Percussionist
Since graduating from the Royal College of Music Hugh has been in high demand as a percussionist. Specialising in Afro-Cuban and Brazilian hand drumming Hugh is a also highly skilled as a classical and pop percussionist. He has played at the 02 with Quincy Jones, on the world tour of Sam Mendes’ production of Richard III and headlined the Meltdown Festival with Marc Almond. Hugh has recently played at the Albert Hall with Raye and headlined the TRMST festival with Pulp.
Known for his versatility and musical approach Hugh has performed live with Goldie, Beth Orton, Mark Ronson, Paul Weller, Caro Emerald, Lalah Hathway, Donnie Osmond, Marti Pellow, Kid Kreole, Marc Almond, Pete Tong, Nitin Sawhney, Roberto Pla, Tim Minchin, Siouxsie Sioux, DJ Vadim, The Heritage Orchestra, The Outlook Orchestra, North Sea Radio Orchestra, The London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Big Band, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra and the London Sinfonietta.
The numerous film soundtracks he has played on include The Wedding Guest, Antman, Beyond the Sea, The Selfish Giant, Hockney, Shifty, An Ideal Husband, Hard Candy, Poppy Shakespeare, Alien: Romulus, Deadpool and Wolverine, Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning, Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Downton Abbey: A New Era.
Hugh has contributed to albums for a diverse range of artists such as Goldie, The Brand New Heavies, Marti Pellow, Marc Almond, These New Puritans, North Sea Radio Orchestra and DJ Vadim.
West End performing credits include Motown The Musical, Mamma Mia, Dreamgirls, In The Heights, Lion King, Daddy Longlegs, Hair, Play Without Words, Jerry Springer the Opera, Dorian Gray, Never Forget.
REMOTE RECORDING
Book Hugh to record percussion for your project from his studio in South East London.
Remote session clients include Ruth Barrett, Harry Escott, Sonixinema, Zero-G, Jon Ekstrand, Johannes Ringen, Just Jack, The Brand New Heavies, Laura Rossi, DJ Vadim, Gareth Lockrane Big Band and John Harle. Using top end recording equipment - Universal Apollo X8 interface, AKG, Coles and Neumann mics - the studio is stocked with a huge range of percussion instruments from around the world;
TUNED: Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Crotales
LATIN/WORLD: Congas, Bongos, Pandeiros, Repique de Mao, Tamborims, Timbales, Cajons, Djembe, Djun Djuns, Frame Drums (bendir, tar), Surdo, Talking Drums, Caixixi, Guiros, Maracas, Reco-Reco.
ORCHESTRAL AND CONTEMPORARY: Concert bass drum, Snare drums (all types), Field Drum, Clashed cymbals, Tam Tams, Concert Tom Toms, Kit Bass Drum, Gong Drum.
METAL FX: Waterphone, Junior Marvin, Anvils, Scaffold Pipes, Car Brake Drums, Metal Dustbin, Chains, Cymbals (all types), Bar Chimes, Bell Tree.
SMALL PERCUSSION: Cowbells, Woodblocks, Claves, Shakers, Tambourines, Agogos.
TESTIMONIALS
“Hugh is one of the finest musicians I know. Whether he is tackling a tin pot or swirling a plastic pipe he just makes music - it is a wonderful thing to behold. He has played on countless scores for me and I hope he will continue to sprinkle his musicianship over many more”
Harry Escott
Film and TV Composer (A Mighty Heart, Journeyman)
“Hugh is always a true professional to work with. He has a masterful sense of groove, is easy to work with and within the large ensemble setting is the ideal player to pivot between the quasi-rubato and the pocket.”
Jules Buckley
Conductor (Heritage Orchestra, Metropole Orchestra)
"Hugh is a brilliant musician. He is very versatile, an amazing sight reader and a lovely chap. What more could you ask for when hiring a percussionist? On my scores, Hugh has performed tuned and untuned percussion in a variety of styles, from The Battle of the Ancre to The Clangers!"
Laura Rossi
Film and TV Composer (Battle of Honour, Grand Designs)
"There are many reasons that Hugh Wilkinson is my "first call" for recording sessions and live concerts. His skills as a percussionist cover myriad styles, ranging from classical to jazz to pop to Afro-Cuban (and then some), and he delivers each performance with passion, experience and intelligence. Additionally, Hugh is highly dependable - he's the first to arrive, the last to leave, and a total delight between those two points. Five stars out of five."
Elliott Randall
Guitarist Extraordinaire (Steely Dan, Dooby Brothers)
"Hugh executed the score for my production of Richard III superbly, serving as an additional, intuitive voice in the company."
Sam Mendes
Film and Theatre Director and producer (James Bond, The Kite Runner)
“Hugh plays with great sensitivity and passion“
Marti Pellow
Singer and Songwriter
"Where to start? Hugh's got it all! He's a FANTASTIC percussionist, drummer and pianist…. And does his share of making tea. He's smart, reliable, honest and fun! One of life's true creatives."
Neal Whitmore
Guitarist, Producer, Writer (The Montecristos, Marc Almond, Sigue Sigue Sputnik)