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.
