Houston’s most acclaimed drummer, Sebastian Whittaker is sharing his rich heritage of jazz drumming and jazz composition with his band, the Creators. Sebastian has pursued his lifelong passion for studying the jazz forefathers. Born in Houston, Texas, “Bash” started playing the drums when he was three years old. He was blinded by retinal cancer at the age one. He attended Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and continued his musical education at the University of Texas and William Patterson College in New Jersey. Whittaker was a drummer, but he also studied piano and pursued his passion for composing. Whittaker has opened for Wynton Marsalis, Roy Haynes and Tony Williams. He also performed with Joe Henderson and Freddie Hubbard, two jazz legends. His band regularly performs in the best concert halls and nightclubs, as well as offering a strong masterclass and jazz education component. Sebastian Whittaker, drummer, says that the biggest message he wants to convey to people is that it doesn’t take a non-conformist in order to create new and innovative music. So much of the roadwork has already been done by our forefathers. We have only scratched the surface of the history and are still learning from the greats like Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Count Basie and John Coltrane. I want to preserve the legacy. Whittaker’s debut album for Justice Records, First Outing, featured a collection of original songs that was reminiscent of the Blue Note Records sound from the ’50s to ’60s. His second album, Searchin’ for the Truth, continued his tribute to that era. Bash’s third album, One For Bu!, focuses on Art Blakey. While his fourth, The Valley Of The Kings, focuses on John Coltrane and Elvin Jones, Bash’s fourth release, The Valley Of The Kings, is all about the implications for both. Whittaker mentions Art Blakey quite often in his conversations. Bash states that Art taught him one thing. He gave me the feeling of a family, which I have used in building my band. Many people can put together a band with all-stars but it doesn’t sound like a real family. Sometimes, the true meaning of “band” is lost in the flash and pyrotechnics they present. Sebastian started UpFront Music in 2008 as his own record label. The label’s first release was Moving On and Upward. “As you grow as a musician, it is important to also learn how to be a smart businessperson.” Bash agrees. Bash says, “Having your own label gives you the freedom to focus on the work that you love.” Sebastian Whittaker and the Creators are available to perform at concerts, festivals, clubs, engagements, as well as educational activities such as master classes and clinics. from http://www.upfrontmanaging.com
