Born in New Zealand ('72) and raised on the west coast of Canada, Damian's musical diversity has led to performances with some of the finest musicians in the country and abroad. (Michael Kaeshammer, David Gogo, Paul Laine, Paul Pigat, Pat Coleman,The Swinging Bachelors, Bob Murphy, Danger Danger, Phil Dwyer, Resin, The Big Band Trio, Tyler Yarema)
Performance highlights have included sharing the stage with Joshua Redman, Albert Collins, Cecil McBee, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Holly Cole, The Shuffle Demons, Buddy Guy, Metalwood, The Paladins, Colin James, The Odds, Junkhouse, Jane Bunnett, Phil Dwyer, Joey DeFrancesco, and numerous festival appearances including the Montreal Jazz Festival, Toronto and Vancouver DuMarier Jazz Festivals, Beilefeld Jazz fest (Germany), High Sierra Music Festival (USA)
As well as playing drums Damian regularly works in the chair of Producer, Engineer, Graphic Designer (this site), Composer and has run his own label Bagel Boy Records for the past 10 years.
Damian's production, engineering and graphic design credits include the bands "Dr. Tongue", "Gypsyland", "Tongue and Groove", his latest release as a band leader entitled "Digs" and the ever popular "Nicol Street Christmas I, II and III" which feature many artists including musicians from The Odds, Wunderbread, David Gogo, Camille Miller, Gerry Barnum, Paul Laine.
As a composer Damian has written a large collection of material encompassing a wide variety of musical genres both on his own and in collaboration with other artists. Many of these compositions have been featured on radio and on his label. In 2000 co-writes with Michael Kaeshammer appeared on the later's Juno nominated album "No Strings Attached" (Alma Records)
The past four years have seen Damian touring extensively with Michael Kaeshammer, a young and talented pianist who is rapidly gaining recognition in Canada and abroad as one of the most exciting live acts around. Damian also maintains a busy live and studio schedule with his own ensemble and as an in demand session player. Having performed all across Canada, USA and Europe, Damian has been busy changing the way people think about the drums.
On Digs Damian is joined by some of the most highly regarded musicians on the west coast, Throughout the album pianist Chad Geekie amazes the listener with his incredible touch and sensitivity. A busy performer Chad is also an accomplished composer. Simon Fisk and Joey Smith hold down the bass chair and demonstrate why they are two of the most sought out bass players going. Other guests include Tina Jones (Wunderbread) singing beautifully, Marty Shepard's lush trumpet tones, and newcomer Jamie Campbell on tenor saxophone. (Received Jazz Report Magazine's Most Outstanding High School Musician award)
