Joe Reid (drums)
(Review by Russell)
Postgraduate student Joe Reid (heard
recently with the Bold Big Band at the Dun Cow) presented his recital in the
purpose-built basement Band Room in Newcastle University's Music Studios. The
title of his recital probably gained Reid one mark: Shining a spotlight
on the unique relationship between Indian and progressive music. How many
marks would be awarded for his performance?
A recital under examination
conditions must be a nerve-wracking affair. As Reid readied himself behind his
extensive Tama kit his bandmates - Neil Graham (guitar, vocals) and Josh
Fascia (bass) - took to the stage in a show of support. Three pieces were to be
examined. The first piece - Ergonomic Pepper - proved to be an
extended six-part power-prog-thrash workout with guitarist Graham shredding for
all he was worth. The headbanging Band Room audience whooped in delight.
The second of three pieces required
additional artillery - Murray Wankling (keys) and Will Earl (electric drum kit,
tabla) - as Reid tackled Pete Lockett's An Excursion into Ambiguity.
This extended version (Reid added sections to the original composition) would
involve 'concepts of metric modulation' and the phrasing would 'be structured
in 2/4, 5/4 & 23/16...' Your correspondent pondered '23/16'...
Prog Whip (comp. J Reid)
would demonstrate 'multiple odd time signatures, subdivisions and note
displacement'. Better to simply listen, perhaps the 'note displacement' would
be all too obvious...perhaps not. As a power Indian music-influenced prog-rock
trio Reid (and co) seemingly passed with flying colours. Our examinee thanked
Geoff Hutchinson (drum tutor), Mick Wright and Paul Fleet.
Now then, about that 23/16 time
signature...
Russell(Lance: I knew a club drummer who often played in 23/16 - he sometimes even managed 29/17. This didn't go down too well with the dancers who were trying to do a waltz - he's since retired and taken up teaching.)
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