Rhythm Kings

I've said this before but George Recile is a drumming genius... which makes him the perfect percussionist for accompanying the musical genius of Bob Dylan.

I had the privilege of seeing them both – and the rest of Dylan's remarkable band – in Cardiff last night, with the master's voice and songs and piano-playing all in great shape.

Apparently when Dylan aficionado the late John Gibbens gave a talk on Bob's poetry, he used to start off by playing a Dylan instrumental.

That might sound odd but, on reflection, it's not at all odd. Because you can hear the essence of Dylan in every strum of his guitar and every note of his harmonica. And the key to everything he does – the words he chooses, the way he sings them, the way he plays piano or harmonica, the way he moves, even the way he stands – is rhythm.

Dylan is not just rock'n'roll's Nobel laureate... he is also the King of Rhythm.

And it's no wonder that George Recile finds in Dylan's music the most wonderful variety of drum patterns, fills and grooves. With George one side of the stage and Bob the other, it really is difficult to know which to watch. Either way, they're locked in tight... in rhythm.

Drummer's Farewell

Sad to see that 'Drummer' magazine has just put out its final issue. It was often alone in presenting some intelligent coverage of drummers and drumming, with 'Rhythm' tending to concentrate on metal and speed, and even the once dependably serious 'Modern Drummer' starting to move in a similar direction.

The best thing in the final issue, apart from the general feeling of optimism and encouragement from the editor and her team, was an interview with Jon Hiseman, a truly remarkable musician and, judging by this and other interviews, a really good and caring human being.

The first drum kit I ever got close to and, in fact, helped to set up was Jon Hiseman's. His roadie let me into an early Colosseum gig for free on condition that I helped with the gear. A no brainer. From that first time I saw Hiseman play – right up close – I was impressed equally by his technique and his passion.

The Hiseman interview is by the excellent journalist Brent Keefe, also a drummer of course, and currently on tour with The Carpenters Show. When I met him recently, Brent recommended trying 'Drumhead' magazine, so I'm hoping that will be a worthy substitute for 'Drummer'.