Bob Armstrong Presents…Ian Thomas: Up Close and Personal

Sunday 31st July. Masterclass Studios. Romford.

Since leaving his native Wales to pursue a career in London, Ian Thomas has firmly established himself in the UK session scene as a musician at the top of his game, with bags of feel, control, and an overwhelming passion for the music he plays. Ian is certainly no stranger to the drum clinic scene, but it is a rare treat to see such a high calibre player in the intimate surroundings of Bob Armstrong’s Romford based studio.
Ian opened the clinic with a heavy groove, propelled along with the help of “that” legendary left hand. The audience’s smiles were nearly as wide as the Welshman’s as he repeatedly nailed every note to the beat with purpose and precision during a series of Jazz, Funk and Pop tunes. Remarkably his playing propels the music along without ever seeming forced, the feel never falters when changing style or time signature and nothing feels added in for the sake of showing off. Namely he plays exactly what is right for the song with inimitable style.
Ian was keen to impart some of the wisdom he has gained over his extensive career, referring to a hand-out made up of technical exercises and excerpts of drum charts (and non-drum parts) from real life sessions. Ian is keen to stress the fundamentals required to be a session player, namely excellent musical awareness, reading, timing, diversity and a hell of a lot of hard work. Ian very bravely agreed to demonstrate this live, with Bob choosing an unrehearsed track for Ian to listen to, produce a drum chart and then perform all in the space of 4 minutes. It is remarkable to see Ian work so quickly and accurately under pressure whilst managing to maintain a big grin on his face.
For me, the highlight of the clinic came whilst Ian demonstrated the nature of song sequences and the ways this can be communicated by the drummer, using the Flinstones theme as an example. Ian uses his breathtaking technique and musicality to convey a real sense of the melody in a truly inspiring and, as ever, tasteful solo. And all of this from a 4 piece kit!!!!
I am in no doubt that Ian’s terrifically positive attitude, sense of humour, and commitment are just as fundamental as his playing in keeping him at the top of the UK session scene. You can always hear his enjoyment through his playing. After leaving the clinic both myself and fellow audience members couldn’t wait to jump behind a kit, which is real testimony to how good this event was.

Jason Reeve.