Steve Taylor - Bio Drummer/Composer
STEVE'S BANDS
In the Beginning there was….
Born in North London. Steve started playing drums aged 5. Making his first percussion instrument from a biscuit tin, 'jamming' in front of the TV test card for hours.
By the tender age of 6, Steve got his first drum kit and started attending classical piano lessons. Steve also began drawing tape- reels and record buttons on old wooden boxes from his dad's green- grocers shop (first signs of producer!)
First POP….
Steve formed & co-ran pop band ‘Ministry of Sound’ a jazz-pop influenced group in the late 80s releasing 2 singles. Wrote songs with George Michael/Wham backing vocalist Janey-Lee Grace and formed pop band ‘Grace’ - doing Radio/P.A’s & TV appearances.
Steve performed and recorded with Funk artists – Soul immigrants, sat in with 80s popsters Fairground Attraction, indie singer Gena Dry (Queen) vocalist Maggie Reilly (of hit song Moonlight Shadow) Asian fusion multi-instrumentalist & producer Nitin Sawhney continuing his chameleon like approach to music and drumming.
Be-bop to hip-hop …. All things Jazz & sessions..
After immersing himself in every Jazz, fusion & big band record he could find, Steve focused his talents in this area of the music business, hooking up with great players from the London scene & Guildhall Jazz courses, Richard Bolton, Mornington Locket, Anita Carmichael, and began doing session work, advertising jingles, pop, club and cabaret dates with artists including:
Ian Shaw, Clare Martin, Frank Zappaesque band - Shopping Trolley, Harvey and the Wallbangers, & TV/Radio presenter Emma Freud .
Throughout the first half of the 90s continuing to lead groups or play sideman to:
Jazz artists including: guitarist Jim Mullen, pianist Geoff Castle, trumpeter Gerard Presencer, tenor player Theo Travis, trumpeter Steve Waterman, bassist Geoff Gascoyne (Jamie Cullum) pianist Richard Busiakiewicz, tenor sax player Tim Garland, African band The Macusi Players.
Steve co-ran Ziggy’s Jazz club booking top names and playing host to Drum “Battles” with Steve on stage opposite drummers Neal Wilkinson & Martin Drew (Oscar Peterson).
THE WORLD RUNNERS ……… pursuing the World-Jazz-Groove
After meeting Scottish vocalist Josie Frater in the 90s and Running Weekly West End Jazz club Ziggy’s with Josie. 1996 Steve & Josie formed 'the runners' as a vehicle combining their writing, producing and performing talents. The runners' music combines thematic world, jazz, funk and celtic fusion.
“Joyful sounds “ – Musician
“Superb..Captivating” - Straight no Chaser
“Adventurous”- Time Out
This has culminated in 2 albums “Phonetic” & “ Nowhere Now Here” with a brand new album due out in 2006.
(June ‘96) interview/feature in UK International Drummers Magazine ‘RHYTHM’.
Steve was featured in RHYTHM MAGAZINE where his playing was described as:
“A SIGHT AND SOUND FOR SORE EYES AND EARS”
“World Class”- Rhythm mag
"Steve has an unbridled passion for music"
“Steve is a highly respected musician, multi instrumentalist and producer and is recognised as one of the most talented drummers in the UK”.
“A technician who grooves.”
the runners featuring writing partner & Scottish vocalist Josie Frater has been a prime focus;
Recording and producing two albums and touring the UK - setting up own label i2i records in the process.
Theatre, Tap dancing and all that Jazz…………..
Brought up in ‘showbizzy’ family performing in duo’s with his pianist mother. Steve acted & performed in commercials as a child. Many things revolved around the stage, theatre and performing when growing up, as he was runner-up to the All England Champion in Tap Dancing aged 11. A skill he says has most definitely influenced his foot pedal technique to this day!
Starting formal Drum Tuition aged 10 with original “West Side Story ” drummer Jimmy Benson, Steve was soon considered somewhat of a child prodigy. Steve's first inspiration was listening to rock drummer Cozy Powell's hit 'Dance with the Devil' and Big Band Jazz legend Buddy Rich.
Turning “professional” as soon as leaving school, Steve started seeking out musical collaborators, hanging out in venues, playing in as many situations as possible (including his fair share of party gigs) and listening & learning as much as he could about music and drumming.
Steve’s drumming combines jazz, rock and world music traditions.
Steve cites renowned drummers/ percussionists Airto Moreira, Steve Gadd, Christian Vander (of French Prog-fusion super-group Magma), the great Buddy Rich & Louie Bellson among his most inspirational figures.
Custom Drum/Percussion kit - World…Folk…Crossover…
Steve’s collaboration with Globe-trotting Harmonica virtuoso Brendan Power (Riverdance/Sting/'Later' ) has led to the development of his exotic drum/percussion kit concept. Combining the sonic colours of percussion with a drum kit approach to playing styles such as Celtic, Eastern European, Indian, Fusion & Jazz. Touring in the UK and Europe
NOW HERE….
Today Steve is playing better than ever playing in many genres. Equally at home supporting a singer-songwriter or powering a big band. Performing in pop and media sessions, world-music projects and jazz groups both as sideman and leader.
He is currently producing the new runners album, forthcoming Josie Frater album. Forming his new “all-star” Steve Taylor Big Band and composing music for his “One Drum” project. Recording for the new Maggie Reilly Album plus gigging with blues/jazz institution Big Chief.
Steve is interested in discussing and being involved in new projects in the ever-changing world of the music business.
Contact Steve
Scroll Down..
Site last update 3/11/09
All site content, text, music, copyright control S Taylor/J Frater 2006-2009
