Tuesday, September 17, 2024

A Moment to Breathe

The photos were spoiked during a loop around some lower-Appalachia hills. Spoiked? Okay, I was rummaging for an apt word to describe half-assed photos snapped in afterthought haste, and the sound my phone’s "shutter" makes. Not the classic shutter. Boring. Droplet caricature, perhaps. I usually turn it off, but for some reason it was active this day. All right, let’s not wander too far off the trail …

Spoik!

Hogpen Gap - "Dodd Creek Lookout"
Mt. Yonah in background towards the right (over the trunk), Sal Mt. in center.
Currahee Mountain in the distant center background.

This is northern Georgia, USA. My ride arced Dahlonega, Suches, Wolfpen Gap, Vogel, and Hogpen Gap from northwest of Gainesville. Perfect weather. Lower 70s (F). Brisk on the northwestern slopes (lower 60s?) at speed, but no handwarmers needed. The bike is a 2004 BMW R1150RT – my midlife crisis pacifier – purchased in late 2017 with barley over 13,000 miles on the o-meter.  
More about her HERE.

To think I almost bought a boat! Maybe that would have been safer ...

Never thought I’d own a motorcycle, let alone a touring thoroughbred. I’ve rather enjoyed this one so far. Never once considered trading it. No complaints at all. Still, I wonder exactly how many rides I have left. Fatigue sets in so quickly unless you do it regularly, which, I am sad to say, I do not. And yet, I always await the next ride with great anticipation. Where to? So many choices …
I may have an idea for the next. About this one, though:

I’ve taken two big solo rides so far. First, to Cherohala from Central Florida. Then “The Obligatory Ride” through the Tail of the Dragon. Wisely trailered her to the Gainesville, GA base for this one. Fatigue on one hand, Atlanta's traffic zoo on the other. Side roads through the country? Endless stoplights and too much time (and police). No thanks.

I suppose the “big news” is that we’re loosely in Georgia for the time-being. My folks could use a little help in their elder years. Wife wanted a change of scene, so we’re here for a while. Haven’t located our permanent residence yet, although our odds have increased dramatically since being here. Hope to land it soon. Have I mentioned the housing market is hopelessly bonkers around here? Patience …

Spoik!

Suches, Georgia, USA

This was taken off the northwestern corner of GA 180 and GA 60. Those acquainted might recognize the barn-style lodge of Two Wheels of Suches (formerly T.W.O. — Two Wheels Only) camping/cabins resort in the background a Famous long-running hamlet for bikers. Passed by it for decades. This was my first time doing so on a motorcycle. Drum hero Neil Peart stayed there once. He really left no road untaken.

TWoS is indeed at the heart of Georgia’s finest biking roads. The scenery and sheer amount of twisties is apex carving heaven. I know some might think the speed limits are designed for revenue punishment, and in a few cases this would be accurate, particularly the northern side of Hogpen Gap. Yet, the curviest parts of GA180 have a 25 MPH limit. I know. What? That’s insane! Um, not really. Unless you’re of the kneedragger variety, 25 is actually the best you’ll safely achieve. Worry not, you’ll be entertained, even at that speed.

Speaking of which … SPOIK!

 

 (credit: Google Maps Street View)

Road noise ….

Probably my favorite WTF moment from the ride. Had to retrace to find this bend with the opposing signage. The left arrow was more prominent from my angle of approach, actually. I, um, went with the majority indication. Duh!

Okay, this is where I fail as a travel blogger. Enjoyed the ride too much to frequently stop for photos. Suffice to say, it was over as soon as it began. Nonetheless, as intended, the run through these bucolic mountainsides proved a perfect distraction from the year’s calamity. There's quite a lot of minutia involved, so I'll keep it short. Cardio intervention procedure. The news came shortly after personally packing up and driving four truckloads to Georgia. Dental emergency on top of that. And, well, all the typical middle-age drama one incurs with a family life in flux. (or complete upheaval if I wanted to sensationalize it, which I don't). Thankfully, covid complications feel like they’re in the rear view. Drumming, engineering, and writing returns seem further away than ever, but also within grasp. Almost there …
The ride certainly helps in that return to blissful normalcy. I'm still here. More please!

/T 

PS any suggestions for a fun route nearby? Though I might hit HWY 28 from Walhalla, SC to Highland, NC, then return through Sky Valley / Dillard, GA. Maybe take Blue Ridge Gap Rd?
Spoik!

