Tim Brooks - Rhythm Section - Drummer

I love music, and listen to anything that's good!

Everything from Aerosmith to ZZ top. Classical, jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, Soul, Rock, Pop, you name it!

My first True major influences were Roger Taylor (Queen) and Phill Collins. I soon found Led Zeppelin, and have been a lifelong John Bonham fan ever since!

Once I picked up a pair of sticks, every album I listened to, concert I went to, video i saw, had and still has an influence on me.

Here are a few of my major influences, in order of when I came across them. Ther's a bit about how I came across them, and some stuff you might like to check out.

The Early Days

Roger Taylor

My older brother Dave brought home a copy of 'A Night at the Opera' when I was 9. Amazing! Watch Queen Live at Wembley ('86).

Phil Collins

Mum always had a Phil Collins album in the car, which I obviously stole. We must have had 3 copies of 'No Jacket required'!

John Bonham

Too Much to say about this genious! 1st experience was a long journey with my best friend and his dad, who was a huge Zep fan. He had Zep 4 on repeat. I'd never heard anything so powerful! Wow! check out the new Remastered Live DVD. He's on Fire!

Ginger Baker

Well once I got into my 1st band at 13, I started listening to alot of that 60's, 70's stuff. I couldn't relate to all the happy hardcore and pop stuff around at that time. Cream were a huge influence. It was a bit raw, real music. The new Cream reunion DVD shows their creative flair, even today...

Mitch Mitchell

Jimi Hendrix was a legend, but just stop and listen to his rhythm section..... Mitch Mitchell had incredible musicality and chops. Hugely under rated! listen to any hendrix album.

Ringo Starr

I don't really know why It took so long to discover Ringo. Possibly because you don't really notice anything on a Beatles album other than the great songs. Once I started trying to play his beats though, I realised what a fantastic drummer the guy is, he's got chops! He plays everything the song needs, but there's never a point where it's at all pretentious.

Progression

Chad Smith

A huge influence on my playing! Least of all because he's such a genuinely nice guy. I first met Chad when I was studying in Guildford and he took my now wife and I out for a drink! But his playing influenced me from the release of the chili's album 'Mother's Milk'. Power and feel like no other. I realised a boyhood ambition, when I got to play with him on stage at the electric theatre in Guildford - and he just keeps on going!

Buddy Rich

He is possibly the greatest drummer of all time? I first heard his playing on an old Buddy Rich Big band recording which I couldn't hear properly. The recording sounded like six machine guns going off in a cathedral. 'Anyone that could sound like that must be able to play fast' I thought, so tried to find more, and the rest as they say is true drumming history!

John JR Robinson

I started getting into Motown and Funk, coming round to Chaka Kahn and Micheal Jackson. I was drawn to certain tunes and realised it was the groove on all the songs that I liked. Funily enough the drummer was always this 'JR' Guy. Un-real feel. This guy lays it down!

Steve Gadd

I first heard Steve on Paul simon's Graceland, an album which I still love to this day! Dad took me to the Albert Hall when I was 13, to see Eric Clapton on his 'From the Cradle Tour', so to see Steve Gadd in the flesh was just incredible. Hugely influential, Check out Paul Simon 50 ways to leave your lover. Inspired!

Steve White

When I was 14ish, I started getting lessons from Simon Millest. He'd been studying with Bob Armstrong in London for the previous 3 years. He was the one who introduced me to his good friend Steve White. Technically excellent, Steve also has that inate mod Britishness and love of music. He's the one to watch if you want to perfect your moeller technique! Check out Paul Weller's 'Wild Wood'.

Today

Carter Beauford

Okay, We need to stop here. Carter Beuford is my Favourite Drummer! I know I should say everone has something to offer, but Carter has everything. Plus, He's in my favourite band of all time. The Dave Matthews Band. Go and Buy an album now! They are just brilliant.

Musically diverse and the biggest grin on the planet, it's overwhealmingly obvious that Carter loves playing. His exuberance and joy in playing is infectious. Check out the album Crash, or Live in Central Park DVD..... Treat yourself!

