Derrick McKenzie
Drummer who joined Jamiroquai in 1993 after a one-take audition.
Derrick McKenzie was the drummer for the English acid jazz and funk band Jamiroquai. He replaced the band's original drummer, Nick van Gelder, in 1993 and recorded with the group in one take for his audition. McKenzie contributed to the band's sound during a period of significant commercial success.
Quick Facts
- Landscape
- yes
- Origin
- London, England
- Genre
- Funk · acid jazz · soul · disco · house · R&B
- Years Active
- 1992–present
- Label
- Acid Jazz · Sony Soho Square · Work · Epic · Mercury · Virgin EMI · BMG
- Current Members
- Jay Kay / Derrick McKenzie / Rob Harris / Matt Johnson / Paul Turner / Valerie Etienne / Hazel Fernandez / Romina Johnson / Sara De Santis / Fabio De Oliveira
- Past Members
- Nick Van Gelder / Stuart Zender / Toby Smith / Wallis Buchanan / Sola Akingbola / Simon Katz / Nick Fyffe / Nate Williams / Howard Whiddett / Elle Cato / Nick Tydeman
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Derrick McKenzie became the drummer for Jamiroquai in 1993, replacing Nick van Gelder. He auditioned for the band by recording with them in a single take. McKenzie played on the band's subsequent albums, including Travelling Without Moving (1996), which received a Guinness World Record as the best-selling funk album in history. He remained with the group through several line-up changes, with Jay Kay as the only constant member.
Reader's Guide
Derrick McKenzie's role as drummer for Jamiroquai placed him at the heart of the band's rhythm section during their most commercially successful period. His one-take audition demonstrated his immediate fit with the group's live sound. McKenzie contributed to albums that defined the band's funk and acid jazz style, including the record-breaking Travelling Without Moving. His tenure saw the band achieve UK number-one albums and singles, as well as international recognition. McKenzie's drumming helped anchor the band's sound as they evolved from acid jazz into rock, disco, and electronic influences.
Did You Know?
- Derrick McKenzie replaced Jamiroquai's original drummer, Nick van Gelder, in 1993.
- He played on Travelling Without Moving, the best-selling funk album in history according to Guinness World Records.
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