Friday, December 8, 2023

Who Could Possibly Replace Neil Peart?

A. MacNaughtan snapped it

Rush’s Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee are on record stating they aren’t built to sit idle. Further, they signaled the possibility of taking an ace drummer to (gulp) fill Neil’s shoes. Good Luck?

Okay, there are many, MANY drummers that cover Rush proficiently. Thing is, some are better than others at different eras of their catalog. Let’s see … ‘70s Classic Riff Rock, later-‘70s Orchestral Prog, the ‘80s Digital Sequenced Man, the later ‘80s synth pop and riff rock, the neoclassical Hard Rockin’ Naughties, finally arriving at the Steam-punky Time Machine era and Clockwork Angels.

Who can do it all?

Now, I’ve already seen countless social media posts asking that very question. The majority are quick to finger Mike Portnoy, Danny Carey, Mike Mangini and several other, let’s say, “contemporary prog legends”. As incredible as they are, I’d have to wonder if Ged and Al see them with a fanboy-detector lens. My guess is they’d want someone they’ve always admired that came up around the same time as themselves. The available drummers in that category are very few. Some are no longer with us, some are retired (Bruford), somelike the fanboys—can't do it all, let alone do it Neil-verbatim. Poach a lucky tribute drummer? Sort of like what Journey did? Hmm… nice gesture. Still, it might not be rewarding for Geddy and Alex. Subbing for Neil Peart seems all but an impossible request. Maybe they’ll have to accept a younger jedi to see the road once more. Maybe not.

Alright, so let’s go down the rabbit hole, entertain a few likely choices, and see what’s what.

Bill Bruford? Retired, mostly gone jazz towards the end, but he is well-versed on the ‘lectrics. As of today, he’s 74. My guess is he’s done and has no intention of joining a band, not even Rush.

Omar Hakim? Sure, he rehearsed with them and covered a couple songs. Steady performance, yet not remotely as good as several tribute drummers I’ve seen on YouTube. He was fun to watch nonetheless. I'd sort of enjoy seeing other masters fight to accurately cover Rush. Won't happen.

Might as well get some of the other heavies out of the way while I'm at it: Billy Cobham, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Steve Smith, Manu Katche ... nope!

And a couple Holdsworthians: Gary Husband and Chad Wackerman. Jazz regression therapy? Interesting ... but seriously doubtful.

Mike Portnoy? He’s gone home to Dream Theater. I know he’d jump at that opportunity—THE ultimate (and famous) fan of Neil Peart. Missed his timing, I’d say. Suffice to mention, “the kid” in their eyes. Mike is pretty much the fan favorite. He loves Neil so unashamedly, even when it wasn’t cool.

Danny Carey?
I’m sure you saw Alex sit in with Tool recently when they came through Toronto. That was nice to see. Danny sat in on the Taylor Hawkins memorial too. For me, it wasn’t an automatic match. Maybe because he wasn’t on his own kit … or at least one set up for covering Rush? Jury’s out.

Mike Mangini? Younger (not much!), but DAMN. There is no question of ability. Frankly, Rush would be a cakewalk gig for Mike. Prog fans would dig it too, and he’s just recently looking for a job. Serendipity? Mike would be blowing chops all up and down if allowed. Solos would be once again a dazzling spectacle. That’s one of Mike’s advantages. He knows how to entertain on a big kit. Strong choice if not for the “youth” factor.

Simon Phillips? Maybe beneath him, and maybe mismatched for the ‘80s electronic era, not that he’s incapable. Simon’s a lotta jazz the past couple decades, but I did catch him on a hard rock session not too long ago. Would be an interesting choice. Audition!

Stewart Copeland? This is my favorite gut reaction choice, and he’d definitely change things up to make it interesting. That’s a catch-22 though. Stewart’s drumming persona might be overwhelming to fans looking for another Peart. I’d love to see the audition tapes of him trying though! (and Rush covering a Police tune!)

Gavin Harrison?
I’ve read his name plenty too. Debate amongst yourselves if you like. For Rush, I’d think it’s a hard pass.

Virgil Donati? He’s only slightly younger and totally slams it when needed. Versatile too. I think he could do it. Right choice? Chemistry there, mate? Hmm…

Carl Palmer? Wait, he might see RUSH as the fanboys. Same for Cobham. Probably right. While interesting, and he’s up to the task, Carl’s not a great fit. Maybe only for the early catalog, if anything.

