been in and played for a variety of bands and artists, covering a wide range of styles & rhythms: singer-songwriters, motown/soul, funk, rock ‘n roll, heavy metal, progressive rock etc.. - The hope and goal is to provide what the song calls for while keeping my fellow musicians happy and myself, proud of what I was able to contribute. - and have some fun, while doing so!

Cheers!

mc