—- How did you get hooked on rock & roll as a kid? Well, I wasn’t into Rock and Roll I was into Jazz (as my father wanted). I wanted a drum set and he bought me one with conditions that I learned how to play jazz for a couple of years. Then on one Christmas I was like 15 or 16 he bought me Led Zeppelin 4 and Rush’s “All the Worlds a stage”...changed me forever!
—- Who were your top few musical heroes as a kid and why? Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Neil Peart, Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Smith and Stuart Copeland. Because they all played as who they truly are and offered something in drumming to me that I needed and wanted.
—- What was the first record you ever picked up and does it make the playlist still today? Benny Goodman Live in Belgium and yes it would because of sing, sing, sing. (It could be a killer rock song today)
—- Who is your favorite drummer and what is it about their that fascinates you so? I don’t have a pure favorite drummer because they all offer something. But if I had to pick 2 I would choose Bonham and Gadd.
—- What are your three favorite rock drum tracks of all-time? Rush 2112 (The whole thing), Steely Dan, Aja and Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain”.
— It’s often said that no two drummer are alike — do you believe one drummer can duplicate another’s feel or parts perfectly without technology? No and Technology would make it worse
—- If you got the call tomorrow, what band could you sit in most comfortably with without freaking out too much? I would freak because my chops are not perfect because I have to work for a living. But once I had those screaming I could and would love to play for Seal and/or Peter Gabriel…Possibly Adelle!
—- You’re bit of a drum collector and aficionado — does the brand and year really make that much of difference once you get past materials used etc.. ? I don’t know, for me it is just the sound and feel of the kit. I have many kits from many makers. I LOVE mid-60’s Rogers and Late-60’s / Early-70’s Ludwig!
—- What part of your personality do you think comes through / translates best / helps in your role as a Financial Advisor? Creativity, Technicality and Empathy.
—- You are not sure if you are dreaming but suddenly you are thrown in to a heavenly Moby Dick drum jam with Bonzo and Mooney, a third kit awaits you. How do you approach the sudden rush to join the fray and hold your ground? I see my Craviotto “Big Drum” kit….I honor the masters and hold my ground just fine because …I am prepared and I can play.
CHICAGO 'N BEYOND 