JOHN WICKS "Free, spontaneous, linear grooves, break beat loops, gospel, drum 'n' bass, and jazz based instrumental playing," is how John Wicks describes his playing style. This amalgam of contemporary styles has made him an extremely busy guy around his home of Seattle, Washington. As a freelancer the young drummer is working constantly, performing and recording with such acts as SAMO, Spirit Tuck, organist Joe Doria, DJ Diskyze, LDSJ, The Dan Heck Trio, Bebop and Destruction, Nikol Kollars, Mose Allison, commercial jingles and movie soundtracks. John's main focus is, "SAMO" with keyboardist Steve Scalfati, and bassist Bob Heinemann. His busy schedule has allowed him to travel the globe playing throughout the US and Europe. "More than anything else, SAMO is looking for a way to create the music we hear in our heads - a way to combine the feel of modern jazz from the 60s and 70s, the abstract angularity of film soundtracks from the same era and the contemporary innovations of sample culture." John's playing and programming on SAMO's recent CD reveals a relaxed soulful and supportive style that elegantly bridges the gap between rock, soul, punk, hip hop, jungle, and other ethnic-based urban styles. This is understandable considering his New Orleans roots and his list of influences: Elvin Jones, Levon Helm, John Bonham, Al Jackson Jr., Matt Chamberlain, Paul Motian, James Black, Tony Williams, Brian Blade, The Roots, The Meters, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, The Butthole Surfers, Amon Tobin, Squarepusher, and any drummer that has recorded with a Hammond B-3 organ trio. "I do my playing on a round-badge Gretch kit and a variety of dark sounding cymbals. I like old drums because the wood has settled and has more warmth and personality," says John. "My goal is to record and tour with SAMO, as well as to continue playing with other artists. I'd also enjoy teaching private lessons and seminars in the future. As long as I continue to grow as an artist and make everyone I am in contact with smile, I know I'm doing OK." Along with all of the live playing, John has joined forces with Scalfati to form a business partnership called Samo.nu. He describes this venture as "Samo.nu is a team of gifted, forward-thinking, and multi-talented musicians, producers, and engineers. We're providing original music and custom post-scores for film, television, the web, and multimedia professionals ranging from directors to ad agency creatives to video post-houses." You can find out more about the company and hear a demonstration of what they can do at http://www.samo.nu John is currently accepting students of all levels. Please call the Seattle Drum School at (206)364.8815 or email john at john@johnwicks.comfor more info. Back