Kevin Dorrian

One of the hardest working swinging drummers, Kevin blends deep rhythmic vitality with an innate sense of super-accurate feel and timing. He is known for great subtlety in his accompaniment, delivering subtle nuances within the scope of his drumming and is both creative and adaptive in his approach to whichever musical style is called for. He is primarily a jazz drummer – equally at home in the context of an instrumental group, or as a part of a backing trio for an accomplished singer.

Playing drums has been a burning passion of mine since I was a young boy. I can still recall the first time I sat behind a drum kit. I was about four years old and fortunate to be the son of one of Scotland’s top jazz pianists. His drummer had a glittering Blue Slingerland drum kit – and from the moment I sat on the stool – I was hooked! Fast forward ten years and I began drum lessons having already spent time learning piano, but my path was to combine learning Orchestral percussion with playing with an assortment of school rock, blues and jazz groups. Unquestionably, I earned my spurs, by sitting in, listening to other drummers, buying records which featured great drummers and so on. My influences back then are similar to the ones I have now – drummers with a ‘sixth sense’ for the purity of their playing – and in particular, a ‘roll call’ of great jazz drummers from the 40′s and 50′s- too many to mention, but who all play with such verve and swing. I am fortunate enough to be called upon very regularly as a small group drummer – backing vocalists, playing in instrumental groups, etc and you’ll find me currently filling the drum stool with JazzMain, Victoria Bennett and Alison Affleck and Vieux Carre.

I also run the jazz jam and open mic session every Sunday evening at Whighams Wine Cellars. Check out the Whighams Jazz Club Facebook Page too. I occasionally perform with the Glasgow-based small ‘big band’ That Swing Sensation – and keep the drum stool warm in the revived Edinburgh 60′s beat combo – The Avengers .

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