“Infinity” is where it’s at when it comes to drumming because drummers give us infinite pleasure. This list celebrates their genius. It is not a “best of” compilation: this is drumming that I like. And I promise that you will, too. (These postings originally appeared on my Facebook page.)
Donald Bailey (September 22, 2020)
Midnight Special, from Midnight Special (Jimmy Smith)
100 Drummers. Day #49. Donald Bailey. With Jimmy Smith. Check him out with Hampton Hawes and Sarah Vaughn, too. Philadelphia’s own. Victor Bailey was his nephew. The Baileys were a dynasty of groove.
Papa Jo Jones (September 23, 2020)
Drum Solo No. 1, from The Drums
100 Drummers. Day #50. Papa Jo Jones.
Papa Jo Jones (September 23, 2020)
Shoe Shine Boy, from Jo Jones Special
Papa Jo Jones (September 23, 2020)
Old Man River, from The Essential Jo Jones
Art Taylor (September 24, 2020)
Springsville, from Miles Ahead
100 Drummers. Day #51 Art Taylor. His drumming on the album "Miles Ahead" is a model on how to play in a large ensemble and not sound like a typical big band drummer. He wisely eschews the typical set-ups and tutti play-alongs that most of us might instinctively choose ... and, of course, the secret to playing any of the music from the Miles Davis/Gil Evans collaborations is to play it as nearly as you can to the that Art Taylor, Jimmy Cobb or Phill Joe Jones did it. Were it so easily done as said!
Enjoy, here, the Johnny Carisi composition as rendered by the magnificent band assembled back in 1957 in the Columbia 30th Street Studio, "Springsville," with the inimitable Art Taylor.
Enjoy, here, the Johnny Carisi composition as rendered by the magnificent band assembled back in 1957 in the Columbia 30th Street Studio, "Springsville," with the inimitable Art Taylor.
Jimmy Cobb (September 25, 2020)
It Ain’t Necessarily So, from Porgy and Bess
100 Drummers. Day #52. (apologies for the late posting today) Jimmy Cobb. Period.
Bob Moses (September 26, 2020)
In The Fall, from Home (Steve Swallow)
100 Drummers. Day #53. Bob Moses. In The Fall.
Narada Michael Walden (September 27, 2020)
Come On, Come Over, from Jaco Pastorius
100 Drumers. Day #54. Narada Michael Walden. "Come On, Come Over"
Al Jackson, Jr (September 28, 2020)
Little Girl, from Donny Hathaway
100 Drummers. Day #55. Al Jackson, Jr. Sublimely soulful drumming on this Donny Hathaway tune, "Little Girl."
Maurice White (September 29, 2020)
My Cherie Amour, from Another Voyage
100 Drummers. Day #56. Maurice White. Everyone loves Maurice White and the band Earth, Wind & Fire. Not everyone may remember or know that Maurice was first known as a jazz drummer in the Chicago area. He joined Ramsey Lewis' trio in 1966 (replacing Isaac "Red" Holt). Check out Maurice's use of the hi-hat, often playing it on the 16th-note upbeat before the backbeat. This is such a hip beat!
I heard Joe Zawinul say a lot of things over the years, including his unwavering conviction that Maurice White was "a genius." I couldn't agree more.
I heard Joe Zawinul say a lot of things over the years, including his unwavering conviction that Maurice White was "a genius." I couldn't agree more.
David Garibaldi (September 30, 2020)
Can’t You See (You Doin’ Me Wrong)?, from Back To Oakland
100 Drummers. Day #57. David Garibaldi. David Garibaldi and Francis Rocco Prestia Jr. formed the best and most enduring drummer/bassist combination I can think of. Joining the rest of the musical world in mourning the loss of Rocco Prestia, I celebrate his excellence alongside his Tower of Power brother by listing this tune (that features an ingenious beat) as part of the 100 Drummer series ... today being Buddy Rich's birthday, I had been planning on highlighting a Buddy tune, but I think that everyone would agree that our hearts all turn to David at this time of loss, marking the end of his 50 year friendship and collaboration with Rocco. Long live Rocco.
