Latham, Rick (USA)
ADAMS DRUMMERS FESTIVAL - 26 october 1997
RICK LATHAM is a drum set artist performing, recording, producing and teaching in the Los Angeles area, since 1984. While living in Dallas before moving to
Latham was a featured member of THE EDGAR WINTER BAND with hundreds of stellar performances including a very special appearance at the 1999 Montreux Jazz Festival. Currently Rick is the founder and driving force of his own contemporary jazz "supergroup", RICK LATHAM AND THE GROOVE DOCTORS. A professional for over 30 years, Rick is recognized by fellow musicians the world over for his signature drumming style and his creative approach to the instrument. As one of music's top session drummers, Rick has recorded several top television theme scores, as well as a number of hit singles and motion picture soundtracks.
Throughout his career Rick has performed live and on recordings with, are such greats as bluesman B.B. King, Quincy Jones, rockers Neal Schon, and Pat Travers as well as jazz all-stars Bill Watrous, Larry Carlton, Paul Smith, Howard Roberts, David Friedman and David Samuels. Rick's versatility has also been highlighted with such top entertainers as Rita Moreno, Ben Vereen, Martha Reeves, Redd Foxx and Pete Barbutti. He has toured extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe and Asia.
Latham is also renowned as the author of the long celebrated and internationally recognized drummer's text ADVANCED FUNK STUDIES (1980) [honored by Modern Drummer magazine among "The 25 greatest drum books ever published,"] as well as the highly acclaimed CONTEMPORARY DRUM SET TECHNIQUES (1990), distributed world-wide by Carl Fischer. His books are also available internationally on Video, distributed by Warner Bros.
Rick is frequently invited to conduct product demonstrations at international trade conventions including NAMM (National Assoc. of Music Merchants), PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention), and Europe's MUSIC MESSE... in addition to master classes and clinics around the globe.
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina and born October 1, 1955, Rick graduated from SHELBY High School, and then EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY where he studied percussion with Harold Jones. He was granted a teaching assistantship and accepted into the Masters program at NORTH TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY. Rick's mentors there included Robert Schietroma, Ron Fink and Jim Hall.
Now with his critically acclaimed jazz group "RICK LATHAM AND THE GROOVE DOCTORS" Rick steps into the spotlight as a prominent solo artist. His demanding schedule continues ... performing, recording, composing, producing, and conducting master-classes.
