Tony Thompson
Dance Oriented Rock: It’s been a long time coming, and now, hip-hopping into our ears from every blaster radio, MTV cable box, and local dance club west of the Berlin Wall, it is shaping up as one of the most dominant musical directions of the mid- ’80s. Yet who but the most dedicated discophiles truly […]
Paul Wertico
When you go on stage, it’s like a big conversation. Music is about what you have to say on that particular day.” So says Paul Wertico, drummer for Pat Metheny (and Chicago’s Ear Wax Control), who it seems would be happy to communicate exclusively through playing music. Not that he isn’t verbal—quite the contrary. It’s […]
The Chicago Blues Drummers
The scene is the 1985 Chicago Blues Festival. Grant Park is brimming with people, many of whom are jockeying for seats and blanket space as close to the band shell as possible. Opening night of the city’s annual free festival, which celebrates its incredibly rich blues heritage, will draw upwards of 100,000 people. The next […]
Nicko McBrain — Heavy Metal Perfectionist
Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain may refer to himself as “The Thrasher,” adding that he has “no coordination” and “no technique.” Don’t believe him for a minute! Being as modest as he is about his talents, McBrain won’t tell you that his work on Maiden’s recent LP Powerslave, is some of heavy metal’s most definitive drumming. […]
Kevan McKenzie: Canadian Studio Star
Toward the end of my college years, in 1974, I joined a symphonic band. Between engagements, a master class was scheduled with Ian Bernard, during which he demonstrated the finesse that got him the job with the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada. Afterwards, I approached him for private lessons that I might apply to […]
From the Shop: Featured Products
