Joel Barford
Independent
I am a freelance independent drummer based in London. I play a wide variety of styles. I guess you could say I am primarily a jazz musician but I like to think of myself as an all-rounder. I have played with/for: The Nigel Price Organ Trio, Anthony Strong, Tom Seals, CC Smugglers, Greg Coulson, Liane Carroll, Ross Stanley, Dave O'Higgins, Alex Garnett, Big Daddy Wilson, Lucy Merrilyn, The National Youth Jazz Orchestra and more. Since moving to London I have been fortunate enough to get to work with big names and heroes on the UK jazz scene. I frequently play in and around London and spend a lot of time playing for various people as well as leading my own bands at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. I also have a pop side to my career which includes playing for CC Smugglers on tours across U.K and Europe from aged 17-19 including supporting Bruce Springsteen in Belgium. I've spent many years playing for U.K. blues artist Greg Coulson and on occasion have the great pleasure travelling the world playing for jazz, pop pianist/singer Anthony Strong and rising star Tom Seals.
1.HiHats: 14" A Quick Beat Hat (bottom), 14" Avedis Hat (top) *
2.20" K Constantionple Crash Prototype *
3.22" K Constantinople Medium Ride
4.21" K Constantinople Crash Ride *
5.20" K Constantinople Light Ride *
* May be prototype or discontinued
in 3
I get inspired by listening. A lot of the time it's albums and watching live gigs. Other times it's watching videos of my favourite musicians or listening to podcasts and interviews of my idols and hearing their story. Also playing good music with good people.
Well, I feel I can't say too much as I'm still part of an up-and-coming generation but all I can say is practice, be the best version of you and enjoy it!
K Constantinoples/Zildjian K's/Zildjian A's - All of them! Zildjian have always been number 1 in my eyes since I was a kid. My K Constantinoples truly are my pride and joy and they bring so much expression and emotion into the music. No matter what I'm playing, where I'm playing or who I'm playing with, I know I can always rely on Zildjian and they will be there to help portray my sound. I am proud to play them.