October 1985
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VOL. 9, NO. 10 FEATURES Cover Photo by Robert Santelli CHRIS PARKER Parker, one of today's most in-demand studio drummers, has recorded with a wide variety of musical greats, including Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & The Pips, James Brown, Bette Midler, and Rod Stewart. He has also been the drummer for such bands as The Brecker Brothers, Stuff, and most recently, his own group Joe Cool. Here, Chris discusses the qualities of a good studio drummer, the role of electronics in the studio, and his work as a songwriter. Stewart by Robert Santelli 8 CHRIS SLADE Charles When Jimmy Page decided to return from his self-imposed by five-year exile from the music business, he wanted highly talented Photo musicians for his new band, The Firm. His choice on drums was Chris Slade, who in Page's words is "an extremely powerful and technical drummer." In this MD exclusive, Slade discusses his prestigious and varied career, including his work with Tom Jones, Manfred Mann, Uriah Heep, and Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, as well as his most recent success with The Firm. Jachles by Teri Saccone 14 S. MICKEY ROKER To have held the drum chair in Dizzy Gillespie's band for a number Michael of years would be a sufficient achievement for most drummers, but by for Mickey Roker, it is only one of many accomplishments. In his first MD interview, Roker recalls his years as one of the regular Photo drummers for Blue Note Records, and talks about his current gig with Milt Jackson. by Jeff Potter 18 EDDIE BAYERS Overcoming The Obstacles by Robyn Flans 22 THE DRUMMERS OF ATLANTIC CITY A Roundtable Discussion With Paul Goldberg, Larry Iatarola, Malkin Billy Jones, Ted Greenberg, Harry Himles, Mike Pultro, and Dean Rick Witten. by by Jim Dinella 26 Photo STRICTLY TECHNIQUE COLUMNS Triplet Warm-Ups PROFILES by Ron Olmi 60 UP AND COMING EDUCATION Roli Garcia, Jr. ROCK PERSPECTIVES by Rick Van Horn 30 ROCK CHARTS Style & Analysis: Neil Peart 80 Chris Slade: "Closer" by Michael Bettine DRIVER'S SEAT by Richard DeCarlo, Jr. 34 JAZZ DRUMMERS WORKSHOP Tim Laushey: Working The Big Bands Developing Independence: Part 1 by Chip Deffaa 64 IN THE STUDIO by Mark Hurley 90 Studio Drumming: A Producer's Perspective CLUB SCENE NEWS by Robyn Flans 38 Riding The Roller Coaster UPDATE 112 by Rick Van Horn 100 ELECTRONIC INSIGHTS INDUSTRY HAPPENINGS 114 Approaching The Scary Monster EQUIPMENT by Sandy Gennaro 42 DEPARTMENTS CONCEPTS PRODUCT CLOSE-UP EDITOR'S OVERVIEW 2 Drumming And The Big Move Remo Drumkits by Roy Burns 44 by Bob Saydlowski, Jr. 84 READER'S PLATFORM 4 ASK A PRO 6 THE JOBBING DRUMMER JUST DRUMS Auditioning NAMM in New Orleans DRUM MARKET 108 by Simon Goodwin 56 by Rick Mattingly 116 IT'S QUESTIONABLE 110 PUBLISHER Ronald Spagnardi ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Isabel Spagnardi EDITOR Ronald Spagnardi MP: FEATURES EDITOR Rick Mattingly MANAGING EDITOR Rick Van Horn The First ASSOCIATE EDITORS Susan Hannum William F. Miller EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Year Elaine Cannizzaro ART DIRECTOR David H. Creamer The September/November issue of Modern Percussionist marks the ADVERTISING DIRECTOR magazine's first complete four-issue year. I'm very glad to report that the Kevin W. Kearns response from readers, the music dealers who carry the magazine in their shops, and the percussion industry as a whole has been extremely positive ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Isabel Spagnardi and supportive. As a result, we're raring to forge ahead into our second ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER exciting year. Ellen Corsi If you've been a regular reader of Modern Percussionist throughout the ASSISTANT past year, you're undoubtedly aware that the magazine focuses on the spe- ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER cialized needs of four separate factions of the percussion world, all of Tracy Kearney which are not covered in the pages of Modern Drummer. Those areas are DEALER SERVICE MANAGER orchestral percussion, Latin and ethnic drumming, keyboard percussion Janet Gola instruments, and drum & bugle corps performance. As I mentioned in my CIRCULATION introduction to MP last year, the magazine was designed to deal with these Leo Spagnardi complex and unique styles of drumming on an in-depth basis. Though we Debbie Worden always felt an obligation to cover the different facets of percussion in Mod- Susan A. Kretschmar ern Drummer, it was something we found difficult to do without disturbing SALES PROMOTION MANAGER the editorial direction of MD, which is focused on the contemporary drum- Evelyn Urry set player. And so, separating these distinctly different areas of drumming seemed to be the only logical solution. Judging from the response, we think MODERN DRUMMER ADVISORY BOARD our decision was a good one. Henry Adler, Carmine Appice, Louie Bellson, Bill The first four