Tony Albino

The 29-year old Trinidad-born drummer, Tony Albino, has carved out quite a name for himself in Canada.  After an outstanding set at the '04 Montreal Drumfest, the community has no doubts about this drummer's powerful groove.   Well-known for his session work and pit-band appearances on the variety TV show Belle et Bum, Tony grew up playing samba and calypso with his father and traveling bands.   His credits include major Quebec artists such as Ariane Moffatt, Alain Caron, Yannick Rieu, Kid Koala, Sky, Mitsou, and Alain Vinet. His influences include Carlos Vega, John Bonham, Neil Peart, and Charlie Watts.

Tony Albino prefers an ever-changing unconventional drum set up.  For a long time he refused to use small toms, explaining in an interview with Drum, Etc that they "prevented me from hearing certain sounds. The only way for me to hear those sounds was to be without them."  Instead, Tony put greater emphasis on building the groove, sometimes with nothing more than a bass drum, snare, hi-hat, and ride cymbal.   Tony plays Saturn and Pro-M kits. 

http://www.belleetbum.tv/