Spring 2024

60 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 4 A highly talented, prolific and versatile drummer, Campbell’s musical talent was recognized early. He’s the son of two professional musi- cians—his father played guitar with renowned blues belter John “Broadway” Tucker and his mother played piano with the legendary Jake Stock and the Abalone Stompers. Campbell started playing drums at age nine, then taught himself to play the saxophone a couple years later. He then found himself playing both instruments in Pacific Grove school bands.“There were a lot of drummers, so I filled whatever spot was needed.” He played four years with Monterey Jazz Festival’s youth program and, after attending a summer program at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, enrolled full time.“I studied there for a year then came back to the penin- sula with every intention of returning, but I started getting a lot of gigs, playing with every person in town, in every genre.You name it, I played it.” Today, Campbell holds the drum chair in saxophonist/pianist/composer Gary Meek’s band, with whom he’s recorded and performed at the pres- tigiousVibrato jazz club in Beverly Hills. He’s also recently played with vari- ety band 5Star and Lenny Williams of Tower of Power. “When I’m really going, I work up to 200 gigs plus recording sessions annually.” For more information, visit @skylarcampbellmusic on Instagram. — Michael Chatfield MUS I C I AN PROF I L E Skylar Campbell Photo: Kelli Uldall