 Curt a.k.a ‘kirkee b’ was born and raised in Santa Maria CA, the Central Coast area. Curts drumming started at an early age, 3 years old to be exact. His mom Carol (a jazz pianist) and Dad Hoover (a graphic artist) noticed his rhythm talents early on and bought him his first drum kit when he was just 5 years old. From that point on it was time to play!
Curt went to P.I.T. (Musician’s Institute in Hollywood CA) after graduating high school only to complete his courses early to tour with the legendary funky front man Morris Day of the famed group ‘The Time’. After many tours and ‘sold-out’ concerts with other world renown recording artists Curt followed his heart into the studio recording scene, in which he is ‘First Call’ on many albums, motion picture and television recording dates. A selection of the artists that Curt has played with during his career include Elton John, Mick Jagger, Johnny Cash, Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige, Little Richard, Eros Ramazzotti and Celine Dion. Curt joins FXpansion to discuss his views on music software.
FX - What are you currently working on?
CB - I just got through doing a few gigs with Alison Krauss and a very cool drum clinic coming up in Cape Breton Canada.
 FX - What has been your favourite project that you have worked on and why?
CB - Playing double drums with Nigel Olsen on Elton Johns' gig at Madison Square Garden was a dream come true!
FX - What first inspired you to use music software?
CB - The ability to edit and mix in the comfort of my home while I'm in my bathrobe...the inspiration can flow at any given time.
FX - What FXpansion products do you own and how do you use them?'BFD adds that extra little flavour.'
CB - I own BFD, XFL, 8 Bit Kit, Deluxe, Jazz and Funk and Percussion. They enhance what I do acoustically when I'm in the studio. BFD adds that extra little flavour.
FX - Do you have any favourite techniques that you find you use all the time?
CB - I like to program a groove underneath my drum set takes. I like to make it sound like there are two drummers instead of one.
FX - Do you have a favourite BFD kit that you have customised?
CB - I usually just use the presets...they sound that AWESOME!
FX - How has the introduction of electronic drums affected the way you perform and make music?
CB - My motto has always been as a drummer: "if you can't beat them - join them in the mix!" I embrace where music has been and where it's going, especially in the world of beats and drumming.
FX - What projects have you got lined up for the rest of the year?
CB - I'll be performing with Abe Laboriel, Frank Gambale and David Sanborn in Sardegnia, Italy in June - and I'm sure more cool, studio projects are in the works - I'll be there willing and able!
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