Eric “Rhythm Dawg” Brown “I’m sorry, I don’t audition.”, Were the first words out this guys mouth when he was approached with the idea of playing with Hot Rod Deluxe. There is a message in there somewhere and it came through loud and clear the first time old “Rhythm Dawg” picked up his sticks to “not audition” for HRD. You see, with the type of credits Eric brings with him, it is no wonder that he is not used to having to impress anyone....it’s automatic.
Eric was born in Mt. Holly, New Jersey and started playing drums when he was six. By the time he was eight he was playing with the nationally renowned “Percussionauts” where he remained until he was sixteen when he took first place at the West Coast Rudimental Drum Championship. By seventeen he was the MTNA National Division Concert Marimba first place winner. But did he stop there? Oh, no. He went on to be the West Coast Drum Championship winner at eighteen. And then.....he got serious.
Eric went on to mentor with such percussion greats as Joe Morello, Roy Burns, Gary Hobbs, Ed Shaunessy, Peter Erskine and Louis Bellson. All of that experience set him up to perform with one of the greatest big bands to ever grace the stage.....the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Of course, as with any professional, versatility is always a plus and the is certainly exemplified by the time Eric spent what is arguably the most accomplished funk band ever.....Tower Of Power.
Sooooo, “not auditioning” has proven to be very good for old “Rhythm Dawg” and those who have had the opportunity to chance upon his great talent. For now, and hopefully for many years to come, that is Hot Rod Deluxe.
And the beat goes on, on, on, on, on.....
