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HEADHUNTERS RYHTHM SECTION |
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Drumtech was honoured with the presence of the legendary rhythm section Mike Clark and Bill Summers when the duo stunned us with their masterful command of their instruments. It began with Mike Clark explaining how his incredible grooves are based around a solid backbeat that cracks like a whip. He showed how tight, small movements can create an incredible groove that it is not flashy or in need of any speedy chops. This, he said, can be the key to getting a gig or a session. |
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Clark reminisced about the time he went for an audition and watched other drummers come in
and play a lot of fast chops and then be asked to leave. He then sat down and played right in
the pocket without thinking about moving away from the bass drum, snare and hi-hats. Minutes
later he was told he had got the gig. This was followed by a demonstration of a few of his grooves
and the feeling of the fantastic album ‘Headhunters’ entered the room. Bill Summers then took over and our heads were turned towards four congas, various cowbells, timbales and a Corona bottle with some water in it, which drew us in further. Summers talked about the more business-like aspects of the job to make sure that we all understood how a lot of the job involves hustling for gigs. He followed by listing the impressive names he has worked with over the years and after 10 minutes or so he went on to say that he has played with these people through getting his name out there and making sure they know he is alive and kicking. They then got down to musical business and brought in the heads of the departments from Drumtech to play some of the tracks from ‘Headhunters’ and a couple of Jazz standards. As Clark cracked his snare and Summers created some of the most colourful tones from the congas, the mouths in the room fell open. They stayed open until Clark crashed his riveted cymbal for the last time of a piece and handed the microphone to Summers again. This is where the Corona bottle was brought to the front and Summers demonstrated astounding agility with this everyday object. One that any of us can get hold of for around £1.10 from any off-licence! The bottle was filled up so that when he blew into it a C was heard. Summers would then use his voice, and the note from the bottle, to create a sound he learnt from the Pygmies that was used on the ‘Headhunters’ album. Everyone’s jaws then dropped again and they stayed there as the duo played a few more tracks to finish what was a truly inspiring master class. |
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