Photoshop source unknown

Alex Van Halen? You’ve probably seen the above trio meme running around Facebook, X, Insta, and other places. Snap reaction has most folks panning the very thought. Not funny! Not good enough. Only a rocker. Yadda yadda … Besides, he’s pretty much retired after the loss of his brother. One and done. And, I’d agree. What most of those people don’t know is that Alex is a huge fan of prog, jazz, reggae—same as Peart—and greatly admires Billy Cobham, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, Tony Williams, Mitch Mitchell, and Buddy Rich, among others. Yes … same as Neil Peart. In fact, Alex liked Billy Cobham's grooves so much, he appropriated Billy's famous double bass shuffle on Spectrum’s Quadrant 4 for VH's Hot for Teacher. And guess what? He’s also the same age as Geddy and Alex, came up the same as them, and a one-band-man. Go back and listen to some of VH’s earlier material. A few are borderline progressive, although the grand guardians of the genre would surely raise the drawbridge. Now, it’s fair to say I don’t quite see Van Halen learning and performing Rush’s back catalog. I could hear him on some new material, however. His sound would fit Lifeson’s harder riffs quite well. Never say never!

Thomas Lang? He could pull it off, I’m sure. He’s got the same problem as Mike Portnoy, Tim Alexander, Todd Sucherman, and so many others. That lens, you see.

Tim Herb Alexander? Sure … and toured with them already. I mean as an opener with Primus. He knows their material front and back. Closely mentored by Neil himself. Would Ged and Al see him like Robert Plant sees Jason Bonham?

Terry Bozzio? He’s 73. Could he do it? I think so, but why would he? Is he a good fit? Overkill? Again, I’d love to see his audition/rehearsal tapes!

What about one of metal's legendary hitmen, Tommy Aldridge? Could you see him covering Mystic Rhythms? That'd make for an entertaining audition vid, for sure. Destroying Simmons pads with his bare hands ...

Matt Cameron? Here’s another name frequently tossed around. It’s unfortunate that Matt has little if any recordings that demonstrate a clear ability in progressive rock. He’s a huge fan of the genre, of Neil, and of Neil’s influences. I don’t doubt he could manage a large portion of the catalog. All of it? Better for new material? If it’s a multiple audition scenario, similar to Dream Theater’s a dozen years ago, I don’t see why Matt shouldn’t have a go. Unless, he simply not keen on it. Anyone bother asking these people?

Chad Smith? I’m seeing double. Chad’s great. Solid player. Can he pull Rush off – all of it? You know, I never play someone short. True professionals are often surprising when a real challenge arises. Chad’s proven. Would be an interesting audition tape.

Matt Sorum? Chalk him down ala Chad Smith. Small kit rocker. Solid. Kenny Aronoff too. Good match?

Gregg Bissonette? Got the chops. Got the feel? I'd employ the Mystic Rhythms analogy again, but also the pro henchman thought. You just never know who's up to the task. I never saw Omar Hakim sitting behind Geddy and Alex until it happened.  

Mike Hetzel? Who’s that, you say? Sticks for YYNOT—probably one of the best Rush tribute bands around. Obviously up to the task. Would Rush do the Journey thing, though? What about new material. There’s a wrinkle. Out of all the drummers already listed, who’d you want to hear with Alex and Geddy?

Look, if you really want to go outside the box, let's just blow it up then with any of YouTube's cover stars. Look for them ... there's no end! Pretty young gals totally ruling La Villa, or Tom Sawyer. Seven year old babies laying down Tom Sawyer. Too old? Let's make it five. Improbable and impossible lovelies covering Rush has sort of become its own meme.
It used to be a curse. GEEK! Nice turnaround, huh?

Of course, there's another guy from a successful Toronto trio. Also famous on the big kits back in the day. Longtime friends of the guys, too. What's Gil Moore of Triumph been up to?

My last mention is, to me, the most intriguing: Rod Morganstein.
Rod’s their age, a technical ace, isn’t a snob … oh shit; he is a snob! I forgot!

Okay, this was at an Atlanta Pro Percussion clinic ... so long ago now ... ’85 or ’86. Rod specifically made fun of those who twirled sticks and other theatrics. Sarcastically shoved a finger up his nose while spinning one. Doy! Everyone in the room knew he was jabbing Neil because a kid just asked about one of his licks. Maybe Rod was dejected by constantly being in Peart’s press shadow at the time? Many were, even though Neil was not as technically proficient. The Dregs’s records were the stuff other pros idolized. Neil included. I’d hope Rod’s over it by now. Nothing wrong with a little showmanship for the non-drummers. You’re paid to ENTERTAIN.

