20th May 2007 @ The Point Cardiff

Percussion House Presents

Ian Thomas & Laurence Cottle

Derrick McKenzie & Sola Akingbola (Jamiroquai)

Elliott Bennett & Dave Stapleton

Brett Sawmy & Louise Latham

Since the start of Beatrwtz.com we’ve been put into some pretty weird and wonderful situations but I didn’t think for a second it would send me to church on a Sunday!

We’ve made it no secret that we’re big fans of The Point and the boys at the Percussion House couldn’t have picked a better back drop to some of the most astonishing displays of drumming I’ve seen.  Now, let me be the first to say that I know nothing about drumming or percussion for that matter so don’t expect any technical insight to the artist’s performances. Usually I like to have some sort of knowledge of the subject I’m writing about but today was more than a good reason to send the rulebook spinning out of the window.

The afternoon’s sessions started a little later than scheduled probably doing nothing to help the pre-show nerves of the opening performer Brett Sawmy with the spellbinding voice and songs of Louise Latham in accompaniment.  Brett is no stranger to treading the boards after touring for five years and making appearances on MTV but today is the first time in 3 years he’s performed acoustically to a crowd.  He’s first to say that he’s a drummer for the music and it’s all about groove for him not the big solos. To follow was six tunes written by Louise that were performed and sung beautifully, immediately earning the attention and respect they deserved from the ever-growing Sunday service. Brett talked us through the arrangement and patterns chosen for each song and appeared to have settled in nicely into his old routine, (being joined on stage by such talent in Louise and guitarist John Landau surely helped mind you).  Brett produced the goods as you’d expect even throwing in a rare solo and the Louise Latham band judging by this set will surely be an act worth checking out if you get the chance.

Next to impress was the precision of another of the Percussion House boys by the name of Elliott Bennett.  Again Elliott is no stranger to performing to a crowd having worked with Bench, Manchild and Jim Mullen to name but a few and is currently head Drum Lecturer at the Royal Welsh College of music and drama.  Elliott brought more of a technical feel to the day using his time to give a “clinic” feel, much to the delight of his admiring students in the audience.  Even as the day took more of a specialised approach it took nothing away from the enjoyment for the not so educated of us in the venue.  Elliott took us through a lesson in beats from around the world with some “amazing” bits in between.  Paper handouts or not, anyone that could follow exactly what Elliott calmly thrashed out (yes calmly thrashed out!) deserves more than just a pat on the back.  Contemporary jazz keys courtesy of Dave Stapleton made the session an absolute must for those into the chaotic but fascinating sound some call “jazz fusion”, jazz keys with in this case not such a traditional beat.  Hats off to the both of them.

Now, if I was to tell you Jamiroquai were to play in a church in Cardiff bay to about 300 people the usual response would probably include “eat” and “hat”, I only know this as it was my response when the news came.  Thanks to the incredible determination and pull of the Percussion House crew the lucky people at the point were treated to an intimate hour with one of the finest jazz/funk bands in the country. Derrick MacKenzie (drums) Sola Akingbola (percussion) Paul Turner (Bass) and Rob Harris (guitar) provide the driving force behind Jamiroquai and made playing top class funk look effortless.  Jamiroquai boys playing live in such a small venue with the opportunity to question this arena band in between songs is clearly a once in a lifetime experience.  I think everyone there including me will always be thankful to the percussion house for working their magic.  A set list including some favourites like “Space Cowboy” and “Black Devil Car” to name but a few came as a good reminder that this bunch are one of the finest bands musically in the country and will produce the goods whether it be to 500 or 5000!! Derrick did say there might be the possibility of a tour sometime next year and I advise all of those that may have forgotten Jamiroquai to get themselves to the nearest venue (unfortunately I doubt it will only hold about 500!).               

Mention the name Ian Thomas to anyone in the pub and they’ll probably tell you they know him. Mention this name to any drummer and you’ll get quite a different response I’m sure, as they’ll know your not on about the guy that delivers the pools coupons on a Tuesday or runs the local Sunday league football side. This Ian Thomas is more likely to know Sting, Paul Mcartney or Eric Clapton than the local darts team.  Ian Thomas is a session musician and will often be labelled as one the best in the world by those of his own profession. I did mention earlier that I know nothing about drumming and for that I’m glad as after seeing this man with a set of sticks I know that he’ll humble the most confident of drummers before even getting started. With phenomenal bass assistance courtesy of Laurence Cottle who’s credits will include the likes of Seal, Gary Moore and Cozy Powell the final hour is difficult to describe without using the term “mind blowing”. Taking questions from the audience covering things from his favourite moments in his career to dealing with dyslexia Ian was nothing short of inspiring to “wanna be” drummers young and old gathered in the venue. This guy is that good he could throw his sticks at a set of drums and create a beat worth paying thousands for! If drumming is your thing or if its just being dazzled by talent if you get the chance go and see him, he wont disappoint. 

I cant say I learnt much from this day but I’m sure hundreds did.  What I did learn though was that these days put together by the Percussion House are an amazing experience and I strongly suggest whether you drum or not you go along to one, if you get lucky enough to a get ticket that is, as I can see these flying out in future (especially as the next one will feature the mighty Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Steve White (Paul Weller) enough said!)

Finally we’d like to thank Tim, Brett and all those of the Percussion House for their amazing show of hospitality and for doing what ever it takes to bring some of the best drummers in the country/world to the lucky people of Cardiff!!!

words by Neil photography by Jay

you can see more photography from the day by clicking here

learn more about Percussion House by clicking here