Drummerszone.com-endorser Martin Verdonk just finished recordings with American multi-instrumentalist Tollak Ollestad, who is based in Holland since 2003. On the album, Martin can be heard on several tracks, and playing on three of them with super drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Ollestad has been a returning guest on stage with Martin\'s Latin Jazz band Martin Verdonk\'s V.S.O.P.\"The songs I\'ve heard and that I play on are all very strong, again. Tollak\'s music is just so professional, well balanced, and this album sounds like a mix of Sting\'s music with Don Henley, it actually gave me a sort of American Rock feeling.
It is awesome to play my own stuff over tracks Vinnie has recorded. He recorded the tracks in his home studio, together with bass player Jimmy Haslip. Vinnie is such a great musician. Compared to the other drummers on the album, his work does have a small plus in going along with it. It is a sort of rhythmical pull, but keeping you steady in a good vibe kind of way. It is rather difficult to explain, but it feels most comfortable.
The other songs on the album are played by Stevie Di Stanislao, Kenny Loggins\' drummer, and a guy from Italy, but I completely forgot his name!\"
Besides the upcoming release of Tollak, Martin can also be heard on the new album of \"El Periquin\", \'Diálogos\'. Recently this Dutch flamenco guitarist, also known as Peter Kalb, released his third solo-cd, on which bass legend Carles Benavent can be heard as well (Paco de Lucia, Chick Corea). On this album Martin has played percussion on several tracks, as well as the Spanish percussionist Miguel Sanchez, who is taking care of the cajón parts on it.
Last week UK based band Incognito had a nice surprise for Martin at their gig in Paradiso, Amsterdam.
\"Yes, that was a big surprise! The band always calls me when they are doing shows on the continent. Most of the time I just sit in for a couple of songs during their concerts in Holland. This time I brought some drums with me and placed them next to the stage. When I got out of the dressing room, everything was set up on stage, and I had to play the whole concert. It was just awesome to do a full show with Richard Bailey again!\"
In November Martin is doing a show with the German WDR Big Band. As a regular guest he is performing a special concert at the Leverkusener Jazz festival featuring Roy Hargrove. Next to that he will be performing with the NDR Big Band in May 2008. On this occasion, Martin will form the rhythm section together with drummer Danny Gottlieb (Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin en Herbie Hancock).
Besides his recordings with many artists, and international endeavours, Martin can be found on stage regularly with his own band Martin Verdonk\'s Latin Jazz V.S.O.P. with Danny Sahupala on drums.
