Drummer John McColgan has been playing professionally for over thirty years. In this time he has had the opportunity to play in many different musical styles.
In the late 70's he began playing in Montreal in local cover bands. In 1980 he joined The Stephen Barry Band, a long-standing local blues band. In 1982 he began playing with Kate and Anna McGarrigle, touring throughout Quebec and across Canada. During the 80's he played with different bands ranging in styles from funk, to jazz/standards, to blues, to a power trio with another well-known Montreal musician, Jimmy James. In 1987 he and Jimmy joined Michel Pagliaro’s band, touring and recording; including concerts at the historic Spectrum De Montreal as well as the Olympic Stadium. In 1988 he re-joined The Stephen Barry Band, staying with them for ten years, recording four CD’s and performing with blues legends Buddy Guy, Big Mama Thornton, and Vann 'Piano Man' Walls. In the late 80's and through the 90's he continued to play in many different bands, from the roots rock of Ray Bonneville, to the pop band Gogh Van Go, with studio work taking more and more of his time, including work with the McGarrigle sisters, Emmylou Harris and Richard Thompson. From 1999 to 2002 he was on tour with Quebec singing legend Jean Pierre Ferland, and recorded two albums with him. In 2005 he reunited with the McGarrigle sisters again for more touring and recordings, including a concert at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall.
He has played and/or recorded with: Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Richard Thompson, Teddy Thompson, Kenny Pearson, Loudon Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Danny Thompson, Norma Waterson, Susie Arioli, Sue Foley and many others.
His drumming influences are as varied as the styles he is accomplished at, and include Ringo Starr, Jim Keltner, John Bonham, and Steve Gadd, as well as Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cobham, Dennis Chambers and Steve Smith. “It all depends on the style, the song, the moment. I hope to channel all of these great artists through my playing, while maintaining my own interpretation and feel”.
He has recently reunited with Jimmy James, and is recording and gigging with the original line-up, including Carl Rufh on bass. He still works with Michael Jerome Browne, and as well is freelancing in the Montreal area.
He has been teaching drums steadily for the last seven years, has recently published his first book, “Groove and Technique”, and has performed educational clinics for Pearl Drums Canada, at schools and music stores throughout Quebec.
John plays and endorses Pearl Drums, Sabian cymbals and Vic Firth sticks.
New to the site: Excerpts from "Groove and Technique". Follow the My Book link...
You are listening to "Voodoo Music", recorded by The Stephen Barry Band, 1993.
For more music and video clips come visit me at:
John McColgan's MySpace
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