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.
“I used to be jealous of some musicians who were on gigs that I was not on. After becoming a musician and hopefully an artist and not a drummer - I now realize why those guys are on those gigs and why I am not. I hear why those people are the right choices. I also realize why I am on the gigs I’m on and why I am the right choice for one of them. Not all that complicated having learned a few things. Liberating as well I might add!”
“Success used to be so important to me...now staying alive is the joint... Priorities”
“Some musicians only know you from certain experiences so that’s how they know you. This is also how you know them. They may think you can’t do this or that which you may do on many gigs for many years, just not the ones they are on.They may think they know all your different gears and they don’t. You also may feel this way about them. Its kind of interesting as we can’t be on every gig with each other but it can lead to feelings of frustration or misunderstandings. Maybe you were on a gig that didn’t swing or go well or visa versa so you feel like NAH - but then a few years later you play with them it’s it ‘MAN HE IS BAD’ !! -- Ha Ha Ha - the older I get the more I’m learning how it goes”
“Although it probably is undetectable - Roy Haynes is huge part of my nervous system. I have been listening to him since childhood.”
“I have never had a friend as close as Paul Jackson. We knew each other so well we never had to talk. He loved me even knowing all my rotten shit as well as my good stuff and I did him. That happens once in a lifetime if you are lucky - and if you are real lucky he or she plays bass like Paul”
“I’m tired of drumming, I was thinking about becoming a ship’s captain but I’m not stern enough.”