Gordon Marshall

Meet Gordon Marshall, the resident drummer for the Moody Blues since 1992. Gordan's musical upbring began academically on piano and expanded to flute and then on to drums and percussion. With a great respect for melodies he fuses his rhythmic contribution and understands the concept of blending the elements into an orchestral context making him the right drummer for The Moody Blues. Gordon is truly a working drummer and outside his commitments with The Moody Blues he performs at London's West End in the musical 'Fame' and consistently works in his studio rotating his schedule around several group and solo projects as well as sessions.

The Moody Blues have a rich 36-year history and set their mark in rock history. They've generated over 55 million albums worldwide, 18 platinum records, acquired many awards including the Ivor Novello statue. In 1992, the video and album 'A Night At Red Rocks' was recorded with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and this video continues to be aired on TV all over the world. The band have also supported many charities especially for children and continue to do so as they perform at benefit concerts to raise money for these good causes.

Their worldwide audience have been no less than devoted, loyal and fanatical and tonight is no different as the band play a sold-out show at the New Theatre in Oxford.

From their 1967 debut album, 'In Search Of The Lost Chord' to their classic follow-up No. 1 albums, 'Days Of Future Passed' and 'Threshold Of A Dream' to their present day album 'Strange Times', the band played a history of tracks from their 36 year catalog of songs. Core members Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge led this audience down memory lane to stage classics such as 'Voices In The Sky', 'Question', 'Tuesday Afternoon' to their ballads 'Isn't Life Strange' and of course the ageless 'Nights In White Satin'.

The orchestration of these pieces are intricate and as a multi-instrumentalist Gordon incorporates his talents on piano, flute and vocals in the show subtly making silhouette appearances in the background throught the show.

Behind a perspex screen, his visual performance on his drum set is complimented with a rich combination of SABIAN HHX/AAX and Hand Hammered cymbals (check out his cymbal set-up). The stick notation on the ride and the slush from the hi-hats were very audible as they blended with the projection from his crashes. In particular were his four chinas ( 2 x 20" HHX and 2 x 20" AAX) which he uses dynamically and percussively as he played these standing up and rotated them using soft mallets for cymbal swells accenting each chosen cymbal pitch from the simmering sounds of HHX to the explosive attack of AAX to highlight the musical arrangement - very impressed!!

"I've been with SABIAN cymbals for fifteen years now and I have to say that the cymbals and the service have been superb. For cymbals I need sounds that allow me to be versatile, expressive and have ultimate control - my choice throughout the SABIAN range give me that and more. As for the service that I've been given worldwide, it can't be bought, it's absolutely great!!!" - Gordon Marshall (Moody Blues)

The show was up close and personal and ends with their encore 'Ride My See Saw' - a remarkable night of music covering over 36 years.


SABIAN Cymbal Set-Up:

• 14" HH Regular Hats
• 13" HH Fusion Hats
• 12" AA Mini Hats
• 15" AAX Studio Crash
• 16" HHX Studio Crash
• 12" AAX Splash
• 20" HH Heavy Ride
• 20" HHX Chinese x 2
• 20" AAX Chinese x 2
  
  
  

For more information: www.moodyblues.co.uk

Gordon Marshall's visual performance is
complimented with a rich combination of
SABIAN HHX/AAX and Hand Hammered cymbals