I've had this cassette for a long time and finally got the deck I needed to digitize it. This is the earliest known recording of Sterling Magee and I, long before we were calling ourselves Satan and Adam.
I recorded this at a social club in Harlem on February 14, 1987. One reason why this track is of interest is because Sterling is playing only one hi-hat cymbal. His playing is primitive, on-the-2-and-4 stuff. About a month after this, he added a second hi-hat and a wooden board. Given what he went on to do in a rhythmic way, it's remarkable how basic he started off.
My own playing is pretty basic, too. My vibrato is still weak and undeveloped. Take heart, those of you whose vibrato needs work: you WILL get better if you put in the work.
all that is needed is the 2 and the 4. when it gets cluttered it all begins to sound like a march. and it can seriously detract from the ensemble, and distract the listener.
i know this will fall on deaf ears, but it needs to be said. ---------- .
I've got the whole gig on cassette. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do with it. I'll probably wait until the Satan and Adam documentary is finally released. I've got in mind an album called "Valentine's Night Blues."
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Nov 22, 2016 8:25 AM
Nice preamble on your video Adam. Really proud of you not only for the work you do for us, but for being upfront with your (and mine BTW) beliefs on where blues music & society (should) dovetail. Muchisimas Gracias. Y Feliz Dia de Dar Gracias a todo de nuestra familia de armonicistas!
Last Edited by Sundancer on Nov 23, 2016 10:32 PM
I think Sundancer is talking about this video, also uploaded in the past week, which introduces some concert footage with a bit of a political rant--a first for me on YouTube, especially with the four-letter word. It's from a 1991 live performance, and the difference between our sound in 1987 and our sound then is quite remarkable. Having a thousand screaming fans is part of it. I was playing through a pair of blackface Supers, cranked up.
For the record, the feedback that I've gotten after sending this video out in a recent email to 7500 people has been very supportive. Several people wondered why I'd waited so long to deliver my first rant.
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Nov 25, 2016 5:18 AM
Actually, as a drummer. its all about the one ( or lack of in reggae) Cant find the one and the band is lost famously James Brown fined his drummers if he couldnt hear that one
Rant on, Mr Gussow! We need voices like yours to be heard, now more than ever. No matter what ones politics are, we have to stand up for each other. I sincerely hope the story of Satan and Adam can be used to promote some brotherly love.
Actually, as a blues musician in certain contexts, it's about keeping the one somewhere other than the drums. On the guitar, for example. Or with your feet.
