Audio Samples: Peart’s 1989 Freewheeling Conversation

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: Sometime this week I will post Part 1 of a conversation I had with Neil Peart on August 21, 1989.

It may actually have been a two-day conversation. And to be as precise as possible, ours were several conversations taped during a visit to Neil’s Toronto home.

Sometimes our talks were very specific: Neil Peart’s drummer “Blindfold Test.”

But, listening now to almost two-hours of discussion – we talked about lyrics, writing, recording, performing – many topics.

Until I can write a proper blog post intro to our almost two-hour 1989 dialogue, here are three pull-quotes from the tape.

  • Neil talking about a metaphorical concept in the recording studio of charging more to play simple.
  • Working on his drum parts using the drum machine beats used by his songwriting band mates, Neil resolves himself to use the drum machine “dumb part” if that’s what works.
  • What Neil would do for work if Rush disbanded tomorrow.
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Peart 1989 ‘Blindfold Test’ Tape Found

Posted on January 13, 2024 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: Found my 1981 drummer “Blindfold Test” with Neil Peart. Interview taped w Peart at home in Toronto.

Cleaning tape now.

Will post soon.

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Morello – Concerto for Jazz Drums and Orchestra

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Scott K Fish
Joe Morello 1962

SKF NOTE: Let me say upfront I do not own the copyright to this album track. If the copyright owner asks me to remove it, I will.

Concerto for Jazz Drums and Orchestra is a brilliant performance by Joe Morello released on the 1970 Dick Schory album with Gary Burton, Paul Horn, & Joe Morello at Carnegie Hall.

Morello told me this is a much edited version of the Concerto for Jazz Drums and Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall. Wouldn’t it be great to hear this in an unedited version?

Also, Morello’s drum sound here is first class.

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Reopening My Eyes and Ears

Posted on January 6, 2024 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: My friend, Jason, started a guitar player YouTube channel. As his schedule permits, Jason puts together a comprehensive video, a “how to play” the guitar part, on songs of his choosing.

Recently, Jason’s posted a video guitar lesson for Atlanta Rhythm Section’s 1979 hit song, “Spooky.”

I emailed Jason a tongue-in-cheek note saying the original Classic IV’s 1967 version of “Spooky” was much better than ARS’s remake.

Jason, a well-schooled musician, tells me he is unaware of the Classic IV’s “Spooky.” True to form, and to his credit, Jason gives the the 1967 “Spooky” a listen.

My first reaction is surprise. How could a musician as well-grounded as Jason not know the Classics IV? Or “Spooky?”

I’m reminded of a conversation I had several months ago with a guy who runs a sophisticated internet drum and drumming operation. During our conversation, I assumed this guy knew all of the drummers I knew, and why they were important.

But he didn’t.

On the other hand, Jason and the drum guy mentioned modern drummers and other musicians new to me. Jason, I remember, recommended guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, saxophonist Chris Potter, and Punch Brothers.

So I gave those musicians a listen. I like Rosenwinkel and Potter. But after several listens I’m unsold on Punch Brothers.

The music lesson, I suppose, is that both younger and older musicians have much to offer each other. I suppose that’s always been true and I lost sight of it.

I thank Jason, in particular, for reopening my ears and eyes.

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Weinberg Salutes Blaine

Posted on January 3, 2024 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: As drummer Max Weinberg points out in this April 1981 note, Hal Blaine’s Modern Drummer interview and columns really hit home with MD readers. Drummers, young and old, would write to Blaine through the magazine. MD editors would forward the letters to Blaine. He, in turn, would record his answers on cassettes, which were transcribed and edited for publication by me and other MD editors.

Ultimately, reader questions stopped covering new ground and Blaine’s column was discontinued.

But, Weinberg’s note from Berlin, on tour with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, is a reminder of how valuable was Blaine’s life-and-drumming wisdom, and how generous he was with his time and knowledge.

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