Aynsley Dunbar

Rock journeyman Aynsley Dunbar has proven himself one of the finest drummers in the business for over twenty years, whether as a member of several bands or as a session musician.



Dunbar began his career on the British blues-rock scene, playing with Champion Jack Dupree and Eddie Boyd before becoming the drummer for John Mayall's Bluesbreakers in 1967; he was influenced by jazz and the Who's Keith Moon as well. During this time, Dunbar also played on Jeff Beck's seminal Truth sessions, and also met Frank Zappa in Belgium; when Zappa broke up the first edition of the Mothers Of Invention, he invited Dunbar to join his new band. Dunbar first appeared with Zappa as a guitarist on Uncle Meat, but soon assumed drum chores in the Flo And Eddie version of The Mothers, appearing on such albums as Chunga's Revenge, Fillmore East: June 1971, and 200 Motels, and playing music that gave him a chance to show off his jazzier chops. In the meantime, Dunbar also formed a blues-rock band called The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, which featured guitarist/vocalist John Moorshead, bassist Alex Dmochowski, and organist Victor Brox. The group released several albums from 1969-1970, including a self-titled effort, Doctor Dunbar's Prescription, and To Mum From Aynsley and the Boys.

Read More