classicdrummer.com

Hi Drumheads,
The new issue should be reaching subscribers by now. Though we ran a bit late again, USPS seems to have put it in overdrive to get the issue to you. Hope you all enjoy this issue, we feel one of the best yet.

Feature article is Todd Sucherman. A great cover photo by Sayre Berman, it appears that Todd is conducting the band he performs with, STYX. In fact, if you have had the opportunity to see STYX live, you know that not only does he conduct the band, but kicks the band into high gear and gives the fans something to remember long after the show is over. No doubt that Todd will be one of the most in demand players soon. LOTS of energy and excitement, with great chops and taste.

I recently watched the STYX DVD “One With Everything: Styx & Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland”, which shows quite a bit of Todd. It was interesting to read the current Modern Drummer article in which Todd talks about performing with the orchestra. I also have the “Return to Paradise” dvd. This one was recorded shortly after Todd had joined the band. Original keyboardist/vocalist Dennis DeYoung is on the “Paradise” dvd, while the current lineup is on the CYO dvd. Both are excellent and recommended.

And keeping with dvd’s, Todd has just release his instructional dvd, “Methods and Mechanics”. It is available at www.altitudedigital.com. The following info is copy/pasted directly from Todd’s blog, hope you don’t mind Todd…

Methods and Mechanics includes:
Grip and stroke analysis with many rudiments and hybrid rudiment exercises on a practice pad with slow motion examples
Orchestration of hybrid rudiments and stickings for musical application on the drum set
In depth analysis of hi hat techniques and how they effect groove and feel
Emphasis on mastering a simple vocabulary before moving on to more complex concepts
Thoughts on practice and patience
8 performance songs with full analysis–some with “play by play” voice over
Full double bass drum vocabulary for unique use in grooves and fills
Odd time break down of more complex time signatures
Musical notation and downloadable PDFs
Jazz kit performances and tips for swing time and brushes
Tips for music business career navigation, as well as tips for recording sessions, shaping songs with dynamics, paying attention to lyrics, traveling on the road, keeping things fresh, thoughts on gear, gear maintenance, Building a drum room, and loads of extras that include A Day On The Road, Drum Room Tour, Thoughts on working with Styx, Brian Wilson and Taylor Mills, personal history, tribute fills, an extensive photo gallery, and even a blooper reel.

So there’s your fill of Todd for today. Do check out the mags, both CLASSIC DRUMMER and Modern Drummer. Both articles are different and worth reading. The dvd is a must, and I’ll recommend you picking up an extra copy, as Christmas is fast approaching and there has to be another drummer who’d love a copy.

thanks for reading,
play hard and stay CLASSIC!
Bruce

Hi Drumheads,
Before you know it, summer will be history with Fall fast approaching. Though I didn’t attend many concerts this summer, the ones I did attend all fell within a 3 week period. All were outdoor shows, and except for the downpour for CSN show, the weather was great… including the concert of Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

This particular show was at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheater in Mableton Ga. The venue is only seven years old, seats a comfortable 2,000 or so (totally covered seating area), and is 1st class all the way. A great sound system and lights, and every year the venue offers a nice variety of national acts… all at very affordable prices.

I checked the concert schedule earlier in the summer and noticed CCR would be performing in early August. Drummer Doug Clifford seems to always invite us to their shows when they are in town, though we don’t take it for granted. But low and behold, the day before the show he rang us up for an invite. No second thoughts here, we accepted the passes and looked forward to the show the following evening.

We met with Doug for a quick chat before the show as they were leaving immediately after the concert since they had an early morning flight. It’s always a pleasure to meet one of the drummers I grew up listening to and who had a large impact on music. The CCR rhythm section is one of the best ever, Doug and bassist Stu Cook continue to make the classic songs come alive regardless of how many times they’ve performed them. And perform them they did.

Starting with “Born On The Bayou”, the band was in top form. Newest member, Tal Morris, gave the band a fiery edge I hadn’t heard in the times I had saw them prior to his joining. His solos on “Green River” and “Susie Q” were nothing like the records, but he took them to new areas I’m sure were never explored by the original band. Very refreshing for not only the audience, but it seem for the band as well. Singer/guitarist John Tristao handles the tough duty of vocals, adding his sense of humor to the band, but at the same time recognizing the need to keep the songs soulful and powerful. When he sings, you listen! Band member Steve Gunner plays about everything that’s needed to fill out the songs… keys, guitar, percussion, harmonica, and vocals. A genuine workhorse who seems to be happy taking a sideman’s position in the band. And of course, Doug and Stu, the SOUND of all those great records! All the hits were played, not a filler the entire show. At one part of the show, Doug take center stage and talks to the audience about his being musical partners with Stu for over 40 years… not many bandmates can make that claim, especially since that the number climbs each year. Best of all, they both are really happy that they are still playing music together and it shows. I’ve had the pleasure of hanging out backstage with the band in the past and it’s just like onstage, one happy family.

Before we knew it, the last notes of “Travelin’ Band” were played, the band thanked the audience and left the stage. Hopefully next time, we can get together after the show and have a glass of wine with Doug and ask him the endless questions on his career and music. He’s a great one to learn from, not only drumming, but music and music business.

