Grateful Dead drummers invade Spud

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

By Aaron Davis

Few memorable rock bands have used two drummers simultaneously – the most signature and experimental arguably being The Grateful Dead.

Drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart played side by side for nearly three decades during the Dead’s heyday, exploring the mathematical possibilities of rhythm during frequent improvisational show segments known as “drums,” or as Jerry Garcia named them in the late 70s, The Rhythm Devils.

“Something happens when [Bill and I] are together. Call it metaphysical, or mystical, or magical, but its really about the laws of entrainment,” Hart said of their special connection.  “The basic elements that gave us strength from the very first day that we played together, it’s still the same … a very in-sync, harmonious flow-like relationship. We very rarely talk about it. We just know when its right.”

Hart and Kreutzmann first stepped out as The Rhythm Devils duo when recruited by director Francis Ford Coppola to record the soundtrack to the film Apocalypse Now during 1979 and 1980. It wasn’t until 2006 that they put together a tour that included Phish bassist Mike Gordon, guitarist Steve Kimock, Back Door Slam’s Davy Knowles on guitar and vocals, Nigerian talking drum master Sikiru Adepoju and vocalist Jen Durkin of Deep Banana Blackout.

For its upcoming show in Driggs, the band will see the return of Adepoju and Knowles, as well as one-man-band Keller Williams and bassist Andy Hess.
“There will be elements of blues and folk music with a strong African component, but there will be this electronic version which is going to be very surprising to everyone,” Hart explained. “We chose these musicians because they want to go beyond. They’re also players that appreciate the value of trance.”

Hart has developed electronic sounds through use of the Pythagorean theorem, developing throbbing and pulsing rhythmic figures on percussive instruments that he has collected from around the world. He has recorded these sounds into his computer, a process that he has named R.A.M.U—Random Access Music Universe—similar to a jukebox or sampler.

Deadheads will certainly get their fill as well. The repertoire will feature tunes from the vast Dead catalog, as well as new music co-written by Hart and Robert Hunter. So how does a band of this caliber rehearse?

“We’ve been sending mp3s back and forth, and these guys have been at it for months learning the material,” Hart said. “There are signature things that must happen, but also big open spaces because that’s what Grateful Dead music was built for. We want to include all of the great visions that these players bring as well … so there’s some direction, but not too much.” JHW

The Rhythm Devils take stage at 6 p.m., Saturday at the Spud Drive-In in Driggs. All-ages. $40; $38.50 advance at Tobacco Row in Jackson, Big Hole Music in Driggs and Knotty Pine in Victor. Reggae artist Don Carlos will open. Nearby camping$30 per car. www.poppapresents.com.

photo  by JOHN WERNER
The Rhythm Devils lay down classic Dead material and trance.

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Grateful Dead drummers invade Spud | Planet JH News Article: Music Box

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