John Wadhams only album as leader, DRUMS and FRIENDS, featuring leading guitarist Louis Stewart and flautist, Brian Dunning, was recorded in 1978, as Livias second release. Now remixed, remastered, and extended, with new photographs and sleeves notes, the album is again available, reflecting Johns importance in the Irish jazz scene.

John was the first-choice drummer of Irish jazz for decades. His excellent playing, clever wit, and warm personality made him a favourite of many visiting jazz musicians as well as local players, generations of Irish jazz fans, not to mention the hundreds of aspiring drummers whom he taught.

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DRUMS and FRIENDS features trios with Brian Dunning and bassist Frank Hess, and with Louis Stewart and bassist Martin Walsh, and duets with Louis. The tunes are mainly standards and contemporary compositions plus an exceptionally rare free improvisation with Louis.

Mainly recorded in 1978 in Dublins Pat Hayes Studio, the album also includes two tracks from Louis Stewart's Louis the First session recorded in Trend Studios in 1975.

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Drummer, jazz archivist, and former student of John, Conor Guilfoyle, wrote the sleeve notes.