Drums on The Divine Abstract
The idea of recording drums on the Divine Abstract was a result of recording drums on the Mediaeval Baebes’ album ‘Pocket Full of Posies’. The Baebes’ multi-instrumentalist Charlie Cawood was a collaborator with the writing of that album. Subsequently was at the session. He asked me afterwards if I’d be interested in recording on his solo album the Divine Abstract. For those of you familiar with Charlie’s work, you’ll know he dabbles with an array of musical genres and styles. So, after agreeing to the offer I was keen to hear what he had in mind.
Fast forward to the summer of 2017, and there we were, recording drums and percussion at Bush Studios in West London.
Only 3 Divine Abstract Tracks Needed Drums
Charlie only had 3 tracks (with a possible 4th) which needed drums – as most of the album was already complete. All 3 tracks had an oriental theme and he liked my idea of tribal-style playing. Specifically, Kodo style drumming. So with a 22″ Bass Drum (elevated), a couple of toms and percussion, I attempted Kodo style drumming.
Alas my fitness didn’t allow me to strip to the waist and don a headband. Mainly because striking the bass drum with a couple of rolling pin sized sticks wasn’t necessary. Luckily for me, a couple of mallets mimicked the sounds well enough.
Not So Straight Forward
The session was not so straight forward. With his haunting, ethereal style music – finding the right drum part was the most challenging and unfortunately, time consuming. You obviously want to do your best in these scenarios and even with the best preconceived ideas, they don’t necessarily work out. You need to be open to change / have an open mind, especially when the writer is hearing other ideas. Thankfully, once I’d established the nuances of the grooves & feel, the time signature changes and structures of the songs became second nature.
Even though we didn’t go over our allotted time in the studio, the frustration of not completing a drum track adequately can play on your mind (and performance) – especially if you’re behind schedule. So, always best stay relaxed and of course keep your focus. Sometimes even taking a break can release the over thinking.
The Earth Dragon Section of the Divine Abstract
My contribution ended up on the Earth Dragon Section of the Divine Abstract. Tracks 6-8. Furthermore, it was a total blast in the studio recording on the Divine Abstract. Even with all the frustrations; repeated attempts, trial and errors, it’s a humbling experience to be asked to play on an album of this calibre.
Have you heard the Divine Abstract or have anything to say about this post? Let me know in the comments below.
