Cymbal Choices of the Greats

Ms.Caplette can’t seem to get her words out today.  She informs us that she’s picked up a bad throat infection (hence the whisper), but she’s still smiling and it’s not going to stop her playing some drums too.  The audience don’t seem to mind at all (the large auditorium is just over half capacity for this multi-clinic show) filled as it is with drum enthusiasts (you know the ones that actually attend shows) eager to see her play.  She doesn’t make it over to the UK much (and definitely not to Manchester where we’re all sat now, at the inaugural...

The subject of this blog is the current drummer of latin/jazz/rock/funk supergroup Santana and is in fact married to the leader of said band, the very spiritual guitar virtuoso, Carlos Santana. Cindy Blackman (as she was way back when) came to my attention (and everyone elses) by backing Lenny Kravitz in the iconic video to his hit single ‘Are you gonna go my way?’ (we weren’t sure which way that was but we all followed just in case it got even more exciting).  She put in all the right moves on the video (much to do with some great editing...

If there was one drummer responsible for schooling the rest of us in the history of the funk, it may well be Zoro.  He wears a hat, is always impeccably turned out and has such a smooth groove, L’Oreal would do well to bottle it. He is an ordained minister, motivational speaker and all around good guy.  He even finds the time to put out fabulous educational books and DVD’s too (‘The Commandments of R&B Drumming’ – Alfred Publishing).  He’s played with a plethora of artists from the old school (note the spelling young people) R&B of Frankie Valli (go...

'Big Time'. I remember when I first saw Billy Ward play on the Modern Drummer Festival DVD in 2008.  I had no idea who this genial looking guy was (not being familiar with his resume and recorded work - of that, more later), but taking a look at his (ergonomically - yes, I am 'that' guy) kit set up and all of the interesting bits on it, I was kinda hooked before he played a...erm..note? His approach was loose, open and fluid, with an easy command of the tunes he was playing (and let's not forget, in this situation these...

In this blog I'd like to turn the spotlight on a drummer and musician that not many of you may know.  I came across the drummer in question through a friend of mine (a fine drummer and educator) who directed me to a live recording by James Taylor (and for those who already know, give yourselves a pat on the back and go and put the kettle on).  The track in question was 'Country Road' (a set list staple) and the bit he wanted me to listen to was the breakdown section at the end.  'Just check the drummer out'...