Category: percussion

Posted on

Meeting with Tony Williams in Japan

Meeting Tony Williams was a special moment in my life. Even though at the time I didnt realize how much of a force he was. As a matter of fact when I was young, I used to follow all these famous drummers. In fact I studied with Chad Wackerman. And I loved Terry Bozzio’s drumming. And thought Vinnie Colaiuta was some kind of drum diety. Well after years of playing and listening to drums I began to hear Tony’s influence in some of my drum hero’s playing.

I was lucky enough to meet Tony Williams (thanks to the dude on bass in this video, Bunny Brunel​). In fact one day while on the road with Kazumi Watanabe’s band Bunny asked John Wackerman and I if we would like to meet Tony. Of course we wanted to meet Tony! At the time we were all staying at the Keio Plaza. And Tony was in the lobby of the hotel. So we went to the lobby and there was Tony Williams! Of course Tony was kind and cordial. Unlike his We didn’t say too much to each other. But he had a depth to his presence that I have not sensed in many people. In the end I can only say that Tony still has a huge influence on me. And that to this day I try to borrow his creativity and individuality for my own art.

Tony Williams Bunny Brunel Boston
Here is a picture from the Kazumi Watanabe tour Boston. A year or so before this story.

Posted on

Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns

Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns
Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns
my mentor

Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns, at NAMM 2017

Today, at the bustling NAMM show in Anaheim, California, I had the unexpected pleasure of reconnecting with my old mentor, Roy Burns. It’s been decades since I first crossed paths with Roy, back in 1982 when I began my drumming journey under his guidance. At that time, he was just beginning to build his legacy with Aquarian Drumheads, a company that has since become synonymous with quality in the drumming world.

Roy not only taught me the technical aspects of drumming but also imparted invaluable wisdom about the intersection of mind, emotions, and performance. Through his teachings and the influential works of his own mentor, Jim Chapin, I learned not only about drumming technique but also about the profound impact of mindset and emotion on one’s abilities. Books like “Zen and the Art of Tennis” opened my eyes to the deeper layers of performance psychology, thanks to Roy’s guidance.

As I stood by the Aquarian booth, waiting to greet John Wackerman, I spotted Roy amidst a crowd of admirers. Despite the years that had passed, Roy recognized me and welcomed me with open arms. His warmth and genuine happiness to see me were overwhelming. It felt like no time had passed as he shared stories of his own mentor, Jim Chapin, weaving in lessons about pride and its influence on our capacity for growth and change.

Meeting My Mentor Roy Burns

In that moment, listening to Roy speak, I was transported back to my youth, hanging onto his every word with the eagerness of an 18-year-old student. Roy possesses an endless understanding of human nature, coupled with conservative ideals that make conversations with him a true delight. His ability to blend philosophy with practical wisdom is unparalleled.

Reflecting on our encounter, I realize how fortunate I am to have had Roy Burns as my mentor. He has left an indelible mark on my life, shaping not only my drumming skills but also my outlook on the world. Roy, if you’re reading this, know that your words have resonated deeply with me, and I am forever grateful for your guidance and friendship.

Posted on

Christmas Land by Shoot The Moon

Christmas Land by Shoot The Moon
Shoot The Moon CD

Christmas Land by Shoot The Moon. In the first place, I was at a point in my life where the feeling one gets from the Christmas Season began to fade. For the purpose of, remembering a good holiday season I decided to write a set of Christmas songs. Equally important, I asked my friend and bandmate Joey Grijalva to join me. Ultimately, we called our Christmas Album Moon Christmas.

Furthermore, the working title for this song was Christmas Land, looking back I probably should have called it Christmas Show. As a matter of fact, my original intent when writing this song was to make a story about remembering and hanging on to the good parts of Christmas. Furthermore, to sort of go back to that person you were when you really loved the Christmas holiday

As far as I remember, I composed this in Studio Visions (one of the early DAW’s). I remember mapping out the song with keyboards. And asking Joey and John to play along to the recording. In fact, they are amazing musicians because many of these tracks did not have click tracks. The wonderful backing vocals are Julie Van Duren.

 

Cover photo was made by Dave Sparks. Cassette sleeve created in Pagemaker. And we had this album pressed at Rainbow Records.

Recording gear used

Christmas Land by Shoot The Moon was recorded in my (home studio) garage, on an Akai MG1214 aka Akai 12 track (the same unit used to record the U2 album Rattle and Hum). Additionally, used an old Studiomaster mixing board (I bought off Chad Wackerman or John Wackerman), Studio Visions DAW, Quadra 650, assorted 421, 414, sony, and Shure mics, Alesis compressors, timecode machine, assorted keyboards, Yamaha spx90.

Posted on

Thoughts of Murray Spivack

When I studied with Murray he was in his late 80’s. I was his last student of the day on fridays so it was my job to drive him to Farmers Market get some corned beef and cabbage then go to his apartment and dine with him. During our meals together we would talk about all the famous drummers he had taught, he talked about their skill levels temperament etc. Since I had a personal interest in sound engineering I would pick his brain about his audio career. Murray would talk about which mic Julie Andrews or Barbra Streisand preferred. How he balanced all the rounds in the parade scene of Hello Dolly. I even have some recoardings he made for me from his personal reel to reel of the board mixes from West Side Story. His apartment even had some Hollywood history. It contain his academy award from the original King Kong. And was party central for the likes of actors such as Fred Aster as well as the heads of the major studios.







Posted on

Chuck Flores 11-24-2016

When I play the drums my teachers influence “sound” out of my hands and feet. Greg Perry, Kenny Peters, Roy Burns, Roy Mcurdy, Rick Latham, Chad Wackerman, Murray Spivack, and Chuck Flores. Im so sad to hear that drummer Chuck Flores passed away yesterday. I studied drumset coordination with Chuck Flores back in the 1990’s at his house. His studies made a huge difference in my overall coordination on the drum set. And he was a really decent and generous person.