Rhythm Twins

Why do some rhythm sections endure? And which is the longest-serving rhythm section in the business? My first thought was of Robbie Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar (above), but they've been together a mere 37 years.

That's nowhere near as long as Mez and I (then-and-now pictures, below), rhythm section with Russ Payne and the Shark Dentists, who have been playing for 44 years — although we have had a few years off here and there.

Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker first played together in 1963 and for the last time in 2008, so that adds up to 45 years. But they've probably had more time apart than Mez and I have — and certainly more fights. I can't even find a picture of just the two of them together.

So I think the rhythm section outstanding achievement award has to go to John McVie and Mick Fleetwood (below) who have clocked up 45 years (and spent most of that time playing together amicably). Unless someone out there knows better...

Travelodge Man

The bass player with Russ Payne and the Shark Dentists (www.sharkdentists.co.uk), Mez, pictured above, is the master of booking Travelodge rooms at the right moment at the right price — an essential skill when the band is playing away from home (which it does with increasing regularity).

In fact, there have been so many discussions about B&B and Travelodge prices at soundchecks recently that I decided to write a new song for the road called, almost inevitably, Travelodge Man. I would really like JJ Cale (www.jjcale.com) to record it, because he would just do it so well. Failing that, I am still hoping that Russ Payne and Mez will agree to giving it a try with the Sharks.

And when it is finally recorded, whether by JJ or the Sharks, my master plan is to sell it to Travelodge (www.travelodge.co.uk) as a soundtrack for its web pages. Altogether now... "Travelodge man, he knows a good deal... "

To Solo Or Not To Solo

The Shark Dentists' guitarist, Russ Payne (www.russpayneguitar.co.uk), asked me the other night if I'd be interested in introducing a drum solo into the act. I told him I've never been that keen, because the very idea is kind of scary. The only time I remember playing one was at a particularly rowdy Sky Pirates gig in London where the management cut off the electricity and I was left with the stage to myself. Because I had no idea it was going to happen, it was fun.

The day after Russ made his suggestion, I played a jazz gig with Funky Johnny P's Quintet, where once more a solo was suddenly thrust upon me without warning. I just about got away with it, but it wasn't great.

Suddenly everybody wants me to play a drum solo. Everyone, that is, except Mez, the Sharks' bass player. Drum solos, he says, have no place in the modern age. That's not what the jazzers think. But then Mez doesn't have a lot of time for jazz either...