Originally from Long Island, New York, Michael Prichard got
his musical start early singing in a neighborhood Doo Woop group, The Four Aces.
He soon found his way to the trumpet and eventually his instrument of choice:
the Drums. Prichard moved to Bay Area in the late Sixties, majored in Music at
College of Marin and studied
Drumset with local legend, Chuck Brown. He then went off to the University of
West Florida to continue Music Studies. He eventually got a job as a Disc Jockey
on WNVY "Progressive Country" Radio where he started meeting many
touring musicians.
It wasn't long before he was on the road playing Drumset with various Rock and
Country gigs (Johnny Paycheck, Nat Stuckey, and Gene Watson). In 1980, Prichard
was invited back to California to join a band with a pending contract, and study
with Tom Donlinger and Pete Magadini. He played the local club circuit and did
"the road thing" throughout the 80's and 90's. He recently became
fascinated by Afro-Cuban rhythms after hearing some old Chano Pazo, Pello el
Afrokan, and Los Van Van records. He is currently working as a Percussionist
with Local favorites: The Deadly Zins and Sixties icon, "It's a Beautiful
Day." He also plays Drumset with rockers, Stagefright and Percussion in the
Trio, Wall of Rhythm.
photos by Belinda Farage