Describing Derico\'s playing, probably the best description would be he is \'a groover\'. On Drummer Live! he showed himself from much more spectacular angles. This drummer has the skills to groove, be inventive in his groove, and blast around on his toms with fills that are technically very hard to follow.

About Derico
Born in Muskegon (MI) he began playing drums and percussion at the age of six. As a younger he played regularly at his grandmother\'s church. Derico remembers, \"I always liked to play to my grandmother\'s records using Quaker Oats boxes, coffee cans, you name it. I was told then that I had a natural talent gift from God.\"

Derico was one of the artists on the festival this year that showed - just by playing - that a groove can hold much more then only a rhythm. His free drum playing has a scope that has its own Derico-signature. It is an ongoing musical story of control over the groove, power, creativity, technique incorporated in his musical improvisational story and never ever get off track.

Currently, he is residing in Nashville (TN) where he plays and records regularly. He has recorded and toured/played with Victor Wooten Band, Stacie Orrico, Felix Pastorius (one of the twin sons of the legendary Jaco Pastorius) and his Derico Watson Group which has appeared with James Brown, Spyro Gyra, Nelson Rangell and Earth, Wind and Fire. Derico is a clinician for Premier Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks and Aquarian Drum Heads.

We have made seven videos of Derico\'s clinic at Drummer Live! 2008. You will find him playing major grooves, but most of all; they are all just as tight in his improvisational work. Derico is an example of playing in depth whilst his playing is very open. You just have to check them all. Also make sure you watch the video where Derico is talking about the four rules that keep him going as a person and as an artist.

The Videos

1. Opening song on Drummer Live! 2008
   
2. Solo
   
3. Much more solo and groove
   
4. From uptempo, to slow, to Gadd-like groovy playing
   
5. \"When the light gets darker, the sticks get brighter!\"
   Derico demonstrating the new Vic Firth Sticks with leds in the dark.
   
6. Derico\'s four values and explaining his setup
   
7. A fragment of Derico playing the song Six on Seven

Derico\'s Drummer Live! 2008 Fotoalbum
Some photos of Derico\'s clinic are added with this article. You can find more pics in his:
» Derico Watson Drummer Live 2008! photo album