Hornby Island Blues Workshop

Growing up in a musical family, Billy Hicks was exposed to all styles of music, learning the importance of musicality in drumming as well as how to lay down a strong foundation from which to launch a song and provide the flow and tempo emphasis to hold the other instruments and vocals together. Bill approaches drumming with a vision to support players musically as well as rhythmically, which explains his amazing diversity. His natural talent on the drums was obvious at an early age as he was awarded "Top Drummer" in Canada in both Grade 11 and 12 at the National Stage Band Festival. After graduating High School, Bill went on to play with the top musicians in Canada such as Ingrid Jenson, Diana Krall, Tommy Banks, Phil Dwyer, Hugh Fraser and VEJI, just to name a few. He then made his way into the Blues, R and B and Funk world, and found himself playing with the likes of: The Powder Blues, Jim Byrnes, Marc Atkinson Electric and Dave Gogo as well as becoming one of the top studio drummers in Western Canada. Just watch Bill play - with his infectious groove, never ending chops, and ability to lift your spirit with his feel, you will see why Bill is one of the most highly regarded drummers around and why he is another welcome repeater at the Hornby Island Blues Workshop.