BIRTHDAY WISHES: George Spanky McCurdy was born today in 1981 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. George Spanky McCurdy is a gospel/soul/pop/hip-hop drummer currently working with Lady Gaga. His drumming influences include fellow Philadelphia natives Lil John Roberts, Vidal Davis, and Brian Frasier-Moore. Born and raised in Olney, a neighborhood located in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Spanky’s love for music began at an early age. He attended Settlement Music School and his childhood was surrounded by church and gospel music. He grew up closely studying his churchs choir director which he says gave him the ability to work well with musical directors. Spanky also credits playing in church as the reason why he plays so fearlessly and with intense passion. By age 13, Spanky was already performing with several local acts, including various gospel groups. It was through these groups that Spanky met and networked with other musicians who gave him valuable insight into the music business that he still applies to this day. Spanky subsequently attended Boyer College of Music and Dance - Temple University, and received private lessons from drummer Lil John Roberts. At the of age 20, he launched his professional career when he landed a gig with gospel phenomenon, Tye Tribett. Besides touring with Lady Gaga, Spanky has also collaborated with an impressive roster of artists that includes Queen Latifah, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Q-Tip, Bubba Sparxxx Music, NAS, Brandy, Kanye West, Diddy, Backstreet Boys, Jill Scott, Floetry, Mariah Carey, Kiley, Les Nubians, Ciara, and Snoop Dogg. Last year, Spanky released an instructional DVD through Hudson Music called Off Time/On Time. In it, Spanky demonstrates and explains his innovative and unique drumming concepts that include his own creations such as partial diddles, the echo, the CD skip, and being able to play over-the-bar-line fills. There is also an extensive section on hand and foot techniques and tricks, including foot doubles, before-and-after effects with the hi-hat, sneak attack bass drum technique, playing off time with the ride cymbal, and hi-hat/snare combinations.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 11:16:13 +0000
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