About JAM Percussion
Who?...are the names behind JAM
Johns and Mushroom (JAM) was formed from two smaller businesses which were both well-known in the UK percussion supply field. The two directors of JAM are Graham C. Johns and Tony Lucas. Both are still active professional percussionists with nearly 50 years experience behind them.
Graham C. Johns
Originally from New Zealand, Graham spent the early part of his career as Principal Timpanist for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.This was followed by a spell in Amsterdam, regularly appearing with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra whilst studying at the Sweelinck Conservatory there.
Graham then travelled to the USA to study at Oberlin. Shortly after graduating he won a scholarship to the Tanglewood Music School.
In 1983 Graham arrived on these shores and was appointed Principal Percussion with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, a post he still holds today. It was with the RLPO that Graham performed the UK premiere of the Takemitsu 'Gitimalya' for marimba soloist and orchestra. Since 1995 Graham has been a regular perfomer with the World Symphony Orchestra giving concerts in Geneva, Baden-Baden, the London Proms and in 2003 in Moscow.
Graham is also well known throughout the UK and Europe for his Orchestral Percussion masterclasses and workshops and in 1996 made his debut at many colleges and universities in the USA. This was followed by an appearance at the Nashville convention of the Percussive Arts Society.
His business interests began with 'Pro-phonic' Percussion in 1984 and developed into Graham C. Johns Percussion over 19 years.
Tony Lucas
After formative years in Nottingham, Tony studied at the Royal College of Music in London.
Leaving the RCM in 1982 it was as a freelance player that Tony built up a wide range of experience in all types of music-making. He has performed with many of the top British symphony,opera and chamber orchestras and regularly worked in West End Shows such as Oliver!, Candide and Passion. Other work included recording sessions, such as commercial film sound-tracks for 'Mr Bean the Movie', 'The Young Americans' and for TV 'The Borrowers'.
During the mid 80s Tony began to specialise in ballet with appointments as Principal Timpani with London City Ballet and Sub-Principal (later Principal) Percussion of the Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet orchestra. (now Birmingham Royal Ballet)In 1988 Tony became Principal Timpani for the New London Orchestra and has played in many recordings with the NLO, especially the series of British Light Music Classics for Hyperion.
In 1994 the New London Orchestra performed with Matthew Bourne's 'Adventures in Motion Pictures' Company which led to the successful 'Swan Lake' tour, West End run and TV recording in 1996. This was followed by 'Cinderella' in 1998 and a UK tour and performances at the Old Vic of 'The Carman' in 2000.
Tony's business interests began in 1988 when Mushroom Covers was formed. (The name is taken from his father's Lithuanian surname, Baravykas, meaning King of the Mushrooms) This built up over 15 years before the merger in January 2003. Complementing his musical qualifications, Tony has passed both the Certificate and Diploma of Professional Management with the Open University-part qualifications for an MBA.
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