This particular night I didn’t bring a camera, but we did have photo passes for a photographer Jessica McLam to capture the show for us. I’ve included one here, but more are on her website. Thanks Jessica for the use of the photos. Remember folks, all are copyright photos so please do not use without permission.

Thank you Doug and bandmates for another show to remember. I look forward to seeing you again soon, and for all of you who haven’t witnessed their shows, bring yourself to one soon. Real music with feeling, soul, and groove!

play hard and stay CLASSIC,
Bruce

Hi Drumheads,
I recently attended the Crosby, Stills, and Nash concert at Chastain Park in Atlanta. Thank you Joe Vitale for making this possible. Joe is playing drums on the current tour and will be touring with Stephen Stills overseas once this tour is complete. Having a bit of contact with Joe over the last year or so, he graciously invited us to the show.

First, I am a fan of the band. I’ve seen CSN several times over the years, the first time in the early 80’s. Though I can’t be certain, Vitale most likely was the drummer at that show. As it was stated when the band was announced, he’s performed with CSN for 32 years. WOW!

We were going to meet with Joe a bit before the concert started, but unfortunately the weather was downright terrible, with extremely heavy rain and a severe lightning storm. Chastain Park, from the audience part, is completely open, no roof or covering at all. We did make it to the Will Call office which had a slight bit of covering, but was stuck there until the rain let up. By then, show time was nearing, so a phone call later, we agreed to meet for a bit at the intermission of the show.

No opening act for the show, so it was find the seat, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy the show. The band took their places on stage and out came Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and David Crosby. “Marrakesh Express” opened the show, then a great catalog of songs followed. “Southern Cross”, “Long Time Gone”, and many more classics. The band was in fine form, Joe providing a nice touch on drums as well as vocals. Stills guitar playing was full of energy, a bit raw, but never going overboard. Nash played a bit of guitar and piano, and Crosby playing guitar and a wonderful acoustic guitar, with all provided the vocals that make their music what it is. Crosby’s told the crowd his daughter was in the audience, which I think made him proud. He seemed to be on another level for this show, in fine form and just a cool guy all the way around.

The band broke for intermission, which we then made our way backstage and met with Joe for a short bit. Full of energy and enthusiasm, he told us (my wife and I) about his upcoming CD and a book he has written about his life in music, as well as about going on tour with Stills following this tour. Joe will also be in the next issue of CLASSIC DRUMMER… a busy schedule no doubt. We shook hands and made our way back to our seats for the 2nd half of the show. More classic songs followed, with the audience loving it all. “I Almost Cut My Hair”, Buffalo Springfield’s “For What it’s Worth”, “Teach Your Children”, and all the favorites. One of my favorite groups doing all their hit songs… yes, I enjoyed it!

Joe was leaving immediately after the show, so we didn’t hook up with him again once the show was over. We made it back to the car and headed home.

Joe’s new CD is titled “Speaking In Drums” with a couple of songs that you can preview on his myspace page. He’s in our TOP FRIENDS list so stop by his site and give him a listen. I’ll keep you posted on release date, etc. As I said earlier, he will be in the Oct/Nov/Dec issue of the magazine. We hope you give him LOTS of support. He’s made a huge mark on music, not only on drums, but songwriting (Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way”), keyboards, and vocals, as well as performing behind some of the best musicians in the business. Thanks Joe, for all the music you’ve given us.

On another note, today Aug. 14th, is David Crosby’s birthday. Happy Birthday David, and to you as well, thanks for the music!

More concert write-ups to come,
play hard and stay CLASSIC,
Bruce

Hi Drumheads,
The new issue is at the printer and will be mailed next week. One of the most talented drummers around, Todd Sucherman, is deserving the feature article and cover. If any of you has had the opportunity to catch STYX in concert over the last 10 years, you know what I mean. He KICKS butt in the most musical way. Aside from Styx, Todd has drummed for music legend Brian Wilson among others. So not only a rocker, but a well rounded and versatile musician.

Also in this issue is Levon Helm of The Band. Levon released “Dirt Farmer” last year, which won a Grammy award. A great “feel” player that plays the perfect parts for the song. And to boot, Levon’s well known for his love of vintage gear!

For the rocker in you, non other than Bobby Rondinelli graces the pages of CLASSIC DRUMMER. One of the top double bass players around, Rondinelli has been the backbeat of such heavy weight bands such as Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Blue Oyster Cult, The Scorpions, and his own The Lizards. In addition, he has become a top clinician in the drumming industry.

Classic Drummer contributor and Gretsch expert, John Sheridan, takes us on an interview with Fred Gretsch and the 125 Year Anniversary of Gretsch. A great article on a outstanding American drum company.

Daughter of Buddy Rich, Cathy Rich, is interviewed for Classic Drummer by contributor Bob Girouard. Cathy discusses her famous father as well as owning her own drum company, The Buddy Rich Drum Company. A rare interview not to be missed.

And there’s much more in the issue. The issue should be arriving in bookstores and drum shops soon, so please look it up. We’ve added a couple of new “regular” articles in this issue and we’ll be alternating regular articles in different issues to keep everything fresh and to add variety for you.

Thanks for your continued support of CLASSIC DRUMMER!

play hard and stay CLASSIC!
Bruce