GROOVE IS KING!

Being a drummer/percussionist, my musical influences over my lifetime have always centered on a good groove.   No matter what style I’m listening to, I’m always much more attracted to groove than anything else.  Did what I was listening to, make me feel something?  If so, I was all over it.

In my late teens,  I loved all the Progressive-Rock and Jazz stuff…all the chops, complex playing and writing.  It gave me solid roots for a wide range of ideas.   But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve definitely gravitated back to the simplicity of groove with great melody.   The way Ringo and Charlie Watts played ‘for the song’ - made all those songs what they are today…timeless.    The way Steve Jordan plays, well ANYTHING, is so great.   Jim Keltner too - anything he’s done.  James Gadson makes us all dance!  Jeff Porcaro and JR Robinson on all those hit records - magical.   And, the guys who influenced those guys, including Billy Higgins, Max Roach, Hal Blaine, Jim Gordon, Earl Palmer…the list goes on.

There’s a few ‘new’ guys lately though, who are blowin’ my mind with their groove and time-feel, who I wanted to mention.   First, British drummer Ash Soan.   If you’re not familiar, just check out anything Ash is doing…SOOO deeply grooving.  Kills me!!   Check out Ash’s TikTok channel - SO fun and man, so much creative groove!

Also, I gotta spotlight Nate Smith.   Woah.  DEEP!  Nate’s the most creative and groove-a-licious cat I’ve heard in many years.   Totally blows me away.   I can’t even describe how fresh and amazing this guy is.  Just incredible groove with a TON of chops but the way he uses them - totally original.   

Those of you who know me, know I’ve worked with a lot of great drummers in my career.  I’m so excited to spotlight THESE two guys.  SO INSPIRING! Click on these images below to get a taste of both Ash and Nate.   You’ll thank me.  Have fun!