An all-time great soul, R&B, funk, and pop drummer, Bernard Purdie's impeccable time and mastery of backbeats and grooves (especially his trademark "Purdie Shuffle") are widely celebrated.

The legendary drummer's style is described as the "funkiest soul beat" in the business. Purdie has never limited his talents, but has consistently sought out new musical experiences, anchoring sessions with the Rolling Stones, James Brown and Tom Jones with equal ease. "DRIVE" and "GROOVE" are definitely not missing from his vocabulary.

BERNARD PURDIE-KING OF THE BEAT

Native New Jersey resident, legendary drummer and teacher, Bernard is an 82- year- old veteran of the music scene, who started his expansive career with Country Music and went on to Blues, Jazz. Classic, R & B, and Funk! With the upcoming release of his very first Christmas CD “A Pretty Purdie Christmas” in December 2024 recorded live in New Bern, North Carolina. Bernard has worked with over 2,500 artists and played on over 4,000 records and albums. Bernard’s music finds its roots in the rhythmic sounds of the B&O Railroad trains while growing up in Elkton, Maryland. These roots have taken him around the world, playing and recording and capturing the sounds and rhythms of the world. Bernard has played every genre of music thousands of well received audiences!

Bernard’s live work with his band “Bernard Purdie and Friends” in New Jersey featuring Dan Boone, George Naha, Miho Nobuzane-Elijah and frontman Rob Paparozzi has touched the hearts and souls of audiences all around the world. He also has a newly formed band in North Carolina called The Purdie Boys who are Bernard, Chuck Phillips, Bruce Clark & Jesus Vega. Rounding out the band, are Jim Barbee, Rich Dimetre and Josh Mineer.  

Bernard’s work on Broadway & TV Music from the 60’s through the 80’s has left its mark on the Great White Way! His credits include Hair, Two Gentlemen of Verona and 16 plays by Galt MacDermot. At 82 years old, he shows no sign of stopping. He is booked for several festivals, Drum Clinics & Concerts.

Rob Paparozzi:

New Jersey-based frontman, singer, & harmonica player Rob Paparozzi has been a blues performer since 1967. But Rob is far from being strictly a blues musician. In fact, he's at home playing a wide range of music, ranging from rock to blues to jazz to pop. This versatility is reflected in the long and remarkably diverse list of major artists Rob has worked with, including B.B.King, Dr. John, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Carole King, Roberta Flack, Culture Club, Cyndi Lauper, Randy Newman, Jimmy McGriff, and James Galway.

Rob has toured the world with the “Original Blues Brothers Band”, featuring guitar legend Steve Cropper and special guest Eddie Floyd and also as Frontman-Lead Singer for the Legendary "Blood Sweat and Tears"

George Naha:

George Naha has gigged with Aretha Franklin, Donald Fagen, Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, Steve Forbert, Roy Orbison, Melissa Manchester, Willie Dixon, Wilson Pickett, Junior Walker, Sam & Dave and countless others. He has recorded with Bill Doggett, Allen Toussaint, Livingston Taylor, Bernard Purdie, Jack DeJohnette, Gerald Albright, Cornell Dupree, etc. He worked for three years as house guitarist at Harlem's Apollo Theater for its Wednesday night Amateur Show. George has done Jingles, TV and Movie work, played on Broadway, produced records, arranged for live dates and recordings, and worked as Musical Director for many artists. He has also kept up a teaching practice for over 40 years.

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