Another new chapter in our ongoing series of quotes, conversations, commentary, and updates with jazz drumming legend Mike Clark. Mike’s keen observations provide numerous insights into “all things music”. Mike always tells it like it is…
“When I was about ten or eleven I heard Roy Haynes for the first time. I used to tune my snare kinda’ loose so I could roll easier. After hearing Mr. Haynes, I cranked that bad boy up and had to learn to play it like that. A few years later when I was asked to do some kind of James Brown stuff, I had that sharp crack and could hang. I believe that helped get me on a lot of gigs when I was young and on the R&B side. Most the guys my age that I played with in school tuned real baggy and loose so they could play like Gene Krupa without any resistance!”
“I have divided my prayers for all of you into two categories… There are those who like how I play, and those who don’t. I’m in good with the universe right now as I have been a good boy - So for those of you who like my playing expect some great benefits and perks… For those who don’t…”
“When musicians I work with get funny with the money, I no longer want anything to do with them. I’m not mad -- Just can’t hang with anyone who rolls like that!”
“I went to a Steve Gadd clinic at The Drum Hang the other day and found him to be a very open and nice cat… Not defiled like yours truly - but hey, I'm workin' on it!”
“I also attended an Adam Nussbaum Drum Hang clinic on brushes and he killed it!! He then took sticks and played Doxy with a closed roll, then again with double strokes. It was FANTASTIC… As soon as the class was over, I played Doxy and about ten others the same way. Now I am on a thing that I can’t STOP!”
“Just lettin' all of you folks out there know how much I appreciate you!”