About Us

FRANK MCILQUHAM (director)

I was born in San Antonio Texas in 1969. When I was a kid my mom gave me pots and pans and her kitchen spoons and off I went. My first ever song to learn and play was Rush's Limelight (which I was reminded of this Thanksgiving 2007). I grew up in a neighborhood which was full of musicians and I was educated in Houston, Texas.

During those years I played the drums with many bands in junior and high school and also when I started working in the bank. I was then transferred by work to New Orleans for three years and eventually to Australia, where I have lived for the last 14 years.

Whilst work has been my main focus for all of my adult life, I have always had the enthusiasm and drive to find time for my real passion, music. Over the years I have played with several bands, some just for fun and some actually being paid, both equally rewarding.

I have now moved back to the US and have a genuine desire to pursue my dream... which is to share my passion and enthusiasm with all of those who have a love for playing music. There is nothing more rewarding than playing whatever and whenever you like with a group of friends who also get a kick from playing live music. My long term goal is to have a dedicated venue in which The Rock Club members can jam, rehearse and perform their concerts.

In conjunction with my good pal and very well respected musician and guitar specialist Paul G. in Australia, we have created a concept to bring your past back or your dreams to life. We have created The Rock Club. For more details see The Club section and to join us please complete the online form or call me direct. I would love to hear from you.

THE PROFESSIONALS

The professional musicians listed below have been there and done it. They will be on hand to be your band's personal coach. They will tell their story of how they made it, teach you interact with other musicians and how to play together as a band. They will teach timing and how to get that sound you have always wanted. They will show you the proper techniques and give you that constructive criticism that no one else will. Don't take it personally as they are here to help you and make you sound like a real band.

PROFESSIONAL TALENT

Bernard Purdie, Ambassador of The Rock Club

Hi there, I'm Bernard 'Pretty' Purdie, having played drums for over 60 years with luminaries such as Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton, Joe Cocker, Jeff Beck, Miles Davis, Roberta Flack, Hall & Oates, Tom Jones, Steely Dan, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonders, B.B. King, Bob Marley, Reuben Wilson, Galt McDermott, and Guru, just to name a few, and as the world's most recorded drummer having played and taught around the world, I know a good teaching program when I see it!

Here is a great opportunity for those of you who may have played an instrument in school or college and now have had to cut your hair, toe the corporate line and maybe raise a family. Frank McIlquham's, The Rock Club Performance Program allows you to rekindle your interest in playing, whilst being coached by my professional friends in a controlled environment. I strongly believe that The Rock Club will bring good music back to life. You may be rusty or have not picked up an instrument in years, and regardless what instrument you play or genre you like, The Rock Club Performance Program is your answer for an entry back to the music you have enjoyed.

I encourage you to join The Rock Club and take part in the Performance Program. As long as you can play the basic cords, keep a beat, sing in tune and have fun, Frank will do the rest. He will put you in a band environment with controlled jams at his studio, provide all the equipment you need and when you're ready, you get to perform at one of Hollywood's premier venues. Call your old music friends have them join with you. Then tell your family and friends to "watch out"; you are going to perform live.

Music is universal, music heals, music for peace.........
Be part of it
Bernard 'Pretty' Purdie
www.bernardpurdie.com

Rue Phillips, Head Coach and Clinician

Rue was born in Wolverhampton, England and toured the northern UK club scene in a rock trio called Smokin' Roadie as a part in NWOBHM in late 80's. Rellocating to Los Angeles Rue became a part of Bill Ward's (Black Sabbath) Ward One poject and helped co-write and perform (guitar and vocals) the acclaimed 'Along The way' album.

Rue has written, co written and performed with a who's who of top international stars such as:

Ozzie Osbourne, Bill Ward (Black Sabbath), Jack Bruce, Bob Daisly, Eric Singer, Gordon Copeley, Dave Morgan & Martin Smith (E.L.O), Bruce Geary ( The Knack), Marco Mendoza, Jorgon Ingmar Alofs, RicFierebracci, Kofi Baker, Roy Wood (The Move & Wazard), Rheinhold 'Mack' (producer - Queen, Black Sabbath), Rose Stone (Sly & The Family Stone), Alfie Silas, Bob Glaub (Bob Dylan), David Lindley (Jackson Browne), Greg Bissonette, Rick Parasher (producer - Pearl Jam, Temple Of the Dog, Alice in Chains).

Today Rue owns and runs a successful contracting business and continues to keep his chops up playing and recording with old friends whenever they ask him. He tells us one more album is in the works with some cool guests already committed.

Mahlon Hawk, Bass Coach and Clinician

Hawk's eclectic heavy groove style includes Rock, R&B, Funk, Blues and Jazz, making him a sought after side man and session player. Hawk plays 4, 5, 6 string electric bass and fretless.

In 2002 Hawk won an Emmy Award for his composition and recording on the soundtrack for "Transitions Throughout the Lifespan", a documentary for KOCE, Orange County's PBS television station.

Mahlon travels the US & Central America performing and recording. He is also a popular clinician for QSC Audio and other musical gear manufacturers.

From small venues to large arenas, Hawk has performed and recorded music with many notable musicians. To name a few:

ELLIOT EASTON, guitarist of the Cars
OSCAR SEATON, drummer for George Benson Band
MIKE THOMPSON, keyboardist for the Eagles & Rod Stewart
G-MOE, guitarist for the Stevie Wonder Band
Grammy award winning engineer, REGGIE DOZIER
TIM WEISBERG
The Martin Valverde Group with the percussion section of Ruben Blades
John "VATOS" HERNANDEZ & JEFF RUBIN (OINGO BOINGO)
SOUNDTRACK for "Transitions Throughout the Lifespan" film for KOCE/PBS station
SOUNDTRACK for the very first skateboard feature film "GO FOR IT" with Producers RICHARD HENN and DENNIS DRAGON (drummer for Captain & Tennille, and The Surf Punks)

Leo Nocentelli, Guitar Coach and Clinician

As the sole writer of such hits as (to name a few) of Cissy Strut, Look A Py Py, Same Ol' Thing, Rigor Mortis, Funky Miracle, 9 to 5, Ease Back, Lonesome and unwanted People, The World Is A Little Bit Under The Weather, and Cordova (and at times generously sharing credits with a vehicle he called The Meters), Nocentelli gained early recognition amongst his peers.

Over the years, Leo has continued to write well over 200 songs individually, as well as collaboratively, adding to an already charted list of hits such as, People Say, Ain't No Use, Fire On the Bayou, and the Mardi Gras anthem, Hey Pocky Way (the last two songs were recorded by the Grammy Award winning Neville Brothers).

In the recording studio, Leo has identifiably proven that his original innovation in mastering his sound has gained the respect and demand that has led him to become a "featured" guitarist. In addition to recording with a distinguished list of his peers, Leo has recorded with a list of Grammy Award Winners such as, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, The Winans, The Supremes, The Temptations, Paul McCartney, Dr. John, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Robert Palmer, George Duke, The Dells, Jack Bruce, Manhattan Transfer, Bobby Womack, Al McKay, (Earth, Wind & Fire), and Robbie Robertson. The list continues with Academy Award winner Robert Mitchum. Other artists Leo has recorded with include, Mavis Staple, Etta James, Maceo Parker, Professor Longhair, Willie T, James Black, Lee Dorsey, James Booker and Jesse Roden.