Hi Drumheads,
The new issue of the magazine has been mailed and if it hasn't arrived to you yet, it will soon. I just received mine today via postal mail... thanks for your patience.

The new issue features the drummer who put the Beat in The Beatles, Pete Best. We all know the story, now get to know more of the person who help start it all. I had the opportunity to see Pete and his band a couple of years ago in the Atlanta area. It was definitely one fun show and recommended for all musicians. An excellent band, and accompaning Pete on drums was his brother Roag. I hadn't done my homework on this, so I was pleasantly surprised not only by the double drumming, but by the calibre of drumming by both. This past summer I contacted Roag and put the wheels in motion to get Pete for this issue. I urge you all to visit the Pete Best Band website/myspace site for new music, tour dates, etc. If you catch them on tour, you'll hear new and old music as well as see two talented brothers hitting the tubs.

As I'm writing this blog, I'm listening to the new cd titled "Dancing With Shadows" by another drummer/musician from a musical family. Joe Vitale, Jr. is the son of session/touring musician Joe Vitale (who is in the new issue of the mag). I've listened to the cd a few times now and each time I like it more than I did the time before. It's a rock record, no doubt, with lots of hooks and melodies throughout. My favorite song at this point is "It's Not Me, It's You". Just a classic groove throughout the song. This songs feature Vitale, Jr. on all instruments, loops, and programming, with Dad Vitale helping with vocals. Joe Sr. does lend a hand with drums, bass, and keys on many of the songs, but all songs were written by Joe Jr., with most of the remaining instrumentation performed by he himself. I gotta believe that JV Sr. had to have a great time helping out though, getting a chance to cut loose on good ole' rock and roll! Other songs that caught my attention were the opening song, "I Don't Belong Here", the title song, "Dancing With Shadows", "Beautiful Girl",  and the hypnotic "Mysterious". A fine effort by Joe Vitale, Jr.  I don't know if he'll be touring any but do take the time to visit his site. You can purchase the cd from his myspace site as well as iTunes...  and you can find him in our TOP FRIENDS.

I'll continue at a later date with other families that contain multiple drummers/musicians. Feel free to send me your list!

Thank you for your continued support of CLASSIC DRUMMER MAGAZINE. As some of you know, I am no longer working on the paper edition of the mag, only the myspace site. Several reasons for this, but the main one was that in order for the mag to grow and expand, I felt it needed more than what I was able to contriubute to it in both time and ability. The Pete Best issue is the first one that I have not had imput into... but I feel that it is one of the best yet and the magazine will continue to be the source for classic drummers and drum gear.

play hard and stay CLASSIC,
Bruce

Hi Drumheads,
Thank you all for the great support of Classic Drummer Magazine throughout this year, it's very much appreciated. I do want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a safe Holiday Season. I feel even with the down economy there's much to be thankful for... and my friendship with many of you is one of them. I did miss attending the vintage drum shows where I normally get to hang with some of you, I'll do my best to attend in 2009.

My highlight of drums this year was geeting to meet a couple of long admired drummers, Tony Braunagel and Joe Vitale. Tony is one of those drummers who has left his mark on many projects since the '70s... touring with Bonnie Raitt, recording, touring, and producing Taj Mahal, performing with Eric Burdon, and even acting on television on the hit series "According to Jim". I meet Tony while he was on tour with "Hippiefest", a touring show that had the likes of Flo and Eddie (The Turtles), Jack Bruce of Cream, Joey Molland of Badfinger, Melanie, Jonathon Edwards, and Eric Burdon. Definitely one of the most entertaining shows I've attended ever. All the acts performed at an A+ level, not one of these rehash shows where the acts were just in it to make a few bucks and not caring about the music or performace. After the show I was able to hang out backstage and observe some of the artists joking around and just having a good time. Tony was gracious enough to take time to take a pic and talk a bit. I interviewed him over the phone summer before last, which I still haven't been able to get it finished in written format. A great interview on drums, music, business, and acting. I did make a promise to him on finalizing it, so Tony thanks for your patience and it will get done!

Joe Vitale is not only a talented drummer, but is equally talented in keyboards, flute, singing, and songwriting. Joe has drummed for The Eagles, Joe Walsh (and co-wrote Rocky Mountain Way), Peter Frampton, Rick Derringer, and many others including Crosby, Still,  and Nash. It was on the summer CSN tour that I met with Joe. I had phone interviewed Joe several months before for a "Back Tracks" article in Classic Drummer. We keep in touch following the interview and when CSN were performing Atlanta, Joe invited me to attend. I did a write up on the show in an early blog, so I'll talk about Joe's new CD release, "Speaking In Drums".

