080 – Mike Clark: Playing with musicality and purpose

In this podcast I chat with the man, the myth, the legend…drummer, Mike Clark.  Mike is widely regarded as one of (if not, the) innovator of the linear funk drumming.  Mike is known for his work with Herbie Hancock and The Headhunters, specifically on the tune “Actual Proof“, which displays some dirty, nasty stanky funk! Clark has also performed with many top musicians from the worlds of jazz and funk, including Chet Baker, Vince Guaraldi, Fred Wesley, Woody Shaw, Wallace Roney, Eddie Henderson, Tony Bennett, Joe Henderson, Michael Wolff, and Charlie Hunter. He also co-leads a two drummer band with Lenny White, and is currently co-leading and touring with The Wolff and Clark Expedition. He also runs clinics around the world. Clark is also known as one of the most sampled drummers in contemporary music. His beats have appeared on records by Prince, NWA, De La Soul, and Janet Jackson, among others.

“All I would tell people is to hold onto what was individual about themselves, not to allow their ambition for success to cause them to try to imitate the success of others. You’ve got to find it on your own terms.” – Harrison Ford

In this podcsat you’ll hear Mike Clark talk about:

• How he got started playing drums
• His first gig (on the same day that he started playing drums)
• The development of linear funk drumming
• His friendship with Paul Jackson 
• Herbie Hancock’s “Thrust” album and writing “Actual Proof”
• His friendship with Paul Jackson
• Swingin’ and what it’s all about
• How to work on your ride patters
• Thoughts on current drummers
• Much much more

Resource and Links Mentioned:

Mike Clark’s: Website | Facebook 
Sam Woodyard
Carmen Intorre’s Drummer’s Resource Interview
Max Roach
Billy Hart
Actual Proof

Sweet Georgia Brown – Louis Armstronf

Sidewinder – Lee Morgan

Mike Clark’s Gear:

• DW Drums
• Istanbul Agop Cymbals
• Evans Drumheads
• Innovative Percussion