Another chapter in our ongoing series of conversations, quotes, commentary, and updates with jazz/funk drumming legend Mike Clark… Mike’s keen observations provide numerous insights into ‘All Things Music’. -- Mike just tells it like it is.
”I probably don't sound like it but Roy Haynes is part of my nervous system. Thank you Mr. Haynes for a lifetime of inspiration.”
”Here is some cool trivia for you Bebop heads... I was having a conversation with Billy Higgins about playing the ride cymbal. At one of my shows Billy said, "the difference between us Mike is - you play your ride pattern as a beat, or as a rhythm - while I play mine as a sound or color"... He was right.”
”For a while I thought I knew a lot of stuff. Then a few years later, I felt like I didn't know anything. Then I felt I was starting to learn and know some things. Now I feel like I don't know a damn thing. Interesting process.”
”After hearing Billy Hart, I realized how deeply he has influenced me although I don't sound like it. Same with Roy McCurdy and Lenny White. I understand their code.”
”The great drummer Danny Richmond told me... "When you've made a name for yourself - put your name on the bass drum head". I was kinda' reserved, and didn't want people to think I was some ego type cat. He said, "take responsibility for all the good you have done and put your name on the bass drum". I did that beginning in the late 1980's and will continue till' I'm outta here. Thank you Mr. Richmond.”
”Fortune is so fleeting yet many of us get caught up in wanting it. I see people doing something and think, I wish I was on that gig or record date... Then all of a sudden I get a call from someone I met twenty years ago asking me to do something really cool and I think - Things ain't so bad.”
”I'm seeing many drummers who don’t know how to play a shuffle… See me for a lesson. “
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