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Jim Cornall
The third Cape Breton (Canada) International Drum Festival was held in the Savoy Theatre in the town of Glace Bay on Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27. Host Bruce Aitken invited drummers from around the world to share their talents and techniques.
First up on Saturday was The Dalton Drum Syndicate from Belgium. Maxime Lenssens, Didier Fontaine, Renaud van Hooland, and Marc van Eyck played over twenty drums between them. Their program varied between subtle and deafening, bringing lots of melodic and interesting compositions to the audience.
elliot polsky. photo by jim cornall Canadian drummer/percussionist Elliot Polsky (of Zubot & Dawson) started out playing various percussion instruments before moving to a kit. His approach was to get drummers to "think outside the box" by using different techniques (including placing things on drums to create new sounds). He played to an instrumental track, then stopped the music to show how the pattern was constructed with drums, shekere, bongos, sleigh bells -- and even seeds on his feet.
The Fest's Rising Star segment showcased drummers from all four Atlantic provinces of Canada. John Morrison, Randy Chaisson, J.D. Sampson, and eleven-year-old Marcel Bourgeois entertained well and showed that the future of drumming is in good hands (and feet).
camille gainer. photo by jim cornall Camille Gainerkicked it up a notch with some lightning playing and incredible grooves. Feet were tapping as Camille played funk and fusion tunes with a dynamic and athletic style. During her Q&A segment, Camille charmed the crowd with her straightforward answers and infectious personality.
mitch dorge. photo by jim cornall...