Article
Entertaining Elgin: Brian McHugh
Submitted by David J. Ferguson
In 1964 George Harrison was quoted: “Playing without Ringo is like driving a car on three wheels.” Bands typically include an integral member who is the foundation and backbone of the group. There are times band members may deviate into different music styles; the drummer always has to adapt to handle everyone’s musical anomalies. Thus, it is important that young drummers have a great instructor or mentor with vast knowledge and experience who can convey this to their students. Brian McHugh is such a person.
After beginning his life in Woodstock, Brian moved with his family to Aylmer when he was four years old. Early career aspirations to be a truck or car driver changed by the age of ten as he focused his pursuits on being a drummer. Like others who begin to play an instrument, he had that gleam in the eye of one who dreams of being part of a famous band. Some parents might label such enthusiasm in a ten-year-old as a passing phase. This was definitely not the case for Brian. Now in his early 40’s, he has maintained his dedication to developing as a drummer, and the enthusiasm of a 10-year old.
As a young and determined individual Brian soon realized that he didn’t possess similar interests to others his age, which is likely the reason he could be found playing with musicians 3 or 4 years older.
During high school, many hours were filled performing with different bands, idolizing Buddy Rich, listening to all types of music from rock to jazz and following the advice of mentors Wayne Smith, employee of John Bellones at the time, and Professor Bob Hughes.
Brian furthered his education and his dream at UWO while continuing to perform in a myriad of bands that included Bill Sherry’s Big Band.
After university Brian took a chance, going to Percussion Institute of Technology to play in the big league because Canada didn’t have much to offer at the time. PIT expected players of a certain caliber – if you didn’t measure up you were required to take a preparation program.
Following an entrance performance exam, applicants were placed in one of three levels of difficulty. With good fortune and talent, Brian was placed in the top class where the best instructors taught. Learning from greats like Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey and others was, he says, absolutely incredible.
Since then, Brian has played with several musicians who perform with big acts: members of Simply Red, members of Garth Brooks’ Band, a member of Gino Vannelli’s Band, Grant Smith, Alan Frew (Glass Tiger vocalist) and Deric Ruttan, who currently has songs on country radio, among others. Today he enjoys playing with a number of musicians and can be found performing at a variety of musical venues locally and abroad.
Brian’s instructing experience began with teaching a family friend and it has grown since then. One of his students, Mike Sage, has gone on to work with two label acts, one being Bif Naked. Says Brian, “During his stint with Bif, he came back to see me to help work up a new drum solo for the show, and to work on his studio drumming chops in preparation for the Bif Naked recording of the Quiet Riot tune, ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’.”
In 2009, Brian was proud to become the parent of a baby girl and to put on his 2nd annual “A Night of Drums with Brian McHugh & Friends” concert. It’s not a recital, but a real performance on stage, held at the Aeolian Hall with an 8 piece band. He felt this concert would provide a needed opportunity for his students to participate in a real show in front of a live audience, something they might not otherwise have.
Brian’s advice for budding musicians is to “practice and study hard while you’re young, because you won’t have a lot of time when you get older.” His approach is also reflected in one of his favourite quotes: “If you can’t play the music you dig, dig the music you play.” You can contact Brian at brianmchugh@sympatico.ca or find more information on his website, www.brianmchughdrums.com.
Locally grown Dave Ferguson hails from the metropolis of Aylmer and has been writing in a variety of genres and styles for over fifteen years. He’s an active author in several writing groups, member of PWAC (Professional Writer’s Association of Canada) and currently chairs a creative writer’s workshop in St. Thomas. Find out more at www.writeadvantage.ca.