Ed Mortenson’s full Bio                  

Imagine all of the points that you look for in a drummer, multiply them exponentially, and then add a groovy pocket so hard it hurts! Toss in some serious education, experience and musicianship. What you get, is Ed Mortenson. Genre is not an issue. Ed handles all styles with professionalism and incredible musicality. Big pocket. Big ears.

 

Ed is a product of a well-studied and diverse musical background. Conquering the Red Deer College Music Program as a Percussionist and Vocal major, Ed’s passion for knowledge led him to Grant MacEwan’s Jazz Performance Program. After graduating this program with honors, Ed continued his studies at Grant MacEwan and received his diploma in Recording Arts and Live Sound. From there Ed toured the 5 Star Hotel circuit throughout Asia and the Middle East for three years. In 2005, Ed landed in Toronto where he currently balances a full schedule of performing, teaching and studio session work.

 

As an educator, Ed runs his own studio in Mississauga “The Drum Dojo”. His lessons focus on movement, technique, groove and independence. Ed takes the time to connect with each student based upon his or her own personal goals. Ed considers himself a student as well and regularly participates in furthering his knowledge by studying with some of the leading drummers/educators in North America, such as Brian Thurgood, Paul Delong and Rick Gratton. Ed has also attended many seminars, clinics and PASIC conventions.

 

As a studio musician, Ed lays it down thick! Ed has recorded with some world class producers like Michael Wagener (Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Janet Jackson, Alice Cooper, Queen), Eric Ratz (Arkells, Billy Talent,Big Sugar) Ian Thornley (Big Wreck, LCBO Whiskey Rocks, Ian Fletcher Thornely), John Whynot (Big Wreck, Blue Rodeo, The Watchman, Austin Powers) and Darius Szczepaniak (Big Sugar, Pocket Dwellers, Street 66).

 

As a performer, Ed has hit the stage with many artists/groups ranging in style. Thomas Wade, Heather Ballentine, Wild T. and the Spirit, Stayin’ Alive Canada, HAARD and Truth & Rights, just to name a few. Highlights worth mentioning: 2008 Ed was honored to play for the ISAF/Canadian Troops stationed in Afghanistan. 2013 he played in San Diego with the San Diego Symphony. In early 2014, Ed traveled to Sochi Russia, to play for the NHLPA at the Winter Olympics. Recently in 2015, Ed was invited to be part of a recording project in Nashville with producer Michael Wagener, Michelle Truman-vocal, Rachel Bolan-bass (Skid Row), Paul Taylor-keys (Tom Keifer, Steve Perry, Alice Cooper), Ryan Cook-guitar (The Big Rock Show).

 

Here is a small list of the artists that Ed has worked with:

 

  • Ian Thornley
  • Rachel Bolan
  • HAARD
  • Myria Webber
  • Always ABBA
  • Heather Ballentine
  • Stayin Alive Canada
  • Chicken Salad
  • Michelle Truman
  • Elton Lammie
  • Chris Caddel
  • Truths & Rights
  • Tony Springer (Wild T and the Spirit)
  • Thomas Wade
  • Matt Minglewood
  • Alli Walker
  • The Stainsleys
  • Tom Barlow
  • Marshall Dane
  • Chatty Cathy
  • Brad James
  • Tonya Kennedy
  • Pat Wright
  • Sandi Thom
  • Chris Chambers
  • Collin Amey
  • Dianne Chase
  • Duane Steele
  • Systems Theory
  • Street 66
  • 70 Sunshine Divine
  • Soul Body
  • Bull Simple

And many more……