SAM KELLY

Sam started his playing career in the early 70’s with Cymande - the very first band he played in. Although not well known in the UK, Cymande worked in the USA, successfully touring to promote 3 albums which were released on the Janus label, a subsidiary of Chess records (part of the 2nd album was recorded at Chess studios, Chicago) Cymande's music has retained a cult following over the years and even today the name is still well known by the new generation of successful garage, hip-hop and rap artists who have sampled several of the original tracks.Sam has recently finished recording the rhythm tracks for Gary Moore's new album, and has just completed Gary's 10-date tour in Germany.Sam is still working with his own bands - Sam Kelly’s Station House, Primo Blues and Sam Kelly’s Blues Band and he continues to gig with the Papa George Band, Cymande, The Soul Britannia All-StarsChuck Farley, Giles Hedley & the Aviators, Francesco Boldini (Italy) and Errol Linton's Blues Vibe. Over the years Sam has worked with Chaka Khan, Dr John, Ben E. King, Robert Plant, The Foundations, Gordon Haskell, Billy Ocean, Desmond Dekker, Eddie Floyd, Roger Chapman, Michelle Shocked and Stan Webb.… to name but a few.Sam's long career covers live gigs, festivals, drum workshops, theatre work and radio and TV sessions, both in the UK and overseas.Sam has been voted into Blues In Britain magazine Gallery of the Greats, as five-times winner of the 'UK Drummer of the Year' award.