"Not since hearing the likes of Purdie, Porcaro and Gadd have I been this impressed with a groove orientated drummer. His pocket is deep, his time feel impeccable, and his taste factor through the roof." GREG RULE Grammy Award Nominee. Wayne Proctor's approach to playing the drums is similar to that of the great lineage of players - Steve Jordan, Matt Chamberlain, Abe Laboriel Jr, Jeff Porcaro and Steve Gadd, guys who bring much more than just a great groove and touch, where you can feel the commitment to the songs they play in how the songs feel. In his 10 years as a professional musician, Wayne's characterful groove and feel has seen him working with legendary producers to playing the likes of the Montreal Jazz Festival, Glastonbury, international television appearances and every gig in between.
With formative years dedicated to drumming and intense study with Toni Cannelli of 'Drummer's Alliance' (Chris Bailey – Beverley Knight, Chaka Kahn, Darius) and Francis Seriau of 'Drumtech' (Phil Selway – Radiohead, Ged Lynch – Peter Gabriel), Wayne began his career as a professional musician playing for British Guitar Hero, Aynsley Lister. During his time with Aynsley , Wayne toured extensively throughout Europe and recorded two albums, one of these albums produced by Jim Gaines (Santana – Supernatural, Steve Miller Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan).
After 3 years with Aynsley, Wayne joined the band 'Amor,' and signed to the Manhaton label. With Amor, Wayne continued to tour Europe, playing major festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, supporting Buddy Guy on an extensive UK tour and Gary Moore on a Dutch Tour. Amor recorded two highly acclaimed albums, described as "A 21st century Blues explosion" by Mojo and obtaining 4 stars in Kerrang.
In 2004, Wayne began working with English blues and roots artist, Ian Parker(website, myspace), signed to Ruf Records. With Ian, Wayne once again extensively toured Europe, performing at Rockpalast and live sessions for BBC Radio 2. In 2006, Wayne was invited to be the drummer for the Ruf Records 'Blues Caravan' tour featuring Ian Parker and other artists from the label, which took him throughout Europe, UK and the USA to a very popular response.
Alongside Interscope Record's 'The Davey Brothers' Production team, (Joss Stone, Mick Jagger), he has also recorded a highly acclaimed drum loop CD called King Tone Grooves, which was released worldwide through AMG. Keyboard 'Key Buy Award' wrote "Who Is This Drummer? was my first question as I listened, mouth wide open.Talk about five-star stellar drumming."
Having played on countless sessions, Wayne has worked with producers such Brian Higgins (Sugarbabes, Girls Aloud) Jim Gaines (Santana, Van Morrison), Mike Nielsen (Jamiroquai, Snow Patrol, Tom Baxter), Steve Evans (Robert Plant, Goldfrapp, Thea Gilmore), Matt Butler (Paul McCartney, Katie Melua, Rush) Wayne has toured and recorded with Aynsley Lister, Jon Amor, Ian Parker, Scott Mckeon, Brooke X, Nathan Lewis, Lora Jayne, Sherman Robertson, The Davey Brothers, The Nimmo Brothers, Nine Below Zero, Wilson T King, John O'Leary, Robin Bibi, Mark Butcher, King King and Dennis Greaves of NBZ and has also played many sessions for Xenomania and '19 Miles High'. At '19 Miles High' with producer Tim Wilson he has recorded drums for Fin, Fall Of Jupiter, Dead Nettles, Comic Book Heroes and Hello Girl. He has also made a number of international TV appearances, including 3 Rockpalast shows broadcast across the whole of Europe and numerous live Radio sessions in countries across Europe.
As well as his own recording and performing career, in recent years Wayne has turned to the role of producer. To date, his production credits include Ian Parkers latest live release 'The Official Bootleg' BBC 6 presenter Tom Robinson's favourite new artistes Sefton and his debut album 'Skimming Stones' Sean Webster's 'If Only', Sam Wilkinsons debut EP, Tantrum's 'Headcase' EP, Powerpop songwriter Tom Wardle's 'BE Another Night' and UgLi's 'Trash EP,' the lead track of which was broadcast through the MSN Network to an audience of millions. His work with songwriter Craig Johnston(website,myspace)assisted Craig to collaborate with legendary producer Mike Nielsen (Jamiroquai, Snow Patrol, Tom Baxter) with Wayne back on the drum stool. Wayne's production work with the band Djune(website, myspace) also secured them a prime slot at the renowned In The City Festival and support slots to Athlete,The Kooks,The Pigeon Detectives,The On Offs and Ocean Colour Scene. Wayne is currently producing the upcoming album of acclaimed songwriter PJ Riley, London Indie Pop heroes Everybody Be Cool and Nottinghams very own The Money, so watch this space!
Wayne is an official endorsee of Slingerland Drums and is a featured artist on the homepages of both Slingerland, Gibson International and Paiste's Websites. Other current endorsements include, Baskey Rugluggs, Vic Firth Drumsticks and Hardcase case's, who have recently featured Wayne in numerous advertising campaigns in the music press. Please click on the logos at the top of the page to visit the websites. Wayne has also recently been inducted into the Roll of Honor at his former drum school Drumtech
Reviews of 'King Tone Grooves'
"Who is this drummer?" was my first question as I listened, mouth wide open, to the loops on King Tone Grooves. Talk about five-star stellar drumming.
According to the liners, our man in question is Wayne Proctor. Not since hearing the likes of Purdie, Porcaro, and Gadd have I been so impressed with a groove-oriented drummer. His pocket is deep, his time feel impeccable, and his taste factor through the roof.
The drum tones on this disc are fat and punchy, and mostly favor vintage tube warmth over digital transparency. At times the sounds are downright lo-fi, which I like. There's a nice variety, though. Some loops are dry and tight, some are EQ'd and filtered, some have an angry distorted edge.Of all the great funk drum loops libraries in my collection, this one will now reside at the top of the pile. King Tone Grooves is that good."
GREG RULE, Keyboard Key Buy Award Review
"AMG's King Tone Grooves is the next best thing to hiring a professional drummer for an extended sampling session.Featuring more than 1,000 loops performed live in the studio by drummer Wayne Proctor, King Tone Grooves provides pristine, professionally recorded material with consistent performances and sound quality. Proctor delivers outstanding grooves that lean heavily toward funk and dance music, with a good dose of hard-hitting rock thrown in.
Proctor has an excellent feel and a delicious-sounding kit with a loose, floppy bass drum and a bright, high-pitched snare.Proctor is an excellent drummer in his own right, with a great sound. All 73 minutes of material sound as though they were painstakingly produced over a single long session, one that would cost the average Joe or Jane several thousand dollars to duplicate."
REMIX Magazine
