Playing for singers can be at times rewarding and harrowing, sometimes these feelings occur often in the same night. Singers are complex people due to the fact that their instrument is encased in their body and not in a case.
That fact alone can be the reason for drummers and singers to be at loggerheads. Most drummers don't understand the underlying factor of a vocalist's fear that the voice may or may not be there that causes them to act out.
This does not mean that you take any crap from a singer just that you have to adjust your thinking about what goes on their head. I know this by virtue of 44 years of experience. I am still known as a singer's drummer although I wasn't sure in my younger days if that moniker was a compliment or not. I came to realize that it was the highest possible compliment. It meant that I listened, that I had a strong knowledge of styles and repetiore and that I understood dynamics.
That fact alone can be the reason for drummers and singers to be at loggerheads. Most drummers don't understand the underlying factor of a vocalist's fear that the voice may or may not be there that causes them to act out.
This does not mean that you take any crap from a singer just that you have to adjust your thinking about what goes on their head. I know this by virtue of 44 years of experience. I am still known as a singer's drummer although I wasn't sure in my younger days if that moniker was a compliment or not. I came to realize that it was the highest possible compliment. It meant that I listened, that I had a strong knowledge of styles and repetiore and that I understood dynamics.
This wasn't always the case, particularly playing for the formidable R&B artist Ruth Brown. I was 23 years old and a little full of myself. I was sight reading the parts perfectly. She stopped the band and looked at me and said don't play the paper, play my music. Her musical director got up and gave me two of her albums. He said to to study the recordings for her style and to have it together before the show. Thankfully the shows went well and she liked the fact that I put the time in to properly understand her style.
What I learned from that gig led me on my lifelong journey of studying the sounds of many of the great players who lent their talents to many great singers.
What I learned from that gig led me on my lifelong journey of studying the sounds of many of the great players who lent their talents to many great singers.
The great Irv Cottler worked with Frank Sinatra both live and in the studio and is one of my heroes. His bedrock groove made every Sinatra recording a "Swingin' Affair".
What can you say about Grady Tate that hasn't already been said. Some of the singers he backed include Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne. By the way, Grady is a fine singer himself!
DJ Fontana was Elvis Presleys first and in my opinion his best drummer. He heard and responded to everything that Elvis did and in the studio kept it simple and rocking.
Many people don't think of Roy Haynes as a singer's drummer, but the several years he spent with Sarah Vaughn changed that perception. His tasteful and swinging support was an integral part of her sound while maintaining his signature style.
Last but not least is Harold Jones. Harold is not as well known as he should be, but he is getting some recognition thanks to Tony Bennett's recent hit album "Duets". Harold is one of the greatest drummers to ever pick up a pair of sticks. Check him and the rest of these guys out!
Working and recording with singers is still a great part of the music business. Before I close I'd like to apologize to the many drummers who I did not have time to mention, But they like the Greats mentioned in this blog all have the important elements necessary, Musicianship, Empathy and most of all SWING!
See you next week.
Working and recording with singers is still a great part of the music business. Before I close I'd like to apologize to the many drummers who I did not have time to mention, But they like the Greats mentioned in this blog all have the important elements necessary, Musicianship, Empathy and most of all SWING!
See you next week.
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