Thomas P Hella profile picture

Thomas P Hella

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About Me


(Martin Patmos of Modern Drummer wrote)
Fiery Funky Tasteful
Just one listen to trumpeter Christian Scotts debut album Rewind That (Concord Records) and youll be looking to see who the drummer is. Although the name Thomas Pridgen may not be familiar to everyone yet, his deep feel and exceptional technique are certainly changing that. Fresh, sharp, fiery, syncopated, funky and tasteful all at once, Pridgens performance is one that begs repeated listens. Pridgen is also both drummer and music director for rising R&B star Keyshia Cole, and a seasoned gospel drummer. At just 22, Thomas Pridgen has more drumming experience than most at that age. Growing up in California he began drumming at the age of 3, made his first recording at 8, and won the Guitar Center Drum-Off at 9. Displaying this early talent, it was his grandmother who supported and nurtured it. Pridgen also learned a lot from the guys in church. Playing gospel music, he would go on to record under the Gospel Music Workshop of America numerous times. Meanwhile his mothers record collection offered exposure to jazz. Lessons with instructors like David Garibaldi continually developed his abilities, leading him to a Berklee College of Music scholarship. Along the way, Pridgen met, talked with and learned from many drumming greats as they came through the Bay Area.It was at Berklee that Pridgen befriended Scott. To make music people will listen to 20 years from now was the goal in making Scotts album, Pridgen says. I know how hot it can be he adds, and in recording his aim is to capture that sound. However, its important to be tasteful Pridgen continues. Youve got three minutes, and you can say something stupid or intelligent. A surprising mix of technique and enthusiasm tempered by a deep respect for drummers hes learned from informs Thomas Pridgens drumming. With touring, a recent recording session with Eric Gale, and a new DVD out entitled Shed Sessionz featuring Pridgen with Tony Royster Jr. and others in a gospel jam, hes got a lot happening and is one to watch.
these last couple years have just been some cool ass years. my son was born, ive been playing good music wit good people, i get to travel the world, i eat good food, and then get paid....!! so everyday i just thank god for all his many blessings and gifts he keeps giving to me!! much love to all my myspace friends personnal and none personnal!!!
(photo from keyshia cole's love tour check out the drummer)
[HAVE YOU EVER..]

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 11/13/2005
Band Members: me

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"Rewind That" - live

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wsup dudes & dudettes welcome to myspace!!!

Influences:

tony williams,saul williams,meshuggah,micheal jackson,barry white,brandy,tupac,big,changito,el negro,dennis chambers,ledisi,prince,meshuggah.red hot chilli peppers.as i lay dying.john coltrane.miles davis.tony williams.dennis chambers.vinnie coluita.asesino.otep.kudu.the beatles.jay z.j-dilla.hi tek.dr dre.madlib.gnarls barkley.dangelo.erykah badu.the roots.bilal.ledisi.metallica.nofx.deftones.sly and the family stone.p funk.ohio players.earth wind and fire.the gap band.squarepusher.aphex twin.just blaze.dj scratch,slipknot,asesino,tool ,isley bros,p.funk,bootsy,james brown,herbie hancock,metallica,green day,maroon 5, chick corea,gonzalo rubalcaba,tito puento,art blakey,vsop,miles,john coltrane,wes montgomery,jodeci,kanye west,beanie sigel,tonex,timbaland,the neptunes,anything hyphy messy marv,fishbone,primus,raul pineda,jimmy brantley, freddie hubbard,roy hargrove,jimmy smith,marvin gaye,eddie kendricks,jimi hendrix,jodeci,mac dre,tommy campbell,the drummers of cuba,lil jon,dr dre,droope,rick rock,me,max roach,ron carter,mary j,dave weckl,will kennedy,d'angelo,erykah badu,bilal,roberta flack,musiq soulchild,barry white,the floaters,toni tony tone,janet jackson,mc hammer,stokley,mint condition,mariah carey3 x crazy,travis barker,mushugah,robin thicke,gap band,the time,ohio players,teddy p,steven speilsberg,micheal jackson,elvin jones,chris dave,ron brunner,vinnie coluita,dennis chambers,miles davis,john coltrane,video games,duck hunting,micheal jordan,malcom x,curtis mayfield,isaac hayes,donny hathaway,the doors,the beatles,80's metal,sheila e,john blackwell,ronnald brunner,as ilaydying,lamb of god,mastadon....
BASICALLY EVERYTHING & EVERYONE
Sounds Like:
Type of Label: Major

My Blog

Some stuff about me

THOMAS PRIDGEN OF BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL WINS LYONS SCHOLARSHIP TO BERKLEE 15-Year-Old Drummer Is Youngest-Ever WinnerMonterey and Boston, September 16, 1999 -- Thomas Pridgen, of Berkeley, Calif., is t...
Posted by Thomas P Hella on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 04:29:00 PST