LEE VAN CANN
(photos © Carlo Prearo)
LEE VAN CANN aka Lieven Venken, jazz drummer, custom drum builder, teacher and studio recording artist, performs in prestigious venues on the Belgian jazz scene and internationally. In his career, Lieven has accompanied famous artists such as the Belgian jazz musician Toots Thielemans. For nearly 20 years while residing in New York City, Lieven played in top jazz clubs all over the New York metropolitan area. In addition, he appeared on U.S. TV with the Brooklyn Big Band.
Born in Belgium, Lieven studied violin as a child but often “escaped” to play drums. At age 12, the sound and feel of Elvin Jones, jazz drummer and member of John Coltrane’s quartet, changed Lieven’s life. Lieven passionately pursued drumming studies and eventually earned summa-cum-laude honors at the Lemmens conservatory in Leuven. Lieven continues his passion – not only for the beauty of the music he creates with others – but also for his artisanal refurbishment of percussion instruments.
As a true craftsman, he has honed his skills through various training programs (professional carpentry / Drum Shop Manhattan apprenticeship) and is now in high demand for maintaining and restoring vintage drums.
About a decade ago, at the request of a fellow top drummer, he delivered a new, fully custom-made drum set. This was a great success, thanks in part to his own musical background and career. He has the ability to not only meet all the personal preferences of the client but also make the instrument exceptionally player-friendly.
Lieven's craftsmanship is fully showcased in his own line of custom-made Lee Van Cann drum sets.
To date, over 40 Lee Van Cann drum sets are being used by renowned artists and schools (Jazz Studio New York, Lemmens Institute in Leuven, Ghent Conservatory, De Singel Antwerp).
Topoftheart is pleased to offer a fully handcrafted drum set by Lee Van Cann. You can find it in the musical instruments category.
Would you like to contact Lieven directly for your own custom-made instrument and/or more information? Interested in visiting his workshop in Vorst (near Wiels)? That’s possible! Contact Lee Van Cann via email: LeeVanCann@gmail.com or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lieven.venken. Don’t miss the chance to meet this multi-facetted artist in person.
