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 Rarely in the pop music genre has there been such a playful disregard for convention as displayed by the Dave Matthews Band. Drummer Carter Beauford, a self-taught player from Virginia, looks well beyond the confines of the rock and roll format. His playing on hits such as "Stay" would work equally well in any jazz/fusion context.
Not surprisingly, jazz was the drummer's first love. Whether the song is rock or blue grass, Carter injects a jazz sensibility. For his efforts, he has become an inspiration, an icon even, for young drummers frustrated with the limitations of the backbeat. However, as Carter emphasizes, that backbeat is something he holds dearly, witness his affection for the Beatles, James Brown, and George Clinton.
Essential to Beauford's approach is a love of detail - not only on hi-hats, snare drum, and bass drum, but also on his LP cowbell. Drummers are drawn to Carter's ornamentation. A major influence was another great LP artist, Giovanni Hidalgo. Says Carter: "I can't believe some of the rhythms that come out of him. They totally inspire me and I guess I translate that stuff into drumset parts." Like Giovanni, Carter leads effortlessly with left hand or right, riding on cymbals or attacking the LP setup incorporated into his kit - Jam Block, Ridge Rider Cowbell, and Tito Puente Timbales. He uses these timbres to allude occasionally to indigenous styles. Another percussionist's trait: Beauford plays thumbs up on the drumstick as in the timpanist's French Grip.
As a student, Beauford studied for a degree in occupational therapy, figuring he would hedge his bets with a real job, especially considering he has few of the trappings of the legit musician - reading music, in particular. While at college, he kept music alive through a close relationship with jazzer Billy Drummond. At first, he juggled the fusion band Secrets with the Dave Matthews Band until a choice became obvious. Along the way, Carter has participated in outside projects, such as a Nashville showcase critical to the career of pop band Vertical Horizon.
Future plans include rigorous touring with Dave Matthews. Then there is the matter of a solo album Carter is always promising us.
strong>LP Equipment: LP Jam Block, LP Tito Model Timbales 14" and 15"
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