Mark Kelso

Well, I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland many moons ago but I came to Canada with my family when I was nine. Toronto was a great place to grow up and hear lots of different types of music which influenced me quite heavily. Over the years I've become a drummer, singer, songwriter, percussionist and a wee bit of a producer as well. If anything, I can really say I love good music, good grooves and lots of rhythm! I guess my ability to play a wide variety of musical styles has helped me play with a lot of folks in a lot of different styles. Over the years I've been lucky to work with Gino Vannelli, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, James Taylor, Molly Johnson, Dave Grusin, Holly Cole, Folk legend Ian Tyson, Peter Murphy ( Bauhaus ) Amanda Marshall, Matt Dusk, OLivia Newton John, Amy Sky, Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, Donny Osmond, Shirley Eikhard, Emm Gryner, Hilario Duran, Paquito DRivera, Michel Cusson, Vince Mendoza, Alain Caron, Larry Klein, Susan Tedeschi, Ron Sexsmith, Jim Cuddy, Jovino Santos Neto, Jesse Cook, The Montuno Police, Brian Hughes, Jane Bunnett, Soul Stew, Carol Welsman, Gordie Sampson, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Mary Jane Lamond, Joe Sealy, Measha Bruggergosman, Marc Jordan, Davis Clayton-Thomas, Michael Buble, Paul Anka, David Foster and Shania Twain.Aside from playing many TV and radio jingles and movie soundtracks I've been fortunate enough to have been featured in Drums ETC, Canadian Musician and Modern Drummer magazines. I've also had some greast times doing clinics for the Montreal Drumfest, KOSA and the Cape Breton Drum Festival.I endorse Yamaha Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Remo heads, Headhunters drumsticks and Orion Percussion not because they pay me but because I believe very strongly in their product.I have a solo CD entitled Lost Kingdoms. I think it is an exciting blend of African, Brazilian, Celtic and Pop influences. It features 12 original compositions of instrumental and vocal tunes and there is also some fine playing by some of Canadas finest musicians.My full blown web site is www.groovydrums.com if you need any more info!I am presently the head of the percussion department at Humber College in Toronto, Canada.