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 At first glance, British drummer Bradley Webb could be just any teenager. But listen to a few moments of his drumming, and it is clear he has one unique gift.
Brad has been playing the drums since he was two. At ten, he was recommended by Lisa Grahame of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra to Britain’s top jazz drummer, Bobby Worth, who began to work with Brad in 1995. A year later, percussionist and educator Michael Skinner agreed to tutor him – although Skinner generally accepts only college-age students.
In 1996 Brad started playing with the Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra II and became a full chorister in Tonbridge School Choir. In 1997, for his performances on drum kit and marimba, he became "Young Musician of the Year" in the Hilden Grange School Young Musician of the Year competition – an unprecedented accomplishment. Brad has furthered his training with Bob Armstrong, one of the UK’s top drumset teachers.
Since then, Brad has been busy with many engagements, including endorsements, a guest spot with Britain’s National Jazz Youth Orchestra, and membership in the Hattie Webb Quintet. In 2000 he joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra Band, and was awarded a music scholarship to Tonbridge School. He also was appearing with the punk/rock Corporation Blend. Brad also plays regularly with the top Latin jazz quartet of Clare Hirst – a notable British band of experienced musicians.
The “Bradley Webb Trio” – which includes soul, r&b, and jazz, and brings the past and present in music together – recently changed its name to “Ko”. Praised variously for its grooves, energy, sophistication, power to surprise, and the depths of its roots, the band won a scholarship to the U.S. to study with a range of top musicians – Christian McBride, Carl Allen, Russell Malone, Benny Green, Terrell Stafford, Eddie Palmieri, Wycliff Gordon, Jim Horowitz, Loren Schoenberg, among others – and Ko was in Aspen with these Jazz Masters this past July.
Peter Eskine has said: "Bradley
is playing at an extremely high level, and it is
a true pleasure to listen to his drumming ñ he
can stand with the 'big boys' despite
his young age. Brad
swings, he has a great beat, and he can play the
daylights out of the drums!"
Bradley uses numerous LP instruments on his
drum kit including LP
bongos, as well as various blocks
and bells.
To learn more about Brad, please contact him
on the web: www.bradleywebb.com or www.ko-life.com.
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