SKF NOTE – June 10, 2017, I first posted on my blog an audio excerpt from my interview with Will Calhoun. He was, at the time, the drummer with Living Colour. Here is what I wrote in that post’s introduction:

“Among my favorite interviews, I am sorry to say none of my interview with Will Calhoun ever saw the light of day. From what I’ve gathered reading through my notes, this interview was meant to be published in Modern Percussionist magazine. But before Will’s interview was published, Modern Percussionist had ceased publication.“

Listening again this week, for the first time in a long time, this interview with Will Calhoun remains a favorite. I’ve decided to post the full length interview in four parts.

Part 2 is the flip side of one of two 90-minute cassettes used to record this interview.

Calhoun talks more about early and important influences on he and his drumming. Our conversation in Part 2 also includes the Black Rock Coalition, race and the music business, advice from jazz bassist Ahmed Abdul-Malik, the importance of being yourself, ways parents impact children, news reporting and race, Michael Shrieve, Calhoun’s Pearl Drum endorsement, and his drum gear, both acoustic and electric.

It is entirely possible some of Calhoun’s opinions here have changed. He was 25-years old when interviewed. July 22, 2023, Calhoun will be 59-years old. Lots can happen in 34 years.

Calhoun has a wonderful new jazz album called “Life in This World,” available through is website: https://willcalhoun.com/ – Today he endorses Gretsch drums.