Biography

I first took interest in the drums at the age of 11, when I came home from school and heard the thumping of my brother's band rehearsing in my basement. After I got ahold of my very first pair of drumsticks and after playing some hand percussion with my brother, singer/songwriter Todd Dillon, I knew that I wanted to drum professionally througout my life. I played with musicians at school until I co-founded the Jon Parker Trio at age 14. We were a jazz combo comprised of myself, pianist Jon Parker, and bassist Ben Levy. The Jon Parker Trio had a chemistry that was unparalleled, resulting in hundreds of performances, opening slots for artists such as Bob James, and the recording of my first album entitled "One Way" (recorded at KUVO 89.3 FM Jazz Radio Station in Denver), just one day before I turned 16. During this time I was privately taught by drummer Michael Berry, to whom I owe so much of my success to this day.

I attended Cherry Creek High School in 1995 and was hesitant to try out for the music program because I didn't even know what a quarter note was. I spoke with the band director at the time, Fred Selby, about my interest in the band program, and soon I was drumming in the lower jazz band with very little knowledge of written music. It was not long until I advanced to the upper jazz band and met musicians that would become life-long comrades. I led the marching band drum line where I learned the rudiments and drum-set syncopation. Upon graduating early in 1999, I was awarded the "David Powell Outstanding Percussion Scholarship" and was accepted to the University of Northern Colorado.

I decided to continue playing 4-5 nights per week and focus on my vision of being a career drummer.

After living in Kaua'i, Hawaii, for a year with my brother and sister, I returned to Colorado where I became heavily involved in the Rock and Pop scene, recording numerous albums and performing often. Since 2001, I have worked with the following musicians: Bijoux Barbosa, Dan Schwindt, Liz Forster, Todd Ayers, Chris Wright, Bill McKay, Adam Stern, Kenny Walker, Concept 1, Ron Bland, Drew Morrell, The Wild Divine Band, Brian Wagstaff, Stuart Davis, Ed Kowalczyk (lead singer for Live), Kirwan Brown, Andy McKewen, Kurt Smith, grammy nominee Nawang Khechog, Coles Whalen, Mimes With Megaphones (the band I formed with my brother), Dan Walker, and producer Michael Verdick (Madonna, The Eagles, Steel Pulse, etc.), and many more.

Modern Drummer Magazine recognized me as runner-up for the largest drumming contest in the world in 2003. Just 4 months later, I had the distinct pleasure of studying with Dave Weckl at his home in Los Angeles in 2003, an experience that changed not only my drumming, but the way I live my life. During our time together, he emphasized specific teachings from Legendary Freddie Gruber (who has drastically changed the way Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Neil Pert, and so many other drummers approach the instrument.) This directly influenced me to change to traditional grip, and chnaged my set up as a whole. I also had the honor of hanging out with the most influencial drummer in my life, Master Vinnie Colaiuta, in 2006 - an experience I never thought would actually happen.

Exploring the vast expanse of rhythm in my life has been such a pleasure - I have met so many wonderful people along the way, and have learned so much about myself in the process. I encourage my students, along with all musicians, to search for their expressive self through the wonderful art of music. Every day I am thankful that I do what I love, and that I'm living my dream. Good things are on the horizon. Happy drumming to all, and thanks to my family and friends for their powerful support!

~Brian