Artist Profiles: Drew Heller

“The Nord Electro 3 has converted me. I used to imagine I would wait until I could bring a real Hammond B3 and a Hohner Clavinet on the road before I would incorporate the keys into Toubab Krewe's sound. The years passed by and I was stubbornly holding out until the the band had enough space to carry these. Playing a Nord Electro 3 changed my perspective instantly. This is a serious instrument and the sounds it renders are amazing. The degree of on-board sonic sculpting available is inspiring. The sound library has already propelled me into aesthetics that I wasn't anticipating (for example an accordion through an overdriven Leslie cabinet, a slight bit of tremolo, and a lot of reverb is insanely fun to play with) I am looking forward to adding 2nd Nord into our stage set-up in the near future.”- Drew Heller, keyboardist with Toubab Krewe

Gear: Nord Electro 3/73

Bio:
In Blending American and West African influences into a sound all its own, Toubab Krewe has set "a new standard for fusions of rock 'n' roll and West African music" (Afropop Worldwide).

In 1979, Drew Heller was in Asheville, NC. Raised in a musical family, Drew began to play guitar in the 4th grade. Over the years Drew learned many different styles: gypsy swing, traditional Appalachian banjo and fiddle music, rock and roll, and last but not least Manding and Wassoulou guitar styles.

Drew’s first excursion to West Africa was in 2001. Along with Teal, Justin and Luke, Drew traveled to Guinea, Ivory Coast. During his stay in Ivory Coast, Drew met master musician Lamine Suumano. Lamine became Drew’s musical mentor during this visit. He returned to Ivory Coast in 2002 to continue his studies in Manding music. In 2004 Drew and Justin lived in Bamako, Mali for 4 months.

All these styles and experiences continue to help define and shape the band’s sounds. From guitar to keys, Drew’s talent truly shines .

Artist Website:
http://www.toubabkrewe.com
http://www.myspace.com/toubabkrewe