About this episode
Drummers like Clyde Stubblefield, Zigaboo Modeliste, and Bernard Purdie defined the sound of the bands they played with not because of their flashy chops, but because they knew how to lock down a groove. On this episode, Kirk goes deep into one groove apiece by each of those drummers - Stubblefield on James Brown's "Cold Sweat," Modeliste on The Meters' "Cissy Strut," and Purdie on Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady" - with help from special guest drummer Russ Kleiner. FEATURED/DISCUSSED Cold Sweat by James Brown and the Famous Flames, 1967 "Cissy Strut" by The Meters from The Meters , 1969 "Rock Steady" by Aretha Franklin from Young, Gifted, and Black , 1972 "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" by James Brown, 1965 "So What" by Miles Davis from Kind of Blue , 1959 The Treme Brass Band at the Red Beans and Rice parade, 2013 “Shoo Fly Marches On,” by Dr. John, 1973 Babylon Sisters by Steely Dan from Gaucho , 1980 SPECIAL GUEST: Russ Kleiner Russ is one of Kirk's oldest friends, a drummer and percussionist who currently lives, teaches, and performs in Connecticut. He has frequently offered drum insights to Kirk for various episodes of Strong Songs, and he's been overdue for an appearance on the show. Additional thanks to Nick D'Errico for his help recording and overseeing the drum session for this episode - find Nick online at https://www.nddrums.com. OUTRO SOLOIST: Charles McNeal Charles McNeal is a killin' Oakland-based sax player who plays all over the bay area. He's also a master jazz transcriber, and has chronicled tons of great solos. You can find him playing out in a variety of bands and settings; the best way to keep up with his music is to subscribe to his YouTube channel or follow him on Instagram @charlesonsax2. ----LINKS----- 💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! 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