Denis Richard Jr was born and raised in Ottawa, Ont. Like any other Canadian boy it was clear what Denis wanted to do in his life...PLAY HOCKEY! For ten years he played competitively around Qu é bec and parts of Ontario. Then, in 1990 at the ripe old age of 14 and after a season of bad games and players wanting to fight more than play for the love of the sport, his second passion appeared and he hasn't looked back since; MUSIC

THE START
This wasn't a far stretch after all, being exposed to music day in day out since his infancy. His parents were constant listeners of music: "I remember a childhood filled with it and loving every moment."

Drums were the instrument of choice, after seeing a few of the big name rock bands of the time come over to his home - town of Ottawa. Self taught at the start, it wasn't long that he was taking over the drummer's stool in the area's local bands. In fact one band had players in their early 20's when he was only 15. Many shows, demos and various bands passed during the rest of high school , and once graduation was accomplished he decided to study privately with local mentor Peter Beaudoin .

THE FORMATIVE YEARS
1997 came along and auditions for both Drummondville College and Carleton University w h ere both successful. The choice came down to Carleton and he studied under Chris McCann, teacher for Johnny Fay from The Tragically Hip & McGill University. Wanting to have a broader versatility, he then studied with nationally respected teacher and author Chuck Borrows. *"Chuck seriously kicked my behind on practi s ing and view s about the instrument. And I am very grateful", says Denis.*

THE TOURING YEARS
Tired of not being able to perform to his liking, he joined in 2001 the now world renowned percussion group BAM . This adventure, for the next 4 years, would tour 12 countries, win prizes (cultural and public), play for the half time show of the TORONTO RAPTORS GAME , record a television show with the Cirque du Soleil . 2002 in itself had approximately 100 shows in 4 months!!

NOW
He is eager to experience more projects, get even better on the instrument and in music in general. So far 2007 has done just that. He is currently living in Montreal sharing his time teaching privately, playing with the local professional artists, recording various projects and still tours with BAM .

Unless the game gets sour he will play and enjoy it for a very long time to come.

Jimmy Bourgoing, Les Colocs