Richard Best + Musician in Oakville, ON

ABOUT

After a successful run playing in rock, country, jazz, and studio settings, my musical career was cut short when I was still relatively young. I had entered the jazz program at York University in Toronto to further study my craft when, half-way through my second year, I began to suffer excruciating pain and a loud ringing in both ears. Within a few weeks I was forced to leave music completely. Yet In all my years away from music, I've never felt that I'd stopped being a musician or a drummer. I continued to work out rhythms in my head and to devise ways to communicate drumming concepts.

It has been only recently that medical knowledge of my type of hearing damage has progressed to the point of offering me an opportunity to rejoin the drumming world. While I cannot return to playing beyond the occasional casual session, I am able pass on my knowledge and experience through teaching.

Screen name:

Richard Best

Member since:

Nov 11 2012

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Very Committed

Years playing music:

45

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Influences

Favourite drummers/possible influences: Bill Buford, Bill Stewart, Buddy Rich, Claude Ranger, Connie Kay, Danny Gottleib, David Garabaldi, Elvin Jones, Jack Dejohnette, Joe Morello, Keith Moon, Levon Helm, Mick Fleetwood, Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio, Terry Clark, Tony Williams, Trilok Gurtu, etc.

Instrument experience:

Drums:

Expert

EQUIPMENT

Vintage "Milestone", with 3 cracked cymbals from Zildjian, Sabian and UFIP, Vintage Leedy 4-piece, and a bunch of vintage snare drums and Zildjian cymbals.

CALENDAR

Past Events