Gon Bops is happy to announce that Mike Dillon has joined its illustrious artist roster!

San Antonio Texas native Dillon (aka Mike D) is a percussionist, vibraphonist, bandleader, vocalist and songwriter. a member of Critters Buggin, Les Claypool’s Fancy Band and Garage A Trois, he has performed with Ani DiFranco, Galactic, Brave Combo, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Marco Benevento and New Orleans musicians Kevin O’Day, Johnny Vidacovich, James Singleton and more. During the ‘80’s Dillon also performed with local Dallas and Denton favorites Ten Hands. He has led Dallas-based Billy Goat, Kansas City-based Malachy Papers and Austin-based Hairy Apes BMX (HABMX).

“We’re really happy that Mike’s chosen to play Gon Bops,” announced West Coast Artist Relations Manager Rich Mangicaro. “He’s a local favourite in Texas, but his reputation is truly nationwide. We genuinely look forward to working with Mike for years to come.”

Dillon resides in Texas, but a busy touring schedule keeps him on the road much of the time.

Gon Bops is thrilled to announce the newest member of our illustrious artist roster, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith!

“We’re very proud to welcome one of Rock’s greatest drummers to our family of artists,” exclaims Gon Bops Artist Relations Manager Rich Mangicaro. “Chad has now officially added the Gon Bops brand to his arsenal of instruments, and our Red Rock Bell will shine brightly on his kit”.

Chad Smith needs little introduction. His funky, deep down grooves drive the Red Hot Chili Peppers with incessant muscle, and a spacious sense of taste. He’s a powerful player whose diverse influences, from the jazz of Buddy Rich to the big bonzo beats of John Bonham, and the zany go-for-it attack of Keith Moon enhance his playing with a strong sense of swing, great pop/rock sense, and an intuitive instinct to nail the groove deep within the pocket but keep it fun.

On March 10, 2014, the percussion world lost one of the true greats, David “La Mole” Ortiz. Known as the “Quinto Master” — master of the quinto drum in Puerto Rico, David’s influences includes some of the greatest percussionists in the world as his students, including Alex Acuna, Giovanni Hildago, Richie Flores and many more. His reputation in Puerto Rico was legendary, mastering the styles of Tata Guines, Mongo Santamaria and Patao and created his own unique style. He was able to convey his knowledge to other players, helping them to develop their own individual voice and go one to become great percussionists. He was a rare, giving teacher and he will be missed by everyone in the Gon Bops family.

“In Puerto Rico, David was a low profile player because he chose to teach the new generation, and to bring the recognition he knew he did not receive to some truly great young talent. When we met in 2002, he immediately gave me excellent exercises for my left hand because he noticed my surgery, and I have since been developing it to the max. Thanks David…RIP.” — Alex Acuna

GON BOPS is thrilled to announce that seminal Jazz and Fusion musician Billy Cobham has joined the company’s International Artist Program. Generally acclaimed as Fusion’s greatest drummer, Cobham’s explosive technique powered some of the most important early Fusion recordings – including groundbreaking music by Miles Davis and the Mahavishnu Orchestra – before he went on to become an accomplished bandleader in his own right.

Throughout his stellar career, Cobham has worked with a hugely diverse group of artists that includes Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Freddie Hubbard, Jan Hammer, Jack Bruce, Larry Carlton, Oscar Peterson, George Benson, Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, John Scofield, Alex Acuna and even Buddy Miles – and this is the abbreviated list!

“Joining the Gon Bops family was an easy decision for me,” writes Cobham. “The design and craftsmanship that goes into each and every Gon Bops instrument is superb, and for me, the connection between Gon Bops and SABIAN is synonymous with quality at the highest level.”

“We’re honored to have Billy Cobham in the Gon Bops family,” says Vice President Lane Davy. “He is truly a legend, and his discography has influenced almost anyone who has played since. His decision to play Gon Bops instruments is a testament to the quality of our products.”

Currently a resident of Switzerland, Billy Cobham’s most recent project is Palindrome, featuring a sensational ensemble of European musicians. They will be touring the US in the fall of 2010.

Modern Drummer, the worlds largest Drum and Percussion magazine, announced that Daniel de los Reyes of three-time GRAMMY award winners “The Zac Brown Band” wins PERCUSSIONIST of the year!

