Chapter 20 in our ongoing series of conversations, quotes, commentary, and updates with jazz drumming legend Mike Clark. Mike’s keen observations provide numerous insights into “all things music”. Mike tells it like it is… The good, the bad, and everything else in between:
Tony Williams... His early stuff sounds more modern to me than the stuff I’m hearing today!
As an artist you have to gather the inner strength to put your stuff out there. Some will get it, and some won’t. It’s hard to be your best at all times…Hence, I let it roll off like water on a duck’s back.
At eleven years old, I played "Shulie-A-Bop" by Sarah Vaughan over and over about 350,000 times! It transported me to another land! My Mom would come in my room and always request that I play it!
Some cat said that when they were recording Jimmy Cobb, his cymbals sounded better than Philly Joe Jones. I could never hear Philly as clear as Jimmy. Was it how they were playing, or how they were recorded? I never knew the answer and have listened to them both since the 1950's.
Getting the chance to talk with one of my main heroes. - Master improviser and legendary jazz drummer Billy Hart. We can all learn a huge amount by listening to just a few things artists at this level have to say. I am so fortunate – Which is why I stay in New York.