Neil has been playing the drums for 19 of his 38 years and teaching at Drummer's Choice in Brampton, Ontario for 10 years. Picking up the sticks at age 19, he felt studying with great teachers would help make up for lost time. Neil therefore began his studies at the Ontario College of Percussion in Toronto, with Paul Robson, Rod Fogarty, and Robin Boers where he remained for 5 years. He has since has lessons/master classes with the likes of Dom Famularo, Kenny Aronoff and Zoro. He is currently studying with master drum instructor, Jim Blackley. Neil has a roster of 40 students per week comprised of all levels and styles and has conducted a few clinics at local schools in the GTA.
Active in the Toronto music scene since 1987, Neil has played a wide variety of styles ranging from 80's pop with Gord Deppe from The Spoons, Al Connelly from Glass Tiger, Classic R&B with 42nd St., Country music with artist Diana Jade, Terry Clements from Gordon Lightfoot fame and Indie Rock with Martin Tielli of the Rheostatics. Neil has also supported the 2003 Canadian Champion Elvis Impersonator Gino Monopoli, as well as other legends artists such as Anthony Von(Elvis), Bernie Jessome (Roy Orbison), Bill Diel (Jerry Lee Lewis), Jeff Scott (Buddy Holly)and Lori Coulson (Patsy Cline), Neil still enjoys playing with the Blues/Rock band Kickback lead by he and his brother Paul Taylor (Formerly of The Good Brothers). Neil enjoyed playing with 3MDM this past year, but sadly has left the band to sign with the Marc Ekins Band and play on the remaining tacks on his CD (and sing even!) and play on the band's summer tour which will take him all over Ontario at Festivals, Rodeos, and other events.
|
