Your Favorite Session Drummers Here...

[lumpy]

My favorite session drummer, and arguably the greatest session drummer of all time, is the great Hal Blaine. The list of number one songs that he's played on is almost stupid.

A close second for me is a drummer that has recorded with a who's who list of musicians, and had his fair share of hit records, but for some reason is hardly ever mentioned favorably by drum experts, and that is Jim Keltner.

I could list several more, but like any good drummer I will keep it simple.

Lump

[brandondrury]

Very interesting thread. We need to list some of the projects / songs / albums / whatever that these drummers have done because I have a feeling that most of them are not household names, even if they should be!

Brandon

[lumpy]

Hal Blaine has drummed on 40 #1 hit songs and over 150 Top Tens. He got his big break with Tommy Sands, better known as Frank Sinatra's son in law, and got outta that gig when things starting getting weird. He hooked up with Phil Spector and played on all his big hits, including the classic "Be My Baby" which features his famous Boom, Boom, Boom, Crack! drum intro. The list of artists he recorded with include The Beach Boys, Sonny and Cher, The Mamas and The Papas, America, and Simon and Garfunkle. My favorite Hal Blaine drum track is the Byrds "Turn, Turn, Turn" with Hal's beautiful tom accents on the chorus. Hal is a 2000 Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Jim Keltner is less well known than Hal Blaine, but has an impressive track record, most notably John Lennon's "Imagine" album. Most casual rock fans will recognize Keltner's work on Tom Petty's 1989 "Full Moon Fever" record. My favorite Keltner track is "Josie" by Steely Dan.

Both these guys are among the most successful and sought after musicians in the world. Keltner is still pretty active, while Blaine is semi-retired but still doing some jingle work. They have reputations for being solid, reliable, fast learning, and above all professional.

Lump

[brandondrury]

I've got a Tape Op issue (which I recommend everyone get a free subscription too ...even if you are not exactly a super nerd recording guy like myself) with an awesome interview with Hal Blaine.

I wish I had a clue which issue that was. It was amazing hearing a guy of this caliber talk about his approach to drumming. Very eye opening!!

Brandon