For the weekly #askYES feature over 5 weeks, the current touring members of YES choose tracks they find inspiring and hope will be an inspiration for people learning their chosen instruments.
Here areĀ Alan White’s Drums & Percussion Inspirations, with notes from Alan below.
You can also listen to this playlist on Spotify or watch and listen on YouTube.
Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich ā The Drum Battle
At 12 years old, hearing Krupa and Buddy Rich inspired me to practice more, to master the instrument. Truly a classic.
Buddy Rich ā Cottontail
These performances have both of them pulling out all the chops in the book.
Steve Gadd ā Duke’s Lullaby
Steve is the master of playing simply but making it count. He is one of the greatest āplaying with feelā ever.
Weather Report ā Rumba Mama
This is a great example of me getting into fusion style drumming and taught me how to incorporate that into my style of playing.
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Return To Forever ā The Romantic Warrior
Lenny White is a friend of mine. This is yet again a superb example of being innovative and adventurous with your instrument.
Alphonse Mouzon ā Mind Transplant
Another superb performance by Alphonse Mouzon; a talented performer.
Billy Cobham ā Taurian Matador
I have done quit a few clinic tours with Billy. He is a great guy, as well as a truly gifted and inspiring drummer.
Cream ā White Room
I had the pleasure of being in Ginger Bakers Airforce for quite a while and struck up a great relationship with him along with Phil Seaman who was a popular, talented studio musician in 60ās and 70ās. Ginger has a unique style and was the driving force in Cream.
Ringo Starr ā With A Little Help From My Friends
How could I not include Ringo? Iāve got to know him over the years and he is a great example of how to play simply to make the music work. He first taught me how to play a double bass drum beat in the mid 60ās. Mastering that was empowering and at a young age I thought I could conquer the world.
All the best,
Alan