BIOGRAPHY
Hailing from Clearwater, FL, Brian Hudson has evolved
over the past few years as a first call drummer for
various artists in Atlanta due to his stylistic diversity,
solid groove, professional work ethic and creativity.
After a short time playing trumpet, Brian started
playing drums at the age of ten. After his father
took him to see the legendary Buddy Rich Big Band
and a clinic conducted by drummers Terry
Bozzio, Sonny Emory and Gerry Brown (R&B Great),
Brian was hooked and has been playing drums ever
since.
His early years consisted of taking private lessons, listening
to and studying a wide range of music from Jazz to Funk/R&B
and from Fusion to Rock and playing in the high school jazz
band and drumline. He spent many hours studying from drum
books like the New Breed, Syncopation and Advanced
Techniques for the Modern Drummer and played along to
records from Sting, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, John
Scofield, Michel Camilo, and Chick Corea to name a few.
While in high school, he performed drum duets at talent
shows and played with a Top 40 rock band.
After high school he attended the University of South Florida
in Tampa where he studied drum set, percussion and jazz
performance and played in the school's jazz combo and
symphony orchestra as well as with several jazz groups
around Tampa. After nearly two years of intense studying
at USF, Brian transferred to the University of Georgia and
the music town of Athens, Georgia where he performed with
various artists and on several records. Athens proved to be
a great music experience for Brian as he performed several
times a week with various artists in a music town that groomed
such artists as R.E.M, The B-52s, and Widespread Panic.
In addition to his studies at USF and his experience playing
in high school and in college, Brian studied privately over the
years with Jason Harnell (Maynard Ferguson, Keiko Matsui) and
Tampa area jazz drummer & USF instructor David Hardman.
In addition, he had private lessons with legendary drum
educator Dom Famularo, jazz/fusion great Dave Weckl,
and Latin/Jazz expert Mark Walker (Paquito D'Rivera,
Oregon, Michel Camilo).
In 2001, Brian became a member of long time roots rock and
pop group Memory Dean. Brian's jazz and funk influenced
background brought an upbeat and funky feel to Memory
Dean's live show. Jay Memory was quoted in a newspaper
as saying, "I think our live show is funkier than its ever
been. We've seen more people dancing at our shows than
ever before, and that's been really cool."
Memory Dean has released six albums, including one on
Capricorn Records, and has toured around the United
States. They are a household name to thousands of people
around the country and have been featured in many national
publications including Rolling Stone Magazine. During their
tours, Memory Dean has been the supporting act for some
of the nation's leading artists including a tour with Sister
Hazel and opening slots for Drivin-n-Cryin and Cowboy
Mouth.
In addition to Memory Dean, Brian has performed with
various artists who perform a wide array of music ranging
from jazz to blues to pop/rock to Latin to fusion.
Partial list of performance credits:
- Memory Dean (former Capricorn Recording Artist)
- MADOCA & Company (contemporary jazz/fusion)
- Steve Baskin (powerpop artist)
- Brian Clay (smooth jazz/R&B keyboardist & Radio Personality)
- Just Ahead (smooth jazz group)
- Trey Boyer Band (folk/rock)
- Kip Jones (acoustic rock)
- The Dave Matthews Cover Band
- Tonohoney (blues/rock)
- Frankie's Blues Mission (blues)
- Steve Mays (freelance bassist )
- Jazz saxophonist Karen Greene
- Charles Mishalany (freelance bassist)
- The K Walker Band (pop/rock)
- Waterlines Trio (modern jazz/fusion/funk/Latin)
- with various blues and jazz artists.
He continues to be a sought after player for any musical
situation due to his ability to function well in a wide range
of genres. He is known for his solid pocket, excellent meter,
funky groove and jazz influenced playing.
Brian currently resides in metro Atlanta where he stays busy
performing with various artists.
Brian plays and endorses Silver Fox Drumsticks