Roger Friend
Drummer & Percussionist
Owner and Producer at Friend Productions
Content Copyright 2018 Roger Friend / Friend Productions
Roger Friend’s musical career spans over 4 decades of diverse experience. Touring in more than 100 countries, with elements of all origins has given him vast international musical experience. He is a high level, multi-faceted drummer and percussionist.
As an educator and percussion facilitator Roger is always motivated to inspire and encourage aspiring drummers to grow and achieve on their own paths. Both private and classroom lessons are available.
Performing clinics in stores and other facilities to promote a product, while working with many leading manufacturers in marketing and design is yet another outlet for his deep passion for drums and the drumming community.
Roger proudly endorses and uses:
TAYE Drums, Tycoon Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, Humes & Berg Cases, Gator Bags, Regal Tip Drumsticks, Aquarian Drum Heads, Rock 'n' Soc Drum Thrones, Rock-N-Roller Carts, Carvin Pro Sound, Audix Microphones, Bespeco Stands and Cables.
MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS:
Performing shows at the famed Spaghettini's in Seal Beach, La Palapa in Long Beach and performing at festivals including LA's 94.7 The Wave's Jazzfest and opening for the legendary Dionne Warwick in Orange County. Roger is currently doing more recording and producing in various studios around the country, working with numerous talented artists.
Roger is always seeking other musician's with a similar global awareness and musical diversity...
To contact Roger send an email: rogdrumz@gmail.com or text/call: 818-606-0303.
Roger is currently performing with several local and national acts, including:
Steve Oliver steveolivermusic.com
Keahi keahimusic.com
Native Vibe nativevibe.net
Simon, Mitchell and Joel (Not A Law Firm TM) notalawfirm.com
Karl Anthony karlanthony.com
Beth Wood bethwoodmusic.com
Joe Rathburn joerathburn.com/
Performing shows at the famed Spaghettini's in Seal Beach, La Palapa in Long Beach and performing at festivals including LA's 94.7 The Wave's Jazzfest and opening for the legendary Dionne Warwick in Orange County. Roger is currently doing more recording and producing in various studios around the country, working with numerous talented artists.
- A favorite place in San Diego is Pacific Beat Recording, in Pacific Beach www.pacificbeatrecording.com
- Recent production credits include an upcoming National talent Keahi: http://keahimusic.com/
Go to the Calendar Page to see the current performance schedule.
Roger Resided in Austin from Dec 2008 until The Fall of 2010 working and collaborating with several artists and bands in the Central Texas area including; Project MOSS, tours and recordings with Andy Macintyre's Primal Groove, Wink Keziah, J J Usher and 2 Big Bands: NAJO & The Austin Jazz Band. The highlight of the Austin experience was working with Billy Crockett and the wonderful folks at Blue Rock Studios... an amazing place! bluerocktexas.com
Past accomplishments include:
28 years of international touring with numerous renowned artists, from ABBA to Zappa (Dweezil). Toured in 100+ countries, with events in many out of the way places such as Russia (1980 Summer Olympic Games), Rome (with the invitation of Pope John Paul II), South Africa (Invitation by Nelson Mandela), Poland (working with Lech Valenza of of Solidarity), The White House (3 times, under 3 different Presidents), performed for Kings and Queens from 6 countries and also visited small villages in various African nations for inspiration and furthering studies in rhythm.
More recently, tours & recordings w/Steve Oliver, voted number one Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year 2010 & 2011; Performing locally and throughout the US. Recorded on First View, 3D & Positive Energy. Numerous tours & recordings w/Steve Reid’s Bamboo Forest (members of The Rippingtons), Signed with Universal Records Worldwide Distribution; Extensive touring throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia, International Jazz Festivals, Arenas and Premier Jazz Clubs; Recorded on: Watersign, Mysteries & Passion in Paradise.
Various tracking sessions for major films with Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. Recordings with Accidental Tribe 'First Rain' & Mango Reality 'Hoka Hey'. Recording and Tours with Tony MacLaren’s 'Big Bang' & 'Tall Tales and Short Stories'. Recording and Tours with Bill MacPherson, Native Vibe, Blistering Blues and extensive tours w/Jazzatopia Featuring Mark Antoine, Everett Harp & Slim Man. While residing in Europe (England, France and Sweden) for 12 years, he toured, performed and recorded with many top European based bands and artists in many musical genres.