This is my first post for Three Tunes Tuesday, and I can't begin to tell you how connected I am to music. I'm pretty sure I came out of the womb twisting the night away. Grew up with a song in my heart and rhythm in my soul.
I had a beautiful singing voice before puberty muddled the octaves. Was an elementary school orchestra leader and played percussion and snare drum. If you're in town and trying to find me, go online and locate the nearest drum circle. I'll be there, spending hours infusing people with the frequencies of the universe.
Which is why I'll start here, acknowledging my favorite percussionists, starting with Manu Katché. I came to know of him as the drummer on Peter Gabriel's Secret World Tour. His session work includes a who's who of legendary artists that knew his unique style and rhythms would lead to amazing success. Sting, Tears For Fears, Dire Straits, Joni Mitchell, Youssou N'Dour, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and on and on.
He was a force of nature at that concert, the perfect foundation for Peter's love of world music. I've never had more fun at a live music show than I did there.
Next on my list is Chester Thompson, another session man who was extensively sought out for his vast skill set. After Peter Gabriel left the band Genesis, Phil Collins stepped up as the lead singer, which meant he would spend time at center stage instead of behind his drum kit. Chester was a natural selection to be the tour drummer.
My seats for the Seconds Out Tour were side stage, where I could see right across the two drum kits on stage. Watching Chester alone was a thrill. Watching Chester and Phil battle it out on songs like Los Endos and Dance On A Volcano was euphoric!
The final drummer I want to highlight is Neil Peart, from the band Rush. He is consistently listed among the greatest rock drummer of all time, and for good reason. Playing in a trio leaves little room to hide. Neil owned the room every time Rush played, mastering an extensive drum kit with effortless precision and flair as he filled the venue with soul-stirring sound.
So, those are my three acknowledgments for my first Three Tunes Tuesday post. Not tunes (I hope they don't boot me for not sticking to the assignment!), but signature musicians that enabled so many great tunes and artists to thrive.
If you want to understand the heart and soul of a rock and roll drummer, look into the documentary Count Me In.
Ooh, and one more acknowledgment. Not because the man is a great or influential drummer, but the man was and is an amazing musician, singer, songwriter who could play a basic drum kit, despite being blind. It's a great example of not knowing everything you could do in life unless you try.
Happy Tuesday, everyone.
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