Mapex Drums has added three new artists to its roster showcasing its new Black Panther Design Lab series of drums – Jeff Hamilton, Kirk Covington and Greg Hutchinson. There is also a brand new website to promote the BP Design Lab.
Mapex says Jeff Hamilton is constantly in demand, whether recording or performing with his own trio, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, the Clayton Brothers or co-leading the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
Mapex Artist Relations Manager Bob Terry says of Hamilton: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a drum legend and accomplished artist! Jeff has a definite drum sound in mind and is very particular about his “voice” when he plays.’
Kirk Covington: ‘…is widely recognized as an eclectic chameleon of talent, known for being one of the world’s most versatile and dynamic drummers in the world, while also performing as an accomplished vocalist and keyboard player,’ Mapex says. ‘After hearing and playing these kits, I immediately had to have both the Versatus and Cherry Bomb drums to cover the spectrum of music that I create. The Black Panther Design Lab team created the perfect hybrid Versatus shells for a modern vibe, but the Cherry Bomb is perfect for jazz or rock ‘n’ roll.’ Covington says. ‘These kits are without a doubt, the best sounding drums that I have ever played!’
Mapex’s third addition is Greg Hutchinson, described by Jazz Magazine as ‘the drummer of his generation’. As a young drummer, Hutchinson shared stages with the likes of Red Rodney, Betty Carter, and Ray Brown. More recently, he continues to work with a virtual who’s who of the jazz world including Dianne Reeves, Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, John Scofield, Roy Hargrove, Charles Lloyd, Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr, Joshua Redman, Christian McBride and Maria Schneider among many other luminaries.
‘Versatus and Cherry Bomb: both sing and make my life easier,’ Hutchinson says, ‘These are the drums I have been waiting for. If I have been waiting, so have you! Come join me and my new friends, Mr. Cherry Bomb and Mrs. Versatus!’
Mapex has also launched the BP Design Lab website: ‘…with a fresh new look and user-friendly navigation, updated with new products, innovative features and artist information’.
Info: www.mapexdesignlab.com
