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The
average person has the ability to take a pair of drumsticks and learn
to use them properly. It takes more than that to actually become a
drummer. It takes years of practice and patience to play with skill
and style, which not many people are willing to dedicate there life to
an instrument. So what does it take to be a drummer? Take knowledge of
the instrument itself and add dedication and love for the art form and
what do you get? Jim Leadbetter. His passion for music in general is
what drives his success in the industry and in life.
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Jim's beginnings on
the drums started when he was 13 years old. As a 8th grade
student at Buchser Jr. High, Jim joined the school band and so
began his life's passion. While learning basics concepts and
technique in concert band, Jim wanted to expand his experience
and knowledge of percussion instruments. He joined the schools
early morning jazz band and started playing a form of music that
he had little knowledge but enjoyed and gained new skills. By
the time Jim had entered into high school, his influences had
ranged from Chad Smith, Chad Sexton, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and
John Bonham. Although having great admiration for these artists,
Jim managed to form his own style of playing. |
Santa Clara High School offered something completely new to Jim. A
half summer band camp, half year of marching band and a full year of
both concert and jazz band. This offered Jim a wealth of different
songs and new types of music to play. Being a "LEFTY" Jim had to
acclimate himself to the demands of marching band standards. Not only
quickly becoming a fast, skilled and soulful drummer, he was also
learning to be ambidextrous. Jim's abilities grew fast and ranged
wide. Marching band exposed Jim to many new types of percussion
instruments. Jim quickly showed mastery on the quads and snare. More
impressively Jim learned complex field show routines which required
precision of body and timing. Without a doubt Jim earned the
admiration and respect of not only his drum line, but of all the band
members and band instructors.
With high school over and Jim's dream of becoming a shining
professional drummer itching at him, Jim started his first serious
band: Superchannel, which was a made up of friends with equal skills
and enthusiasm for the band's success. Quickly producing many songs
and a unique sound for themselves, Superchannel gained a following in
the South Bay Area. As typical to most bands Superchannel made some
changes to it's line-up and changed it's name to Morning Donovan.
Despite changing their name their fan base stayed loyal and steadily
grew. A final re-work of the band and now called Amorous, they have
created exciting and emotionally driven music. The longtime friends
have showed growth of amazing proportions. With the more than 400
shows performed and a few private gigs under their belt, they have
earned respect of other local bands. For the short time they have been
together they have created exciting and emotionally driven music.
With Amorous' fan base growing with every show, Jim's band has been
featured on local radio stations and television. The music created by
Jim's band and Jim's flare of playing drums have earned Jim
endorsements by such companies as Silverfox Percussion and Saluda
Cymbals. Jim being passionate about making music, he has many other
qualities that help define his musical style. Throughout Jim's life,
he has had a passion for bodyboarding and the ocean. Bodyboarding as
much as possible, Jim never hesitates to call up his fiends for a
session. Jim has the ability to make friends quickly and entrusts a
sense of trust and kindness. These qualities show in the way his band
works together and the way his band respects their fans. |
