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Bobby Wiens

Bobby Wiens is a professional drummer based in Denver, CO, with nearly 15 years of performing, touring, recording and teaching experience under his belt. Over his career, Wiens has led several bands which perform his eclectic stockpile of compositions and arrangements. His first album as a bandleader, Talking Drums, is available on the "Cellar Live" record label. He is also an in-demand sideman who has worked with a number of world-class musicians both locally and internationally.

Wiens grew up in a nurturing musical home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He studied piano throughout his childhood before joining his middle school’s concert band as a percussionist at age twelve.

After several years of living in Calgary and playing in a variety of bands, he moved to Vancouver, BC to complete his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Capilano University. During these formative years he was under the tutelage of Dr. Dylan van der Schyff, who is a significant influence on the way he thinks about, plays and teaches music. In 2017 he was awarded an Artist grant which allowed him to live in New York City and undertake an apprenticeship with the great drummer and educator John Riley. Following this he completed his Master of Music degree at the University of Northern Colorado where he was a Jazz Drum Set Teaching Assistant under Jim White.

In addition to his performance based work, Bobby devotes himself to music education. He is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Northern Colorado, and Front Range Community College. He is also heavily involved in the teaching of private studio lessons, clinics and master classes for musicians of all ages.

Gear

Gretsch USA Custom Drums in Anniversary Sparkle finish (5.5x14 snare, 8x12 tom, 14x14 floor tom, 14x18 bass drum, 14x20 bass drum)

Jesse Simpson Custom Cymbals (14" hi hats, 20" ride, 22" ride w/2 rivets)

Zildjian cymbals (22" Vintage 60's swish knocker, 18" K Pre-Aged Dry Light Ride)

Noble & Cooley Solid Shell 6x14" snare


Tags

8
Album Review

Bobby Wiens: Talking Drums

Read "Talking Drums" reviewed by Jack Bowers


If drums could talk, Bobby Wiens' kit would no doubt have some nice things to say about how he enlivened and supported his teammates on this tasteful quintet date that was recorded in July 2020, with masks and social distancing, at the UNC Studios in Greeley, CO. Apparently, the quintet were then students at the University of Northern Colorado; if true, they learned their lessons well and were more than ready to test how readily that knowledge might harmonize in ...

2
Album Review

William Chernoff: Aim To Stay

Read "Aim To Stay" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian


Canadian bassist William Chernoff showcases his crisp, clever writing and musicianship on his exciting debut, Aim To Stay. Leading a quartet made up of fellow alumni from Capilano University, Chernoff interprets seven of his lyrical originals that draw upon his various influences. For instance guitarist Bill Frisell serves as an inspiration for “Stop Me If You've Heard Enough," built on cinematic Americana motifs. Trumpeter Thad Bailey-Mai expands on the main theme with his warm and mellow phrases like ...

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"A most pleasant and swinging affair. At the centre of it all Wiens drives and pushes his partners... A brilliant debut." 

-Marco Cangiano, The New York City Jazz Record

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

No Second Guesing

Self-released
2024

buy

Sun Street

Self Produced
2023

buy

A Jazzy Hannukah

Self Produced
2023

buy

It Comes in Waves

Self Produced
2023

buy

Live in Denver

Self Produced
2023

buy

Stories From Solitude

Self Produced
2022

buy

Aim To Stay

From: Aim To Stay
By Bobby Wiens

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