The wise Among uS
Photo : Jimmy Bruch
Photo : Christie Goodwin
Tal Bergman
Joe Bonamassa , Billy Idol , Rod Stewart
As a master of many styles , Tal Bergman creates layers and depth within his percussion parts while doing the ultimate justice to the song or artist he is supporting . He has toured and recorded with some of music ’ s biggest stars , from Billy Idol to LL Cool J to Chaka Khan .
THE GEAR
Sonor SQ2 Series or Vintage Series Kit
• 22 x 18-in . Beech Kick
• 16 x 12-in . Beech Tom
• 14 x 11-in . Beech Tom
• 12 x 8-in . Beech Tom
• 10 x 7-in . Beech Tom
• 8 x 7-in . Beech Tom
Sonor 12 x 5-in . Artist Series Maple 18-Wire Snare
Sonor 14 x 7-in . Bell Brass 24-Wire Snare
Sabian Cymbals
• 22-in . HH Liquid Ride
• 20-in . Ozone Legacy Ride
• 20-in . HH Suspended
• 18-in . AAX Ozone
• 18-in . HH China
• 18-in . HH Dark Crash
• 14-in . HH Fusion Hats
• 12-in . Chopper
• 10-in . HH Splash
Remo Heads Pearl & Sonor Hardware LP Percussion Tray LP Black Beauty Cowbell Vater Tal Bergman Signature Sticks Yamaha Clickstation Porter & Davies BC-2 Engine 2Box DrumIt Five
CM : Looking back over your career and the range of artists that you have played with , how has your approach to drumming changed or evolved as time has passed ?
TB : I think that I always wanted to play for the good of the music . With the years , I became better at knowing what works and to trust my instincts more . I also like to incorporate
[ 50 ] • CANADIAN MUSICIAN different styles of music when I play – just enough to create more depth in the music but without telling anyone so they won ’ t get scared .
CM : Based on your experience , what is the biggest difference in the mindset of a drummer while performing in the studio versus on the stage ?
TB : It ’ s two totally different approaches . Usually , in a studio , you have to come up with the parts and what works best for the track . Playing in the studio is like being under a microscope and the “ less is more ” approach usually works best . Live , you can exaggerate more in order to “ reach ” the audience . It ’ s like the difference between acting on film and acting on stage . The kind of energy you use in a live situation would usually be over kill in a recording situation . I must say that I love both situations equally .
CM : Having played with a variety of artists and a range of different genres , how do you continue to keep things fresh and exciting while you ’ re behind the kit ?
TB : I just love to play drums , so it ’ s always fun for me . It ’ s where I feel at home . It also has to do with the artist and the band and the inter play between everyone .
CM : You ’ ve also done film composition . What kind of benefits or balance has that brought to your career as a drum - mer and producer ?
TB : I learn more and more about how to look at the whole picture . So when I record as a drummer , I have a better idea of what to play and what kind of drum sound and vibe the track needs . When I work with different producers , it ’ s easier for me to see things from their perspective .
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THE GEAR
Gretsch Cindy Blackman Santana Signature Kit
• 24x14-in Kick
• 18 x 18-in . Tom
• 16 x 16-in . Tom
• 10 x 13-in . Tom Ludwig 1928 Black Beauty Snare
Istanbul Agop Cindy Blackman Santana Om & Mantra Cymbals
• 22-in . Om Ride
• 20-in . Mantra Crash / Ride
• 18-in . Mantra Crash
• 16-in . Mantra Crash
• 15-in . Mantra Hats