Bio
ABEL OLSTAD, born in Medford, Oregon, first took interest in the drums at the age of 7. He soon started taking lessons, and by age 8, he was sitting in during worship at church. Abel first studied under Theresa McCoy and Bryan Jeffs, from Southern Oregon University, and most recently studied under Ralph Humphreys, Joe Porcaro, Joey Heredia, Richie Garcia, and Sam Mazur at Los Angeles College of Music.
GIGS
Abel has played with the 8-BitJazzHeroes, an Orange County based Jazz trio that takes video games tunes, and turns them jazz. Abel has also played with the Southern Oregon Jazz Orchestra, the Rouge Big Band, the Dave Miller Quartet, the Brent Olstad Quartet, the Rogue Valley Gospel Group, the Rogue Community College Jazz Band, Beth Baker, and dozens of jazz combos and gospel/worship teams in Oregon. He has also had the opportunity to play with musicians such as Steve Billman, Jerry Watts, Jeff Miley, Tim Landers, and Steve Gregory. He also has experience in teaching, and will take the tools and principles he has been handed down throughout the years to help you become a better musician.
Abel has played with the 8-BitJazzHeroes, an Orange County based Jazz trio that takes video games tunes, and turns them jazz. Abel has also played with the Southern Oregon Jazz Orchestra, the Rouge Big Band, the Dave Miller Quartet, the Brent Olstad Quartet, the Rogue Valley Gospel Group, the Rogue Community College Jazz Band, Beth Baker, and dozens of jazz combos and gospel/worship teams in Oregon. He has also had the opportunity to play with musicians such as Steve Billman, Jerry Watts, Jeff Miley, Tim Landers, and Steve Gregory. He also has experience in teaching, and will take the tools and principles he has been handed down throughout the years to help you become a better musician.
MUSIC
Abel believes greatly in the value of musicality, originality, and professionalism. He always strives his best to further the music in an original yet supportive style. Some of his favorite artists are The Yellowjackets, Pat Metheney, John Scofield, Oz Noy, John Coltrane, Joey Defrancesco, Keith Jarret, Jacob Collier, Chick Corea, and Joshua Redman. He also has a great love and knowledge of musicals, and can cover various styles from traditional to modern. Some of his favorite musicals are West Side Story, Rent, Dear Evan Hansen, Guys and Dolls, and Wicked.
Abel believes greatly in the value of musicality, originality, and professionalism. He always strives his best to further the music in an original yet supportive style. Some of his favorite artists are The Yellowjackets, Pat Metheney, John Scofield, Oz Noy, John Coltrane, Joey Defrancesco, Keith Jarret, Jacob Collier, Chick Corea, and Joshua Redman. He also has a great love and knowledge of musicals, and can cover various styles from traditional to modern. Some of his favorite musicals are West Side Story, Rent, Dear Evan Hansen, Guys and Dolls, and Wicked.
AVAILABILITY
Abel is currently located in the Southern Oregon area serving Ashland, Medford, Central Point, and Grants Pass. He is available to sub and/or fill in for worship teams, cover bands, combos, big bands, and musicals on any notice. He is also available to teach students, beginning to advanced.
Abel is currently located in the Southern Oregon area serving Ashland, Medford, Central Point, and Grants Pass. He is available to sub and/or fill in for worship teams, cover bands, combos, big bands, and musicals on any notice. He is also available to teach students, beginning to advanced.
"For many years I've had the pleasure of observing Abel's percussion skills, both live and in studio. I have played with him in numerous live venues, and recorded him on multiple studio projects. To every concert and session he brings both passion, and the skills to play a broad range of genres. He continually strives to improve his craft and expand his skill set. He also enjoys composing, and always contributes to arrangements."
JIM ABDO - owner/operator, BrokenWorks Productions, LLC (professional recording studio in Ashland, OR.)