issues of Modern Percussionist, thoughtfully edited by Bruford, Roy Burns, Jim Chapin, Les DeMerle, Len DiMuzio, Charlie Donnelly, Peter Erskine, Danny Rick Mattingly, delved into the musical world of percussion artists such as Gottlieb, Sonny Igoe, Jaimoe Johanson, Jim Keltner, Emil Richards, Ralph MacDonald, Gary Burton, Ray Barretto, Chris Mel Lewis, Larrie Londin, Peter Magadini, George Lamb, Bobby Hutcherson, Dale Anderson, Ralph Hardimon and Fred Marsh, Butch Miles, Joe Morello, Andy Newmark, Neil Sanford, and offered columns from experts like Dennis DeLucia, Vic Firth, Peart, Charlie Perry, Paul T. Riddle, Ed Shaughnessy, Gordon Gottlieb, Arthur Press, Dave Samuels, Montego Joe, and many Steve Smith, Ed Thigpen. more. You might also be interested to know that, though MP comes com- plete with many of its own contributing writers and columnists, the maga- CONTRIBUTING WRITERS zine itself is edited and produced by the same in-house staff responsible for Susan Alexander, Charles M. Bernstein, Scott K. Fish, Robyn Flans, Simon Goodwin, Jeff Potter, Robert every issue of Modern Drummer. Santelli, Bob Saydlowski, Jr., Chip Stern, Robin Obviously, it would be foolish for me to suggest that every MD reader Tolleson, T. Bruce Wittet. will be interested in the content of Modern Percussionist. This editorial was not intended to be a subscription solicitation for our sister publication. However, I do think it's important for all MD readers to realize that, if MODERN DRUMMER Magazine (ISSN 0194-4533) is they are currently involved in other areas of drumming, or are planning to published monthly by MODERN DRUMMER Publica- widen their scope by branching into orchestral, keyboard, or marching per- tions, Inc., 870 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ cussion, then MP is certainly worth investigating. You're not likely to find 07009. Second-Class Postage paid at Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 1985 all the relevant information you'll need regarding these highly specialized by Modern Drummer Publications, Inc. All rights areas in the pages of Modern Drummer alone. Of course, if your interests reserved. Reproduction without the permission of the have always run the gamut from rock and jazz, to keyboard percussion and publisher is prohibited. timpani, then both publications truly represent essential reading. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $22.95 per year; $41.95, two years. Single copies $2.50. My thanks to the readers, dealers, and advertisers who have accepted MANUSCRIPTS: Modern Drummer welcomes manu- and supported Modern Percussionist throughout its first year. We promise scripts, however, cannot assume responsibility for them. all of you an even more dynamic second year. Manuscripts must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Allow at least six weeks for a change. Please provide both old and new address. MUSIC DEALERS: Modern Drummer is available for resale at bulk rates. Direct correspondence to Modern Drummer, Dealer Service, 870 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009. Tel: 800-221-1988. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Modern Drummer, P.O. Box 469, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009. RESPONSE TO MACDONALD what pros and cons they have encountered and the drummers who are interviewed as As a fan of Duran Duran for the past three in respect to playing drums and in touring. sort of a "family." We share a mutual years, I appreciated your cover story on I'm also interested in hearing about their bond that makes us all equal: the love of Roger Taylor. I was sorry to read the letter styles and kit setups, just as much as the music and the love of our instrument. about Roger, written by Mr. Charles Mac- male drummers. It could also be a source I don't know how many times through- Donald, in your June issue. It is obvious of inspiration to other hard working out my career I have wondered what I that Mr. MacDonald has a closed mind. female drummers who plan drumming would do if I were put in a situation that Yes, Neil Peart and Bill Bruford are excel- careers. I hope you will work on this soon, physically restricted me from ever playing lent drummers, and I enjoy listening to and provide an interview of good length, a drumkit again. I am sure most drummers them. But there is more to drumming than rather than a two- or three-paragraph arti- have asked themselves this question at throwing in as many fills as you can and cle in the back of the magazine. least once. Well, Rick Allen has had to face seeing how many times you can change the Cynthia Knight up to that question. From the information time signature! The role of the drummer is Los Angeles, CA in your June Update, it appears that Rick to keep the beat! Fills are just the icing on Editor's note: Modern Drummer is sensi- has decided to try to conquer his new the cake. I feel that Roger Taylor is one of tive to the issue of adequate coverage of impairment.