Re:
http://www.johnsussewell.com/BrazilianRestitution-NeilNickDennisNorbert&SussCollaboration1980-2003.mp3[in context with
https://bcwtj.forumotion.com/t1218p45-mike-mangini#8639 on the WTJ side of this forum]
It is my firm belief that by studying what everybody does, we learn in the process. Though I played orchestral drums and rock music before meeting Billy Cobham personally (and that while still in college), meeting Boomer changed my life. But you Guys & Gals already know that story.
Someone said earlier that I don’t put my “signature” on any particular music. Well, I understand while politely differing. As far as I know, I’m the first drummer to “sign” the cymbal flame and recording it on well distributed commercial music. Like so many so-called “new” techniques when first heard, other folks will look at you and say “what was that?” Yet when realizing a beat wasn’t dropped, it was merely moving the music forward by another texture than technique. In other words, it was/is producing another sound augmenting the music rather than detracting from it. They’ll [the detractors and wall flowers will] get use to it… don’t let anyone steal what you hear and embrace in your heart as a Dream. You’ll hear this technique here with music appropriate to this website. I first recorded it with Donny Hathaway back in 1973 – LIVE. Donny loved it. Since then, I’ve learned to use it gingerly – especially with ballads.
What I also remember well before Pete Corona decided to put up this surrogate site, the original website had a forum very similar to this. For me, this was back in 2002. Somewhere in 2003 someone in this community offered the opportunity to collaborate on music and dedicate a tribute to Billy Cobham by our contributions to his musical life and his inspiration to us all. I believe I’m the only one to follow through with that dedication and with evidence and others who are members today. If I’m wrong, I apologize.
My collaboration was with Neil Loughran – also known as “Spin.” So that you know, Neil/Spin earned his Doctorate and moved away from England to Sweden.
Then somewhere in this mix of years and musical influences, I was sent a track by Dennis Bell in New York City. Just before I moved south with the woman I’d wind up spending 20 years with, I recorded this tune dubbed “Mars Aflame.” My dear friend Norbert Sloley is on bass, Dennis on keyboards and the late Nick Brignola on all reed instruments.
The above referenced track is the segue of both collaborations.
My point is to record your endeavors – because unless you don’t, there will be someone else trying to rewrite your history. I still “kick,” yet somehow I find pleasure in playing simply rather than fan-faring for show. Yep, I can do that “show!” [Carnival Cruise line through Jonathan Crispo turned me down back in 2006 because I auditioned over a doggone phone line with a full acoustic set – PHONE LINE AUDTION?], but then in my experience I’ve found that unless properly rehearsed, the other musicians on stage forget where the ONE is – and I’m the one keeping musical time!
Isn’t it like that in Life when so many forget whom another is and comparing each other by each other? This is not wise.
Just do what you do and enjoy it. Thank you all for your encouragements to anyone.
So where is that collaboration we were wanting to do many years ago in tribute to Billy Cobham. I know who my Father is – and it isn’t Boomer, with all respect to Billy.
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If my jeans got any tighter, I wouldn't be able to relieve myself without struggling with the zipper or belt. 