Rod Pooley

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's Concert Diary