Drummers: Wanna show us what you got?
Drummer Spotlight - Maurice Nadeau
Welcome (back) to The Drum Fill's Drummer Spotlight! It's been awhile since we've profiled one of our top drummers here on The Drum Fill. The goal of this feature is for everyone to get to know our members better and have some fun! We are very pleased to introduce this months member spotlight, someone very near and dear to me, my father - Maurice Nadeau. Maurice was one of our very first members here on The Drum Fill and he's been apart of many great discussions on our forum. I know from my own personal experience as a drummer (and his son) that he's helped me a lot along my journey so far and I look forward to many more discussions regarding music and the drums with him! I always take so much from him after we play around on the drums for awhile or watch the odd DVD together... so please, sit back and learn more about Maurice... The Drum Fill: How did you become interested in the Drums? Maurice Nadeau: When I was a young boy, growing up in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, my father would have parties on the weekends, and invite musicians, such as Ned Landry, Charlie Chamberlain, guitar, and steel guitar players to the parties. There was always music around and the only percussion around would be the spoons, which I learned to play at around eight years old. At thirteen, my brother David, bought me a set of bongos for my birthday. I learned how to play those from the small instructional book that came with them, but I soon got bored with this and, I made a set of drum sticks in my shop class and beat the bongos till the heads broke. From here I went to playing on pillows and my bed. I did not loose my passion for drumming, and because of having another brother, Al, playing guitar in a band, I became what you might call, the bands helper,,, or groupie. I attended all the practices and listened to what the drummer was playing, but never got the opportunity to actually play a drum kit. Finally, the band got a gig, and because the drummer had strict parents, or he got scared, the band was without a drummer, with a gig,,, that night. Because I was very keen to play, I told the band that I would give it a shot, and rehearsed with the band for the afternoon, and played the gig that night. Nothing like pressure... |
| The Drum Fill: Who has inspired you in your life (drummers and/or non-drummers)? Maurice Nadeau: Since then, I have been inspired by many drummers, such as, Steve Gadd, Buddy Rich David Garibaldi, Neil Peart, Tony Williams, Chad Smith, only to name a few. I must say that I am also inspired by a lot of different musicians and every day people. Some of the musicians are, Arturo Sandoval, Joseph Zawinal, Wayne Shorter, Michael Jackson, and also many musicians that I have worked with in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia,,, to many to name. The Drum Fill: Do you feel comfortable with the technique you've developed to this point, or are there things you'd still like to learn? Maurice Nadeau: I have had the opportunity to play many different styles of music from Pop, Jazz, R&B, Celtic, Country, Disco, and yes,,, even Polkas. Also, having the chance to play with the great, BoDiddly for two nights, without any rehearsal, would certainly be a highlight in my drumming life. I must add that my recording sessions, as well as, my teaching experience has opened many doors for me, personally and musically. I feel that I am still learning the art of drumming and I continue to go to concerts and clinics, where the world is your oyster, such as going to see Terry Bozzio do his famous "Austinato", or Steve Smith do his, "Mr. Hihat". I have found that all these great players, on the most part are awesome sight readers, and I know that I can develop this aspect of my drumming, to open even more doors. The Drum Fill: What are your future dreams and goals? Maurice Nadeau: I hope that I still have a long future in drumming and I will always have that as my biggest passion, but I also feel, that you should not limit your passions,,, like I've said, the world is your oyster. Life is short, so live, feel and touch as much of it as you can and you can add all the experiences to your drumming and relationships in and out of the music world. The Drum Fill: Is there anything else we should know about you and or your drumming? I want to thank both my sons for sharing their experiences with me,,,they are a true inspiration as well. And the beat goes on....  We'd like to thank Maurice for the great interview and highly recommend you check out his profile online - Click here! Thanks for all your great answers Maurice/Dad, you are a great inspiration for all of us! Keep on rocking it! |
Last updated by Adrian Nadeau Aug. 19, 2009.
Badge
© 2010 Created by Adrian Nadeau