Buddy Rich (October 1, 2020)
Come Back To Me, from The Sounds of '66
100 Drummers. Day #58. One day after his birthdate (born 103 years ago), the one and only Buddy Rich ... heard here on a recording that captured a show with Sammy Davis, Jr. (a show that began at 5:15 a.m.!) at the Sands Hotel in December, 1966.
Whenever I'm asked about Buddy Rich, I'll counter with the aphorism, "He was the Paganini of the drums." I'm not sure that covers it ... the kinetic excitement, the technical prodigiousness, the sheer brilliance of his playing and irrepressible momentum and swing that he brought to anything he played ... well, you can hear all of that and more in this show opener, "Come Back To Me." Those who know this recording, please enjoy it again. And to those who have not yet heard it: fasten your seatbelts. Everyone stay safe out there.
Whenever I'm asked about Buddy Rich, I'll counter with the aphorism, "He was the Paganini of the drums." I'm not sure that covers it ... the kinetic excitement, the technical prodigiousness, the sheer brilliance of his playing and irrepressible momentum and swing that he brought to anything he played ... well, you can hear all of that and more in this show opener, "Come Back To Me." Those who know this recording, please enjoy it again. And to those who have not yet heard it: fasten your seatbelts. Everyone stay safe out there.
Marty Morell (October 2, 2020)
OCTOBER SUITE (album), from October Suite (Steve Kuhn & Gary McFarland)
100 Drummers. Day #59. Marty Morell. Just in time for October, please listen to Steve Kuhn and Gary McFarland's brilliant partnership that featured McFarland's writing, Kuhn's ecstatic playing, a stoic Ron Carter plus a string quartet and woodwind quartet, all gently propelled by Marty Morell in what I consider to be the epitome of sensitive and intelligent drumming. (I remember meeting Marty backstage at Carnegie Hall when he came to say hello to his cousin Ramon Lopez, the conga drummer with the Kenton band, after our performance — which must have featured what I can only imagine was my representing the opposite of quiet, sensitive or intelligent — and when I praised him for this specific recording, he just looked at me like I was nuts. I'll have to ask him about that [if he even remembers it] someday.) Anyway, I encourage you to listen to the entire album, in a quiet space and with some time to spare. I promise that the music will take you to a great place. "October Suite"
Greg Errico (October 3, 2020)
You Can Make It If You Try, from Stand
100 Drummers. Day #60. Life goes on. "You Can Make It If You Try" Greg Errico. Greg was a touring member of Weather Report for a while. I salute my fellow Mysterious Traveler, and wish to point out the obvious: this right here is an insanely great recording ... the paradiddle drum beat thing during the breakdown (@ approx 2:30) is one of my all-time favorite beats ... Stay positive, folks.
Artie Schroeck (October 4, 2020)
Lu, from Eli and the Thirteenth Confession
100 Drummers. Day #61. Arthur Schroeck. Laura Nyro. “Lu.” Recorded in early 1968, check out the ingenuity of this drum beat. With Hugh McCracken’s guitar, Charles Calello’s superb arranging and production plus a stellar band, AND of course Laura Nyro’s incredible singing and songwriting, this song will make your day whether this is the first time or 101st time you’ve heard it. A story: several years ago, I found myself in Copenhagen between tours and so I booked a nice hotel in town, pretty much planning to go for some long walks, take some pictures and just take it easy. All of a sudden I got the urge to listen to “Eli & the Thirteenth Confession,” and so I downloaded the album on iTunes and began listening to it, reveling in the sounds and good memories of that summer in 1969 when I discovered this album in my sister Nancy’s pile of records ... and, then, that hi-hat beat that Artie Schroeck is playing. WAITAMINUTE. I rewind and play it again. Whoa. iTunes ... no musician credits. Google search not turning up much of anything at that time. I start sending emails to people who might know who this is ... finally, the good people at Modern Drummer suggest that it’s most likely a guy named Artie Schroeck. Who? So I google search some more. I find his website. He and his wife live outside of Las Vegas. He plays the vibes and piano, she sings. There’s an email link. I write to him. He writes back. I am listening to the album like a madman now. He tells his drummer son that he’s gotten this wild email from me. His son asks him if he knows who I am. All of a sudden, Artie writes and says, “Wanna Skype?” This is my holiday in Denmark. Soon thereafter I am treated to an incredible history of the New York recording scene in the 60s and early 70s. Artie was an in-demand percussionist and arranger. He was brought onto the project by his old friend Charles Calello. He and Charles went to the Newark Arts High School. Their classmate? Wayne Shorter. So, my time off in Copenhagen is spent in this universe of Laura Nyro’s words and music and the mist of my own memories mixing with the history of this album and that scene in New York when music ... well, the times, they were a changin’, weren’t they? Artie’s ability to follow Laura Nyro’s tempo changes, anticipating where the song will go, is a masterclass in accompaniment and joyful music-making. Enjoy.
