Hi friends, many of you will know that I grew in a little place in Hampshire called Crookham Village. The nearest town was Fleet and I would cycle or walk to School (when I had a flat tyre!) surrounded by fields and farm land. Looking back it was an idyllic life, I was truly blessed. I used to sit in my bedroom looking at the back on album covers dreaming of the music, the studios, the far off cities and countries that these incredible pieces of music were recorded at. But most of all who were these musicians, engineers and producers? One of these albums that was extremely special to me was ‘There and Back’ by Jeff Beck. Jeff Beck’s beautifully fluid and expressive guitar playing had been introduced me by Olly Alcock, Olly was my musical mentor, an aficionado of all things guitar had incredible taste!
Staring at the back cover of ‘There and Back’ I saw these names, Ken Scott, the Producer and Engineer behind my favourite Bowie Album ‘Hunky Dory’, Keyboard players Jan Hammer and Tony Hymas, session great, bass player Mo Foster and this guy Simon Phillips who turned out to be one the best sounding drummers I ever heard! Simon could play the simplest part or he could play the most complex feel ever, both with an undeniable groove! Listen to a song he co-wrote, ‘The Pump’ to hear his incredible feel!
I was excited when Mark Loughman introduced me to Simon, I knew Simon’s reputation was one of being an amazing guy and wonderful musician, but the promise of visiting his studio and learning some of his drum recording techniques was incredibly exciting!
So here it is, a nearly two long conversation that could have gone on far longer! (I had a session I was running late for or else it would have!) The conversation on Ken Scott was worth the price of admission alone! Check out the video and please let me know what you think, once again special thanks to Mark for introducing me to Simon and of course thank you, Simon, for letting us take a peek into your studio and hear so many incredible tips on Drum recording!
[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUnelkU8VLk[/fve]