General Music Chat

Monday, July 20, 2009 - Yes and Asia at DTE. I got row 12 center seats, perfect. Asia went on at 7:45pm and played a selection of their classics, a couple of new songs and then samples from each player's past. Geoff Downes did "Video Killed the Radio Star", the first video shown on MTV. John Wetton was featured on "In The Court of the Crimson King", although none of the players actually played on the original. Carl Palmer had the spotlight on "Fanfare For The Common Man" and did his typical drum solo, which was fabulous. Steve Howe pulled a double shift in Asia and in Yes, playing a wide variety of guitars (even a red Strat) but through a 2-12 Line 6 combo for both acts. Rick Wakeman's son Oliver held down the keys and was the most uncomfortable one on stage, although he did a fine job. Alan White was his usual sluggish self, I've never cared much for his playing, especially when trying to cover Bruford's intricate drumming. But the big surprise was singer Benoit from Montreal. He sounded like a young Jon Anderson but with more power and vibrato. I must admit I didn't miss Anderson much, and Benoit only flubbed a couple of notes and lyrics. He must have watched a lot of Yes videos because he even had Jon Anderson's hippie dancing down. Even Chris Squire was good and not his normal hammy self (well except for the fan blowing his dyed blonde hair). All in all it was the best Yes concert I've been to in many years, this my 23rd time. It just goes to show that the music can outlive the original musicians if it's good.

I always regarded Moon and Baker as my favorite rock drummers of all time, having seen them both back in the 60's,

however,

Although I never regarded Palmer as chopped liver, I forgot how awesome a can basher he is until I checked out this video of him beatin' the bejesus outta one little snare drum!

Have a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn9fkAGw ... re=related

( I may have to try to catch an Asia concert myself before I'm dead)

Howlin'

Yeah, I always loved Moon and Baker too, but my favorite all-time drummers are:

Bill Bruford
Terry Bozzio
Carl Palmer

Of course Bonham, Ward and the rest are great but I've just always loved anything these guys do.

Be careful with seeing Asia, there's another Asia band touring that sucks. Asked why they let them tour using the Asia name, the guys said "why not? If they can make some quid let them, it won't hurt us." Very cool attitude.

Thats so cool Jimmy, Steve Howe has always been one of my favorite guitar players. That must have been won great show. Once again I am purpleish pink with envy!

Yeah J he's a great player, one of those you either really like or don't. No more concerts for a while for me, probably go to Steely Dan on Sept.5 and Psychedelic Furs on Oct.13.

Yeah, I always loved Moon and Baker too, but my favorite all-time drummers are:

Bill Bruford
Terry Bozzio
Carl Palmer

Of course Bonham, Ward and the rest are great but I've just always loved anything these guys do.

Be careful with seeing Asia, there's another Asia band touring that sucks. Asked why they let them tour using the Asia name, the guys said "why not? If they can make some quid let them, it won't hurt us." Very cool attitude.

Jimmy,
It seems that ,since my granddaughter has taken up drumming, it has rekindled my interest in these powerhouses that influenced my musical tastes over the years.
Because of this discussion, I have been particularly interested in Carl Palmer of late. YouTube is chocked full of great performances, from the late 60's (With Arther Brown) to his current work with Asia.

On thing I've noticed that remained consistent with Carl's playing is his stick position of his left hand. It appears that he never abandoned the traditional marshal technique , as did most rock drummers. I have now been wondering if young drummers should perhaps adhere to some of the older rudiments in their formative learning stage.

I was wondering, did you happened to notice if Palmer was useing this tecnique at the recent Asia concert?

I would like to hear the opinions of some of you drummers on this matter as well.

Howlin'

P.S
Terry Bozzio is on my list of exceptional rock drummers as well, although I've never seen him live, I enjoyed his work with Zappa .

Not a big drum expert but it appeared Palmer played exactly the same as he did back in the 70's. Wasn't he also in Atomic Rooster after CWOAB?

I've seen Bozzio with UK, Missing Persons and Jeff Beck. Amazing everytime. My favorite was when UK opened for Jethro Tull and his cymbals were hanging on ropes from the ceiling of Olympia Arena. Also with Missing Persons when he didn't play a kit - he had actuators on a table that he played. But my favorite is still Bill Bruford.

Bruford is a brilliant Drummer.

I read this a little while ago. It's interesting to hear his angle on things.
http://www.philipharland.com/VinylAddic ... g-crimson/

Not a big drum expert but it appeared Palmer played exactly the same as he did back in the 70's. Wasn't he also in Atomic Rooster after CWOAB?

Jimmy,
Although I dug Vince Crane's Organ playing with Brown, The only thing that caught my ear by them in that time period was the classic "Fire".
In the seventy's I liked Atomic Roster, and still have two of their albums on vinyl. I recall Paul Hammond on drums, and was not aware of Carl Palmer ever playing with them, However, after a quick check on good 'ol Wikipedia, it comes to light that Carl was indeed Roster's original drummer! (Ya learn something new every day)

HJ