Herb Lovelle (October 5, 2020)
Spinning Wheel, from Blood, Sweat & Brass
100 Drummers. Day #62. How about a little love for Herbie Lovelle? Y'all know this tune but maybe not this arrangement or recording. Ernie Wilkins leads the band, dubbed "The Phoenix Brass Authority." Check out the personnel: "Blood, Sweat & Brass " 1970 [Mainstream Records] Bass – Chuck Rainey; Drums – Herbie Lovelle; Flute, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Chris Woods, Hubert Laws; Guitar – David Spinoza, Kenneth Burrell; Organ, Piano, Keyboards – Frank Anderson, Frank Owen; Trombone – Benny Powell, George Jeffers; Trumpet – Joseph Newman, Lloyd Michaels, Ray Copeland, Woody Shaw
Bobby Colomby (October 6, 2020)
Spinning Wheel, from Blood, Sweat & Tears
100 Drummers. Day #63. Bobby Colomby. Since I posted that studio band/cover version yesterday with Herb Lovelle, it’s only right that we listen to the original recording of “Spinning Wheel” today. Hearing this album in Chris Brubeck’s dorm room in early 1969 at the Interlochen Arts Academy blew this 14-year-old’s mind: the Satie opening, followed by “Smiling Phases” ... I’d never heard a drum sound like this. And to then hear jazz licks in the middle of this “rock” horn band ... man, those were the days (check out Bob’s fill circa 1:25 into the tune). Great writing, playing, Lew Soloff’s incredible solo, those vocals. Hey, hey, hey. What goes up, must come down. You dig?
Billy Higgins (October 7, 2020)
Un Muy Bonita, from
100 Drummers. Day #64. Billy Higgins. Ornette Coleman. Don Cherry. Charlie Haden. “Un Muy Bonita” from Change of the Century. Ornette Coleman. Billy Higgins. Charlie Haden. Don Cherry. Wow. Recorded on October 8, 1959 in Hollywood. 61 years ago.
Steve Gadd (October 8, 2020)
Manhattan Update, from Manhattan Update
100 Drummers. Day #65. Steve Gadd. Now might be a good time to explain that this listing of 100 drummers in 100 days is not meant to represent anything other than me sharing the joy that these recordings have brought to me, so ... the order is more or less random, and the selection of tracks may or may not represent any particular drummer's "best" or most important work. I say this because it may seem odd to only be getting around to Steve just now, or how could I choose "x" track instead of "y" ... why? ("Because we like you!") With so many personal favorites to choose from (including his recordings with White Elephant, Mike Mainieri, Steps, Ralph MacDonald, Michel Colombier, Steve Khan, Steely Dan, Chick Corea, Stuff ... this list goes on and on), I kept coming back to this Warren Bernhardt delight on which Steve plays a multitracked drum solo that seems to highlight the best things about his drumming, including imagination, energy, that spark of kinetic energy otherwise known as charisma, and of course technical mastery (plus sound, time, inventiveness, control) ... if I had to describe Buddy Rich by way of adjectives, the listing would be pretty similar. Steve is right up there. This entire album is a gem.
