Damian Graham
DRUMS
Having performed all across North America, China and Europe, Damian has been busy changing the way people think about the drums.
Born in New Zealand ('72) and raised on the west coast of Canada, Damian's musical diversity has led to performances with some of the finest musicians in the country and abroad. (Michael Kaeshammer, Lester Quitzau, The Paperboys, David Vest, Paul Laine, Paul Pigat, Tom Landa, David Gogo, The Twisters, Bria Skonberg, Dustin Bental, Kendel Carson, Ken Lavigne)
Damian maintains a busy live and studio schedule with his own ensemble and as an in demand freelance musician.
Performance highlights have included sharing the stage with Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joshua Redman, Holly Cole, The Shuffle Demons, The Paladins, Colin James, The Odds, Jane Bunnett, Dave Bartholemew, Joey DeFrancesco, David Foster, Wynton Marsalis, John Pizzarelli.
Numerous festival appearances including the Montreal Jazz Festival (Canada), Summerfolk (Canada) Toronto and Vancouver DuMarier Jazz Festivals (Canada), Beilefeld Jazz Festival (Germany), Hultsfred Festival (Sweden), High Sierra Music Festival (USA)
As well as playing drums Damian regularly works in the chair of Producer, Engineer, Graphic Designer, Composer and has runs his own label Bagel Boy Records since 1992.
As a side musician he has played on hundreds of albums including his latest release as a band leader entitled “Caramel”.
As a composer Damian has written a large collection of material, encompassing a wide variety of musical genres, both on his own and in collaboration with other artists. Many of these compositions have been featured on radio and TV throughout Canada, Europe and the US. In 2000 co-writes with Michael Kaeshammer appeared on the later's Juno nominated album "No Strings Attached" (Alma Records) and in 2019 worked on television pilot soundtrack with Timothy Williams (Deadpool 2, Guardians of the Galaxy.
As an educator Damian has taught extensively throughout his career including masterclasses, clinics and private lessons, as well as working at the Victoria Conservatory Of Music (since 2007) as a drum instructor, combo leader and business of music instructor, for their Performance Degree Program, in partnership with Camosun College.
Workshops
-
Each day we will explore the history of the drums, where it started, and the grooves that have made people move throughout time. We will be listening to great drummers, and learning how to support/accompany your fellow musicians.
With a focus on : Positive Practice Routines, Hand technique, Warming up/Warming down, Drum set tuning, choosing drums and cymbals (beginning with calf skinned 30’s to modern day kits - I’ll have a great selection of the gear I use all the time for you to try!) Essential grooves, Essential Attitudes!!
-
with Damian Graham & Suzie Vinnek
FOCUS: 12/8 feels, shuffles, and swing grooves
We’ll dig into how bass and drums lock together in swing-based feels — from slow 12/8 blues to driving shuffles. Students will practice setting tempo, shaping dynamics, and discovering where to sit in the groove.
We’ll also look at how small timing choices - laying back, sitting right on it, or pushing slightly - can totally change the feel of a tune.
-
with Suzie Vinnek.
FOCUS: Funky 16ths, 8th-Note Feels, Pop and R&B Styles, Rhumba
We’ll move into straighter grooves and talk about creating a tight, solid pocket. Students will try different ways to lock in while keeping the music alive and breathing.
Other concepts we’ll look at will include:
Less is more - playing for the song
Non-verbal communication between players
Developing and building your own personal groove repertoire
How great rhythm teams stay connected naturally
-
with Paul Pigat & Suzie Vinnik
Come put all your new musical wisdom into practice! All students are welcome to come and play and sing the blues with Paul, Damian and Suzie. There will be blues song booklets available and we’ll jam familiar and new blues tunes.