Since music is primarily an aural tradition, it seems obvious to immerse oneself in the music you’ll be covering when working on a ship. This may come easier to some than others as it depends on what you’ve studied/generally appreciate and recreationally listened to. Personally I listen to anything I consider “good music” – be it swing, soul, punk, classical (insert a title attempting to sum an art form into a word) but I can’t ignore my surroundings and timing of birth which has directly influenced my connection with music.
Growing up in Australia during the development of the Internet and the Information Age, I seem to have naturally bonded with pop music and electronically produced music. This coupled with my location not having the history or artists of a lot of the music you’ll be playing (mostly American music) it’s even more important to listen to this music to truly support it properly on the drums.
Here are my top pick artists to listen to and immerse yourself in to appropriately support the music played on the ships. Being a minimalist I always try to keep it as small and simple as possible but am fully aware there is plenty more albums/artist you and I should study. It’s only worth it if you’re in it for the long haul, cause it’s a lifelong journey this music thing.
BIG BAND
- Buddy Rich
- Count Basie
- Frank Sinatra
POP/FUNK/MOTOWN
- Stevie wonder
- James brown
- The Four Seasons
- The Supremes
- Elvis
- Jackson 5
NOTE: Your job on the ship is to support the music and make it groove and swing. You’re not here to improvise and bend the time. So immerse yourself in the music and find the pocket to help get people moving
In your “POP/FUNK/MOTOWN”, let’s include Chaka Khan, the queen of funk.