Renowned drummer showcases Jewish jazz and Klezmer music at JW3
Renowned jazz drummer Ollie Usiskin has built a remarkable career collaborating with various musicians across the globe. His impressive list of collaborations includes notable names like John Etheridge, Carl Orr, Mike Stern, and even actor Sir Christopher Lee, among many others. Ollie’s extensive experience led to the formation of The Ollie Usiskin Quartet, consisting of Ollie himself, Dirk Vetter on saxophone, Aled Thomas on keyboard, and Rob Statham on bass, who are set to perform a concert of Jewish jazz and Klezmer at JW3 next month.
Growing up in a home filled with music, Ollie’s passion for drumming ignited at an early age, especially after witnessing a music performance rehearsal at his synagogue during his cheder days. Encouraged by his father and introduced to a drum kit by a family friend, Ollie’s interest in drumming blossomed, leading him to pursue formal drum lessons at JFS in Camden. His musical journey took him to Netanya, where he lived on a kibbutz before venturing to the US to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music and the Drummers Collective in New York. Immersed in the vibrant jazz scene of New York, Ollie honed his craft and built connections with renowned musicians.
Upon returning to London, Ollie delved into professional music work with various musicians, expanding his repertoire beyond jazz to include rock and heavy metal genres. One noteworthy collaboration involved performing with Sir Christopher Lee, who played Dracula, at the O2 arena. This unique experience led to further collaborations with Sir Christopher’s manager on recording projects, including the heavy metal album “Charlamagne: The Omens of Death,” released in 2013. Post-lockdown, Ollie released a single titled “Bob’s Bop” in collaboration with US sax player Bob Franceschini, in addition to tribute bands like the one honoring guitarist Jeff Beck called Experience Beck.
The upcoming performance by The Ollie Usiskin Quartet at JW3 promises an evening of immersive Jewish jazz and Klezmer music on July 1st at 7:30 pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Ollie’s incredible drumming skills alongside his talented bandmates as they showcase their musical prowess.