Cape Breton International Drum Festival Announces Full Line Up For 2006

The organizers of the Cape Breton International Drum Festival – Bruce and Gloria Jean Aitken announced the full line up for the 6th annual ECMA and MIANS nominated Event of the Year which is being staged at The Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada on Saturday April 29th and Sunday April 30th, 2006.

“We are very proud to announce that this year sees the return of some of the most popular past festival crowd favorites” said Bruce Aitken. This will include Denny Seiwell, Paul Wertico, Sergio Bellotti, and of course the Festival’s World ambassador, Dom Famularo.“The Festival wouldn’t be the same without Dom. He’s a major inspiration, an incredible drummer, and of course he leads the now ‘world famous’ finale.”

Seiwell – perhaps best known for his work with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney in the
band Wings – is making the trip north from Los Angeles. “When Denny performed
three years ago, he brought the house down. He’s a very special performer who
has a way of making the music talk and feel so good” said Aitken.

Paul Wertico appeared in 2002 when the Festival was in its infancy and since then has toured the world many times with his own band. Recently Wertico was named as one of the Chicagoans of the Year, a great honour, for all his incredible work. Paul created quite a stir last time he appeared at the Festival with his unorthodox playing style. Aitken commented, “He’s one of the most exciting musicians in the world.”

Sergio Bellotti has been at the Festival for the last two years and this year returns with his friend and colleague Berklee Professor Skip Hadden. Hadden performed last year also in a supporting roll subbing when Festival organizer Bruce Aitken was unable to perform due to ill health. Hadden is a world-renowned teacher and author who has, over the years, taught some of the world’s greatest drummers.

Newcomers to this year’s Festival include percussionist Hossam Ramzy. Ramzy – born in Egypt – now resides in the UK. Over the years he has worked with many of the world’s finest performers including Peter Gabriel, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant (Ex Led Zeppelin) on the “No Quarter Unledded MTV Special.” Ramzy has also performed on numerous movie soundtracks.

Canadian icon and super-drummer Paul DeLong makes his first appearance and is sure to turn heads. DeLong who hails from Toronto has played at many major Festivals and is also one of Canada’s most in-demand first-call session drummers.

Also from Toronto is Dale Anne Brendon whose credits include Michael Pickett and Roger Hodgkins (Ex Supertramp). “Dale came to the show last year under her own steam and this year she returns to perform – you won’t be disappointed” said Aitken. Brendon is also a well known teacher and clinician in the Toronto
area.

Percussion master Lenny Castro, who has appeared on hundreds of recordings makes his way up from LA. His list of credits is like the who’s who of recorded music history. “It’s such an honor to have Lenny perform at our Festival” said Gloria Jean Aitken. “He will bring a very exciting and diverse soundscape to this year’s show. I can’t wait!”

Bruce Aitken states, “This is going to be an incredible Festival. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, we are also proud to announce the following artists to this amazing line up.”

The legendary Bill Cobham is a man that changed the face of drumming history when he fused Jazz with Rock when recording with Miles Davis on the classic LP “Bitches Brew”. Cobham is a monster player and true innovator. “His work with The Mahavishnu Orchestra alone puts him in a class not many have been privy to”
enthused Aitken. “Add to that his solo recordings and you have the Legend, larger than life, performing in Cape Breton. It’s the stuff you dream of – now it’s reality.”

Bill Cobham along with Groove Master Bernard “Pretty” Purdie will also receive the Cape Breton International Drum Festival “Legends Award”.

Purdie will also be at the Festival this year. He’s presenting a Master class at The Delta Hotel pre-Festival on Sunday 30th April at 9.00am. Gloria Jean Aitken said “Bernard said he was coming back next year (2006). I said, ‘Bernard, wait until you’re asked’ … then I booked him on the spot.”

Styx drummer Todd Sucherman, a drumming phenomenon, is showing his amazing talents in Cape Breton for the first time. He comes to Cape Breton hot from a world tour with Styx. “Attendees are in for a very special treat when they see Todd perform” says Bruce Aitken. “He has so much to give. One of the most talented soloists I’ve ever seen.”

Aitken says the inclusion of English drummer Gary Husband is just the icing on the cake. “Gary is one of the greatest and most talented drummers the world has ever seen. His work ethic is outstanding and those artists he’s worked with – including jazz legend John McLaughlin, Bill Cobham (as a pianist) Allan Holdsworth Group, Garry Moore (Thin Lizzy), Jack Bruce (Cream), and many many others – have all benefited from the ‘Husband touch’, as will those attending this year’s Festival.” Husband is the first English drummer to appear at the Festival. “And,” adds Aitken, “it’s fitting that that honor should go
to him.”

Festival Director Mike Megaffin also announced a special appearance at this year’s Festival by Rick Faucher. Faucher was drum-tech for Hal Blaine, Jim Keltner and Ringo Starr. He will talk about his work with these and other artists. “This,” said Megaffin “is history in the making.”

“The Otarion Maritime Showcase will be announced soon” said Aitken. “There
are many very interesting local drummers and percussionists performing. It’s
going to be very very special.”

Website: cbdrumfest.com