unpigeonholeable. 
[a vessel]

mgmt - michaeluferri@gmail.com

The history of music is retold in the playing of the drummer and hand-percussionist Chris Howard. A successful traps drummer, with many years of widely varied working experience, Chris has long been pursuing the field of hand percussion from all around the world. He is a much sought after percussionist, a standout on both the basic drum set and many instruments from around the world, prized not only as a player, but also as an educator, and a clinician. In fact, Chris is at the forefront of drummers who bring traps fluency and an avidity for handheld percussion to the same music, often carrying many instruments to the same gig, creating fresh sonic reconciliations and creative new departures.

     Chris is an educated percussionist in the best possible sense. Formally taught and a devotee of musical styles of every corner of the world, from ancient times to the cutting edge present, he has been working constantly, on a plethora of bandstands and in countless recording studios, for the better part of three decades. Chris lives his professional life by the truism that the bare bone elements undergirding all music, the building block materials of color, rhythm and timekeeping, always carry through, whatever the musical genre and style.

     Chris brings all his accrued wisdom into his own progressive jazz trio, The Blur Division. At the same time, he is a regular presence with such disparate musicians as the award winning singer/songwriter Rupert Wates, the Billboard-topping Four Celtic Voices, the rumba flamenco of Jason and Elysa Hochman, the Andalusian-infused song of François Wiss, the neo-funk/hip-hop of Lee, the crossover country/folk of the Katie Pearlman Band, the R & B of Carol Ann Brevard, the contemporary classical of Carlos David Bernales, the world music sensibilities of Home Port and the exploratory hard rock of Under Radio among many others. Chris brings a world of knowledge along with instruments from around the world to a wide array of musical assignments. His playing is respectful of his forebears, always in the moment, and for all the surprising fusions he can bring to a gig, invariably appropriate to the music he is propelling forward, whatever the circumstances.

     Chris has also received additional recognition in the international drumming community through his endorsements with Contemporânea, The Cooperman Company, Evans Drumheads, GMS Drum Company, Gator Cases, Great Leather Drumstick Bags, Oruga Drum Effects, Paiste Cymbals, Roc-n-Soc, Inc., Rock 'n Roller Multi-Cart, Snareweight, TreeWorks Chimes, and Vater Drumsticks.

For private lesson and live/studio performance rates, e-mail Chris directly at themusicpilgrim@yahoo.com.

Once a solo singer songwriter, now heading up my funky soul band

Bryan Rucker is a singer/songwriter from South Florida who blends enduring lyrics and melody with a remarkable combination of acoustic guitar and gritty vocals.  Built on a foundation of undying passion, captivating intensity, and charismatic star quality, Bryan’s career has boundless potential in virtually every facet of the music spectrum.

Born in Miami, Bryan’s affinity for music runs deep in his veins. He is the son of former Bee Gees drummer, Steve Rucker, and cousin to former Dire Straits front man and singer/songwriter, Mark Knopfler.  Since childhood, Bryan has had a very close connection with the music world.  He has been fortunate to have had the association and influence of musical greats such as Barry Gibb, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, Jaco Pastorius, Joe Zawinul, and Ben Vereen. 

Through his songwriting, Bryan hopes to spread messages of life, liberty, and love, ultimately capturing the support of fans worldwide.  Every tune is a new and different voice, but maintains an undeniable continuity; a trait possessed by many of the great songwriters.  However, the most exciting aspect of the musical contribution of Bryan Rucker is not what he has already completed, but what has yet to be written.

Mickey Carroll is following