One of my favorite drummers released a new CD today, and I didn’t even know it was in the works. Bill Stewart doesn’t have a website of his own, probably because he’s too busy being one of the world’s foremost drummers. He’s played funk with Maceo Parker and James Brown, but has spent the lion’s share of the past 15 years playing with Larry Goldings, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, and a bunch of other people. His drumming is tasteful, inventive, and very musical; it’s always a supreme pleasure to hear.
He also composes and occasionally leads bands. As of today, he has five records as a leader, at least two of which are sadly out of print (come on, Blue Note, give me a break). This new one, Incandesence, features the same band as his previous Keynote Speakers: Kevin Hays and Larry Goldings on keyboards and accordian. Yes, this is a two keyboard and drums trio, and it’s great. I haven’t heard Keynote Speakers yet, because it goes in and out of stock at CD Baby and I just haven’t bought it, but the new one is available from my good friend eMusic. I’m listening to it now, and eating it up. This is vastly superior to lame April Fools jokes.
I've seen Derico in the Vic Firth podcast, or maybe just in videos on their website. He was a pretty hot drummer from what I remember, and seemed like a pretty mellow dude.
And yeah, it's hard to beat Bill for the jawline.
Posted by Joe Chellman at April 4, 2008 10:04 PM
Speaking of drummers, Derico Watson (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Derico_Watson.html), who played with Victor Wooten at a show I saw Monday night, was excellent. His style seems to be strongly influenced by Dennis Chambers (which certainly seems appropriate given the gig). The only reason I bring any of this up is to comment that the only drummer who could possibly compete with Dennis' bulldog jowls is Bill Stewart, of the impressively prominent jawline. McCain, you better watch out.
Posted by Brother Bear at April 4, 2008 9:27 PM