Claudio Son (October 9, 2020)
Canto de Uburitan, from Primal Roots
100 Drummers. Day #66. Claudio Slon. A wonderful drummer, the tom lead-in he plays at approx 1:11 was considered the greatest tom fill of all time when this album came out in the early 1970s, and I think that estimation still holds. The entire album is great.
Nick Ceroli (October 10, 2020)
Carmelo's on the Freeway, from Westlake (Bob Florence Big Band)
100 Drummers. Day #67. Nick Ceroli. This is probably one of the greatest performances of big band drumming ever captured on record. Nick Ceroli was a giant.
Ray Lucas (October 11, 2020)
Reverend Lee, from Chapter Two (Roberta Flack)
100 Drummers. Day #68. Ray Lucas. "Reverend Lee" Roberta Flack. Chapter Two. Chuck Rainey. Atlantic Records. The best. Have a perfect Sunday, everyone.
Joe Galdo (October 12, 2020)
What You Won’t Do For Love, from Bobby Caldwell
100 Drummers. Day #69. Joe Galdo. "What You Won't Do For Love" Bobby Caldwell. Memories of driving on the 101 when I first moved to Los Angeles (Encino, January of 1979 — several months after joining Weather Report), it seemed like this tune was always playing on the radio. The drum track is really, really good. Like, great.
Stix Hooper (October 13, 2020)
Pass The Plate, from Pass The Plate (The Crusaders)
100 Drummers. Day #70. Nesbert "Stix" Hooper. "Pass the Plate" The Crusaders (Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Wayne Henderson & Stix) created this concept album in early 1971. This is my favorite Crusaders track (even though I love their version of Carole King's "So Far Away") ... always felt that this tune was ahead of its time. (and dig Wayne Henderson's "Oscalypso" melody quote ... which I first heard as a kid on Art Blakey's 'Drum Suite' album). Pass the plate.
Gary Hobbs (October 14, 2020)
Time for a Change, from Kenton ‘76
100 Drummers. Day #71. Gary Hobbs. I'll be honest ... I was really hoping I'd get to be the drummer to record Hank Levy's "Time For A Change" with Stan's band, because we had played it a bit before I left the band. Great chart. But no one could have done a better job than Gary does here on this recording. I was so happy to hear it when it came out, realizing that the drum chair was in such good hands (and feet). Bravo, Gary.
Clyde Stubblefield (October 15, 2020)
Since You’ve Been Gone, from James Brown: Motherlode
100 Drummers. Day #72. Clyde Stubblefield. "Since You've Been Gone" Black Lives Matter.
Andy Newmark (October 16, 2020)
in Time, from Fresh (Sly)
100 Drummers. Day #73. Andy Newmark. Sly Stone. In Time. You dig?
Cozy Cole (October 17, 2020)
Topsy, Part 2, from Cozy Cole Hits
100 Drummers. Day #74. Cozy Cole. On his 111th birthday (he passed away in 1981). Happy Birthday in drum heaven, Mr. Cole, and thank you for Topsy!
Rick Marotta (October 18, 2020)
Easy To Please, from Love Play (Mike Mainieri)
100 Drummers. Day #75. Rick Marotta. This is a great track that highlights Rick's ability to lay down a rock-solid groove while giving the music a completely buoyant feel. New York fusion at its finest.
Lenny White (October 19, 2020)
Crankin’ (entire album), from Crankin’ (Curtis Fuller)
100 Drummers. Day #76. Lenny White. Always an amazing player, this album introduced me to his name and drumming (along with Stanley Clarke ... they both look real young in the album photos). The youtube website says 1973 but I heard this in high school so I'm going to guess that the album was recorded in 1970. Was going to link just the final tune "The Spirit," but the entire album is a hoot and the first tune is, indeed, Crankin'. Everybody have a great week. [Curtis Fuller "Crankin', with George Cables, Bill Washer, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White]
Idris Muhammad (October 20, 2020)
It’s Your Thing (Grant Green), from Alive!
