Fabio De Oliveira is one of London’s most versatile and in demand drummers / percussionists. Having been described as having the perfect mix of Brazilian passion and British sensibility, his natural feel and broad understanding of various musical styles runs in his blood. From an early age Fabio was influenced by his father, world renowned Brazilian percussionist Bosco De Oliveira and his mother also, with a deep passion for Soul music, the cultural melting pot that Fabio called home proved fertile ground for the beginning of his musical journey, as a collector and a professional musician.
Over the his years Fabio has been lucky enough to work with the likes:
@george_ezra , @jamiecullum, @jacobcollier, @hot8brassband, Jordan Rakei (@jrakz) , @alfamist, Terry Callier, @airtomoreiramusic, George Clinton (@yolikegeorge) , @busted, @kygomusic, @maxwelljury, @jimmullenjazz , Rick Smith , @SowetoKinch, @monoblocooficial + Lion King U.K. Tour
Fabio was also one of the 25 ‘Drum Captains’ at the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, auditioning, teaching and rehearsing over 1,000 drummers, the final performance itself and a recording session at Abbey Road Studios in which Fabio recorded music used for the ceremony.
In 2014 Fabio landed the gig as the drummer for number one selling artist George Ezra, giving him the opportunity to tour extensively performing on some of the world’s biggest stages including Glastonbury Festival Pyramid Stage, Madison Square Gardens, Montreux Jazz Festival, Coachella Music Festival and The Brits Awards. Fabio has also backed George on T.V shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, The Late Show with James Corden, The Graham Norton Show, Alan Carr Chatty Man and Top Of The Pops
Current projects include London based band The @theodd910 , Singer songwriter Ella Clayton, teaching and remote session work from his own studio, The Sandpit.
Each week we will be taking a dip into the crates and minds of some of the digging scenes most prolific collectors.
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DIGGR: What are your earliest musical influences?
FABIO: “My Dad is a professional musician so that had a huge influence on me from very early on. He often had Samba, Salsa, Afro Cuban and Jazz music playing in the house and my Mum loves Soul and Motown so I had a very musically rich and diverse upbringing. I owe much of my musical career to that.“
D: When digging, what are 2 of the things that draw you to a record?
F: “The musicians playing on it and the label.”
D: Favourite record labels of all time?
F: “Som Livre, Odeon, Fania Records, Blue Note, Atlantic
D: What is one of your favourite pieces of sleeve art and why?
F: “Milton Nascimento – Clube Da Esquina- 1972
As a keen (hobbyist) photographer, that album cover is a big inspiration. I hope to be able to take a shot this good, one day.”
D: You’ve been sent on a mission to outer space… you’re allowed to take 1 record. What is it?
F: “Ornette Coleman – The Shape Of Jazz To Come 1959
Imagine if this was the starting point of music somewhere in outer space! Imagine where it’d go!”
