I love the internet “tubes”. These “tubes” sometimes put us in touch with interesting people we otherwise may never meet. Diego Stocco is one of those people for me. Diego is a sound designer, which is an area of music I enjoy exploring. Diego creates sound(s) for many applications including video games, movies, and sample libraries. I stumbled upon his Vimeo profile a while back, and I was fascinated by his work. Check it out when you get a chance. With titles like “Bedside Table Bass” and “Drying Rack”… you are sure to find something out of the ordinary.
It’s has been way too long in between posts, but I am back now and ready to roll. I have been playing gigs, recording, and touring overseas. It has been lovely. But, as before, I always like to return with a little gem of music that has been inspiring me. This is something a little different.
This is a drummer’s dream! A web site dedicated to streaming Led Zeppelin’s rough mixes, drum-only takes, rehearsals, and alternate takes. The ability to listen to John Bonham upclose is something a drummer should not take for granted. There is no other drummer that has even come close to his groove and feel. There are some gems for everyone at this site:
Do yourself a favor and have a listen. The only drawback is that you will need to download the ‘non-standard’ RealOne Player if you don’t have it already. It’s not the most user-friendly music player to use, and the install can be a bit tricky if you don’t follow the instructions.
A very special thanks to Andrew Elledge for the Zep link!
Last weekend we went to catch Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings at the Prince of Wales here in Melbourne. We had been hearing these rave reviews for about a week before the show, so we were hoping it wouldn’t spoil it if they weren’t as good as everyone was saying they were. Even radio DJs were betting that it was the best show they had seen all year, and you know they must see quite a few.
From the first note this band had the entire audience in the palm of their hands. Every tune they played was as if it came down from somewhere up above and blessed the audience with groove. I have never seen a band switch gears so effortlessly before, and Sharon Jones delivered it all with a smile. She knows. It’s the only way to describe her. She just knows music and life. And what a voice.
The band were first rate, dressed in suits, and played in the pocket all night long. The drummer played kick, snare, hats, and a crash/ride. That’s it! He turned it out though, especially with such a mean left hand. I think every drummer should try that setup sometime, it’s a true test to see how musical you can be. Sounds like it would be easy, but it isn’t.
The band was headed to Europe next. If they come to your city, or you see that name somewhere in your city, go buy tickets. You will witness a true celebration of music, in the form of a nasty, funk & soul review.
Forget everything you think of Robert Palmer from the 80’s and 90’s. “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley” is a true 70’s New Orleans-flavored funk masterpiece in every way. Vocal, melodies, music, production… they are all bad to the bone. Not to mention the fact that the band is a mix of The Meters and Little Feat. Zigaboo Modeliste! Every drummer should know that name if they don’t already. He is a drumming pioneer.
Robert Palmer is so smooth as well. It’s probably safe to say that he gives one of the best vocal performances ever recorded. This was when rock stars were actually real stars, the genuine thing. It is pure talent. Purely musical. They aren’t trying to be anything, they’re just playing from the heart. You can actually feel it. Lowell George’s guitar parts on this record go where most musicians can only dream of. Truly. And when you listen with headphones, this record is like an orgasm of instruments and vocals filling your ears.
