Posts Tagged Drummer
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May 22, 2021 by Simon Sweetman
R.I.P. Roger Hawkins
Roger Hawkins has died. The legendary session drummer was 75. A member of The Swampers, a supergroup of session stalwarts, the backbone of the Muscle Shoals rhythm section, Hawkins was one of most tasteful, dependable players – no ego in dominance, all empathy for the tune. Even if you don’t recognise the name you have […]Archive
February 13, 2021 by Simon Sweetman
R.I.P. Milford Graves
Milford Graves, one of the pioneering free-jazz drummers, has died. He was 79. One of the players to free the drum kit from its primary time-keeping role, Graves played the trap set like it was a set of percussion instruments, disparate, like he was a percussionist. He would sometimes hold two sticks in each hand […]Archive
January 31, 2021 by Simon Sweetman
Billy Cobham: Live in Montreux (Live 1987)
Billy Cobham Live in Montreux (Live 1987) Lo-Light Records / Billy Cobham Billy Cobham – what a fucking player. He spun my head right around – that single disc greatest hits of his solo records, man. What a life-changer. When it comes down to it, so much of fusion leaves me cool but I could […]Archive
January 16, 2021 by Simon Sweetman
Mike Edison: Sympathy For The Drummer – Why Charlie Watts Matters
Sympathy For The Drummer: Why Charlie Watts Matters Mike Edison Backbeat Most people know that Charlie Watts matters – most people that would read a book about how Charlie Watts matters would already know I reckon…hell, I already wrote my own piece arguing much the same ages ago – but that didn’t stop me lapping […]Archive
December 9, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: I Interviewed Rick Allen, Drummer For Def Leppard
I interviewed Rick Allen, drummer for Def Leppard. My main worry, when they told me he was on his way down for a chat, was whether he’d lost his left or right arm in that horrific car crash. Would he be able to shake my hand – just normally? Or would he invert the other […]Archive
December 2, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Cindy Blackman Santana: Give The Drummer Some
Cindy Blackman Santana Give The Drummer Some Copperline As Cindy Blackman she made her name as the drummer in Lenny Kravitz’s band – wearing a wig and stomping out the rock grooves. But that was the side-hustle made big; her real love (and skill) was as a jazzer, making records under her own name. I’m […]Archive
November 28, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Dave Schoepke: Tessellated Resonance
Dave Schoepke Tessellated Resonance Dave Schoepke Dave Schoepke is a journeyman drummer and percussionist. He’s been a regular with the Willy Porter Band and also plays with Martin Barre (of Jethro Tull fame). He has appeared on dozens of records, worked as a teacher and recorded instructional drum material as well as a series of […]Archive
October 25, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Joe Farnsworth: Time To Swing
Joe Farnsworth Time To Swing Smoke Sessions Records Joe Farnsworth is a classy, understated drummer; master of straight-ahead jazz. Bop, balladry and all points between. He’s your guy. And he’s been on the scene for years now – as mostly a sideman. He has this great story too of having his head blown – didn’t […]Archive
September 21, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets: Live At The Roundhouse
Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Live At The Roundhouse BMG A couple of years back I read about Nick Mason’s new group – Saucerful of Secrets. He was tackling the pre-Dark Side Pink Floyd, the Syd Barrett years and some of the early years of when Roger Waters started to steer the ship. Essentially the […]Archive
September 17, 2020 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 51
Mel Tormé, The Velvet Fog (1970) So many crooners. So many good singers. Singing so many good songs. I got to Mel Tormé in the silliest of ways – but it’s one that is in keeping with my generation’s way of being introduced to things I guess. The TV show Night Court, a favourite features […]Archive
September 14, 2020 by Simon Sweetman