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Saluda Cymbals Artist | Jim Leadbetter

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.

 

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.

 
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