Posts Tagged Drumming
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January 10, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Sweetman Podcast # 150: Delia Shanly
Welcome to episode 150 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors – T Leaf T, Yeastie Boys and La Petite Chocolat. Did I think I’d make it to 150 when I started this podcast? I had no number in mind. So we continue… Thanks for listening if and when you do. Now – as you probably know, as well as […]Archive
January 5, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Poem: Giving The Drummer Some
I met Steve Gadd. He had played on many of the greatest songs ever. And just in case he’d forgotten I reminded him. I got him to sign my records. He was embarrassed – And told me he liked the fact that I was wearing shorts. It takes all sorts. And I was the only […]Archive
December 26, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
The Vinyl Countdown # 347
Ringo Starr, Sentimental Journey (1970) Poor old Ringo Starr. I say “Poor old Ringo Starr”, when there’s nothing poor about him. Nice life, great drummer, in the best band in the world, lucky timing on that too, etc. And it really hasn’t mattered what he did after. I mean he’s as well-known – actually probably […]Archive
October 17, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
RNZ Music Feature: Steve Gadd
I’m usually on RNZ once a month to have a chat about some new albums. But the other day I got the call up to present a Music Feature for the Afternoons show. Well, actually, I was on-air talking about some albums in my regular review slot and I was promoting the back that legendary drummer Steve […]Archive
March 20, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Gig Review: Mechanical Ballet (March 17, Wgtn)
Mechanical Ballet: Stroma w/ Sarah Watkins & Stephen De Pledge, Directed by Michael Norris Hannah Playhouse Friday March 16/Saturday March 17 The Mechanical Ballet refers to the dance between human musical abilities – both in a playing and composing sense – and the “mechatronics” of pre-programmed devices; machines that strike, thud, bow, pluck and rasp. […]Archive
March 13, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Marching To The Beat Of Their Own Drums: Short Interviews With Ari Hoenig, Anthony Donaldson and Dave Weckl
There are drummer jokes for most musical occasions but almost all of them feature a punchline mocking the drummer’s intelligence. Talk to a good player and they’ll be thoughtful and wise; focussed and passionate. I talked to three great drummers – all set to be the star of the show for a few moments or […]Archive
February 13, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Bashing Out: My Top 10 ‘Drum’ Albums
I was hooked on Modern Drummer magazine as a teen. And I always liked reading the record reviews at the back of the Modern Drummer, they focused on drums and ‘drum’ albums or at least highlighted the drums and drumming on pop and rock records when they reviewed them. They might write-up a pop album because of […]Archive
February 4, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
R.I.P. Ndugu Chancler
Leon “Ndugu” Chancler has died. He was 65. The pop, soul, funk, disco, jazz, R’n’B and rock drummer will be remembered best as the drummer on Thriller. The creator of the perfect beat in Billie Jean but he was a veteran who had worked with masters including Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, George Duke, Jean-Luc Ponty, […]Archive
February 3, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Playlist: Paul on Drums – Big Macca Attack
“Ringo! The best drummer in the world? He’s not even”, so the famous quip goes, “the best drummer in The Beatles”. Attributed to John Lennon, it’s actually a clever piece of satire by the comedian Jasper Carrott. Not only is it the funniest thing he said it has a deadly accuracy – John Lennon might […]Archive
February 2, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Sweetman Podcast: Episode 101 – Ant Donaldson
Welcome to episode 101 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors – T Leaf T, Yeastie Boys and Le Petite Chocolat. Here’s a chat with legendary Wellington drummer Ant Donaldson. I met Ant a few years back – having been an admirer of his playing across so many bands. The Razorblade, The Mantarays, The Six Volts/Front Lawn, The Labcoats, The […]Archive
January 19, 2018 by Simon Sweetman