William Hooker developed his idiosyncratic drumming style across a diverse array of experiences. Raised in Connecticut, he came up through the gospel tradition, going on to study political science, sociology, and history, all while feeding an insatiable appetite to hear and learn as many musical styles as he could. According to William, at no one point did he become a musician, he had always been one.
Hooker began refining his free jazz chops in the seventies as an important player in the New York loft scene. As a bandleader, he has fielded ensembles with artists like Billy Bang, David Ware, William Parker, Thurston Moore, Zeena Parkins and many more. His original productions seamlessly incorporate dance, video, text, and other multimedia. In his words, Hooker is not willing to accept the role of the drums as 'a rhythm section.' He challenges the established stigma around the drums, by presenting them upfront of the band, and exploring and presenting all the characteristics of his instrument.
"When I play, I always try to go outside of me being here as a human. I try to go someplace where a sound is inanimate and unseeable; to deal with those tools that it takes to create the unseen."
Hooker began refining his free jazz chops in the seventies as an important player in the New York loft scene. As a bandleader, he has fielded ensembles with artists like Billy Bang, David Ware, William Parker, Thurston Moore, Zeena Parkins and many more. His original productions seamlessly incorporate dance, video, text, and other multimedia. In his words, Hooker is not willing to accept the role of the drums as 'a rhythm section.' He challenges the established stigma around the drums, by presenting them upfront of the band, and exploring and presenting all the characteristics of his instrument.
"When I play, I always try to go outside of me being here as a human. I try to go someplace where a sound is inanimate and unseeable; to deal with those tools that it takes to create the unseen."
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