Andrew Benzie: Musician/Instructor, Bass/Drums

BIOGRAPHY

My parents gave me my first drumset at age eight and soon (after realizing their mistake) encouraged guitar lessons. I quickly returned to the rhythm section once I found I could play bass lines on the bottom strings of my guitar.

My early musical heros were bassists Geddy Lee (Rush) and Chris Squire (Yes) along with drummers Bill Bruford (King Crimson) and Neil Peart (Rush). I have compiled a list of my major musical influences.

Since graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1991 I have studied with a number of talented musicians including Glenn Letsch (bass) and John Xepoleas (drums). I have recently been playing jazz with the DVC Music Department.

Over the years I have performed with many Bay Area groups such as Max Bran (blues), Second Nature (jazz), Michael Sea & Island Fever (caribbean), and Amelia Ray (rock).

I’m currently busy as a freelance musician and a music instructor on both the electric bass and the drumset in the San Francisco Bay Area.