Will Calhoun

Gretsch Artist Since: 2020

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Living Colour, independent solo artist, Mike Stern

Current Kit Setup:
USA Custom in custom Yellow Grain Gloss
8x8” ConcertT, 9x10” TT, 10x12” TT, 11x13” TT, 14x16” FT, 16x18” FT, 16x20" BD, 16x22" BD
6x13" Chrome Over Brass Snare Drum, 6.5x14" Bell Brass Snare Drum

Influences:
THE BRONX, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, James Brown, Charles Calhoun, Elvin Jones, Roy Haynes, Max Roach, Horacee Arnold, Lenny Nelson,Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Billy Cobham, Bernard Purdie, Dou Dou N’Daiye Rose, Mongo Santamaria, Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, Errol “Pumkin” Bedwood, Steve Ferrone, Narada Michael Walden, Kenwood Dennard, Tommy Campbell, Terry Bozzio, John Bonham, Lenny White, Dennis Chambers, Steve Jansen

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"The sound, the look, and the History can’t be matched by any manufacturer. The Versatility of the drums allows me to create my own sonic identity. "

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Practice, study and research your instrument. Learn to play piano or guitar. Protect your hearing at all times. Take private lessons to efficiently improve your skills. Remain fearless, embrace and document your failures, only to positively transform your efforts."

Bio:
Will Calhoun is a Graduate of the Berklee College of Music where he received his degree in Recording and Engineering. Will is also a 2 time Grammy winner with the genre bending iconic Rock band LIVING COLOUR, He’s Produced Herb Alpert—(Colors CD), and Mos Def’s Black Jack Johnson projects. Toured and recorded with Harry Belafonte, Mic Jagger, B.B. King, McCoy Tyner, Marcus Miller, Pharoah Sanders, Wayne Shorter, Oumou Sangare, Ron Carter, Jaco Pastorius, Phillip Glass, Lauryn Hill, Stanley Jordan, Steve Via, Mike Stern, Ritchie Sambora, Paul Schaffer, Public Enemy, and more.

Will spends much of his time between Africa, South America, and Silicon Valley researching a plethora of music, ancient rhythms, and future technologies on his instrument.

Will is on the Advisory board of two organizations: BMHC- Bronx Music Heritage Center where he develops local Bronx works, creating a stimulus for new/alternative art concepts in the Bronx.

The second organization is THE WAY OF THE RAIN. An extraordinary multi- media group featuring Bylle and Róbert Redford, paying homage to Mother Earth.