There's a new drummer in town. A heavyweight. Female heavyweight.
Jazz and rock drummer Hannah Ford chose drumming in third grade. "I’ve known what I wanted to do ever since I was seven.”
It happened the day she was introduced to the drums in her third grade music class. According to her, it was love at first sight. Since then she has pursued her passion with a passion.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Hannah’s third-grade music class was the precursor of “Fabulous Leopard Percussionists of Louisville” and, as a member of the renowned group, the youngster had the privilege of working with some of the world’s greatest drummers and teachers, including Diane Downs, Louie Bellson, Ruben Alvarez, Jerry Steinholtz and Ndugu Chancler. After moving to Chicago when she was 12, Hannah took advantage of new opportunities to study and perform with mentors such as Paul Wertico, Peter Erskine, Stanton Moore, Danny Seraphine and Johnny Rabb.
In 2008, following high school, Hannah accepted a scholarship to attend the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She credits college with helping to expand her knowledge of music and allowing her to become a better, more versatile musician. Her assessment must be accurate because, in addition to playing in the school orchestral, percussion and Jazz ensembles, she’s also been picking up work with major touring musicians like Ignacio Berroa, Wynton Marsalis, Butch Miles, Jeff Berlin and others.
And, along with her schoolwork and a calendar full of live and studio sessions for top pro’s as well as her own projects, “Pandorum” and “The Hannah Ford Band” and its upcoming debut CD, Happier With Me, Hannah also manages to find time to do a bit of writing and teaching, herself.
All this has led to sponsorships and endorsements from some of the biggest companies in the business, including Zildjian, Gretsch, Toca, Vater and Evans.
Hannah Ford listens to and enjoys a wide variety of music— jazz, rock, pop, country, R&B, Latin and metal, to name just a few. Her favorite drummers range from legends such as Buddy Rich, Louis Bellson, Tony Williams, Jo Jones, Art Blakey and John Bonham to contemporary players like Paul Wertico, Peter Erskine, Stanton Moore, Neil Peart, Steve Smith and Vinnie Colaiuta as well as newcomers Chad Smith, John Blackwell and Jason Bittner.
Check her out.
http://s843.photobucket.com/albums/z...hford09756.jpg
YOUTUBE VIDEO