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We sat down with Mark Mondesir for a wide-ranging conversation about a career spent behind some of the most revered names in jazz, fusion and funk.

Mark talks us through meeting John McLaughlin, the session for The Promise that put him in a room with Jeff Beck, and the surreal week that ended with Jan Hammer on a plane to London to play with him.

We also get into his three north stars on the kit: Billy Cobham, Tony Williams and Elvin Jones, plus the one-word piece of advice Elvin handed him at a soundcheck.

If you've ever wondered how the great gigs actually find a player, Mark's answer is not what you'd expect.

00:00 The Vienna Hi-Fi Show
06:39 Meeting John McLaughlin
10:43 The Promise: Recording with Jeff Beck
13:35 Touring with the Fourth Dimension
15:06 What John Is Like as a Band Leader
18:14 The Promise and the Electric Guitarist
20:48 Why He's Never Felt He's "Made It"
25:09 No Plan, Just Play
27:42 The Jeff Beck and Jan Hammer Story
34:35 Manifestation and Advice for Drummers
39:40 Playing with Half of James Brown's Band
41:12 Influences: Cobham, Williams and Jones
49:55 Mentored by Art Blakey
51:21 Wrap Up

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I put on Chick Corea's My Spanish Heart this week, sat there marvelling at the drummer, and only then realised it was Steve Gadd. This week: Levon Helm's genius behind the kit and the mic, the Eezee Sticks throne holder, and a question about the bands we all underrate.

00:00 - Cold open / what's on this week

00:16 - Heavy Rotation: Chick Corea, My Spanish Heart (feat. Steve Gadd)

01:16 - Drummer Spotlight: Levon Helm, saying more with less

03:39 - New Gear: Eezee Sticks throne-mounted stick holder

04:35 - Think Piece: which underrated bands deserve more credit?

05:57 - Outro & fanmail

Referenced in this episode:

→ Chick Corea, My Spanish Heart (highlight track: Night Streets): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpA2ckaAStY

→ Levon Helm & The Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dDbnwQlCek

→ Eezee Sticks: https://www.eezeesticks.com/

Got a drummer you want spotlighted, gear you reckon I should check out, or an album that's been on your heavy rotation? Drop me a message:

📩 Spotify fanmail (built into the app)

📷 Instagram: @drumdoguk

✉️ dan@drum.dog

New episodes every Tuesday. Hit follow so you don't miss out on any drum chat!

About Drum Dog:

Drum Dog is the UK membership platform for drummers, combining world-class lesson packs, live events, gear discounts, and an ad-free community. Join at drum.dog.

#TheBackBeat #DrumDog #Drumming #Drummers #DrumPodcast #SteveGadd #LevonHelm #ChickCorea #TheBand #EezeeSticks #Supertramp #Toto #DrumCommunity

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This week, the case for the drummers who made the whole song by doing almost nothing, from Charlie Watts to Ringo. Plus Alex Acuña lighting up Montreux, Kenny Buttrey's touch all over Nashville Skyline, and the app we're actually using behind the scenes at Drum Dog.

00:00 - Cold open / what's on this week
00:29 - Heavy Rotation: Bob Dylan, Nashville Skyline (drums by Kenny Buttrey)
02:15 - Drummer Spotlight: Alex Acuña, feel over speed
03:48 - New Gear: Beatnote
05:37 - Think Piece: Which drummer made the whole song by playing less?
07:09 - Outro & fanmail

Referenced in this episode:
→ Alex Acuña with Weather Report, Montreux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfvfXA2SIRU
→ Alex Acuña with Steve Gadd & Luis Conte: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pctsGH9EABY
→ Nashville Skyline, Bob Dylan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PfDSQSWuGI&list=OLAK5uy_k7RFXzJVIrZJuX3lkezse6UNXE4i1wzN8&index=2
→ Beatnote: https://beat-note.app/

Got a drummer you want spotlighted, gear you reckon I should check out, or an album that's been on your heavy rotation? Drop me a message:
📩 Spotify fanmail (built into the app)
📷 Instagram: @drumdoguk
✉️ dan@drum.dog

New episodes every Tuesday. Hit follow so you don't miss out on any drum chat!

About Drum Dog:
Drum Dog is the UK membership platform for drummers, combining world-class lesson packs, live events, gear discounts, and an ad-free community. Join at drum.dog.

#TheBackBeat #DrumDog #Drumming #Drummers #DrumPodcast #CharlieWatts #AlexAcuna #Beatnote #PlayingForTheSong #DrumCommunity

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