Regardless, Rod makes sense on many levels. He could use a high-profile gig to end on. Winger’s cool and all. It isn’t Rush. Rod would shine under the spotlight he always wanted, and he’d have a shot at making the entire catalog tastefully stronger. Don’t think it possible? You don’t know Rod.
Okay, I’m a little biased after catching the Dregs a few years ago. Rod was so very strong … probably out of everyone in the band.

Do any other these guys want the gig, though? In terms of legacy, it's not theirs. It never will be. Imposter syndrome? You read the comments across social platforms and at least half believe it's sacrilege to pursue it, so there's that. Ask Kenney Jones. Personal challenges aside, it's a well-paid cover gig. Big Money ...

I know I missed a few dozen choice candidates. Add them in the comments, including YOUR favorite.

Back to Lee and Lifeson ...

Who knows. There are several considerations they’d likely mull. Primary questions will be something akin “Okay, do we want a famous flavor to help ticket draws and perhaps put their own signature on the former material?” Or … “What about a complete unknown. No expectations. Must play all our stuff note-perfect and take no light from us—Geddy and Alex. We’re the band now, nobody else.” (Sting kinda did this his last tour).  “Or, is there someone waiting in the wings, Stage Left, can just crush it, who’s one of us, is someone we always admired, looking for a good jam—one last epic ride—who admires us ... a friend.”
Of course, they might ultimately decide it’s one huge headache and stay retired
selling books, beer, and gear.

I wish them well whatever they decide. The fans will be there no matter what. 

 /T


(1/12/2024)
UPDATE: Perhaps Rush's implied desire to continue touring with another drummer was a classic PR play, designed to capture general interest during Geddy's autobiography tour. If that's the case, it worked. Here we are a month later -- book tour complete -- reports of Alex complaining that his arthritis is worsening, he isn't sure he can properly play the material any longer, and isn't really interested in touring in the first place. If he can't play it, definitely not. Geddy hasn't gone so far other to say he's done touring. If anything we might see an occasional guest appearance ala Taylor Hawkins' Memorial.

Probably best. 



 


 

 

Monday, October 2, 2023

A Farewell to Dom

 

Last week’s news conjured bittersweet memories of Dom Famularo. I’ve an 8X10 autographed promo of his circa 1984 from an Atlanta Pro Percussion clinic — somewhere in deep storage since we’re in between houses. He was a TAMA endorsee at the time. Black and White 8x10 with a 24” double bass setup. Power toms and mirrored bass drumheads, as were popular in the day. I never knew anyone could play so fast and with that magnitude of power … unamplified! There he was, three or four rows away with his kit perched atop a riser just inside Ed’s front windows, just crushing them.

That's the look!

The mid and late ‘80s were full of such clinics: Chester Thompson, Vinnie Colaiuta, Rod Morgenstein, Tommy Aldridge … I made the 75-minute trip at every opportunity, even if I didn’t know the drummer. Hey, if he’s doing a clinic at Atlanta Pro, he must be pretty good, right? I just happened to catch Dom after a couple of those clinics. The guys at Atlanta Pro Percussion (APP) talked about him and his crazy fast feet. I was really into that at the time, so I made a point to be there and ask questions when that time came.

Dom ran a clinic like no other. Yeah, sure, they all start and end with a solo, but Dom explained everything in the technique, including his encyclopedic referencing to where it all emanated. No term for a chop’s etymology, so … hmm … maybe invent a word for it? Anyway, Dom also spent one-on-one time with anyone who queued after the clinic. Signed photos and picture ops (we didn’t call them selfies back then – someone else took the photo). Kinda regret it now, but I was never queued for the photo after the first. I was more interested in a couple quick pointers and a shake of his hand. That was quite enough.

I saw Dom another four times after that first round. Always insightful. He wasn’t always alone either. Kenny Aronoff joined for one of those. As fantastic as Kenny was, and generous to teach us his famous Jack and Diane fill, Dom … umm … dominated. (couldn’t help it, sorry). Another clinic coincided with Buddy Rich’s passing. APP received the news as it happened. We were all pretty bummed, you can imagine. It was BUDDY, every drummer’s #1. Nonetheless, there was a clinic to do. I don’t believe anyone else could have crafted a tribute solo on the fly. I’ll never forget the opening heartbeat on kick drum, and the fury of Buddy-esque chops that would ensue. He left the store floored. Moreso than any other time.

