Alden Ikeda

 

 

 Alden Ikeda has been playing Drums, Percussion and some Trumpet since 1978. He was born in Saint Paul Minnesota close to the Mississipi River and has always been drawn to the vibrations of the River and it's History.

Maybe it was  the imagined sound and echo of Baby Dodds rimshot's when Dodd's  performed along with Louis Armstrong on the Riverboats that  traveled up the Mississippi from New Orleans to Saint Louis and eventually docking up in downtown Saint Paul around the turn of the 20th Century that Ikeda heard. Or maybe it's the Dark flowing Waters of the Mississipi that Ikeda drew and felt inspiration from. Ikeda's Drum Sound can be dark, flowing , fast , rough and calm .  Ikeda's Drumming also has some of the freewheeling, reckless and party swing of the great Baby Dodds who ! Ikeda counts as one of his biggest influences. In any case the Influences mentioned above have been heartfelt and deep for Ikeda.

 

 Ikeda has performed over the years with many great Musicians  around the World and has felt fortunate to have played with the likes of Juluis Hemphill, Don Cherry, Roscoe Mitchell, George Cartwright, John Devine, Frank Foster , Billy Bang and many other great musicians. Currently Ikeda is performing With George Cartwright and Adam Linz in the Gloryland Ponycat Band. Ikeda feels highly Honored to be playing in such a group with members who are not only great Musicians but are also Virtouso listeners