Carlos Hercules - The Black Page Online Drum Magazine

vince the musical director and artist that it
can work consistently.
When you are working for an artist like George
Michael how do you approach learning and
playing the parts from the latest album? Do you
comp what is there already and build sounds
and parts to suit, or are you working to a strict
set of rules from a musical director?
As far as learning the parts, I scored the
songs, as we had so much to learn. That
would then be trimmed into the set list. Also
George likes to soundcheck songs that are
not necessarily part of the show. The part
I play is really determined by how large or
essential the loop is to the track. If it’s integral,
then you’re comping, if not and you
can take the lead role, then, great, but both
are very interesting because they’re opposites.
George and the musical director are
both very particular, but I will always put
my stamp on things and see what I can get
away with, obviously using the song as your
guide. It’s always about the song. Simple it
is if simple is what’s required!
Too right. That’s a solid gold bit of advice right
there. So when you are starting a new project
how much preparation do you put in before attending
rehearsals?
I like to know the songs. I will spend a week
at least playing through and learning them,
examining the different ways to possibly enhance
a track for a live situation. I think to be
a good musician you should also be a good
producer. The industry is giving bands less
and less time to rehearse now, so preparation
is even more essential.
Agreed. You need to think about the bigger picture.
So, what do you consider to be the best
part of your job?
I think the creativity involved in taking a recorded
album into a live situation is very exciting,
and knowing that it’s grown because
of your contribution is very satisfying.
Of all your travels over the world, what has been
your favorite country to play and why?
That’s a really hard question to answer. I’ve
been so blessed to have travelled most of
the world. Every place has been an experience.
Different countries respond uniquely
to different shows. I found Europe interesting
because we’re so close in terms of location,
yet we’re very different culturally. Japan has
a culture of excellence that I have never experienced
anywhere else and touring America
in the summer too was just a pleasure, a
beautiful country in lots of ways.
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