Deren Fatskeys Blessman

Born April 25, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan, Deren began playing drums at age 8. Primarily self-taught, his major influence and direction came from his father James, himself a jazz saxophonist. In 1978 he began high school and fell under the brief tutelage of band director Nathaniel Chillis, receiving his first and only formal training performing in the concert, marching, and jazz bands.Well versed in multiple styles, Deren carries a strong background in jazz, funk, and R&B. He has recorded with the Mike Stephens Project and performed with them at major concerts such as the 1994 Capitol City Jazz Festival, sharing center stage with the Yellow Jackets, Norman Brown, The Rippingtons, Richard Elliot, Ramsey Lewis, and Alex Bujon just to name a few. While performing with the Mike Stephens Project, Deren took the opportunity to open for Regina Bell and Keith Washington at Constitution Hall. He has also recorded with Marcus Johnson, performing with him at the Inauguration Ball alongside Najee and Howard Hewitt. Renowned guitarist Jerry Gordon has also enlisted Deren's talents for performances at Blues Alley, Carter Baron, and the Fort DuPont and Wiggins Park Jazz Festivals.Deren was a driving force in the Mary Ann Redmond Band for seven years. During this time there, he shared the stage with The Pointer Sisters, Smokey Robinson, BB King, Michael Burkes, Jeff aka Skunkâ Baxter, John Jennings, Kim Waters, Roberta Flack, Larry Carlton, Gerald Albright, and Jonathan Butler, just to name a few.Currently Deren is working in the studio on a solo project and performing with his own band Fatskeys.As an endorsee, I play Sabian Cymblas and use Vater drum sticks. Thank you guys for your support.---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------