100 Drummers. Day #77. Better late than never. Idris Muhammad. Some of the funkiest and most soulful drumming this side of heaven. "It's Your Thing." Have a great rest of your day, America. And go, Dodgers.
Steve Berrios (October 21, 2020)
BeBop, from The River Is Deep
100 Drummers. Day #78. Steve Berrios. "BeBop." Performed at the Berlin Jazz Festival with Jerry Gonzalez's Fort Apache Band. Can you imagine being in the audience and hearing this? This is some of the greatest drumming I've ever heard. The name of the album is "The River Is Deep." Indeed. This is deep. Enjoy and stay safe, everyone.
Dino Danelli (October 22, 2020)
Jungle Walk, from The Island of Real
100 Drummers. Day #79. Dino Danelli. "Jungle Walk" with Felix Cavaliere (keyboards, producer), Buzz Feiten (guitar, composer), Robert "Pops" Popwell (bass), Annie Sutton & Molly Holt (vocals), David Sanborn (alto sax), Charles Dinwiddie (tenor sax), Steve Madaio (trumpet). Funky and fun ... from "The Island of Real," released in 1972.
Zigaboo Modeliste (October 23, 2020)
Just Kissed My Baby, from Rejuvenation
100 Drummers. Day #80. Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste. The Meters. "Just Kissed My Baby" Does it get any better than this? Y'all have a great Friday.
Jeff Porcaro (October 24, 2020)
That’s Why, from Michael McDonald
100 Drummers. Day #81. Jeff Porcaro. "That's Why" After living in LA for three years, I made the move to New York and began living in Manhattan, first as Steve Khan's neighbor (subletting Warren Bernhardt's co-op studio, located right above a dry cleaner's shop) and then for 4 years in a cool co-op place on 29th Street between 8th & 9th. Was working with Steps (which had already been re-named "Steps Ahead" by that time) ... anyway, quiet evening alone in the apartment, listening to this Michael McDonald LP, some great tracks ... I get to this tune and listen to it once, and then again, and then a third time, realizing all of a sudden that I'm crying. Why? Because the drumming was, to me, perfect. I wept to be witness to such perfection. The only other time this has happened to me was when I listened to the duet of Elvin Jones and John Coltrane on the Kulu Se Mama album ("Vigil").
So, please enjoy this perfect drum track. Jeff Porcaro. That's why. (Thinking on this ... I suspect that, up until that moment, the fierce motivation to get "better" had always been fueled (fooled?) by the belief system I had built up over the years that anything was possible to achieve on the instrument. Perhaps my tears were part of a sudden realization that I would never be able to do what Jeff could do ... and this eventually allowed me to grow. Every glimpse of our limitations, whether dealing with mortality or Morello, can and should be harrowing at first. We'll all always have Jeff to thank for showing us the way.)
So, please enjoy this perfect drum track. Jeff Porcaro. That's why. (Thinking on this ... I suspect that, up until that moment, the fierce motivation to get "better" had always been fueled (fooled?) by the belief system I had built up over the years that anything was possible to achieve on the instrument. Perhaps my tears were part of a sudden realization that I would never be able to do what Jeff could do ... and this eventually allowed me to grow. Every glimpse of our limitations, whether dealing with mortality or Morello, can and should be harrowing at first. We'll all always have Jeff to thank for showing us the way.)
Carlos Vega (October 25, 2020)
Sun on the Moon, from Never Die Young
100 Drummers. Day #82. Carlos Vega. Shortly after I joined the Stan Kenton orchestra in July of 1972, I found myself in the role of instructor at the Kenton Summer Camp being held on the campus of Sacramento State College. Among the drum students there were Chad Wackerman, Gregg Field and Carlos Vega. One of my duties was to conduct a 2-hour drum class each afternoon for that week, and some of each class included a discussion of various drummers. From day #2 onward, one of the students would ask me the same question in front of the class: "When are you going to start talking about John Guerin?" That persistent student was Carlos. I next encountered Carlos when I visited a recording studio a few years later in Manhattan where John Serry was recording his first album. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, Carlos sounded so good. And every time I heard Carlos play, he sounded so, so good. In fact, the only time in my role as an album producer where I hired someone (other than me) to play drums, I called Carlos. (This was for the Anne Hills "October Child" album ... more on that in another post.) And, just like with every other drummer I've been featuring here, it's not always easy to choose a favorite or most representative track. But, again, with Carlos and because he always sounds so good, every track is a good choice. I hope you'll enjoy this one from the James Taylor album "Never Die Young." Produced by Don Grolnick. Drumming by the great Carlos Vega.
