John McColgan

Drummer John McColgan has been playing professionally for over 35 years. In this time he has had the opportunity to play in many different musical styles.

In the late 70's he began playing in Montreal in local rock groups and cover bands. In 1982 he began playing with Kate and Anna McGarrigle, touring throughout Quebec and across Canada. During the 80's he played with different bands ranging in styles from funk, to jazz/standards, to blues, to heavy rock. In 1988 he joined The Stephen Barry Band, a traditional blues and R&B group. He worked with this band for ten years, recording four CD’s, and performing with blues legends Buddy Guy, Big Mama Thornton, and Vann 'Piano Man' Walls. In 1987 he joined Michel Pagliaro’s band, touring and recording; including concerts at the historic Spectrum De Montreal as well as the Olympic Stadium. In the late 80's and through the 90's he continued to play in many different bands, from the roots rock of Ray Bonneville, to the pop band Gogh Van Go; with studio work taking more and more of his time. From 1999 to 2002 he was on tour with Quebec singing legend Jean Pierre Ferland, and recorded two albums with him. In 2005 he reunited with the McGarrigle sisters, for more touring and recordings, including a concert at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall. He has played and/or recorded with: Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Richard Thompson, Teddy Thompson, Kenny Pearson, Loudon Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Danny Thompson, Norma Waterson, Susie Arioli, Sue Foley and many others.

His drumming influences are as varied as the styles he is accomplished at, and include Ringo Starr, John Bonham, and Steve Gadd, as well as Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cobham, Dennis Chambers and Steve Smith.
“It all depends on the style, the song, the moment. I hope to channel all of these great artists through my playing, while maintaining my own interpretation and feel”.

He is presently freelancing in the montreal area, primarily with blues and roots artist Michael Jerome Browne and local Montreal guitar legend Jimmy James. He has been teaching drums steadily for the last ten years, has recently published his first book, “Groove and Technique”, and has performed educational clinics for Pearl Drums Canada, at schools and music stores throughout Quebec.
He has recently begun a new chapter in his musical carer as a music producer and engineer. He has been involved in several projects over the last 6 years including CD’s by Justin Saladino, The Durham County Poets, and No Family.
He is currently working in his own recording studio in Montreal, JMC Studio.

John plays and endorses Pearl drums, Sabian cymbals and HeadHunters sticks.