Michael Barker

Ashbash

Senior Member
I am really into this guy at the moment, for those of you who don't know he's the drummer from so called roots/jam band John Butler Trio. He's really groovy, tasteful, and creates wonderful sounds with his instruments I feel. Searched everywhere, but couldn't find a thread about him that worked. If there is one, and I'm wrong, please direct me to it.

http://www.johnbutlertrio.com/
www.myspace.com/johnbutlertrio

Any thoughts? Apparently he's really good live but I missed the chance to see them when they came round. I have seen them play live on TV though. Check out Peaches and Cream and of course Zebra. And some other ones, but I can't think of them right now.
 
I am really into this guy at the moment, for those of you who don't know he's the drummer from so called roots/jam band John Butler Trio. He's really groovy, tasteful, and creates wonderful sounds with his instruments I feel. Searched everywhere, but couldn't find a thread about him that worked. If there is one, and I'm wrong, please direct me to it.

http://www.johnbutlertrio.com/
www.myspace.com/johnbutlertrio

Any thoughts? Apparently he's really good live but I missed the chance to see them when they came round. I have seen them play live on TV though. Check out Peaches and Cream and of course Zebra. And some other ones, but I can't think of them right now.

Hey man i've had the same problem... no threads hey, but fortunately i saw him live.
He is awesome definitely a groovy guy. He came out after the show and i talked to him, he ended up teaching me his one handed drum roll technique. Man it was the most awesome experience. If you like him you should check out Nicky Bomba they are very similar but i love 'em both.
 
Hey man i've had the same problem... no threads hey, but fortunately i saw him live.
He is awesome definitely a groovy guy. He came out after the show and i talked to him, he ended up teaching me his one handed drum roll technique. Man it was the most awesome experience. If you like him you should check out Nicky Bomba they are very similar but i love 'em both.

He did a signing of his solo album after a JBT show in Manchester a couple of years ago and took the time out of his meet and greet to teach me the same thing. I've seen JBT live 5 times now and they get better and better each show.

Michael had a percussion rig on his kit at the last show and during the song Gov Did Nothin' both John Butler and Shannon Birchall (bass) were on the drum riser grooving with Michael.

One of my favourite bands, world class musicians every one of them and crucially, they all put the song first (unlike too many bands these days).

Deserving of his own Drummerworld page me thinks.
 
I have recently started having lessons with Michael, he's the man. Nice guy and excellent drummer. He does everything - sings, plays piano, plays all sorts of cool orchestral percussion. Here is a link to his current project, a two piece thing - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swamp-Thing/166015766794447 (a couple of songs up on the music tab)

Some recent live videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecjgwj8yITs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iyNMVd4a2U

In the second one he is playing an instrument called a Manza... has about 12 wooden keys with coconuts and short lengths of bamboo on the bottom as resonators. Sounds awesome in the flesh!
 
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