| My drumming friends..........Page three |
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Name: Eric Johnson
Born: September 4, 1982
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Inspired by the musical passion of his late grandfather, Warren Johnson, horn player for the legendary Dick Rodgers Orchestra, Eric joined the elementary school band. Say Eric: "Little did I know then that percussionist did not necessarily mean drum set. Before I could hop on the kit I had to play my fairshare of mallets, timpani, triangle and others before I could "rock out".
Drum set playing arrived for Eric in middle school in the form of a red Pearl Forum with Camber cymbals that his dad had rented. Eric's father bought himself a guitar and together they started a band.
Eric goes on to say: "We didn't claim to be great, but we could play the beginnings to at least a dozen songs. What I wouldn't give to go back and listen!"
Eric's grandfather and Dave Schepp, his high school band director were key in Eric's life.
"My grandfather was always sharing stories of gigs and tales from the road, insisting that I push
forward with my playing. Sadly he was taken to Heaven for a "gig" in the summer of 2004. I'd like to think he is still watching me when I play."
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| Eric Johnson |
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Band director Dave Schepp was very instrumental in Eric's life. "He arrived at West De Pere when I was a freshman and made an immediate impact." says Eric.
Eric is now employed with Henri's Music
in Appleton managing the drum department. Evening are spent playing in
local clubs and hosting open mics. Eric works on the average 18-20
nights per month and "Loving every minute of it. Day or night, my life is consumed with making music and playing drums. Ah, what a life!"
Styles / Influences
Eric is inspired by players like Stewart Copeland, Joel Rosenblatt, Joey Kramer, Buddy Rich and the likes. But for the most part, he gets his inspiration from the many great local players. "These are the drummers that you need to look up to and learn from." says Eric.
Eric's Specs
Eric is a self-confessed "gear junkie." Says Eric: "I work at a music store and love drums, what can I say? While my collection of gear is quite vast, I primarily play Ludwig Drums. My three most prized drum possessions are my Ludwig Pattern F Visalites, Ludwig 66' Club Date in Black Oyster Pearl and Ludwig Black Beauty Snare."
In conclusion Eric has this to say to other drummers: "My advice to all drummers, never stop learning! No matter where you think you are at with your playing there is always room to grow. Seek out other players and share and abstract as much knowledge as possible."
Visit Eric's website HERE
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| Florian Fesl |
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| Florian
Fesl started drumming at the age of 5. The first drum set Florian played was
a Mickey Mouse drum set. One year later this kit was destroyed, so Florian
simply got a bigger one. That drum set was a
“Basix”
set…another drum set for kids.
When
Florian turned 9, for his birthday, his parents presented him with a “Hoshino”
drum set, the “Bolero” model. This was his first adult kit. (The company was later renamed “Star.”)
Forian is
also a multi-instrumentalist. Since the age of 12, Florian has been playing guitar,
electric bass and the harmonica.
Florian’s
biggest influences are his father and mother. Florian’s parents preformed dance
music for many years.
From 1998
to 2005 he and another musician named Florian (the musical duo of “Florian
and Florian”) toured all through the neighbouring countries of Germany;
Austria, and in the Netherlands.
“Florian
and Florian” made several television appearances...to name a couple: the “Grand Prix of folk music 2004”and at
“Stefan Raab`s television show TV Total at Pro 7.
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After the
“Florian and Florian” gig, Florian took a break of 16 months. He is now in a
full swing comeback with rock and party band, “CHAIN.”
I am pleased and honored to have such a talented musician join us on ambadextro.com! Welcome, Florian!
Visit "CHAIN's" website HERE.
Visit Florian's webiste HERE.
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| Tama kit top view |
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| The Feet... |
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| Tama kit head on view |
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| The BIG sticks |
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| Florian and "CHAIN" in concert! |
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Florian's Specs:
TAMA Starclassic Performer B/B EFX (PX 52S)
color: “Diamond Dust”
- BD 22” x 18”
- Tom 10” x 8”
- Tom 12” x 9“
- FT 16” x 14”
- SD 14” x 5”
- SD Pearl Export Series Snare 14" x 5"
Hardware:
DW 5002 TD3 / DW 5500 TL / 2x Tama Roadpro
HC73 BWN / Tama Roadpro HS70 WN
Cmybals:
HiHat: Meinl Byzance Heavy
Ride: 22” Paiste 203 , 22" Paiste 101
Crashes: 14”, 16” Paiste Signature , 17" Paiste Alpha
Splash: Ufip Class Series 10”
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SamTehMan has been playing for 7 years. As Sam says: "At first I was more of a punky kind of player. But eventually I got deeper into drumming/technique and styles. Now I mostly play pop, jazz and blues. I'm really getting into jazz, difficult, but worth the effort. I've played with many musicians and have done several gigs. Some really big, like in theaters."
At the moment Sam has his own project-studio for his own pleasure and to occasionaly record bands. Sam goes on to say: "I'd like to soundproof the studio 100% in the near future, and would like to make a living out of recording bands." Gee, Sam...Your studio is beautiful...can I come over to play?
I am happy to have SamTehMan on my site...Sam is a welcome and anticipated frequent guest in the AmbA DextrO Chat room. Keep comin back, Sam...we love to hear from you!
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| Sam's DW Collectors in Azure Satin Oil |
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| In Sam's Studio... |
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| In Sam's Studio... |
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"SamTehMan's Specs:
DW Collectors in Azure Satin Oil
22x18 Bassdrum
10x8 Tom
12x9 Tom
14x11 Tom
14x6 Tama Exotic Snare
Cymbals are all Zildjian:
22" K Custom High Definition Ride
18" K Custom Fast Crash
17" A Custom Fast Crash
13" K/Z Hihats
16" FX China Trash
10" K splash
Others:
10" Paiste Splash Alpha
7" Stagg WB Bell
Pearl Claveblock
Pearl Tambourin
Hardware:
Tama Cymbal stands and throne
DW Pedal and Hi hat stand
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