Born into a mostly un-musical household, I was lucky enough to have parents who agreed to buy their 7-year-old a drum-kit. And I’ve drummed in one form or another ever since. Early musical passions included my mum’s Beatles and Elvis records, then my own cassettes of Gladys Knight and the Pips, followed by CDs of Phil Collins and Pink Floyd. In high school I met Steve Reich, Beethoven and Bill Evans, along with some serious timpani and marimba lessons and long before university it was clear I could only be a musician.
Percussionists are lucky in that we can fit into most musical situations. I was soon playing in professional symphony orchestras, community musical theatre shows, cabarets, contemporary and experimental music groups, and rock and pop bands (including my own original band PROP). I am often asked what my favourite percussion instrument is and while its not easy for me to pin down only one, I have found the most immediate connection with tuned percussion, notably the marimba and vibraphone. I find they satisfy my musical brain most fully - melody, harmony, rhythm, and above all else, a sheer beauty of sound. But that said, there is something irresistible about sitting behind a set of drums....
Performances in 2022 include...
- the Australian World Orchestra at the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival
- Gemma Rogers album release and tour
- "Tasting Notes" - a new musical by Charlie Ryall and Richard Baker
Professional bio
Performer, composer, and educator, Jeremy Barnett is one of the most versatile percussionists to come out of Australia. Currently based in London (UK), Jeremy’s musical world crosses all genres from classical to pop, contemporary music to cabaret and musical theatre, electro-acoustic solo projects to dance, and everything in between. In Australia, he was a member of bands including PROP, CODA, Petulant Frenzy, and the Daryl Pratt Sextet, and he regularly performed with the Sydney Symphony, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, and Synergy Percussion. Jeremy is featured as marimba soloist on the soundtrack to the major motion picture ‘The Black Balloon" and has presented marimba and electro-acoustic percussion recitals in the UK, Australia and the USA. More information at www.jeremybarnett.net