Mike Clark: Words of Wisdom. Another new chapter in our ongoing series of conversations, quotes, commentary, and updates with jazz/funk drumming legend Mike Clark… Mike’s keen observations provide numerous insights into ‘All Things Music’. -- Mike just tells it like it is.
“Here is what Herbie Hancock taught me about life… The two of us were driving a long way to meet the band, we were BS'n and he asked what things bothered me in life. I said that I was getting a reputation for playing funk, which is black music –
I feel inadequate and fraudulent since I'm white and don't come from that background… Maybe I'm not the right guy for this job.
He said, “I don't want to play with anyone else…
But if you need to leave let me know. It doesn't matter where you come from - Don't fake or pretend to be anyone else. I knew you weren't black when I hired you. I think you are the right guy for the job. If you feel less than that because of your skin color then you can’t do a great job for anyone, and that will haunt you forever. Just play and enjoy whatever time you have left on earth - because at the end of the day, you can't be anyone but you.”
- Best guidance I ever got. I was young and confused about the world and my place in it. He is a nice man!
I felt he was speaking about all humans! No wonder everybody loves him!
A guy once told me that you ‘MUST’ have a rehearsal before a record date. The next day, I did the best jazz date I have ever done… No Rehearsal! The guy gave us the charts, talked it down, and we hit it …
IT WAS GREAT!
‘THRUST’ was done with no rehearsal. Some of the music, was played on the road. ‘Spankalee’ and ‘Palmgrease’ were put together right on the spot.
We working stiffs have to be ready to do what needs to be done, especially in New York City! That’s if you want to keep working! I have no choice. I would of course much rather have a rehearsal or two, but I have made some of what I consider to be great records with no rehearsal… Just showing up and being prepared for anything! I stay ready!
One of my friends leans towards a 1950’s type of playing… I’m sort of the 1960’s. We were kind of going back and forth about this. He’s in the Jurassic Period, while I’m in the Cretaceous.
“God Make Me Funky” (the video below)
Boy does this kick up some memories! We originally wrote and recorded this for Everett and Jones BBQ in Oakland and they played it on KDIA. Not this version - but the original.