Duris Maxwell

The picture above was taken in the early 1980's at the Sunset Cabaret with Powder Blues. Born June 15, 1946 Late 1950's / Early 1960's Turned Pro at 11 years of age - both parents were musicians: Mother, piano; Father, fiddle & guitar; Maternal Grandmother, organist. At age 13 was playing for leading Country Music Artists in Vancouver. First tour: 1960 with Evan Kemp and the Trail Riders - turned 15 on the road. Returned to Vancouver and began studying drums with legendary drum instructor Jim Blackley - who was also one of the leading Scottish Pipe Band drummers in the world. These lessons built on the solid Rudimental foundation provided by two earlier drum instructors: Vic Luff and Val Mock. Jim Blackley's instruction, however, brought in a more intense Jazz perspective. Mr. Blackley also provided the essential technical elements that helped produce Duris' dynamic, fluid, and enduring 'Traditional' grip - all be it the "left-handed" version. Still in the early 1960's he was drumming with The Tornadoes in Vancouver, British Columbia (1960 - 1961) until he joined 'Little Daddy and the Bachelors' - a group that included Tommy Chong, a founding member of 'The Calgary Sha... more...