Global Drums members play with American rock legends
GLOBAL MEMBERS PART OF EP RECORDING, DOCUMENTARY
They’re well-known performers in Lethbridge, but their reputation is international.
And it’s sure to grow with the release of an EP recording and a documentary of their recent trip to California.
Six members of Global Drums, a University of Lethbridge ensemble directed by music professor Adam Mason, were invited to join a 25-piece steel drum group, Pan Rocks, playing alongside some of the current stars of American rock. They were recorded at Ocean Studios in Burbank.
“It was a huge honour to be invited to be a part of such a ground-breaking event,” says Matt Groenheide. “I don’t think anyone has ever bridged the gap between the world of steel pan and rock in such a big way.”
Matt and Jodi Groenheide, who graduated with music degrees in 2011, were joined by more recent U of L graduates including Alya Jeraj and Matt Thiessen along with current students Theo Lysyk and Owen Francis.
The project was brought together by internationally known steel pan artist Tracy Thornton, founder of Pan Rocks. He enlisted the help of Stephen Perkins ( Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros) on drumset, Traci Guns (LA Guns, Guns & Roses) on guitar and Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth) on bass.
Their resulting six-song EP — soon to be released — includes an original work by Thornton along with covers of rock classics by Led Zeppelin, KISS, Jane’s Addiction and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The project is being produced by Thornton and Matt Starr (Mr. Big; Ace Frehley) and will be mastered by Dave Collins (Metallica, The Police, Soundgarden).
The Ocean studio has been the setting for many successful recordings, as Lethbridge percussionist Jeraj points out.
“Ocean Studios was mindblowing,” she says. “So many great musicians had used that space.”
Working alongside some of the best steel pan performers and rock musicians was also a thrill, she adds.
“They were hanging out with us and wanted to know more about what we did back home and if we were having a good time.”
Mason, who has worked with Thornton on previous projects, selected the six Lethbridge performers.
“This project has been a dreamlike experience for our students,” he says. “They have worked hard and persevered to be counted among the best of the best.
“I could not be more proud of them.”
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