Dennis Chambers

Getting deeper into the Funk, George Clinton found me. Bootsy collins and James brown Dennis Chambers kept coming up, and when I heard him with Mike stern, I was blown out of the water. I think Dennis first introduced me to Fusion. Just incredible! Check out Leni Stern's 'Like One'

David Garibaldi

So now the whole world of progressive playing was opened up to me. I began listening to music that made me feel good. No other band came close to Tower Of Power. Songs such as Oakland Stroke made me think of Rhythm and groove in a totally different way. Thanks Dave!

Jon Starks & Clyde Stubblefield

James Brown was the godfather of soul. No Doubt, but he was also notoriously strict with his musicians, sacking for a wrong note or misplaced kick. These guys lasted the course with incredible flair and undeniable pocket playing. To me these two guys are funk. Just listen to Funky Drummer..... Go on....Do it now!!

Stewart Copeland

With me from the first time I started listening to music to this day, Stewart Copeland's drumming and musical approach works on every level. From a listner that doesn't know a thing about music, to the most scathing musical critic, it works. The first drummer who made me think polyrythmically. The guy thinks on different levels. Not just technically but musically and energetically! Love it! check out police Live (double CD) He is a major influence on my playing and musical approach. I still listen to police records regularly and finally got tickets to see them on their reunion tour, one of the most exciting things in years!

Billy Cobham

Musical, organic, energetic, technically blinding and above all creative. He has a conection with his instrument like BB King has with his guitar. Whenever I hear anything that Billy plays it's unmistakeably him, which is the sign of a great artist and personality. Check out stratus & spectrum. Also Live at the Greek with Stanley Clarke and Najee.

Mark Mondesir

I first Came across Mark at the proms. It was the first year that Jazz was featured in the events and he was playing with Julian Joseph. My perception of drumming was once again re-calibrated. Everything came so effortlessly. That summer I got tickets to see Julian Joseph at the Cheltenham Jazz festival, and got to see Mark first hand. A very slight man and very humble, even timid. After the gig I went over to give hearty praise. He's the nicest drummer I've ever met. and drummers are all very nice people! At that point he was almost in need of praise and encouragement, he stopped to ask questions and talk with me. One of my idols, he doesn't understand how talented he is. He just loves creating great music!

Dave Weckl

I'd heard alot about Dave Weckl and had heard him unknowingly for a long time. He'd played with Simon and Garfunkel and with Madonna (Like a Virgin) but only truley discovered him when a bassist friend of mine introduced me to a fantastic album by eastern Artist 'Aziza Mustafa Zadeh' called 'Always' - If you can find a copy, It's amazing. I was 14. Since then He's been a massive influence on my playing. Technique, approach & musically. His continued commitment to furthering his playing is inspirational. I believe he's an incredibly musical and expressive player and has helped my playing massively.

Taylor Hawkins

Alanis Morisette released Jagged little pill and went on tour. Who do you get to play drums? World tour, someone young, enthusiastic, and very, very tallented! Influenced by the Stewart Copeland, Steven Perkins' approach, Taylor took the songs and using his own distinctive style made them better. That gig influenced me massively! Since then he's esstablished himself as a tour-de-force to be reconned with as the power house behind the Foo Fighters. Another perfectly executed gig! Check out Jagged Little Pill Live.

Vinnie Colaiouta

THE sessions great! This guy can play anything....Brilliantly! Most prominantly with Sting - Ten summuner's tales and Mercury Falling, but he does pretty much everything else. Playing with Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, you name it, he's probably done it!

Tony Willians

If I had to choose one ultimate jazz man, he'd be the guy, hat's off. Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Weather report, Wayne Shorter, John Mc Laughlin. but to name a few. He's just as big as all of them, Listen to his own project 'Lifetime'. It's incredible!

These are just a few of the many drummers who continue to influence my playing, and I encourage you to listen to them and other drummers that make you sit up and smile! Music is art and these are the artists that paint the pictures. Be open to learning from them.

