Several years later I had the opportunity to work at the same club as the Tony Williams Lifetime when they were touring and playing the music that was on the “The OLD Bum’s Rush,” recording. He already had the big yellow Gretsch kit by this time with the 24” bass drum and multiple toms. Each night over the course of the week the band gelled better and on the final night it was truly amazing. The entire night was smoking; one tune would have been worth waiting the week to hear, let alone the whole night.
Read moreMike Clark: Words of Wisdom - Chapter 23
“I was just thinking about all the great jazz artists that didn't get a break -- and are still bringin' it and growing. They are heroes in my book. I was lucky to get a bit of love that has lasted me a lifetime”.
Read moreJoe Corsello: Remembering Tony Williams
In September of 1964, I was admitted to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where I began my musical studies with some amazing teachers, one being Alan Dawson.
Read moreMike Clark: Words of Wisdom - chapter 22
“I went to a Steve Gadd clinic at The Drum Hang the other day and found him to be a very open and nice cat… Not defiled like yours truly - but hey, I'm workin' on it!”
Read moreTerry Silverlight: Remembering Tony Williams
When I was fourteen years old, I played drums on my first recording led by my brother Barry Miles that included Pat Martino, John Abercrombie, Lew Tabackin, Victor Gaskin and Warren Smith. The music Barry had written was different than anything I had heard until that point, so there was no choice but for me to figure out what and how to play something that would be the right fit, in my own voice. Knowing that Tony Williams had done that being so young, it inspired me to try and make that happen for myself.
Read moreJazz Legend Jimmy Cobb, Drummer For Miles Davis, Passes Away At 91
“One of the most influential drummers of all time has passed. Jimmy Cobb, I have listened to you on ‘Kind Of Blue’ so many times when my head needed calming down and straightening out and uplifting”.
– George Lawrence
Read moreMike Clark: Remembering Tony Williams
Not So Modern Drummer celebrates the life and music of Legendary Drummer Tony Williams in our new ongoing series. Chapter Two features Mike Clark’s personal recollections and commentary.
Read moreTodd Sucherman - Remembering Tony Williams - Chapter 1
But, Tony… Hearing him in that room. He would always start out with a solo piece and it felt like it was fight or flight— the hair would rise up on your arms. Primal. Scary. Loud. Resonant. Uniquely him, so much of his authentic self in every note… The coolest and the deepest 24” inch bass drum with three floor toms in THAT room. The softest whisper to the loudest roar… Grooving, swinging with explosive punctuations. The sound is seared into my memory for the rest of my life.
Read morePaul Wertico: The Sound Painter
In the international press, Paul has been called “an inspired madman,” and “a restless innovator.” The same could be said of painter Jackson Pollock. There is a direct rhythmic connection between what Paul composes on the drums and what Pollock visually composed on canvas. Each deliberately using an organized rhythmic pattern while communicating their inconsistencies, anomalies and imperfections. Both speaking different languages of which only they can understand and interpret. Critics may never be able to fully describe the true motivations and complete originality of Paul Wertico and Jackson Pollock since both were creating in the moment.
Read moreGordy Knudtson - The Pompatus of Drums
I had the opportunity once again to spend a couple of hours with Gordy before a recent show. He broke down the Open/Close technique showing how it has evolved over the years.
Read moreBilly Arnold - Young At Heart by David Barsalou
Seventy year old drummer Billy Arnold is presently touring the world with The Young @ Heart Chorus. Those who have seen the award winning Twentieth Century Fox documentary soon realize that age is a state of mind. This amazing group performs a wide range of eclectic rock and soul. All members of the chorus range in age from 73 to 95. To see them perform is a revelation. They truly are, young in heart, mind, and spirit.
Read moreReview - 2019 Chicago Drum Show
Now celebrating its 29th year, the Chicago Drum Show is the world’s largest and longest running drumming event in the world. It features over 30,000 square feet of new and used custom drums and cymbals of all makes and models.
From above the arena, it appeared to be a football field covered in all things percussion.
Read moreTim Smith - The POCO Years
Tim never had to audition for Poco… Rusty Young hired him on Rich Neville’s recommendation, and it changed everything. “I’ll forever be grateful…and stepping into George Grantham’s shoes to replace him was an honor in itself.”
Read moreReview of the 2019 Connecticut Vintage and Custom Drum Show
On Sunday, April 22, 2018, Rick Smith presented another memorable vintage and custom drum show at The Sphinx Shriners Center in Newington, Connecticut. Featured clinicians this year were long-time Journey drummer, Steve Smith, and Paul Francis - Director of Research & Design /Quality at the Avedis Zildjian Company. Both Paul and Steve entertained large audiences, giving them some truly inspirational performances. Also in attendance were several well-known drummers including – Gary Asher - Joe Corsello – Arti Dixson - Daniel Glass – Andrew Klein - Dave Mattacks – Adam Nussbaum and Bobby T Torello.
Read moreMike Clark: Words of Wisdom - Chapter 21
Another new chapter in our ongoing series of quotes, conversations, commentary, and updates with jazz drumming legend Mike Clark. Mike’s keen observations provide numerous insights into “all things music”. Mike tells it like it is…The good, the bad, and everything else in between:
Read moreYou Don't Know Jack: Chapter 4
As a young man, Jack Scarangella became a lifelong New York Yankees fan - Soon becoming a permanent fixture at Yankee Stadium. Most of the players and management already knew Jack by name. Ironically, much earlier at the age of nine, a kind police officer let him sneak in to see Buddy Rich in concert. It wasn’t very long before Yankees owner George Steinbrenner gave Jack permission to attend all of their home games for free. On numerous occasions, he found himself in the owner’s box, dugout, or seated next to the legendary Yankee broadcasters Phil Rizzuto, and Bill White. Jack has said that it was Mr. Steinbrenner who changed his life by allowing him full access to Yankee Stadium as his personal guest.
Read moreJoe Corsello - Timing is Everything
When given the opportunity to spend a few hours with Joe Corsello in his Stamford, Connecticut studio, I immediately jumped at the chance. Being in close proximity to one of the world’s most renowned jazz drummers was definitely a rare ‘WOW!!’ moment.
Read moreHal Blaine to be honored at Holyoke Community College
Legendary drummer Hal Blaine, who recently turned 90, will be celebrated in his hometown of Holyoke, Massachusetts at Holyoke Community College’s Leslie Phillips Theater on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
Read moreElton John, Nigel Olsson - The Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour
Drummer Nigel Olsson has been playing and recording with Elton John since 1970. He has performed in concert with Elton over 2,500 times. Nigel, the consummate showman, is always smiling. On stage, he is impeccably dressed with a shirt, tie and, trademark white gloves. Joining with Ray Cooper and John Mahon, they were a complete rhythmic force unlike any other. With a long and impressive resume… Nigel has played with The Spencer Davis Group, Uriah Heep, and as a first-call studio drummer. His credentials also include time with Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, and Kiki Dee.
Read moreMike Clark: Words of Wisdom - Chapter 20
Chapter 20 in our ongoing series of conversations, quotes, commentary, and updates with jazz drumming legend Mike Clark. Mike’s keen observations provide numerous insights into “all things music”. Mike tells it like it is… The good, the bad, and everything else in between:
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