Luciano Ciccotelli

I’m a busy freelance drummer/percussionist. Originally from Chicago, London has been my home for the past 17 years. If you’re familiar with the bands God, Eardrum, Laika, Mass, Slab, Dial, Spleen, and Rhys Chatham’s Hard Edge then you know my past work. My recent collaborations include Yaaba Funk, Baba Kone’s explosive dance and drum ensemble Jeli Massa, the Jauqo III-X Reality(Chicago), Helen Macdonald’s London Bridge Band, and my continuous Djembe centric workshop facilitation with Sewa Beats. In recent times I’ve begun work with Jally Cissoko(kora), Bouzid Zad(bass), and myself on kit. I also have begun a project with Michele Salvemini(clarinet) and Olie Brice(upright). A work in progress but we’ve covered a whole range of material, ranging from free improv, Balkan wedding music, and experimental Jazz. Dial has resurfaced for me. Jacqui Ham(formerly of UT) has been garnering some new found attention in the wake of the recent interest in New York’s early 80’s no wave scene and Dial’s music seems to have more reverence than ever. Check out our new album ‘168k’. Eardrum is gathering pace in a new incarnation. Expect the rhythmic steamroller of old with much added flair and agility thanks to the addition of Harvir on Tabla, and London Free Jazz luminaries Age Northover and Pat Thomas on Sax and Keys respectively. In the last two years I’ve had the great pleasure to work with the Jauqo III-X Reality in Chicago with Jauqo on bass and Dalawn Simpson on guitar. With a nod in the direction of James Blood Ulmer and Ornette’s Prime Time with a deep angular groove all it’s own, the Reality is as compelling and challenging as anything I’ve ever worked on. Jauqo and Dalawn are deep hard working musicians and have kept me honest to my Chicago roots. I’ve also had the great fortune to recently work with Seckou Keita, Sewa Beats, and the Lyon Symphony Orchestra on a project called ‘Do You Speak Djembe”. Bach meets the bush so to speak and I’m not talking about the president.My musical studies over the years have been as such: Getting lessons in the local music store as a kid. Studying with Joliet’s Sandro Brandilino and Chicago’s Bill Windhurst in my early teens. Attending workshops by Danny Gottlieb, soaking in his knowledge of Lawrence Stone and Joe Morello as well as his own mastery. Having to cope with Dave Bloom’s restless and active genius at his Jazz School in the mid eighties. Learning in his sink then swim Jazz Improvistion courses, driving back and forth to the city four times a week, and dodging the cockroaches that infested his loft school/studio on Chicago’s famous Rush Street. It was a marvelous time! Attending Southern Illinois University and learning as much from the areas local musicians as I did from the faculty. Moving to London and having my mind turned inside out by the city’s culture and confrontational attitude towards music and the power in being different. Traveling to Ghana and learning traditional music, in particular studying with Kusum Gboo in Accra, and Kwado Tagborlo and the Dzigbode Hobobo in Dzodze. Back in London Baba Kone, Odartey Lampley , and Nii Tagoe to name a few have left their indelible West African rhythmic mark upon me. As always I’m learning from every musician I play with, friends, family and all those I love.Doing music is my passion. I’m always looking to make new connections. Stepping out my own box and finding myself in unfamiliar waters is the best way to grow and learn. I have no intention of sitting on the fence and watching the world glide by. Whether it’s to do some playing or connecting up with other individuals and bands to organize gigs or just checking out what other people are doing I’m ever curious to what’s happening. I look forward to hearing from you. I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace) )