Robin Tolleson exclusive interview with Ginger Baker

Ginger Baker Spinterview - Doing The Right Thing

Herbie Hancock had just released his first album for the Mercury label, after a long recording career with Blue Note and then Columbia Records. I was excited to get the chance to speak with him for the first time in 1995. Herbie’s album’s had always been rhythmically exciting, but this one especially caught my ear because of the name, Dis Is Da Drum. I spoke with him by phone for Modern Drummer magazine, and you can hear several of his comments about drums, the rhythm of life, and the growing influence of jazz on hip hop.

1. Herbie Hancock discusses Dis Is Da Drum. “Dis Is Da Drum (Funky Serengeti Mix)” from Dis Is Da Drum, Mercury (1995)
2. Herbie Hancock laughs loud and clear. “Dis Is Da Drum (Funky Serengeti Mix)” from Dis Is Da Drum, Mercury (1995)
3. Herbie Hancock talks hip hop and jazz. “Butterfly (Funky Backbeat Mix),”  from Dis Is Da Drum, Mercury (1995)

Herbie Hancock Spinterview - Dis Is Da Drum

George Benson is a very good ping pong player. I discovered this while covering the Free Jazz Festival in Sao Paulo Brazil. I could hear the ball bouncing and saw a crowd gathered around the table in the lobby of the Maksoud Plaza Hotel. After the guitarist dispatched two opponents and started to walk away, I asked if he was “ready for a lesson.” Although I knew I was going to get beaten, my ruse worked, and soon I was in a hot and heavy game. It was a good battle, after which he invited me for a drink. One caiperinia turned into several, and our visit stretched into the afternoon. We arranged for a phone interview once Benson returned to his home in Hawaii. Benson enjoyed talking about his early inspirations and repertoire, and the expectations of his fans. 

4. George Benson talks about the Charlie Christian sound. “Take Five” from Bad Benson CTI (1974)
5. George Benson styling on “Honky Tonk.” “Breezin’” and “Six To Four” from Breezin’ Warner Brothers (1976)
6. George Benson on audience expectation, and doing what he wants. “Six To Four” from Breezin’ Warner Brothers (1976)

George Benson Spinterview - The Charlie Christian Sound

Bela Fleck knew he was on to something good. And he wasn’t going to let the thunderstorm that quickly descended on the Blue Ridge Mountains, knocking out all  power in its path, stop the Flecktones scheduled concert at Green Acres. The group gathered around Fleck with found percussion instruments and the improvised a wonderful set for an appreciative crowd. Fleck had made a name for himself with the New Grass Revival after moving from New York City to Nashville. After meeting the Wooten brothers, Victor and Roy (Future Man), innovators on electric bass and drums, respectively, they formed The Flecktones with pianist/harmonica-ist Howard Levy. Fleck was indeed on to something good. That group has given Fleck a platform to continue to boldly take his banjo where no one has gone before.

10. Bela Fleck talks banjo roots. “Nuns For Nixon” from Deviation, Rounder (1984)
11. Bela Fleck discusses the New Grass Revival. “Nuns For  Nixon” and “Deviation” Deviation Bela Fleck with The New Grass Revival, Rounder (1984)
12. Bela Fleck explains the life of a song. “The Sinister Minister” Warner Brothers (1990)

Bela Fleck Spinterview - The Life Of A Song

Bela Fleck Spinterview - New Grass Revival

Bela Fleck Spinterview - Banjo Roots

Carlos Santana did more than just talk about the power of music to affect social change, he put his money where his mouth was. Carlos and his wife Deborah were big supporters of Communities In Schools in Marin County, California, and paid for a music teacher at San Pedro Elementary School in San Rafael for many years. I did a Blindfold Test with Carlos for Downbeat, and a cover story for BAM magazine, and here he talks about his motivation for playing music, the power of music, and his disregard for flags and borders.

1.  Carlos Santana and consciousness revolution. “Samba Pa Ti” from Lotus, CBS (1974)
2. Carlos Santana and getting rid of the guns. “Samba Pa Ti” from Lotus, CBS (1974)
3. Carlos Santana declares himself a Planetary Citizen. “Samba Pa Ti” from Lotus, CBS (1974)

Carlos Santana Spinterview - Planetary Citizen

Carlos Santana Spinterview - Getting Rid Of The Guns

Carlos Santana Spinterview - Consciousness Revolution

David Sanborn was touring as designated soloist with The Eagles the first time we spoke, playing the big arenas, and being heard by a new audience. The saxman had an album riding up the Jazz Charts, and his sound on alto was becoming the most recognized woodwind tone in all of pop music. In the clips he discusses his R&B roots, his connection to jazz, and the importance of being yourself.

1. David Sanborn unearths his R&B roots.  “Let’s Just Say Goodbye” from Voyeur, Warner Brothers (1981)
2. David Sanborn talks about making people dance. “Run For Cover” from Voyeur, Warner Brothers (1981)
3. David Sanborn and the importance ot being yourself. “Port Of Call” from Straight To The Heart, Warner Brothers (1982)

David Sanborn Spinterview - The Importance Of Being Yourself

David Sanborn Spinterview - Making People Dance

David Sanborn Spinterview - R&B Roots

Spinterview is a way for listeners to hear the finest jazz, funk, rock and soul, played on rare vinyl, along with the voices of the artists who actually created the music, taken from exclusive interviews and mixed together “live” by internationally read music journalist/drummer/DJ Robin Tolleson.

In a 35-year writing career, Tolleson has published nearly 1500 articles for such magazines as Billboard, Downbeat, Bass Player, Guitar Player, Jazz Times, Mix, Modern Drummer, Musician, Performer and Wind Player.

The Spinterview web archive will be coming soon to spinterview.media

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