Kris
Thomas has been stunning audiences with his mastery
of contemporary drumming styles such as funk, reggae, worldbeat,
and salsa for over fifteen years. Some of his many influences
include Neil Peart, Alan White, Carter Beauford, Phil
Collins, and all the drummers from Santana.
In college, Kris studied electronic music composition, video
production / editing and percussion including Master classes
with Danny Gottlieb of the Pat Metheny Group.
Involvement with theatrical productions, performing for schools,
and teaching private lessons have been rewarding experiences.
He also composes intriguing musical soundscapes utilizing
keyboard, flute, voice, effects, as well as acoustic, electronic,
and world percussion. His pieces have been in video soundtracks
and played on radio stations throughout the Pacific Northwest.
He also performed with The Haines/Kanter Project,
Soringhart, Rob Tobias,
The Shelley James Band, Flying colours,
and played in jam sessions with Mingo Lewis.
In 1997, Kris relocated to Maui, Hawaii. He performed with
the salsa band "Rio Ritmo" for
over three years and has been fortunate to jam with many talented
musicians such as Pat Simmons of the Doobie
Brothers,Steven Stills, Randy Travis, Prince, Francine
Reed,
Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson
performing many shows with The Planetary Bandits.
Kris drummed and engineered on the Willie Nelson
Live on Maui CD, a benefit for a local Montessori School.
Currently,Kris is drumming with the incredible Hawaiian artist
Uncle Willie K.
Kris
plays and records on three different drum sets: A Yamaha
maple custom vintage finish kit with Zildjian cymbals,
DW double bass
pedal
LP Timbales and cowbells ; A Roland V-Drum electronic kit
consisting of 24 pads;
And
a world drumkit, which is a life long collection of over
60 world percussion instruments mounted on a custom designed
stand.
Currently
Kris is thrilled to also be drum teching for and sometimes
playing percussion with legendary drummer, Mick Fleetwood
of Fleetwood Mac. Doing extensive work
with him with his new projects.
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