Hamid Drake was born 3 August 1955 in Monroe, Louisiana, USA. He studied drums extensively, including eastern and Caribbean styles. In 1974 he began what was to be a long-term musical relationship with Fred Anderson and in the late 70s, Anderson introduced him to George Lewis and Douglas Ewart. Don Cherry, who Drake first met in 1978, was another continuing collaborator. In the late 70s, Hamid Drake became a member of the Mandingo Griot Society, appearing on the group's first album. For many years Hamid Drake provided deftly inventive rhythmic support to forward thinking musicians such as pianist Borah Bergman and Peter Brötzmann, with whom he played in a quartet alongside William Parker and Toshinori Kondo. He collaborate with Herbie Hancock, Misha Mengelberg, Pharoah Sanders, Wayne Shorter, and many others. With these diverse artists, playing in a broad range of musical settings, Hamid Drake comfortably adapts to north and west African and Indian impulses as well as reggae and latin. He also frequently plays without sticks, using his hands to develop subtly commanding undertones. His tabla playing is also notable for its subtlety and flair.
PROJECTS
MICHAEL BLAKE - BEN ALLISON - HAMID DRAKE trio
Three extraordinary instrumentalists, composers, band leaders for the first time on the European scene after the Stone in NY. It is difficult to imagine to what extent the art of these three masters of jazz can be pushed. American tradition.
Music is an alchemy of fortunate encounters, like this one, rare and preciuous,in which the esperanto of the music allows enchanting promiscuities: new sounds, downtown, drum’n’bass, avant-jazz, the fascination and suggestion of the best Afro-American tradition.
