163 – Denny Seiwell: Riding on the “Wings” of Paul McCartney
In this podcast I chat with the one and only Denny Seiwell who is best known as being the founding drummer in Paul McCarney’s band “Wings” after he left the Beetles. Denny has been a mainstay in the studio and film score scene as well and is widely considered as one of the greatest studio drummers ever. Denny’s signature sound can be found on records by: Art Garfunkel, James Brown, Astrud Gilberto, Deniece Williams, Janis Joplin’s posthumus Farewell Song album, Billy Joel’s “Cold Spring Harbor” and McCartney’s “Ram”, “Wildlife” and “Red Rose Speedway” albums.
“It was impossible to get a conversation going, everybody was talking too much.” – Yogi Berra (Tweet this)
In this podcast Denny Seiwell talks about:
- His early start in playing music
- A brief tenure in NYC
- Transitioning from Jazz to Rock
- His unorthodox audition for Paul McCartney’s “Wings”
- His new book: “What not to play”
- Advice for creating your own sound in the studio
- How to craft drum parts that serve the song
- Much More
Resources and People / Links Mentioned:
- Contact Denny Seiwell: Website | Facebook
- Jimmy Smith
- Lou Donaldson
- Joey DeFrancesco
- Johnny DeFrancesco
- Chuck Domanico
Denny Seiwell plays:
- DW Drums
- Zildjian Cymbals
- Remo Drumheas
- Vic Firth Drumsticks
- Drumtacs
Podcast Sponsors:
DW Drums: I’ve been playing DW for years…not only because they make high-quality, handcrafted drums but because they support and foster drumming initiatives all over the wold, much like this podcast. I’m thrilled to announce that DW has signed on to support Drummer’s Reosource for 2016! Be sure to check them out today and DWDrums.com.
Sabian XSR Cymbals: I could tell you all about Sabian’s B12 bronze and their trick-down technology, but let me tell you what’s really important: The cymbals in the XSR line are professional-grade cymbals, priced to not break the bank. They sound amazing and won’t hurt you wallet when you buy them. For more info, visit Sabian.