Dalrymple boy to drum at Glastonbury

Jun 4 2008 By Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post

THERE’S more than one way to beat a drum — and Stephen Henderson is developing his skills in an incredible range of styles.

At just 15, Stephen already has an amazing CV, and he’s about to add to it by making his Glastonbury Festival debut.

“I started to play percussion at nursery school,” said Stephen, now at Belmont Academy.

“And I got a drum kit for my seventh birthday,” added the Dalrymple lad.

Stephen’s band mates in Standing Motion are pupils at Carrick Academy in Maybole.

And he also keeps up his traditional Scottish style as a member of Ayr Pipe Band Society.

But Stephen uses yet another style in his new role with Simon Atkinson and the Ben Marcato Trio.

Simon and the trio have been invited to play again at the Glastonbury Festival, after a successful debut last year.

But this will be a first for the band’s young drummer.

Simon explained: “Our previous drummer, Scott Mackay, had to miss out this year, as he had commitments including a place in the final of the 2008 BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year.

“But we’re delighted to have such a super young talent as Stephen coming in.”

There’s certainly no ageism in the world of music, if, like Stephen, you’re good enough.

The young man comes from a family steeped in music — dad Martin is an in-demand bass player.

And mum Karen has carved a successful career as a fiddler, working under her stage name, Karen Hunter.

Stephen said: “I’ve grown up with blues and jazz influences from dad, and Scottish traditional influences from mum.”

Stephen’s older brother Scott, 19, a student at Ayr College, is in Glasgow-based rock band Dead Men’s Shoes.

Other well-known musicians in the Henderson clan include Stephen’s grandad Stan, a jazz and swing drummer.

And his uncle Paul is a top jazz and rock guitarist.