Elliot Polsky is a student of classical and 20th century contemporary percussion. Some of the many artists and bands Elliot has worked with include: Jim Byrnes, Zubot & Dawson, Pacifika, Mariam Matossian, The Good Noise Gospel Choir, Karin Plato, Alpha Yaya Diallo and Ache Brasil.



Full biography:

Multi-percussionist, drum set artist, educator – Elliot Polsky is a Music Industry veteran in performing, inventing, selling, marketing, writing, living and breathing drums and percussion and music as his life’s passion.



A unique approach, concept and musicality define Elliot Polsky within the vibrant and eclectic Canadian music scene. His versatile and intuitive playing allows him to slip comfortably into a wide variety of musical situations and styles both live and in studio. He is as comfortable behind the drum set, as he is playing a huge variety of percussive noisemakers from all over the world.



He counts eclectic influences from the power of John Bonham, the musicality of masters Manu Katche, Brian Blades and Jim Keltner, the sublime talents of Trilok Gurtu, Alex Acuna, Zakir Hussein, to the creative genius of Ray Ayotte, not to mention so many others who have all helped to shape Elliot into the musician and person he is today. Elliot Polsky has a Bachelor of Music and a Licentiate of Music with Distinction in Percussion Performance from the prestigious McGill University, where he studied with the renowned instructor, Pierre Beluse.



Elliot Polsky’s true voice is when he combines both percussion and drum set into his unique hybrid-playing style; combining hand percussion and drum set together into a multi-textured and organic whole. Elliot likens his particular approach to being able to not only mix the best of ‘both worlds’: freedom to explore interesting textures and varied musical possibilities that cross boundaries and push the rhythmic envelope. Great examples of his approach can be heard live with Six-Degrees Recording Artists - Pacifika, and on any of Zubot and Dawson’s three critically acclaimed recordings; Strang (1998); Tractor Parts: Further Adventures in Strang (2000), and Chicken Scratch (2002)



Having performed concerts, festivals and workshops all over North America, Europe and Central America; here is a sample of some of the fantastic artists and groups Elliot either is currently working with, or has worked with: Six-Degrees Recording Artists – Pacifika ; Black Hen Recording Artist and Multi-Award winning - Jim Byrnes; Resident Drummer - The Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir; Black Hen Recording Artist - Steve Dawson; Juno-Award Winning - Zubot and Dawson; Armenian Folk-Singer - Mariam Matossian ; Roots/Country Songwriter-Performer - Babe Gurr; Songwriter-Performer and noted guitarist - Kelly-Joe Phelps; Jazz Vocalist - Karin Plato



Other Artists of note include: The Paperboys; Danielle Hebert; Alpha Yaya Diallo and Bafing; Yve Adam; Ache Brasil; Dal-Dil-Vog; Yard Sale; Colleen Sexton; Chin Injeti; Leora Cashe; kin lalat; Alma Libre.



As a performing and touring musician, Elliot Polsky has enjoyed many personal highlights including: Sharing concert bills with the Blind Boys of Alabama and Bill Frisell while playing with Jim Byrnes – Mainstage performances with multiple artists, at several major Jazz and Folk Festivals in Canada, the US and Europe – A tour opening for kd lang while playing with 143 Recording Artists “Yve Adam” – Performing with kin lalat in front of 250,000 people at the Peace Declaration in Guatemala City – Performing with British Blues icon Long-John Baldry prior to his death.



As a session musician: Elliot Polsky has appeared on dozens of recordings, on the drum set and on hand percussion. More than just a few of these have won or were nominated for a variety of awards, including the coveted Juno Award.



As an educator: Elliot Polsky has worked with hundreds of students over 20+ years of teaching – Several have continued on to become professional drummers and percussionists in their own right. All have benefited by his deep knowledge, personable approach and of course his passion for all things drumming.



Look for Elliot Polsky live, or pick up one of the many fine recordings Elliot has performed on to find out what he is all about!