OrganFax Directory

Rod Pooley

Telephone Number :  07799 800 656

Email address :  rodpooley@me.com

Website :  https://thedrawtones.co.uk/

Address :  2b Sidley Street,  Bexhill on Sea,  East Sussex,  TN39 5BG 

About Rod

Background

Born in Welling, Kent in 1966, the youngest of three sons of Michael and Sheila Pooley. Rod started playing the electronic organ at the age of seven. He studied under the very capable guidance of John Norris (Principal of the Southern Music Training Centre in Bromley). Rod furthered his playing skills taking up the piano aged ten. He was very fortunate to be taught the piano by a top London jazz pianist James Fagg. This is without doubt why Rod is a very fluent jazz player. In his concerts he does play a vast mix of genres to cater for everybody's taste. He passed the eleven plus and went to Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School. The school at that time had one of the largest Music departments in the UK. The school had three full orchestras. Rod performed solo in concert at the school in front of former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath who was the Bexley MP during that period. During and after full time education Rod won many accolades. These include:

Achievements

1981 at 14 years of age - Young Theatre Organist of the Year

1985 and 1986 at 18 and 19 years of age - National Organist of the Year

1988 at 21 years of age - Yamaha Electone Festival Winner.

Rod has Grade 8 on Organ and Piano and went on to achieve a performance diploma on organ at just 17 years old.

He has worked with the Joe Loss Orchestra and the Ken Macintosh Big Band. He's appeared with Curtis Stigers, Mike Reid and Jimmy Tarbuck.

Music Industry Experience

2023 - Present - Product Specialist at Korg UK.

2012 - 2023 - Demonstrator and Software writer for Yamaha TRX Organ and Keyboard Systems.

2004 - 2012 - Demonstrator and Product Specialist at Korg UK.

2002 - 2004 - Hammond UK Demonstrator.

2000 - 2002 - Roland Atelier Demonstrator

1995 - 2000 - Technics Music Academy Teacher

Rod and Rhohima

As many of you know Rod is now engaged to Rhohima. Rhohima works full time for Rod's company "The Drawtones Ltd as his PA.

Rod's Hammond Jazz, Funk and Soul Organ Band "The Drawtones"

Rod formed his Hammond Organ Jazz, Funk and Soul Band in April 2016. With a regular five piece line up of Keyboards, Saxophone, Guitar, Bass and Drums. The band has become one of the fastest rising bands on the British Jazz scene. The Drawtones have had regular special guests join them including Saxophonists Derek Nash and Phil Veacock. Trumpeter Jonathan Scott, all from the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Other guests include Jim Mullen, legendary jazz guitarist from the Average White Band, Martin Shaw, Trumpeter from the BBC Concert Orchestra and Trombonist Dennis Rollins from Jamiroquai. The band have had some illustrious gigs, these include Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Pizza Express Soho, Chelsea and Maidstone, The Hideaway Streatham. EFG London Jazz Festival and the Rye Jazz Festival 5 years running to name a few.

The Drawtones have several albums, an initial EP "Bellevue EP, and 3 more albums both with star named guests featured. "Down the Line" features Jools Holland saxophonist Derek Nash and "Groovin Magic" features legendary jazz guitarist Jim Mullen. Their latest release Hammond Low Down features sensational saxophonist Simon Bates. All of these albums are available from The Drawtones official website or as downloads on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and many other leading digital download sites.

Rod has just released a new solo album "In Concert". See The Drawtones website for full details.

For more details about The Drawtones news and gigs please visit www.thedrawtones.co.uk

Rod's Photo Gallery

Rod and Rhohima

Rod's Concert Diary

Rod's Festival appearances

Rod will also be featured at the following festivals this year.

2023

August 18th

   Chris Powell Returns to Shakespeare Country August 2023

September 18th

   Cavalcade September Spectacular - A Whole Week of Music

Concerts in 2024
January 18thWeyhill Electronic Organ Society
February 13thNew Forest Organ Society (more details)

2.30pm start.

February 17thTop Note Events Cumberland Hotel, Eastbourne. (more details)

Afternoon Concert and Late Night Show.

March 14thBurntwood Music For All
March 19thThe Drawtones at Loxwood Jazz and Blues Club (more details)

Details - https://www.loxwoodvillagehall.org.uk/Jazz_club.html

March 24thPreston - South Ribble In Tune
April 5thThe Drawtones - Jazz and Curry Night at The Lansdowne Hotel Eastbourne
April 10thClacton Keyboard Music Club (Formerly Clacton & District Organ Society)
April 26thCrawley Keyboard Club (more details)

7.30pm Rod Pooley with Jessica Dann on drums

May 15thGreat Yarmouth Live Music Club
May 16thHarrogate Keyboard Club
May 26thThe Drawtones at Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival (more details)

www.thedrawtones.co.uk

June 21stBurgess Hill Keyboard Club
July 2ndBexley Music Club
July 11thYork Electronic Organ & Keyboard Society
September 3rdThe Drawtones at East Grinstead Jazz Club 7.30pm
September 5thPrivate Function Hydro Hotel Eastbourne
September 12thSleaford Music Club
September 27thThe Drawtones - Jazz and Curry Night at The Lansdowne Hotel Eastbourne
October 6thStilton In Tune - Keyboard Showtime
October 24thKingswinford and District Organ Society
November 15thAscot and District Organ Society (ADOS)
November 20thPlymouth Broadway Organ & Keyboard Club