Derek Crawford took to the drums at age seven and has gone on to become a first-call drummer in the Chicago music scene. Derek brings a distinctive percussive voice to any situation he plays in while displaying versatility not found in many musicians. He is equal parts rock and jazz and is at home locking into a groove or stretching a composition to its improvisational limits.
Crawford studied orchestral percussion with the late Robert Hohner at Central Michigan University. He performed as a founding member of the Robert Hohner Percussion Ensemble and recorded with the group on composer David Gillingham’s landmark album "Stained Glass; Music for Percussion". Derek has a keen interest in vintage drums and percussion instruments and percussion history. He built traditional Japanese Taiko drums for the Robert Hohner Percussion Ensemble album “World Music Tour” and has worked in the music industry as a drum builder and luthier.
Derek has performed and recorded with some of the best talent in the Midwest. Appearing on over twenty albums, live shows and tours. A partial list of credits includes; The Getouts, Rivals of the Peacemaker, The White Saddle Band, Clip Art, Brad Cole, Dick Prall, Glen Phillips (Toad The Wet Sprocket), Sunday Runners, Todd Bowie, John Munson (of Semisonic), Mike Hoffman (E.I.E.I.O.), Starch Martins, Frank Catalano, Fareed Haque, Ellen Rosner, The Convulsions, Ari Brown, The All Rectangle, and Jade Maze.
Derek Crawford performs on Trick Drums and Pedals.
