On The Move Justin Amaral Building a Buzz in Music City Justin Amaral began playing drums at the age of eleven. During the early stages of his career, he studied with a variety of gifted teachers, including a six-month stint with legendary jazz drummer/educator Alan Dawson. He also performed with The New England Grammy All-Star High School Jazz Band, and attended Berklee College of Music, where he was taught by world-class musicians such as drummers Casey Scheuerell and Kenwood Dennard, and saxophonist Walter Beasley. In 1999, Justin moved to Nashville, Tennessee to further his career in music. Since then, he has recorded or performed with a variety of acclaimed artists, including multi-instrumentalist Mike McEvoy (Steve Winwood, Sting), saxophonist Jeff Coffin (Bela Fleck & The Flecktones), and bassists Mike Gordon (Phish), and Derek Jones (Nickel Creek, Cirque de Soleil). Justin has also been busy with his original project Bee Speed, a unique, high energy trio featuring electric banjo, bass, and drums. Their self-titled debut disc fuses elements of jazz, bluegrass, and world music into a distinct and eclectic sound. Throughout the disc, Justin displays his musical dexterity as he navigates challenging arrangements ("Radio Bean"), lays down solid grooves ("Gravelyard"), and takes a few tasteful solos ("Spain", "Tropicalia"). His Mid-East inspired tune "Behold the Turtle" is also a highlight, featuring the drummer´s genre-bending skills on drumkit and doumbek. Hometown: Somerset, Massachusetts - Currently living in Nashville, Tennessee Education: Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts Tools: Yamaha drums, Yamaha and DW snares, Remo drumheads, Bosphorus and Zildjian cymbals, Pearl pedals, Vic Firth sticks and brushes, Grover triangle, Cooperman frame drum, Remo Glen Velez riq, and other world percussion Influences: Steve Gadd, Elvin Jones, Roy Haynes, Zigaboo Modeliste, Harvey Mason, Al Jackon, Jr., Poncho Sanchez, Airto Moriera, Tony Williams, Manu Katché, Yousou N´Dour, Billy Martin, Zakir Hussain, and Tony Allen More info: www.beespeed.net

<< back to press page all material © 2006 bee speed