Hailing from Montreal, Mark Di Claudio is an extremely versatile drummer who has been playing professionally since 1988. He has performed and recorded with many top artists such as Walter Rossi, Dany Bédar, Jason Bajada, Pascal Dufour, Talisma, James Correa, Bobby Bazini, Russ Dwarf (Killer Dwarfs), Nouzôte, Riot and His Rhythm Devils, Elizabeth Blouin-Brathwaite, Florence K, Philippe Berghella, Blou, Ariane Brunet, Nicola Ciccone, Ricky Paquette, Ima, Éric Lemieux and Christian Legault (La Chicane), Gabrielle Destroismaisons, Mario Pelchat and Johanne Blouin in numerous musical styles ranging from Jazz, Blues, and Latin to Progressive and Mainstream Rock.
Mark began studying and playing the drums at the early age of 11. Influenced by progressive bands such as Rush, King Crimson, ELP and Genesis, his technique and finesse developed at an advanced rate. He later studied Jazz, Latin and Classical music with such great musicians and educators as Charles Ellison, Pete Magadini and Abdul Wali Muhammad before obtaining his Bachelors degree in music from Montreal's Concordia University.
In 2000, his Jazz performances with Quebec artist Johanne Blouin (and renown New York musicians John Hicks & Curtis Lundy and later with Montreal greats Skip Bey & Tim Jackson) gave him impetus to further explore and surpass his musical boundaries. Mark has performed at such venues as the Montreal's Place des Arts, Les Francofolies de Montréal (outdoors), le Sunside in Paris and Smoke Jazz Club in New York and in 2005 he also performed with Gold-selling Acadian band, Blou, representing Canada at the World's Fair (Expo) in Aichi, Japan. He has also been showcased in magazine and newspaper articles and performed on major live radio and television shows.
Mark's flexibility as a musician is reflected in his work with such different artists and groups as: Talisma (Progressive), Dany Bédar (Pop), Johanne Blouin (Jazz), Nouzôte (Latino/Quebecois), Riot and his Rhythm Devils (Blues), Panayiotis Brakoulias (Greek Traditional), Blou (Acadian) and Walter Rossi (Rock / Funk / R&B). Mark has also been teaching music for over 20 years and many of his students have gone on to perform in successful Montreal bands such as 7th Soul, Krown, Scrubmuffin, After Dark, SoundCentral, Fly Amanita, Eye Inside and The Chronicles of Israfel.
Today Mark is known for his versatility and tasteful, dynamic style. His sound, tone and impeccable groove keep him very much in demand as a freelance session drummer and band member. He has also recently contributed a ground-breaking drum article to Modern Drummer magazine which is due to be published in the coming months.
To get his signature sound, Mark Di Claudio uses GMS drums, Los Cabos drum sticks, Roland electronics, Remo skins and Zildjian cymbals exclusively.
