Archives for November 2010

New Book: A Drummer’s Perspective

I was asked by author/photographer Dave Phillips to write a post announcing his new book A Drummer’s Perspective. Dave was the head of European Artist Relations for both Pearl Drums and Drum Workshop, and he started his own company, A & R Marketing Limited. I haven’t seen the physical book just yet, but the few photos available on the website look incredible. A Drummer’s Perspective would sure make for a great surprise under the tree this year—not that I’m fishing for gifts…!

Here’s the official press release:

Press Release – 17^th November 2010

New book launched ‘A Drummer’s Perspective’

A stunning collection of live action drumming photos

A Drummer’s Perspective is an original and unrivaled collection of over 200 photographs celebrating the world of drumming.

This large format book brings together some of the finest unseen photographs of legendary drummers. It is a unique collection of pictures taken by the author David Phillips, who has been given rare access on stage and behind the scenes to many of the biggest bands in the world.

These images capture the raw emotion and sheer excitement of playing live: You’ll be able to see the view from behind the kit on stage in front of tens of thousands of people, get up close to the action at sound checks and see exceptional shots of some of the most amazing rock concerts and festivals.

The book features over one hundred drumming legends from every type of genre and includes new photos of Dave Grohl, Joey Jordison, Zak Starkey, Ginger Baker, Dominic Howard, Neil Peart, Nicko McBrain, Mitch Mitchell, Roger Taylor, Dennis Chambers, Mike Portnoy, Nick Mason, Alex Acuña, Dave Weckl, Josh Freese, Chad Smith, Joey Castillo, Thomas Lang and this list goes on and on!

Renowned drummer, Terry Bozzio has written the foreword. Each picture is accompanied with details of where and when it was taken, recollections and anecdotes from the author, together with tour memorabilia such as backstage and photo passes.

The powerful images and text give a fascinating insight to drummers, their playing and their world. This coffee table book retails for £29.99 and can be purchased exclusively from www.music-images.co.uk . It will go on sale from December 6^th 2010 and pre-orders can be placed via the website before this to reserve your copy in time for Christmas.

The Triumvirate

11.15.10 by Patrick Leave a Comment

This is one of my all-time favorite clips: Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Steve Gadd at the Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship Concert on October 14, 1989.

I love the playing of all three of these titans for different reasons, but check out Vinnie’s especially nasty chops at 7:03.

Reflections on Veterans Day

11.11.10 by Patrick Leave a Comment

In honor of Veterans Day, an article on military bands:

“Music, Culture, and Society (Or Why You Shouldn’t Cut Military Bands)”

Psychology Today author Kimberly Sena Moore writes, “The intersection of music and military service has a rich history.” Our ilk were especially necessary: “Drummers were also involved, using their beats to help companies march in time for many hours and for long days.”

Moore’s article is in response to a Washington Post article by Walter Pincus titled “Vast number of military bands may not be music to Gates’s ears”. It should come as no surprise in a time of necessary cost-cutting that many who look at limiting the dollars going to the military-industrial complex look first to seemingly unnecessary, ancillary enclaves like military bands. It’s not so different than middle and high schools across the country. Music programs seem to have a permanent spot in queue for the budget guillotine.

dci002 — The 2000 USMC D&B bass line @ DCI

Both authors make valid points. Pincus’ article is certainly logical from a cost analysis perspective. (Even I didn’t know there were so many military bands.) Moore’s article is more…uh, psychological, obviously. The last thing I want to do is launch a political screed about so-called “fiscal responsibility” on a drumming blog, so rather than get into the particulars of economics and government spending I’ll just relate my personal experience in this specific area.

I spent four years in the Marine Corps: about 2.5 in the infantry, the remainder in the Commandant’s Own Marine Drum & Bugle Corps. This was in a period of comparatively little conflict in which the US was involved: 1997 to mid-2001.
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