Tim



		Biog \| Influences \| Equipment \| Gigs \| Links Influences The early days \| Progression \| Today
			I love music, and listen to anything that's good! Everything from Aerosmith to ZZ top. Classical, jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, Soul, Rock, Pop, you name it! My first True major influences were Roger Taylor (Queen) and Phill Collins. I soon found Led Zeppelin, and have been a lifelong John Bonham fan ever since! Once I picked up a pair of sticks, every album I listened to, concert I went to, video i saw, had and still has an influence on me. Here are a few of my major influences, in order of when I came across them. Ther's a bit about how I came across them, and some stuff you might like to check out. The Early Days Roger Taylor My older brother Dave brought home a copy of 'A Night at the Opera' when I was 9. Amazing! Watch Queen Live at Wembley ('86). Phil Collins Mum always had a Phil Collins album in the car, which I obviously stole. We must have had 3 copies of 'No Jacket required'! John Bonham Too Much to say about this genious! 1st experience was a long journey with my best friend and his dad, who was a huge Zep fan. He had Zep 4 on repeat. I'd never heard anything so powerful! Wow! check out the new Remastered Live DVD. He's on Fire! Ginger Baker Well once I got into my 1st band at 13, I started listening to alot of that 60's, 70's stuff. I couldn't relate to all the happy hardcore and pop stuff around at that time. Cream were a huge influence. It was a bit raw, real music. The new Cream reunion DVD shows their creative flair, even today... Mitch Mitchell Jimi Hendrix was a legend, but just stop and listen to his rhythm section..... Mitch Mitchell had incredible musicality and chops. Hugely under rated! listen to any hendrix album. Ringo Starr I don't really know why It took so long to discover Ringo. Possibly because you don't really notice anything on a Beatles album other than the great songs. Once I started trying to play his beats though, I realised what a fantastic drummer the guy is, he's got chops! He plays everything the song needs, but there's never a point where it's at all pretentious. back to top Progression Chad Smith A huge influence on my playing! Least of all because he's such a genuinely nice guy. I first met Chad when I was studying in Guildford and he took my now wife and I out for a drink! But his playing influenced me from the release of the chili's album 'Mother's Milk'. Power and feel like no other. I realised a boyhood ambition, when I got to play with him on stage at the electric theatre in Guildford - and he just keeps on going! Buddy Rich He is possibly the greatest drummer of all time? I first heard his playing on an old Buddy Rich Big band recording which I couldn't hear properly. The recording sounded like six machine guns going off in a cathedral. 'Anyone that could sound like that must be able to play fast' I thought, so tried to find more, and the rest as they say is true drumming history! John JR Robinson I started getting into Motown and Funk, coming round to Chaka Kahn and Micheal Jackson. I was drawn to certain tunes and realised it was the groove on all the songs that I liked. Funily enough the drummer was always this 'JR' Guy. Un-real feel. This guy lays it down! Steve Gadd I first heard Steve on Paul simon's Graceland, an album which I still love to this day! Dad took me to the Albert Hall when I was 13, to see Eric Clapton on his 'From the Cradle Tour', so to see Steve Gadd in the flesh was just incredible. Hugely influential, Check out Paul Simon 50 ways to leave your lover. Inspired! Steve White When I was 14ish, I started getting lessons from Simon Millest. He'd been studying with Bob Armstrong in London for the previous 3 years. He was the one who introduced me to his good friend Steve White. Technically excellent, Steve also has that inate mod Britishness and love of music. He's the one to watch if you want to perfect your moeller technique! Check out Paul Weller's 'Wild Wood'. back to top Today Carter Beauford Okay, We need to stop here. Carter Beuford is my Favourite Drummer! I know I should say everone has something to offer, but Carter has everything. Plus, He's in my favourite band of all time. The Dave Matthews Band. Go and Buy an album now! They are just brilliant. Musically diverse and the biggest grin on the planet, it's overwhealmingly obvious that Carter loves playing. His exuberance and joy in playing is infectious. Check out the album Crash, or Live in Central Park DVD..... Treat yourself! Dennis Chambers Getting deeper into the Funk, George Clinton