Spring 2008

Next Post: Summer 2008

On the 15th of March I had the great honour and privilege of performing in the house band for a surprise 60th birthday party thrown for Dave Mattacks by his lovely wife Caron. I was flattered and totally bowled over when Caron asked if I would be interested in doing it. Naturally I responded without hesitation – an ecstatic YES! (For those not familiar with the great, legendary drummer Dave Mattacks, please visit here: http://www.dmattacks.co.uk/)

The core ‘house’ band for the evening consisted of Dan King, bandleader, guitar & vocals; Marty Rowen, keyboards; Wolf Ginandes, bass; Duke Levine, guitar; Tony Goddess, guitar, vocals, & sound; and myself on drums.

The house band was augmented/substituted at different points in the night with Paul Ahlstrand, Saxophone; Marty Ballou, double-bass; Kevin Barry, guitar; Amy Fairchild, vocals & acoustic guitar; Adam Steinberg, guitar & vocals; Jeff StPierre, bass; Richard Gates, bass; Dennis Brennan, vocals & acoustic guitar; Joyce Anderson, violin; and Brad Hatfield, keyboards. I hope I’m not forgetting anybody� there was lots of shuffling going on throughout the night, with so many of Boston’s finest in attendance. And of course we got DM up there to drum on a few numbers throughout the night, who was as always tremendous! I truly felt how much greatness was around, and felt blessed to be a part of it.

Marty Rowen, Paul Ahlstrand, Marty Ballou and I opened up the night with some jazz. Paul has a superb jazz CD of his own out there called The Sunday Hang, which features DM. I’ve subbed for DM in Paul’s quartet, and both Paul and Marty B. have subbed in The Soul Band, and Marty Rowen and I have played together a ton over the years in various ensembles. So it all felt like home to me. We played as the guests were filing in. When the guest of honour arrived, Marty Rowen and I launched into the theme from Family Guy – a show that DM loves. Needless to say, the birthday boy was perfectly surprised!

After DM’s entrance, the party music began. Dan King took the reigns and led the house band through a string of classics. He also put together a fantastic skit, which was read aloud (and comically amended!) by DM’s longtime chum from the UK – Dave Payne. The skit also acted as a walk down memory lane, with some prime recorded examples of DM’s contributions over the years.

As the evening progressed, a couple of first-rate singer/songwriters [that DM has worked with closely over the years] took centre stage. It was a thrill for me to back up Amy Fairchild. Do check her out – she writes & sings magnificently! I joined her for two of her original songs, and then DM came up and played one with her – and spanked the heck out of it! The man can groove like no other.

Before long Dennis Brennan was up playing a set with DM at the drums, and I was out in the audience totally digging it and bouncing along like a kid. Caron was standing with my wife Maegan, and when I looked over I caught Caron chuckling at how thrilled I was to witness her husband lay into my drums and play Dennis’ brilliant music so impeccably!

One of the many highlights of the evening was the presentation of a plaque to DM by the Zildjian Cymbal Company’s John King & Paul Francis, in gratitude and appreciation for the longstanding relationship DM and Zildjian have shared.

Towards the tail end of the evening, I was able to take Caron aside and thank her once again for having me in the drum chair that night. I also told her my story of ‘how I met Dave Mattacks,’ and how much her husband has meant to me over the years. It goes something like this: About eight years ago, most unbelievably and fortunately for me (and countless others ’round these parts), DM & Caron permanently relocated from Great Britain to the north shore of Massachusetts. Not long after they’d set up shop, my old friend and great singer/songwriter John Haydon called for me to do a gig with him @ The Kendall Caf� (r.i.p.) in Cambridge. I couldn’t as I was already booked elsewhere with the Ken Clark Organ Trio. So I had Mike Piehl booked to sub for me with John. About two weeks or so before the gig, I received an email from Mike stating that he’d erroneously double-booked the Haydon gig with another – but not to worry – he would get it covered. A few days later, Mike emailed again and wrote, �Dave Mattacks is going to cover it – you’re all set.� Knowing that Mike was clearly joking, I replied with something like �RIGHT! Ok, so you couldn’t get it covered�� It was through the exchange that followed that I learned that not only was DM living here now; he was looking forward to playing the gig! An hour later my phone rings, and it’s DM on the line, introducing himself, thanking me for the gig, and saying he’s looking forward to meeting me. SAY WHAT?!?!?! This is a drummer that I’d been listening to, learning from, and admiring for YEARS! XTC’s album ‘Nonsuch’ had been my favourite from that band (still is) largely due to the fact that DM is all over it and playing those incredible songs with the most tasteful and vital drumming. This is the same drummer who is on the legendary Joan Armatrading’s self-titled LP (featuring ‘Love & Affection’). The same man who is on Nick Drake’s ‘Bryter Later.’ The same man who is on a bunch of Paul McCartney records, two George Harrison albums, and Cat Steven’s last album (just before Cat became Yusuf Islam.) Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, and all those Fairport LPs. Sept Piece. Gary Brooker. The list goes on & on! This man is going to SUB for ME at a local watering hole. Universe, THANK YOU!

So that’s where it began for me. Following our initial meeting at the pre-gig rehearsal with John Haydon, I started studying with DM, taking two-hour lessons on the odd Saturday morning, a few times a year. I’m still not done practicing stuff from the first lesson, eight years ago! A strong friendship evolved, and I’m forever grateful to DM for all he has given me as a musician and person.

Here’s a photo Jim McGathey took of DM and I at the end of the party