keep it about “the presence”. Jesus Christ is
CARL ALBRECHT
and life in general.
www.carlalbrecht.com
central. Everything else revolves around that.
[Alex] I would have to begin with Ringo Starr
[Todd] When I remember that every part of as being responsible for the beginning of my • Yamaha Drums
my life should be worship, not just drumming. journey. There were certainly many great • Heartbeat Cymbals
But also practicing, preparing, resting, and players who influenced me. I would point to • Evans drumheads
serving my family and friends that are in front Stewart Copeland, Jim Keltner, Elvin Jones… • Vater drumsticks
of me… I become a better version of myself, there’s too many that come to mind. And • SKB cases
drumming and all. on percussion, the great Ralph McDonald, • Shure microphones
especially during the 70’s and 80’s. Airto • PreSonus mixers and pre-amps
[Alex] What 2-3 drummer/percussionists have Moreira massively impacted me when his first • Cubase recording software
been the most influential in your development? album, Natural Feelings came out in 1970. All • MEINL percussion instruments (unofficial)
of his recorded and live work is breathtaking.
[Todd] Stewart Copeland, Manu Katché, Both Airto and Ralph taught me how to “layer”
Trilok Gurtu, and Airto Moreira. percussion when recording, and Airto remains
the king of ruling both worlds. Alex Acuna is
[Julio] Elvin Jones, Alex Acuña, Jeff Porcaro
also up there.
and Cloyd Duff.
Thank you all for this really fun visit. What a
[Carl] So many drummers have influenced
great time it is to hear from you all.
me. But, staying focused on the drummer/
percussionist title here goes. Alex Acuna, Sheila TODD BRAGG
E., and going way back, Hal Blaine. Hal was Instagram: @toddbragg
really the first session drummer/ percussionist
that inspired me to play all styles and learn lots • ProMark Drumsticks
of instruments. His playing can be heard on the • Aquarian Drumheads
thousands of recordings, and literally hundreds • Amedia Cymbals
of chart-topping hits. Hal played on everything • Paiste Cymbals
from jazz, to pop, to early rock… movie scores, • Machudo Cajons
jingles and more. As a young drummer, it • GMS Drums
seems like every time I would look on album
credits there was Hal. Alex Acuna inspired me JULIO FIGUEROA
so much from Weather Report and other jazz juliofigueroa.com
recordings, and of course the Christian group www.facebook.com/juliofigueroadrummer
Koinonia. I’ve been honored to work with him www.instagram.com/julfigdrums
on several recordings and tours during the early
days of Integrity Music. Again, Alex’s recording www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhB60BchQoU
credits list is massive. He is also passionate www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbUZvhl_tc8
about being a follower of Jesus. Which is also
the case with Sheila E. Sheila, like Alex, is • DW Drums
mind blowing as a drummer or percussionist. • Paiste Cymbals
When working with either of them I appreciated • REMO Drumheads
the passion they play with and of course the • Regal Tip Sticks
excellence. But what blessed me so much • LP Latin Percussion
was that they never acted prideful or “full of • Audix Microphones
themselves.” They just always did great work • Urbann Boards Drummer Shoes
and inspired the rest of the band to do their • Power Click Monitoring System
best to honor the Lord and to bless the people. • Direct Sound Headphones
I’ve tried to walk that out in my musical journey • GruvGear
November 2019
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