found me. Bootsy collins and James brown Dennis Chambers kept coming up, and when I heard him with Mike stern, I was blown out of the water. I think Dennis first introduced me to Fusion. Just incredible! Check out Leni Stern's 'Like One' David Garibaldi So now the whole world of progressive playing was opened up to me. I began listening to music that made me feel good. No other band came close to Tower Of Power. Songs such as Oakland Stroke made me think of Rhythm and groove in a totally different way. Thanks Dave! Jon Starks & Clyde Stubblefield James Brown was the godfather of soul. No Doubt, but he was also notoriously strict with his musicians, sacking for a wrong note or misplaced kick. These guys lasted the course with incredible flair and undeniable pocket playing. To me these two guys are funk. Just listen to Funky Drummer..... Go on....Do it now!! Stewart Copeland With me from the first time I started listening to music to this day, Stewart Copeland's drumming and musical approach works on every level. From a listner that doesn't know a thing about music, to the most scathing musical critic, it works. The first drummer who made me think polyrythmically. The guy thinks on different levels. Not just technically but musically and energetically! Love it! check out police Live (double CD) He is a major influence on my playing and musical approach. I still listen to police records regularly and finally got tickets to see them on their reunion tour, one of the most exciting things in years! Billy Cobham Musical, organic, energetic, technically blinding and above all creative. He has a conection with his instrument like BB King has with his guitar. Whenever I hear anything that Billy plays it's unmistakeably him, which is the sign of a great artist and personality. Check out stratus & spectrum. Also Live at the Greek with Stanley Clarke and Najee. Mark Mondesir I first Came across Mark at the proms. It was the first year that Jazz was featured in the events and he was playing with Julian Joseph. My perception of drumming was once again re-calibrated. Everything came so effortlessly. That summer I got tickets to see Julian Joseph at the Cheltenham Jazz festival, and got to see Mark first hand. A very slight man and very humble, even timid. After the gig I went over to give hearty praise. He's the nicest drummer I've ever met. and drummers are all very nice people! At that point he was almost in need of praise and encouragement, he stopped to ask questions and talk with me. One of my idols, he doesn't understand how talented he is. He just loves creating great music! Dave Weckl I'd heard alot about Dave Weckl and had heard him unknowingly for a long time. He'd played with Simon and Garfunkel and with Madonna (Like a Virgin) but only truley discovered him when a bassist friend of mine introduced me to a fantastic album by eastern Artist 'Aziza Mustafa Zadeh' called 'Always' - If you can find a copy, It's amazing. I was 14. Since then He's been a massive influence on my playing. Technique, approach & musically. His continued commitment to furthering his playing is inspirational. I believe he's an incredibly musical and expressive player and has helped my playing massively. Taylor Hawkins Alanis Morisette released Jagged little pill and went on tour. Who do you get to play drums? World tour, someone young, enthusiastic, and very, very tallented! Influenced by the Stewart Copeland, Steven Perkins' approach, Taylor took the songs and using his own distinctive style made them better. That gig influenced me massively! Since then he's esstablished himself as a tour-de-force to be reconned with as the power house behind the Foo Fighters. Another perfectly executed gig! Check out Jagged Little Pill Live. Vinnie Colaiouta THE sessions great! This guy can play anything....Brilliantly! Most prominantly with Sting - Ten summuner's tales and Mercury Falling, but he does pretty much everything else. Playing with Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, you name it, he's probably done it! Tony Willians If I had to choose one ultimate jazz man, he'd be the guy, hat's off. Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Weather report, Wayne Shorter, John Mc Laughlin. but to name a few. He's just as big as all of them, Listen to his own project 'Lifetime'. It's incredible! These are just a few of the many drummers who continue to influence my playing, and I encourage you to listen to them and other drummers that make you sit up and smile! Music is art and these are the artists that paint the pictures. Be open to learning from them. Tim back to top