Russ Kunkel (October 26, 2020)
Your Smiling Face, from JT (James Taylor)
100 Drummers. Day #83. Russ Kunkel. Today would be a great day to see Your Smiling Face. It would also be a great day to listen to it. Like yesterday's James Taylor song, that's Leland Sklar playing the bass. Together with Russ Kunkel, they formed "The Section" and were probably responsible for more smiling faces than I could possibly count. If there really is such a thing as "California Cuisine," it must sound like this. Bravo, gentlemen.
Roy Haynes (October 27, 2020)
Equipoise, from Hip Ensemble
100 Drummers. Day #84. Roy. Haynes. and his Hip Ensemble. "Equipoise" composed by Stanley Cowell. Played by Roy, Marvin Peterson (trumpet), George Adams (tenor sax), Carl Schroeder (elec. piano), Teruo Nakamura (bass), recorded in 1971. Hip. Roy Haynes. The master.
Colin Bailey (October 28, 2020)
Cast Your Fate to the Wind, from Black Orpheus
100 Drummers. Day #85. Colin Bailey. The incredible thing about Colin's drumming — in addition to his possessing the finest and fastest foot to ever play a bass drum pedal — is that he manages to sound so soulful while drumming with impeccable chops. His snare technique rivals Morello's but he manages to evoke a groove that feels both exotic and as comfortable as an old shoe.
Recorded and released 1962, this song did as much as any other to help spread hipness over the airwaves. This 8-year-old dug it back then and I dig it now, too. I hope you will as well. Don't forget to vote.
Recorded and released 1962, this song did as much as any other to help spread hipness over the airwaves. This 8-year-old dug it back then and I dig it now, too. I hope you will as well. Don't forget to vote.
Donald Dean (October 29, 2020)
Compared to What, from Swiss Movement (Les McCann & Eddie Harris)
100 Drummers. Day #86. Donald Dean. "Compared To What." As timely as ever .... with a great beat. I give it a 10. Don't forget to vote. (after which it will be "Cold Duck Time," hopefully) (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival) · Les McCann · Eddie Harris Swiss Movement (Montreux 30th Anniversary) ℗ 1969 Atlantic Recording Corporation; Trumpet: Benny Bailey; Drums: Donald Dean; Tenor Saxophone: Eddie Harris; Producer: Joel Dorn; Bass Guitar: Leroy Vinnegar; Piano, Vocals: Les McCann; Producer: Nesuhi Ertegun; Writer: Gene McDaniels
Danny Seraphine (October 30, 2020)
Movin’ In, from 2nd Chicago album
100 Drummers. Day #87. Danny Seraphine. “Movin’ In” from Chicago’s second album. This was always my favorite track on my favorite album by the band...it beautifully highlights everyone’s talents as well as the voice that the band possessed. And Danny sounds great here. This was their sophomore album, and I was digging it during my sophomore year in high school. Time flies. Everyone have a safe, sane and happy weekend.
Sam Woodyard (October 31, 2020)
Stalking Monster (from the Night Creature Suite), from Duke Ellington: The Reprise Studio Recordings
100 Drummers. Day #88. Halloween. Sam Woodyard. The perfect day for Duke Ellington's "Stalking Monster" from the Night Creature Suite. Ellington described this second movement as evoking "that imaginary monster we all fear we shall have to meet some midnight, but when we meet him I'm sure that we shall find that he too does the boogie-woogie." Sam Woodyard's 2 + 4 is scary good. Happy Halloween, everyone. Stay safe.
