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Andrew Dickeson

Andrew Dickeson was born in Newcastle, Australia in 1969. He grew up in a musical family and studied a number of instruments before taking up the drums at age ten. He was working professionally from age 13 in both classical and jazz settings. He moved to Sydney in 1987 and studied at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music. He quickly became one of the first- call drummers on the Sydney scene. In 1991 he went to New York and commenced his studies with Jazz masters Art Taylor and Vernel Fournier. He performed with a variety of musicians during his time in New York City. In 1992 he was the only non-American finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Drums Competition - judged by Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette, Alan Dawson, Ed Shaughnessy, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Dave Weckl. On his return to Australia Andrew continued to perform regularly with the cream of Australia’s Jazz musicians as well as a great many visiting overseas Jazz artists. Andrew also has a busy schedule of overseas performances. His recent performance include New York, Europe, Brazil, Laos and Singapore. He has led various incarnations of his own ensemble and is currently forming and shaping his latest, exciting band of talented young musicians. As well as his performing schedule Andrew has a passionate interest in music education - focusing on Jazz. He is the lecturer in Jazz Drums at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His list of former and current students comprises the majority of the young, happening drummers on the Sydney scene. He is also involved in school and private tuition, clinics and workshops and as a visiting "artist in residence" for various institutions. Andrew has continued his own personal studies. His current teacher - really more of a coach or even "guru" is the amazing Michael Carvin. He has also studied recently with Bernard Purdie and Brazillian master Vanderlai Pereira. Andrew is proud to endorse and perform exclusively on Canopus Drums - from Tokyo, Japan. Andrew has performed, toured and recorded with the following artists: Trumpet Bobby Shew, Eddie Henderson, Brian Lynch, Valery Ponamarev, Bob Montgomery, Leroy Jones, Jon Erik Kelso, Warren Vache Trombone Bruce Paulson, Dan Barrett, Al Herman, Wycliffe Gordon Saxophone Johnny Griffin, Lee Konitz, Richie Cole, Red Holloway, Branford Marsalis, Ronnie Scott, Vincent Herring, Junior Cook, Justin Robinson, Willie Williams, Ned Goold, Jerry Weldon, Scott Robinson, Charles McPherson, Dave Schumaker Piano Ronnie Matthews, Kirk Lightsey, Mickey Tucker, Stephen Scott, Peggy Stern, Norman Simmons, Jim McNeely Bass David Williams, John Clayton, Eugene "The Senator" Wright, Peter Ind, Pat O'Leary Vocalists Mark Murphy, Annie Ross, Barbara Morrison, Vanessa Rubin, Giacamo Gates, Dee Daniels, Claire Martin, Andy Bey, Lea DeLaria Guitar Martin Taylor, Howard Alden, Sheryl Bailey, Bruce Forman Hammond Organ Michel Benebig, Tony Monaco, Pat Bianchi Worked with almost all leading Australian Jazz musicians in a variety of combinations including - Tom Baker’s Swing Orchestra, Tom Baker’s Chicago Seven, Dale Barlow Band, Gordon Brisker, Errol Buddle Quartet, Don Burrows Band, Brad Child Orchestra, Sandy Evans’ Clarion Fracture Zone, Roger Frampton’s Intersection, Bobby Gebert Trio - Winner MO award Best Jazz Group, Renee Geyer, Bernie McGann Band, James Morrison Band, Mike Nock Quartet, Don Rader Quintet, Andrew Speight’s - Now’s the Time, Monica Trapaga, George Washingmachine, John Harkins Trio, Dan Barnett Big Band, Steve McKenna Trio, Darren Heinrich Organ Trio

Awards

Finalist in the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Drums Competition, 1992.

Gear

Canopus Drums, Tokyo, Japan www.canopusdrums.com


Tags

2
Album Review

Andrew Dickeson: Groove!

Read "Groove!" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan


You've got to love a lack of pretense. Australian drummer Andrew Dickeson's Groove! seems--initially at least, with the set's opener, “I'm Old Fashioned"--to be introducing a breezy and unpretentious piano trio affair. The tune has a carefree bounce, and the old put-down of “cocktail piano jazz" comes to mind--though what exactly is wrong with music from a top-notch, deep-in-the-groove cocktail piano trio has never been adequately explained. Maybe the guy who came up with that just had to have horns ...

1
Album Review

Andrew Dickeson: Is That So?

Read "Is That So?" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


Growing up in Australia, Andrew Dickeson played several instruments before deciding on the drums when he was 10. Over the years he developed his intuition and sensitivity, the dynamics helping create a wellspring of skills. His artistry took him to the finals of the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Drums Competition in 1992 where he was the only non-American. Later, he went on to play with Martin Taylor, Lee Konitz, Mark Murphy and Branford Marsalis among others. Dickeson ...

131
Album Review

The Andrew Dickeson Quintet: Weaver of Dreams

Read "Weaver of Dreams" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


Australian drummer Andrew Dickeson makes a strong recording debut as leader with a well-chosen selection of standards. Dickeson has been a sideman for over 25 years, having begun his professional career when he was 13. Born into a musical family, he began playing the drums when he was 10. He moved briefly to New York in 1991 where he studied with Art Taylor and Vernel Fournier and was a finalist in the 1992 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Drums Competition. ...

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The buzz around drummer/educator/arranger Andrew Dickeson and his latest quintet release is all good because it swings like a beast! Live recordings are sometimes a gamble. Live recordings that are predominately standards played by the wrong musicians can be the equivalent of tap dancing in a musical minefield. Dickeson pull off a sublime smoker with chops and with sensitivity as the tunes call for it.- Brent Black, Digitaljazznews

Here is a drummer who knows how to make rhythm stand up and exult. The patterns he creates are bright and brisk with the traps and the cymbals singing in consonance. Dickeson weaves his dreams with flair and imagination turning this first record into a delight and the beacon for more - Jerry D'Sousa, All About Jazz

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Primary Instrument

Drums

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Lecturer in Jazz Drums, Ensemble Director, and Jazz lecturer at Sydney Conservatorium of Music/University of Sydney. Contact via www.andrewdickeson.com for lesson details.

Clinic/Workshop Information

Jazz Drumming history, understanding, techniques and application.

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Death of Expertise

Self Produced
2021

buy

Groove!

Self Produced
2019

buy

Is That So?

Self Produced
2018

buy

Weaver of Dreams

Rufus Records
2011

buy

Videos

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