Chris Brien
Multi nominated ARIA & MO Award performer Chris Brien is currently one of Australia's most in demand live and studio drummers.As a performing artist Chris Brien rose to prominence in the mid 1990s as resident drummer/percussionist with the highly succssful Swoop a Sydney based band with several number one and top ten hits both at home and abroad.
Chris' extensive studio and "live" experience as well as his innovative approach to drumset playing has established him as one of Australia's foremost clinicians and drum/percussion educators. Chris Brien also writes a monthly drum column for the Sydney music magazine, 'The Rock-itt'.
Chris utilizes 10 pedals as well as a range of percussion and sound effect elements to demonstrate a variety of playing styles. His creative approach encourages many drummers to experiment with sounds and textures.
Recent Press Releases:
"As 'The Drumming Wizard of Oz' Chris utilises 10 pedals as well as a range of percussion and sound effect elements to demonstrate a variety of playing styles. Chris' extensive studio and live experience has established him as one of Australia's most in demand clinicians and drum/percussion educators. Chris holds teaching positions at several prominent schools and colleges as well as running 'Chris Brien's Drum Clinic' in Sydney."
"Guaguanco was like a Ravel inspired excursion into latin grooves. Each new sound was integrated into the basic melodic pattern in a very organic way, always adding just a little something more to an already full palette of sound. It sounded both simple and accessible, and yet rich and full at the same time. A very musical performance in a style of playing that was both full of groove and rich in texture."
Drum Scene Magazine
"Chris Brien 'The Drumming Wizard Of Oz' took to the stage with a powerful onslaught of Tribal 4-way independence leaving the audience mesmerized and wanting more!"
Drum Scene Magazine
In April of 2005 Chris Brien was invited to perform at the prestigious "Night Of The Drums" in Meunster, Germany. An international Samba festival that features some of Europes best Samba groups. Each year the "Night Of The Drums" festival features one international drumset artist. The year of 2005 the featured international drumset artist was Chris Brien. The previous 2 year's international drumset artists were Thomas Lang and The Drumbassadors.
In May of 2005 Chris Brien was the 'highest billed' Australian drummer at "The Australian Drummers Festival" at the Sydney Superdome. Alongside "The Drumbassadors" and "Omar Hakim".
In October of 2005 Chris Brien officially became an author by successfully releasing his first book "Progressive Rhythms"."Progressive Rhythms" has been released nationally throughout Australia as well as being released in South East Asia.
In the February 2006 issue of "Modern Drummer",CHRIS BRIEN "The Drumming Wizard Of Oz" received a 4 out of 5 star rating for his DVD "INDEPENDENCE PART II" (A Giant Step) This puts Chris Brien amongst only a handful of Australian drummers who have appeared in Modern Drummer!!
Also in February 2006, Chris Brien successfully opened up his second teaching studio. Located at Continuumusic rehearsal and recording studios in Dee Why, Sydney, Australia. Chris Brien's teaching systems have helped develop 1000's of drummers nationally and internationally, including many of Australia's best drummers.
Chris Brien’s book “Progressive Rhythms†is reviewed in the March 2007 issue of the American magazine “Modern Drummerâ€. This is Chris Brien’s second review by Modern Drummer Magazine within the last 12 months.
In the June 2007 issue of the American magazine “Modern Drummer†Chris Brien’s book “Progressive Rhythms†was listed as one of the top 12 tutorial products released since 2005.
“Progressive Rhythms†was the only independently released product included in the Modern Drummer review.
Chris Brien is now a resident drum/percussion teacher at “The Tom Lee Music Centre†in Hong Kong. Chris Brien has finished writing another 5 drum instructional books for his drum course at Tom Lee Music in Hong Kong and China.
“The Chris Brien Drumming System†consists of 5 levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and 2 Highly Advanced Levels.
Chris Brien is featured regularly in Australia's leading Drum magazine, 'DRUM SCENE' and has performed in clinic alongside such drumming greats as Thomas Lang, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Chad Wackerman and Jimmy Degrasso just to name a few!
Besides recording on many top selling hits, performing with internationally acclaimed artists, releasing several solo CDs and DVDs, being the author of six books performing in productions of Les Miserables, Songs for a New World and Godspell, Chris' drumming has been seen and heard on many Australian television commercials and shows including All Saints, Home & Away and Neighbours.
"Foot Snare Groove" recorded live in Hong Kong, May 18th 2008
"Guaguanco Breakdown Explanation" recorded live in Hong Kong, May 18th 2008
Chris Brien performing at The Cultural Centre, Hong Kong, 28th October 2007
Chris Brien - "African Groove" using 5- Way independence"
The Mega Box in Hong Kong 2nd Sep 2007
Chris Brien - "The Samba" - MegaBox Hong Kong 2 Sep 2007
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