William Elisha Bacon was born on October 2, 1953 in Schenectady, New York. In 1964 Billy was given his first pair of sticks and a practice pad by his mother (who was a supportive believer from day one) His interest in drumming soon became an obsession and a way of life.
Bill continued to practice the drums during his high school years while playing with local bands. He listened and studied a wide variety of music to enable himself to learn different drum styles and techniques. His early influences were The Beatles, Joe Morello, Ginger Baker, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Bill Bruford, Billy Cobham and John Bonham.
In 1974, after a brief period of study at Berklee School of music, Bill was asked to join the band "ROAD APPLE" which later became "FLYING ISLAND". It was during this time that Bill wrote a letter to Colin Wolcott (of "Oregon"), expressing his interest in Colin's music.
Colin Wolcott responded to Bill's letter and invited him to come to New York City. Bill was fortunate to obtain tabla and rhythm lessons from Colin, and even more fortunate to be invited to one of his recording sessions at Vanguard Records. Bill met the engineer, Jeff Zaraya, where he told him that he was in a band called "Flying Island". Jeff asked Bill to bring him a demo tape and told Bill that "things don't usually work like this". The tape was given to Ed Bland, the A & R Rep of Vanguard Records. Shortly thereafter, Ed called Bill to tell him that he loved the tape. "Flying Island" was then signed onto a 5 year recording contract through Vanguard. "Flying Island" recorded two albums.
In 1978, Bill attended the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New York where he had the opportunity to musically interact with the likes of Don Cherry, Steve Lacey, Leo Smith and Colin Wolcott. He also performed with the Karl Berger Orchestra at Carnigie Hall. Later, in 1978, Bill joined Carla Bley's punk band "THE BURNING SENSATIONS".
1979: Bill was approached by Kramer (Shimmey Disc Records) and Daevid Allen to join "NEW YORK GONG" which culminated into a two and a half month tour of the United States and recorded the album "New York Gong". "New York Gong" boasted the largest crowd [to date] to attend CBGB's!
In 1980, George Cartwright approached Bill to join "CURLEW" with Bill Laswell. At approximately the same time, Bill Laswell approached Bill to join the band "MATERIAL", and Bill actually played with both bands during the same period of time. Both "Curlew" and "Material" performed at the famous GBGB's and many other "happening" clubs, both uptown and downtown, in New York City. One of Bill's most fond memories during the mid 80's, was the experience to fly west to California to jam with Allan Holdsworth on two different occasions. Once with Jeff Berlin and again with Jimmy Johnson.
Later in the 90's Bill was able to maintain a foot-hold in the music industry by being involved with occasional recording projects with Kramer's Shimmey Disc Records resulting in recordings with Daevid Allen, Hugh Hopper, Ralph Carney, Captain Howdy, Blueberry Spy, and several others.
Also during the 90's Bill worked as Manager/Director of the Monteverdi Music School in Montpelier, Vermont where he also taught drumming to numerous students over a period of 5 years.
A recent project was a journey with THE BACON LINDBERG ORR BAND in upstate New York Otherwise known as BLOB Ted Orr on midi-guitar and John 'Geeze' Lindberg on upright bass Bottom line from BB
"Drumming is like painting. one should be able to hear and feel each note like one is able to see colors, brush strokes, forms and textures."
Bill Bacon plays Tamburo Drums and K Zildjian Cymbals exclusively.
