San Jose, Calif. (Top40 Charts/ Enter Music Publishing) It's almost too apropos as DRUM! Magazine celebrates its 20th Anniversary, that Chad Smith is featured on the August cover, speaking exclusively about the soon-to-be released Chili Pepper record and other aspects of his career. Why? Smith is the most covered drummer in the history of the magazine and even "Guest Edited" a 1997 issue of the magazine.
"Chad is a well-rounded, diverse drummer, whose career has taken many paths," said Andy Doerschuk, DRUM!'s editorial director. "We're doing everything we can to make this our greatest year. Chad was with us at the start and here he is again, 20 years later with a new story to tell. He is one of the most musical drummers in this industry."
As noted in the opening of Patrick Flanary's story, "Chad Smith's Red Hot Return," DRUM! gave Smith his first cover 20 years ago. So, "It would be DRUM! that would get the first listen to the first Chili Peppers album in five years," Smith said.
And, what a story it is...Flanary is extremely successful in documenting Smith's drumming history with the Peppers and other situations. What's made so percussively clear in the story is that virtually everybody, from Flea to Josh Klinghoffer, the new guitarist for the Peppers, appreciates how musical Chad plays in any situation.
"Everything Chad does is in service of the music," commented Cliff Martinez, who drummed with the Peppers from 1983 to 1986. "That's what great drummers do."
Well said, and Chad backs this cogent comment on the new record. Chad brings one of the new tunes, "Ethiopia," alive with a 7/8 groove that Chad says was inspired by listening to the work of Pearl Jam's Matt Cameron and studio great Vinnie Colaiuta. This track, according to Flanary, is the proof that the Peppers, despite their challenges, "still have got something to say."
Percussive, Musical Past
While the story goes into great detail about the new record and the Peppers new guitarist, it also reveals interesting facts about Smith. For instance, his first drum kit, acquired when he was growing up in Detroit, was made of discarded Baskin-Robbins containers, which his father had thrown away. During his early years, it can be argued, that his greatest influence was his brother, Brad, who introduced Chad to the drumming of Keith Moon, Ginger Baker and many other legends.
While playing with a number of local bands in Detroit, Chad was strongly influenced by the musicianship of percussionist, Larry Fratangelo, who had worked with Parliament Funkadelic. Chad even emphasizes the importance of this well-respected percussionist. "I think up until then, I was a drummer," he rememberered. "Once I studied with Larry, I became a musician.
Musicianship Prevails
Again the point of musicianship is paramount to understanding Smith. Whether he is playing with the Peppers with a sock on his "special parts" or conducting a master clinic at The Drummers Collective, he always discusses the difference between just being a drummer and a musician, who is constantly interacting through the beautiful language that we know as music.
Chad is committed to spreading the drumming/musician message. As he approaches his 50th birthday in October, his approach remains the same as when he first joined the Peppers. Percussion, passion, playing and always learning a new way to forward the drumming arts. Whether he is playing with the Peppers or conducting a master clinic at The Drummers Collective, he always embodies the difference between being "just a drummer" and a musician, who is constantly interacting and elevating the level of those around him.
The article includes, of course, great transcriptions of the drum parts on the new Chili Peppers record, including the 7/8 groove of "Ethiopia." Additionally, there is a comprehensive Smith Discography. This issue of DRUM! is available now.
