A MUSICIAN with an international reputation is bringing his talent back home for some Stourbridge Base session lessons.

Top drummer and percussionist Phil Creswell grew up in Norton and after getting a drum kit for his seventh birthday followed his heart onto the world stage.

Inspired as a child by the work of James Last and Glenn Miller, Phil went on to become a leading performer playing with global stars including Gloria Estefan and Van Morrison.

After many years touring far away locations throughout Europe, The Middle East, Asia and America, Phil is ready to share his secrets with visitors to Base Studios at a Drum and Latin Percussion Academy Clinic.

Phil said: “This clinic is designed to encourage and demonstrate various techniques and musical styles, also explaining how a pro-drummer or latin percussionist achieves a competent level of performance ranging from beginner to world stage performer.”

From humble beginnings in school bands and rehearsing above a chip shop in Coventry Street Phil found success with rock bands Zeitgeist and The Roosters.

As well as playing the big stages with international stars he also established himself as an in-demand session musician and now plans to pass on a lifetime of knowledge by setting up his own academy at The Base.

The Drum Clinic will be free for visitors to the Rufford Road studios on Saturday May 21 between 11am and 12.30pm