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Jeff Kathan

Power Drummer

Jeff Kathan

Jeff F.Kathan is a big man. His job is simple…deliver the groove like a cattle brand from God. Deliver, he does, in spades. Quoted by Lynn Sorensen THE FACTS: Jeff Kathan is a professional drummer who has had the honor of playing with such legendary rock artists as Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company, The Firm), Ronnie Montrose (The Edgar Winter Group, Montrose, Gamma), and Howard Leese (Heart). With 13 years of international touring experience as the rhythmic backbone of The Paul Rodgers Band, Jeff has earned his place as one of the world’s most respected touring drummers. With a stature somewhere under 20-feet tall with arms the size of small oak trees, the term ‘Power Drummer’ is often used to describe the big man, but Jeff’s talents are hardly limited to one style of skin bashing. Jeff has brought a Blues/Funk groove to acts like Spike and the Impalers (featuring KZOK’s Bob Rivers and Spike O’Neill) and the Sir Mix-A-Lot produced project, Outtasite. The high demand buzz that has been generated among producers in the industry is due in part to this type of immense versatility. Jeff has also earned many endorsements with highly respected companies over the years such as: DW Drums, Soultone Cymbals, Vater Drum Sticks, Remo Drum Heads, Custom in ears Ultimate UE-11s, Randall May System Internal Mic holders, CAD Microphones, Westone, Starflight hard road drum cases, Sabian Cymbals, Buttkicker, Puresound, Levy’s Cases, Red Bear Cleaner, Holz and Gator Drum Cases CURRENTLY Jeff’s plays a DW hand crafted custom Cherry Gum Drum set with Gold Hardware and a massive 28” bass drum. Remo Drum Heads & Soultone Cymbals for a crisp solid sound. CAD Microphones, Buttkicker and Vater’s custom sugar maple sticks great for Jeff’s power playing. Ultimate UE-11s for the clarity. All packed in custom Gator Cases. THE STORY: At the tender age of eight years old, Jeff Kathan first discovered that he wanted to play drums. While visiting his grandfather in Colorado, Jeff was introduced to the jazz recordings of legendary drummer Gene Krupa. That profound event proved to be pivotal to the direction the rest of Jeff’s life would take. After years of practicing and playing with several local bands in the Northwest, Jeff soon found himself playing with some of the top bands in the Seattle region. The traction he gained in the local music scene eventually led him to work with producer Mike Flicker of Heart fame. With Mike’s recommendation Jeff was recruited to play on some major recording sessions for Dixon House Masked Madness (A&M), Trooper’s Money Talks (RCA). Jeff also recorded with The Kinetics (Etiquette Records) in the late 1980s. Jeff continued to practice hard, doing as many session recordings as he possibly could, and playing live on a regular basis. He performed with Vancouver, BC area bands like Code Red before returning to the Seattle area, where he played with local acts. The Kinetics, Fighting Cocks, Child and the Rogers Rogers band to name a few. Jeff’s relentless ambition helped bring his playing to new heights. Always striving to become better at his instrument, Jeff began adding more depth to his playing and was soon recruited by former Heart guitarist Howard Leese and bassist Jason Boyleston to join The Howard Leese Brigade. Jeff was later approached by Paul Rodgers’ manager to bring the entire Howard Leese Brigade to audition for Paul Rodgers and soon landed the gig. Howard Leese would temporarily leave to tour with Heart, and Randy Hansen was brought in to take over on guitar until Leese completed his touring obligations. When Jason Boyleston later decided to retire, Jeff recruited bassist, vocalist and good friend Lynn Sorensen to take over the bass duties. Together they helped orchestrate the arrival of Joe Shikany as a second guitarist. Jeff Kathan toured 13 years with Paul Rodgers from 1998 to 2011. Jeff has played throughout Europe, Australia and the United States. When there where breaks in touring Jeff and bandmate Lynn Sorensen kept themselves busy playing local gigs and recording with Spike and the Impalers, The Fabulous Johnsons, Magic Bus, Sex and Violins and the Roni Lee Group. Jeff also plays a percussion gig now with Jack Johnson and Steve Aliment in the band Denny Blaine. Jeff spends his ‘free time’ trying to hone his craft even further by finding new artists to play with, while increasing his workload in the studio as well. Jeff has recorded with many Artists including The Ventures latest 2015 albums specially designed for Japan. NAMM 2016 Jeff took the stage with Don Wilson of The Ventures and Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter to play the hit Wipe Out. Jeff takes pride in supporting music and drums for our youth. Jeff has been a renowned teacher for many years. Jeff has been a featured Drummer since 2003 with Woodstick Big Beat held in Washington each year. Woodstick Big Beat benefits Groove Music for Youth. Jeff is a big supporter of ‘Bridges’ and attends the Bridges Benefit Gala each year to support the Children’s Music Foundation. Jeff is a huge supporter of our troops and performs for them any time the opportunity arises. Jeff has played locally at JBLM (Joint Base Lewis McCord) for the 4th of July. The list goes on and on. It is said that Jeff has the highest levels of Integrity, Professionalism, Dedication, Loyalty, Reliable, and delivers a remarkable performance. Jeff delivers a force like no other. It was recently quoted “That some people may have large drums but Jeff has the legs and the power to play them, with intensity”.

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