ROB TOWNSEND: Drums
It was a
love of jazz that drew Rob Townsend into music back in the early 1960s
in his native Leicester. But Rob's career took an altogether dramatic
turn when he met up with Roger Chapman and Charlie Whitney. Family
were one of Britain's most creative and original bands, taking the basic
blues format down new avenues of almost operatic invention, with an
instrumental line-up which included flute and violin – unheard of in
those early guitar, bass & drums days.
After seven
great albums and four hit singles, Family broke up and Rob joined the duo
Medicine Head, with whom he enjoyed more chart success. Upon their demise,
he decided to become freelance and was soon back in the top ten with
piano-playing balladeer Peter Skellern. More sessions and hits with
various artistes followed, but he still managed to go back on the road
again and did British tours with legendary guitarist Duane Eddy and
bluesman Memphis Slim. Eventually, in January 1982, he was invited to join
The Blues Band and has been there ever since, as well as playing drums
along side Paul and Tom in The Manfreds.
Top
drum book tutor, Mike Dolbear, has a fascinating interview with
Rob Townsend on his extensive and popular website. Follow this link
to read it:
http://www.mikedolbear.co.uk/story.asp?StoryID=378
