Chuck Ferrell

Chuck Ferrell, often referred to as, “the quiet drummer,” began his professional career at the age of 14. He has performed with jazz, Motown, rock and country artists all over the world. Hailing from Danville, Virginia, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he studied private drum instruction with drummer Clarence Penn and jazz ensemble under the tutelage of jazz legend, Ellis Marsalis.

Chuck Ferrell’s sound is reminiscent of Art Blakey’s drive, Max Roach’s melodic sensibilities, Jack DeJohnette’s implied time feel, Tony Williams’s metric modulations and Elvin Jones’s rolling triplets. His composition “Natalie” is beautifully haunting and moving to the soul. His up tempo playing is spicy and filled with unexpected “bombs”.

Chuck has delivered electrifying performances with Melba Moore, Mary Wilson, Kevin Walker, Lafayette Gilchrist, Moe Daniels, Alex Brown, Damon Foreman, Scott Paddock, Keter Betts and Gary Grainger. In early 2009, Chuck produced The Potomac Jazz Project’s CD- “Bop, Ballads and Blues.”

Mr. Ferrell has written a comprehensive guide to playing drum set, Groove Theory, with Gary Garlic. This book is used in the Chuck Ferrell Drum Set camps. These camps are a joint venture with the Department of Recreation and Parks-Howard County. Mr. Ferrell is a rhythm section clinician and has worked with high school and professional bands to assist them in honing their skills as rhythm section players.

He also garners production credits for a number of CD’s including: “The Potomac Jazz Project, “Bob, Ballads and Blues,” co producer, Stan Hamrick; “Tuesday Blues,” a blues compilation disc, “7 Improvisations,” Shaman Flame Records with producer/engineer Johannes Welsch, “Evolution,” “Breaking Barriers,” with guitarist/producer Damon Foreman.

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