Quotes

GINO VANNELLI

“Before I came to the age of reason, (seven for most of us, if I remember my catechism correctly) I was already intent on being the next Gene Kruppa or Buddy Rich. Though I vacated the drum bench some time ago, the drum sensibilities remain, in fact, haunt me every time I get ready to record or hit the road. Mark Kelso, the one who now most often sits at the rhythmic helm, usually no more than seven paces behind me on stage, has that certain quality of precision, passion and metric poetry, that can allow me the freedom to sing and lose myself in the music. And for the whole band’s counting entertainment, his art is so that it keeps us all bopping heads, tapping toes, and moving our lips, muttering one to four as discretely as possible, through a few fills. As important as his drumming skills, Mark also brings a sense of  ethics, lightness of being and overall keen interest in life, that helps freshen the stale air between mates during long hours of travel to and from Dullsville.” – Gino Vannelli ( Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter )

RALPH ANGELILLO

“Mark Kelso may have the best ears in the drumming world. When playing with musicians, his sensitive feel and dynamic grooves motivate the band to excel to new heights – not a common thing, these days. And Mark gives new meaning to world beat music by adding the most subtle fills I’ve heard in years !” – Ralph Angelillo (Editor, DRUMS ETC Magazine and artistic director, Montreal Drum Fest)

PETER MURPHY

“They say that in these days of the predominance of the virtual programmable rhythm section, REAL drummers are hard to find. In choosing the likely players for my touring work on “Dust” (2002) I elected to take the advice of the noted Hugh Marsh ( my most respected electric violinist and recent cohort) as to how to approach putting a group of musicians together who would be able to interpret the often eclectic often middle eastern aspects of the Dust work alongside the need for a square- on top drummer ‘proper’ “Of course” I remarked to Hugh, “if I could afford him I’d take Manu Katche but beggars can’t be choosers”. Little did I know that Mark would turn out to be, as I instantly referred to him , as our “Manu Katche PLUS”. Mark brings a musical conversancy and astuteness to his playing without losing out on the pure feel of a musician that truly loves to do what he does. The word Jaded has no place in Mark’s vocabulary. Not only were the rehearsals a pleasure, (I  actually looked forward to every day of going in) Mark finally blew me away at the first of the countless shows we gave on the Dust tour, when I really only then felt Mark’s pedigree. I vividly remember being very inspired by his truly powerful playing not to say the standard of which I have previously not performed with. ( Plus he has very nice dimples ) Please do not hire Mark until I have the opportunity to put him on a retainer and lock him away for myself.” – Peter Murphy ( Bauhaus, Solo Artist )

MARK JORDON

“I’ve used Mark Kelso on a number of my sessions from demos for Warner Chappell to my new recording on Blue Note/EMI. He’s a gifted player and understands colour and texture within the context of a groove. Mark comes up with great ideas and is wonderful to have on sessions.” Marc Jordan ( singer/songwriter/solo artist )

AMY SKY

“From finesse to funk,live or studio, Mark Kelso is the singer’s drummer and how often can you say that?”
Amy Sky ( singer/songwriter/solo artist )

BRIAN HUGHES

“Great time,feel,chops,and most importantly……taste. A world class musician and one of the best drummers on this planet.”
Brian Hughes (Jazz Artist )

ZACH DANZIGER

“I first heard Mark kelso play when I was 12 years old. I was completely blown away. To this day he’s a major source of inpiration.”
Zach Danziger (NYC session/electronics drummer)

SHIRLEY EIKHARD

“Mark kelso is a dream to work with. He’s world class as a drummer and his enthusiasm as a team player is so refreshing. Great feel, great ideas and not hard to look at either!”
Shirley Eikhard ( singer/songwriter/solo artist)

MICHEL CUSSON

“Mark is such a musician. He has intuition, taste, drive, precision, superior musicianship not to mention a great human being. You get to the concert, walk on stage, start playing……you’re gone and everything seems so easy.” Michel Cusson (UZEB/solo artist/composer)