An 11 song CD, "Speaking In Drums" is a showcase in several areas. The musical talent of Joe is obvious, writing or cowriting with his wife Suzie all the songs on the record, recording most of the intruments on the record as well as singing all the lead vocals. No wonder he is in high demand for sideman work. "I Play The Drums", the second song on the record is just plain great drumming while not overpowering the song. Nothing of the California sound here, more funky and rock influenced, with a short drum solo ending. Other songs on do have the smoother, Southern Cal influence, but I almost expected that considering the artists whom Joe has worked with. It does make me think that possibly Joe has influenced these artists as they have the "Vitale" feel, not the other way around! Just want some good rock and roll... listen to "Roots Of Rock'n Roll, it doesn't get much better... complete with cooking saxaphone, blazing guitar, and what I think is the best vocal perfomance on the record. "Get The Shovel & Dig The Hole", another kick butt rock song highlighting how keeping the groove is the most important thing in rock drumming. The final song on the CD, "Speaking In Drums" is another great drum song, a strong finish to a musical statement by a well rounded musician.

Another strong point on the record is the sonic claritiy. The production and engineering is first rate. The CD was produced, mixed, and engineered by Joe and mastered by Ted Jensen, one of the best in the business. The CD can be purchased from Joe's myspace site, www.myspace.com/joevitaleondrums.
Also available for pre-order is Joe's new book, "Backstage Pass". The book is on Joe's life of music as written by Suzie Vitale. Order soon and get it autographed by Joe!

Thanks for all,
Play hard and stay CLASSIC,
Bruce

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

Hi Drumheads,
First of all, I hope you all have a good summer. If you're like me, with the price of gas, a summer getaway may be a little closer to home than you'd like, but it does give one to visit local or regional areas that always seem to get overlooked. Or if you decide just to stay put, nothing wrong with taking the time and a few bucks to update your kit, change heads, add a cymbal, etc. How about making a regular trip to a local clubs to listen to what's going on with the local talent... I know they can use the support! And there's always cd's with new artists that would love to have you add them to your collection.

There are many a ways to expand your music experience without even getting out of the house. While myspace is a great way to hear new music and keep up with bands and friends, I'd also suggest dropping in on several of the online drum forums that are available. These are excellent places to learn about drum shows, vintage drums, custom and independent drum makers, as well as just making new friends. There are a number of well known drummers who participate on most of the forums as well, so maybe one of your drum heroes may turn up!

A few of the forums (no particular order):
www.drumsmith.com
www.drumforum.org
www.drummerworld.com/forums
www.vintagedrumforum.com
www.thedrumcity.com/

There are many forums available, some sponsored by drum manufactures, magazines, teachers, etc. so I'd suggest to do a search as well and though some may not be to your liking, you should be able to find a few that fit your needs and personality.

Have a safe 4th of July weekend. I'll be following up shortly with a magazine update.

Play hard and stay CLASSIC!
Bruce

In the current issue of CLASSIC DRUMMER, we have an article on drum tech Rick Faucher. We have also posted the entire article online (the print article has been edited for space restrictions) for all to enjoy. This is a bit outside the norm for us, usually any print articles wait a while before we put them online. But I feel Rick deserves as much print we can give him, both online and print.

For those who are not familiar with Rick Faucher, Rick has drum tech'd for some of the most famous drummers ever... Hal Blaine, Earl Palmer, Jim Keltner, Frank Capp, and Joe Pollard, among others. In addition, he has customized many of the kits that these stars and others have used on performances and recording sessions. To be honest, I was not familiar with Rick and his work until one of our contributing writers, Mike Megaffin, brought Rick and his work to our attention. This was about two years ago and for various scheduling conflicts it was only until this issue that we were able to get it to print. I do hope you take the time to read the article, not only in the mag, but the entire online article as well. It really details the work Rick did in order for many drummers to not only perform their best, but sound their best. It's not all in the bells and whistles of the studio to get a great sound. It starts with a great sounding instrument!

Rick is still customizing and "tricking out" drum kits, Ludwig drums to be specific. The good thing is that you don't have to be a "star" drummer to have him work on your drums. If you would like info on Rick "tricking out" your kit, you can contact the author, Mike Megaffin, at shindig@eastlink.ca for more info.