“I would like to thank the readers, the Zamily and everyone who voted for with out your support I would not have been able to win this incredible and prestigious award. Modern Drummer Publications Percussionist of the year,” commented Reyes.

For more information visit the Daniel de los Reyes FaceBook fan page and LIKE it to follow Danny on the road with ZBB and at home with his DayGLOW Music Camp™. Interact with Danny personally and see what goes on in the mind of a masterful percussionist, both on stage and off. Summer is here – sunshine, BBQs, swimming, friends, music, dancing – so Jump Right in to June with Danny on his FaceBook fan page for exclusive contests and giveaways all summer long!

Montreal Drum festival attendees — or anyone else in the Montreal area — will get a chance to participate in a Cajon workshop featuring the incredibly talented GUILLERMO ‘MEMO’ ACEVEDO!

The renowned and beloved Memo is a New York City-based drummer and percussionist, and a native of Bogota, Columbia.

He has recorded and played with great stars such as:
– Tito Puente
– Gregory Hines
– Louie Bellson
– Crystal
– Bruce Cockburn
– Joss Stone
– Klimax and so many more!

He has also performed in the Broadway shows The Lion King and Civil War.

Please join us on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at the KoSA MUSIC ACADEMY, 2207 Beaconsfield (corner de Maisonneuve, NDG) from 7.00-9.00 PM. Admission is $30. For more information, please call (514) 482-5554 or e-mailinfo@kosamusic.com

Be sure to reserve your spot… you won’t want to miss this!

Gon Bops is happy to have pivotal Nashville drummer Chris McHugh join its legendary artist roster! McHugh’s work can be heard on numerous platinum and Grammy Award winning recordings from a virtual who’s who in the music industry. It is estimated that his involvement in the making of nearly 50 albums has played a role in the sale of upwards of 100 million worldwide.

A New Jersey native, Chris moved to Nashville in 1985 to start his professional music career. He has since recorded, produced and audio engineered for the likes of Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Jewel, and more. He has also served as Keith Urban’s musical director for the past two years.

We are proud to announce the latest addition to the Gon Bops Artist Family, one of the world’s most influential Latin percussionists, Orestes Vilato!

Originally from Cuba, Orestes’ unique style on timbales is one of the most emulated in Latin music. His artistry has graced both the stage and studio, and he has performed with a Who’s Who of musical legends, from Aretha Franklin to Carlos Santana. In 1995, Orestes earned a Grammy nomination for the groundbreaking album “Ritmo y Candela” alongside fellow Cuban percussion legends Carlos ‘Patato’ Valdez and Jose Luis Quintana (Changuito).

His performances have also graced the Grammy-winning albums of Cuban bassist/composer and original Mambo King, Israel ‘Cachao’ Lopez. Orestes also received a Latin Grammy nomination for his 2009 solo CD, “It’s About Time”.

Over the decades Orestes’ credits include a nine year-stint with Santana, and recordings and performances with Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Herbie Hancock, Linda Ronstadt, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Dave Valentin, Paco De Lucia and many others.

The Gon Bops team is excited and honoured to be working with Orestes; we look forward to many years of collaboration and inspiration.

To learn more about Orestes Vilato, please visit www.orestesvilato.com.

 

One of the most innovative and highly acclaimed drummers ever to hail from New Orleans, Zigaboo Modeliste has joined the Gon Bops International Artists Program. Best known as a founding member of funk group The Meters, his creativity has been a wellspring of Funk chops for over three decades of musicians.

He remains a dynamic influence on contemporary drummers and his syncopated style has served as the source for countless hip-hop and drum and bass samplers. His percolating swamp patterns have influenced countless funk drummers including Johnny Vidacovich, Herlin Riley, Richie Hayward, David Garibaldi, and Stanton Moore.

“I love Gon Bops instruments,” exclaims Modeliste. “I love the quality, the look, the sound, even the name! It’s truly an honour to play the oldest and most respected percussion brand in the USA – this really opens up new possibilities in my playing.”

“I can’t say enough about having an artist like Zigaboo join our growing Gon Bops family.” says Gon Bops Executive Director Lane Davy. “I know it’s a term that gets bandied about in our industry, but Zigaboo is a legend in the true sense of the word. You just can’t count the number of musicians he has inspired.”

A New Orleans native, Modeliste makes his home in Berkeley, CA, where he continues to own the patent on snaky second-line funk grooves