The Whole Drum Truth
Albert “Tootie” Heath, Ndugu Chancler, Roy McCurdy, drums

Saturday, July 19 | 8 pm | Dinkelspiel Auditorium
Tickets: $28 general | $14 students

Online:
By phone: 650.725.ARTS (2787); In Person: Stanford Ticket Office
For more information, go to our Ticketing Information Page

Program Notes

“Heath’s actual drum work is only part of what he brings to the table. Beyond setting the beat, the drummer also colors the mood. He looks like he’s having the time of his life as he snuggles into each tune. And his positive attitude is contagious–his smiles become our own.” – Oakland Tribune

Albert “Tootie” Heath’s swinging, tasteful drumming has graced innumerable classic recordings with the Heath Brothers, the Modern Jazz Quartet, John Coltrane, Lester Young, and just about every other jazz giant you can imagine. With “The Whole Drum Truth,” his series of concerts paying tribute to the rich legacy and tradition of jazz drumming, Tootie puts the drums in the spotlight and brings together some of the instrument’s greatest talents for a rhythmic extravaganza. Ndugu Chancler and Roy McCurdy are two drummers with the vision and musicality to pull off Tootie’s ambitious all-drum ensemble program. As the drummer on Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, Chancler is probably responsible for more booty shaking than any living musician, and his impeccable jazz credentials include stints with Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. McCurdy is a jazz master and longtime drummer for Cannonball Adderley who has also accompanied Art Farmer, Benny Golson, and Sonny Rollins. A drum lover’s dream come true, this unique program showcases three virtuosos making amazing music in celebration of rhythm.

INSIDE JAZZ:
A Drummer’s Life: Trading Tales
Speakers: Tootie Heath, Ndugu Chancler, Roy McCurdy
7 pm, free with concert ticket

Web Sites
Tootie Heath
Ndugu Chancler
Roy McCurdy

Q&A with Albert "Tootie" Heath and Ndugu Chancler

Who do you believe is the most unrecognized jazz artist?
ATH: Ed Blackwell! No one knew who he was, but he was the heart of the Ornette Coleman’s music. He got no ink, but Blackwell was rough.
NC: I think Kenny Garrett is the most unrecognized.

At what point did you realize that you wanted to be a jazz musician?
ATH: When I was about 11 years old. I was influenced by my family, my mother was a member of our church choir and my father played clarinet in a marching band. And of course, my brother Jimmy played saxophone and brother Percy played for the MJQ. So music was all around me.
NC: I realized I wanted to play Jazz officially at 13. Wanting to play drums at 6.

What one jazz recording should everyone hear?
ATH: “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis.
NC: Everyone should hear Miles Davis “Nefertiti.”

What place would you like to travel to that you have never been before?
ATH: A place I have never been is India. So much history, so much music and the culture is magnificent.
NC: I would like to visit all of Africa.

What is your favorite piece in a drum kit?
ATH: The drum seat! Without the seat you can’t play.
NC: My favorite piece on the drum kit is the ride cymbal.

What is your favorite film?
ATH: “The Great Debaters.” A great movie about this country.
NC: “The Godfather” is my favorite film.

What is your favorite book?
ATH: “Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance,” by Barack Obama.
NC: “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran is my favorite book.

Do you know the words to most of the tunes you play?
ATH: Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t know the songs.
NC: Yes, a great deal of them.

What advice would you give young jazz musicians?
ATH: Get a well-rounded education that includes music.
NC: Listen to as much of a variety of music as you can.