Dom always encouraged his students and exuded positive vibes. Sounds all California hippie surfer, I know, yet was more professorial in demeanor—maybe the nun with a ruler at times, yet quick to overcome anyone’s personal barriers. Egos had NO place in his court. Dom was the destroyer of arrogance. And this leads me to my most-repeated anecdote.

To set the scene, maybe the third or fourth clinic I attended at APP was with a work acquaintance and new drumming buddy. He was a gospel player at his local church, could afford the best equipment, and was genuinely interested in progressing as a player. He was also interested in double-bass playing, so I put him onto Dom Famularo’s upcoming clinic. Now, to dress the set further, you must know that Dom is from New York, and he has the cutting, dry accent and dialect to go with it. Curt by necessity. In contrast, the gospel player grew up locally in north Georgia, although his drawl was not as slow as most in the area — quite uptempo, in fact — it was still quite prevalent. For fastest double bass playing, Dom always instructed to sit low for best balance, and keep the thighs level. I do this, and yes, it works best for me. My friend had a problem however.
“Dom, I appreciate your advice to sit low, but if I do that, I can’t be seen by the congregation.”

Dom smirked while autographing promo photo. He pushed his glasses back to the top of his nose while handing it over and coldly quipped, “If your playing sucks, what makes you think you’d want to be seen?”

Crow consumed.

Drumming’s Global Ambassador — a title he would eventually earn after decades of clinics, camps, and other events across Europe, Central and South America, Africa, and several Asian countries — crossed paths with tens of thousands of drummers. I don’t recall my exact amount, but I know of at least two more. One was yet another Atlanta Pro Clinic, this time with a guitarist friend, shreddin’ Ted Tuck. Dom was not only packing the room with drummers, but also players of other instruments! They too were curious of his insights and technique … how they might apply it within their own domains, as well as to better understand their counterparts. Of course, Ted, being the kidder he is, answered pan flute when Dom ask if there were other instrumentalists in the room and what they played. And, true to Dom’s character, he was not distracted by it. Dry NY Dom. “That’s nice,” and moved on with the lecture.

My last rendezvous with the Great and Fabulous Famularo was in the late ‘90s at a Nashville NAMM show. Ted was there, too. We had talked with many greats that day. Shaking Danny Gatton’s hand is a painful, yet fond memory. He would be dead two weeks later. It was also the last time we saw Allan Holdsworth, who would join our little group for a beer at bar off the side of the convention center. Super down-to-earth guy who always took time for his fans. Then, at some point that day when we’re out on the floor checking out the latest gear, or perhaps someone playing at a booth, Dom speeds by looking every bit the part of a university professor. To be sure, the man kept a fast pace! Two blocks down, I finally caught up with him to shake his hand and attempt to get a simple question in. “What’s your book recommendation for developing freedom with odd time and playing over the click (while not losing it). He stopped, shook my hand, gave pointers on how to hear it without fully focusing on it, but also — surprise! — published his own book out on odd time signatures. I of course ordered it as soon as I returned home, and while it didn’t work as intended, it accomplished its goal of teaching freedom. The quick of that being: After checking out these crazy time signatures were simply divisions of the clock, you quickly learn the feel of them, i.e. how to fit any number of strokes within any given number of clicks at any tempo set. Sounds complicated, yet it isn’t. You can count it, or you can feel it and know. I think the point is to develop the feel so you don’t have to count, or even think; it’s automatic.
Thanks Again, Dom.

Like many, the internet soon replaced the need for in-person reboots — as useful as they remain. I was over the star-power draw. NAMM show exposures tends to satisfy those needs. Celebrity overload! There’s so much incredible technique out there now, on full display, every stroke broken down for the curious. There’s no end to it; new content published every second of every day! Dom adapted, even embracing the tech for wider reach. And soon I was seeing Dom on a daily basis, a follower from afar and witness to his journey for the better part of 40 years. I share the pain of mourning with tens if not hundreds of thousands of drummers and other instrumentalists in his untimely passing. He still had much to share, as new drummers were born every day. They too would know Dom eventually — his vast knowledge, his cutting wit, his love for the instrument, his empowering encouragement, and his pure joy in drumming expression. He will live on in his books, his videos, and best of all the legacy imbued within all of us — his students. A tough and painful loss, yes, but a life well-lived that won’t ever be forgotten. In the world of drums, Dom Famularo joins the immortals.

Godspeed,

/T