Born: November 4, 1946 Primary Instrument: Drums
Long at the forefront of modern jazz drumming, drummer, clinician and band leader Les DeMerle toured and recorded with the Harry James Big Band from 1970 to 1982. One of those recordings, “King James Version” won a Grammy Award. Les toured for three years and recorded with Wayne Newton, also toured and recorded with Manhattan Transfer, and has appeared with many other musical greats, including, Lou Rawls, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, and Joe Williams.
His own jazz/rock group Transfusion, produced five poll-winning albums, and his two educational drum books, Jazz/Rock Fusion, Volumes 1 and 2, published by Hal Leonard, have long been best sellers.
Cookin' At The Corner, Volume One
Les DeMerle's 4th recording for Origin is another swinging affair that further cements his reputation as one of the most dynamic drummers in jazz. Recorded live in front of an enthusiastic audience, the band sizzles on 15 tunes including classics such as “Cute,” “Jumpin' With Symphony Sid,” and the soul hit “Compared to What.” With vocalist Bonnie Eisele, they caress standards “The Shadow of Your Smile,” “The More I See You,” and “Stardust,” and they define future standards including the title cut “Cookin' at the Corner” by pianist Mike Levine.
