JOHN BONHAM'S 75TH BIRTHDAY/ DRUM SOLO - ANALYSIS

Something for Bonzo, who would have turned 75 today. Imagine that. I was thinking about all of the many possibilities that his musical mind would have taken him into. He's known for playing a very conventional big band type setup, one up - two down, but he always utilized other percussive elements like tympani, gong, congas, and had experimented with current shell innovations like acrylic drums in 1973 and steel shells in 76. He clearly had an affinity for experimentation with electronic sounds and probably would have explored that more as well. Maybe he and Phil Collins would have hung out and collaborated? Who knows. I can see him being a part of a drum group project.

Sadly he left this world at only 32 years old, which at my age seems like a very young man. I suppose it is. But Bonzo was one of those people who always seemed older than their years, even when he was in his early 20s. Maybe it's because of the maturity of his playing from the very start. Right from the beginning, his drumming seemed to come from a place of primeval wisdom and gravity. There was a depth of soul to it, which is why he has always been one of my favorites.

I sat down yesterday and just started playing something along the lines of his soloistic style, to share here. I've often heard comments about how Bonzo wasn't a very technical player, meaning in my opinion, that he didn't have rudimental chops or good hands, that he was more of a heavy groove oriented player. A "beast". I really think anyone who really believes that either has bad musical ears, or they haven't heard him really play a drum solo. He had excellent hands and utilized many combinations of rudiments.

Also, that comment about him not being able to swing, is absolutely laughable. Yes, he didn't play chang-a-dang on the ride ( except on the intro to How Many More Times), but his phrasing always swung, and way more than that drummer who made the comment, who shall not remain nameless (Ginger Baker).

His sense of timing, feel, groove, production of sound on the kit, inventive beats and musicality put him up there forever as a timeless influence and inspiration.

Happy Birthday Bonzo - 🎂🥁🌟
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