Link: Rick Faucher Online Article


Hal Blaine presenting Rick with the "Lifetime Achievement Award"

Thanks for reading,

play hard and stay CLASSIC,
Bruce

I've been a Sirius satellite subscriber for 6 years or so. Music is constantly on all day and even though there are hundreds of stations, I tend to listen to the same 10 or so. Now and then, I'll flip it to something off the wall to break up the routine, but after a day or so, it usually goes back to the regulars... The 60's, The 70's, Vinyl, The Vault, The Blues channel, Springsteens channel, The Coffee House, and a few other pop/rock stations. Now and then, Big Band music will find it's way in as well as early Jazz.

I began hearing a song last summer on one of the rock stations that perked my ears, kind of mellow for awhile but then kicks in full force. Very nice voice on the mellow side and a solid rocker on the harder side of the song. I soon found out that it was a singer/songwriter named Brandi Carlile, an artist I hadn't heard of to that point. The song I kept hearing is called 'The Story". I still hear it now and then, but I wanted more of that song so off to the big box music store I went. I picked up a copy and stuck it in the car player before I left the parking lot. Comes to be, I've heard about 6 more songs that are on the record that I didn't even realize that it was Brandi. Best of all, they were excellent songs. I've listened to the CD a dozen times in the last month. Harmonies are just great, I love good vocals. The Indigo Girls are featured on the song 'Cannon Ball' and it really stands out.

I always read the record credits, many times finding musicians I am familiar with. This was the case with Brandi's cd. The producer is T Bone Burnett. T Bone has been around quite a while, and though not a house hold name, he has done music that everyone has heard at one point or another. He produced the soundtrack for "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", taking home 4 Grammies for the record. He produced the first Counting Crows CD... in my opinion one of the Top 10 records ever release by a new band, and recently produced the new Robert Plant/Allison Krause record (and currently on tour with them). A nice track record no doubt.

I moved on toward the musician credits, the only one I knew of was drummer Matt Chamberlain. Matt has recorded 100's of records and is one of the most in demand drummers today. He also toured with Pearl Jam and Tori Amos, and was the house drummer for the Sat. Night Live band for one season. He just happened to play on another favorite of mine, Jon McLaughlin's debut "Indiana". Matt's playing on the Brandi record is great, a most solid groove that reminds me of the late Al Jackson. A bit behind the beat and FAT. He pushes it where needed, but always returns to that big back beat. A hired hand, but he sounds like he's part of the band and has a money stake on his performance. 2 Kudos for him! For more info on Matt, his website is www.mattchamberlain.com.

Summer's about here, with lots of bands on the road. Ticket cost are high (as well as gas and food), but there are bands out there that fit any budget. Short on cash... many restaurants have solo acts for the evenings entertainment. A few dollars in the tip bucket won't break you and if you're like most working musicians, it's much appreciated. Many medium size acts can be had for as little as $20. I went to the Cracker show last week and that's what the tickets were. An 800 seat theater meant a good view from anywhere, good sound, and a very enjoyable night of rock and roll. If you're budget is within the means, by George, go to The Eagles show. Whether you are of a small budget or large, there's live music that needs our support. More on this soon...

play hard and stay CLASSIC!
Bruce

Hi Drumheads,
The new issue of CLASSIC DRUMMER magazine has been mailed. Please allow a couple of weeks for subscribers to receive their issue as they are mailed bulk from our printer. The music stores as well as Barnes and Noble and Borders Bookstores should be receiving their copies within the next two weeks as well.

This issue features the great Carl Palmer. Palmer is currently touring with the supergroup, Asia, with all the original members of the band. Look for them in your town and be sure to catch a great concert with some of the best musicians ever. Also in this issue of the magazine is Corky Laing from the rock band Mountain. Laing recorded one of the most recognizable drum intro songs of the '70s… Mississippi Queen. Myself, as I'm sure many of you, have played this song many a times. Still one of the great cowbell songs out there. As we dig deeper into the mag, we also feature Rick Faucher, one of the hardest working drum techs ever. Faucher has worked with such great drummers as Hal Blaine and Earl Palmer, as well as modifying and building drums for Ringo Starr, Karen Carpenter, Jim Keltner, and Joe Pollard. A CLASSIC DRUMMER exclusive! More articles include Nashville's Terry Lee Bolton, Backtracks with Pete Thompson, and Tour Tales with Jason Bonham.

Don't forget, the Chicago Vintage Drum Show is fast approaching. Hope to see many of you there, do stop by the booth to say hi as well as pick up the new (and old) issues of the mag. Visit www.rebeats.com for more show info. Remember, our myspace page is updated daily with birthdays and music history events. For all your drum book needs, don't forget the CLASSIC DRUMMER BOOKSTORE, all titles are 10% off list price… everyday!

Play hard and stay CLASSIC,
Bruce