The June 2001 Issue of Modern Drummer was just released. On page 148 is an article titled "A Different View". The idea for the article is to interview famous musicians, and get their insights on various drummers they have worked with. This month's interview is with Michael McDonald. Michael had very complimentary things to say about all of the Doobie drummers. Here are the sections about the Doobies: MD: Tell us about the "What A Fool Believes" session. Did [producer] Ted Templeman play drums on that track? Michael: Yes. Ted did play drums. I'm not sure if he doubled with Keith Knudsen or John Hartman on that one. When we wrote it, it had more of a Gospel feel. But eventually we wanted a New York pop, early '60s rock 'n' roll, Rascals kind of groove. We wanted to figure out, mostly in production value, how they made some of those '60's records. The big echo. How did Phil Spector do HIS records? How did they get that four-on-the-floor groove? Did they stomp on plywood? That was the vibe. I love that groove. So we overdubbed a whole lot of percussion for that Four Seasons, "Walk Like A Man", "Sherry" four-on-the-floor feel. MD: While we're on the subject of The Doobies, let's talk about John Hartman, Keith Knudsen, and Chet McCracken. Michael: Well, the original Doobies drummers were Michael Hossack, and John Hartman. Keith replaced Mike, and then Chet took over for John. Mike and John are both great. And Keith is a natural drummer. We worked very closely in the Doobies. Keith had a large input on "Minute By Minute" and "Takin' It To The Streets". He really brought those tracks together. He came up with the arrangement and grooves. We cut "Minute By Minute" with just bassist Tiran Porter, Keith and myself. Chet is another phenomenal drummer. He's a great R&B drummer, a great rock drummer, and largely at heart a great jazz drummer. He's one of those guys who really gets it as far as the groove and finesse. I look back on drummers I've played with and realize that in the period of time I was playing with Chet, Mike, Keith, and John, the band really had the ability to groove, especially in a live situation. So many times when you're playing live you're battling that runaway-train situation. Your adrenaline is flowing and everything is a little too fast. Sometimes there's too much thinking going on on-stage, which produces too much playing. It's a problem that goes from bad to worse. I find that what really works is playing with guys who have been playing a long time. They have that experience behind them. They have enough background to where they know how to play less. They know the importance of it. All the Doobie drummers were really good at that. Well there you have it..... Craig _________________________ To unsubscribe from this list, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with "unsubscribe doobiefans-list" in the body.