Ron Selico (November 1, 2020)
Peaches en Regalia, from Hot Rats
100 Drummers. Day #89. Ron Selico. "Peaches En Regalia" Frank Zappa. Hot Rats. Enjoy the music. Vote for change. We need it, folks.
Buddy Miles (November 2, 2020)
Train, from Expressway To Your Skull
The Buddy Miles Express. Dig the bass playing of Bill Rich. And the drumming, of course, of Buddy Miles. And his singing, too. Heavy stuff. “Let Your Lovelight Shine” is also a very cool track. Recorded in 1968. This Express is now like a time machine, you know?
Freddie White (November 3, 2020)
You Are A Winner, from Raise (Earth, Wind & Fire)
100 Drummers. Day #91. Freddie White. Earth, Wind & Fire. "You Are A Winner" Funky tight Freddie White. Incredible horn chart and playing. Jubilant vocals. Nice handclaps ...! Fun little back story: Jaco and I went to The Complex where EW&F rehearsed and recorded, I think the management company also had an office there (EW&F shared the same management as Weather Report) ... anyway, I had accompanied Jaco on his visit to the offices of Cavallo-Ruffalo, whereupon they told us that, "Maurice is recording, he'd love it if you two stopped by to say hello" or something to that effect. We hung out for a while and then Maurice invited the two of us to join him and a few others from the band to overdub some 2 + 4 handclaps on this tune. The first thing I noticed is that my clap seemed to always be ahead of everyone else's, so I adjusted accordingly! The next thing: listen for Maurice doing a nice little "woo!" exclamation during the breakdown, only to be followed by Jaco's-not-sure-how-I'd-spell-it-or-name-it bellow (because Jaco could not let Maurice have the last word...!). I remember laughing/shaking my head in disbelief when he did it, and I shook my head even more when I eventually got the album after my move to New York and heard that Maurice kept it in! The other thing I remember was that Maurice told me that they did not record with a click track. Jerry Hey, can you confirm that? In any event, I thought this would be a fun tune to post today, and I'm dedicating it to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and our country. Stay funky and stay hopeful, y'all.
Uriel Jones (November 4, 2020)
Now That There’s You, from Exposed (Valerie Simpson)
100 Drummers. Day #93. Uriel Jones. "Now That There's You" Valerie Simpson. Lovely song. Great rhythm track plus orchestral arrangement. This should have been a big hit. I'll always be grateful for having heard it. Back in 1971. Thank you, Anne Hills. Welcome to a new day, folks.
Chet Forest (November 5, 2020)
What’s Going On, from What’s Going On
100 Drummers. Day #94. Chet Forest. "What's Going On" Marvin Gaye's magnum opus, as timely and masterful as ever. And, oh, what a band.
Willie Hall (November 6, 2020)
Never Can Say Goodbye, from Black Moses (Isaac Hayes)
100 Drummers. Day #92. Willie Hall. Many of you might know Willie Hall from his appearance and playing in the "Blues Brothers" movie (where he played the part of Willie "Too Big" Hall, the drummer in the Murph and the Magic Tones band that becomes the backup band for Jake and Elwood Blues, a/k/a "The Blues Brothers"). In fact, Willie Hall had been part of the Bar-Kays band. He was an indispensable part of the Memphis music scene and sound, and his work with Isaac Hayes is very well-represented here on "I Never Can Say Goodbye." Mea culpa to any and all accusations of cheap irony in my choosing to post this track today. Enjoy Willie Hall's great drumming. Stay safe, y'all.
Kenny Clare (November 7, 2020)
Can't Buy Me Love, from Hello, Dolly! (Ella Fitzgerald)
Infinity Drummers. Day #95. Kenny Clare. England's answer to Don Lamond and then some. The way he kicks the band here is nothing short of astonishing. A great, great drummer.
Bobby Ramirez (November 8, 2020)
Let's Get It On, from Edgar Winter’s White Trash
Infinity Drummers. Day #96 (Sunday, November 8, 2020) Bobby Ramirez. Gone far too soon. In his memory, and in timely celebration: "Let's Get It On"