The Squid's Ear Magazine

Drake, Hamid

Dedications (Black Cross Solo Sessions 6)

Drake, Hamid: Dedications (Black Cross Solo Sessions 6) (Corbett vs. Dempsey)

As prolific a drummer as Chicago-based international improviser Hamid Drake is, he has never released a solo drum album, which is finally put right with this release recorded at Experimental Sound Studio, developing strategies for these nine accomplished recordings, performed on a standard drum kit with each dedicated to prominent free jazz icon or group.
 

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Hamid Drake-drum set and percussion


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Label: Corbett vs. Dempsey
Catalog ID: CvsDCD088
Squidco Product Code: 32706

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2022
Country: USA
Recorded at Experimental Sound Studio, in Chicago, Illinois, on July 12th, 2020, by Alex Inglizian.

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

"One of the towering creative musicians of our time, a master drummer and multiple percussionist, Hamid Drake has anchored inumerable bands. As a hard working player, constantly touring the globe, he's collaborated with most of the major figures in improvised music and contemporary jazz, from David Murray and Peter Brötzmann to Pharoah Sanders and Don Cherry.

Along the way, Drake has never had an opportunity to stop and make a solo record. Indeed, he's only performed solo on a few occasions. John Corbett began petitioning Drake to record an unaccompanied session twenty years ago. At last, after the pandemic had (just slightly) slowed down Drake's incessant travel itinerary, a plan was hatched and he entered Experimental Sound Studio during the cold, hard month of December, 2020.

With Corbett, Jim Dempsey, and engineer Alex Inglizian as his audience, Drake worked through a vaguely plotted-out blueprint, however after a few months had passed, the drummer was unsatisfied with the result. He returned to the studio in July, 2021, with no pre-planned notion, and this time the Hamid Drake magic was everywhere - perched on his drum-throne, working exclusively at the kit, sometimes plying metallic percussion atop the snare, Drake recorded nine tracks, a cornucopia of rhythms and textures that touch on his love of reggae and funk but retain the openness and buoyancy that have made him such a go-to figure among his peers.

In the CD's liner notes, he says: "A dedication in spirit to all those who have influenced, helped, opened, nurtured, shown love for, and cared for me along the way." These include Brötzmann's band Die Like a Dog, longterm percussion pal Adam Rudolph and mentor Fred Anderson, fellow drummers Paul Lovens and Milford Graves, Don and Moki Cherry, Big Black, and others. The record, precisely and soulfully recorded by Inglizian, has the beauty and warmth that always radiate from Drake's sticks, from his person and spirit - deep humanity in the form of an unstoppable engine room. Cover art by Christopher Wool."-Corbett vs. Dempsey


Artist Biographies

"Hamid Drake (born August 3, 1955) is an American jazz drummer and percussionist. He lives in Chicago, IL but spends a great deal of time touring worldwide. By the close of the 1990s, Hamid Drake was widely regarded as one of the best percussionists in jazz and avant improvised music. Incorporating Afro-Cuban, Indian, and African percussion instruments and influence, in addition to using the standard trap set, Drake has collaborated extensively with top free-jazz improvisers. Drake also has performed world music; by the late 70s, he was a member of Foday Musa Suso's Mandingo Griot Society and has played reggae throughout his career.

Drake has worked with trumpeter Don Cherry, pianist Herbie Hancock, saxophonists Pharoah Sanders, Fred Anderson, Archie Shepp and David Murray and bassists Reggie Workman and William Parker (in a large number of lineups)

He studied drums extensively, including eastern and Caribbean styles. He frequently plays without sticks; using his hands to develop subtle commanding undertones. His tabla playing is notable for his subtlety and flair. Drake's questing nature and his interest in Caribbean percussion led to a deep involvement with reggae."

-Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamid_Drake)
3/27/2024

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


Track Listing:



1. Dedicated To Die Like A Dog 8:23

2. Dedicated To Adam Rudolph 13:21

3. Dedicated To Don & Moki Cherry 6:06

4. Dedicated To Milford Graves 8:29

5. Dedicated To Paul Lovens 9:14

6. Dedicated To Big Black 7:43

7. Dedicated To Fred Anderson And To The Beauty And Diversity Of Chicago 5:29

8. Dedicated To Lex Hixon (Shaykh Nur) And Shaykha Fariha 8:45

9. Dedicated To Lenn Keller, Brenda Jones, And Calvin Gantt 3:56

Related Categories of Interest:


Improvised Music
Free Improvisation
Jazz
Percussion & Drums
Solo Artist Recordings
Chicago Jazz & Improvisation
Staff Picks & Recommended Items
New in Improvised Music
Recent Releases and Best Sellers

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Corbett vs. Dempsey.


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