The Evolution of Grateful Dead's Drum Solos: From Beacon NYC in 1976 to 'The Apocalypse Now Sessions'
The Grateful Dead, known for their improvisational style, began incorporating extended drum solos into their live shows in the early 1970s, particularly around 1971-1972. This musical exploration was a pivotal change for the band, significantly influencing their sound and fan experience.
Musical Exploration and Band Evolution
The band's drum solos allowed for a different kind of musical exploration. Drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart often took turns showcasing their skills, contributing to the band's distinctive sound. This was not just a simple musical addition; it was an integral part of the Grateful Dead's evolving sound and improvisational style.
By the mid-1970s, the band had established a specific segment in their concerts known as the "Drumz." These segments were more than just drum solos; they were a rich, complex interlude of percussion and musical exploration. The "Drumz." segments were a natural extension of the band's musical journey and became a signature part of their live performances.
World Music Influence and Complex Percussion Segments
Mickey Hart, in particular, was deeply interested in world music and various drumming traditions. This influence encouraged the inclusion of more complex and lengthy percussion segments. The Apocalypse Now Sessions in 1976 highlighted Hart's interest in world percussion, leading to the creation of new and innovative instruments and techniques.
At the Beacon Theatre in June 1976, the Grateful Dead's setlists varied, and not every performance featured the lengthy drum segments that became more common in later years. The focus on improvisation meant that each show could differ significantly in structure and length of specific segments, including drum solos. Despite the variability, fans appreciated the unique and unpredictable nature of these shows.
The 'Drumz' and Its Impact on Grateful Dead Performances
The Drumz were a natural part of the band's live shows and took on a life of their own. They evolved from simple drum breaks to ambitious journeys into musical territory. The Drumz often featured a musical interlude where Steve Peregrine Took would take a break, while Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, and Pigpen explored sounds and themes. By the mid-1980s, the Drumz had become an ambitious journey into uncharted musical territory.
The Apocalypse Now Sessions: A Musical Collaboration
In 1976, Francis Ford Coppola, the acclaimed director of Apocalypse Now, asked Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann to record drum music for his film. This collaboration brought together Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann along with seven other musicians, who assembled an array of drums and percussion instruments at the Club Front recording studio in San Rafael, California.
The recording sessions took place over ten days, during which a rough cut of the film was screened, allowing the musicians to improvise based on the scenes. Several selections from the sessions were remixed and assembled into the final album. During these sessions, two unusual percussion instruments were created: The Beast and The Beam.
The Beast
The Beast was a unique device created for the Apocalypse Now Sessions. It comprised an array of bass drums with different tones suspended from a large metal rack. This innovative instrument was later incorporated into Grateful Dead performances and Mickey Hart's solo touring bands.
The Beam
The Beam, a large aluminum I-beam, served as a Pythagorean mono-chord at various octaves. It featured a heavy-duty bridge and string anchor at one end and a nut with tuning hardware at the other. The Beam generated a variety of low-frequency primary tones and harmonic overtones, which were amplified through a volume pedal and various audio effects units, creating a rich, resonant sound. It was played by hitting the strings with a percussion mallet, plucking with the hand, or using a plectrum or metal bars to induce a bell-like resonance.
The recording sessions for Apocalypse Now not only contributed to the film's soundtrack but also inspired new musical innovations that were later incorporated into the Grateful Dead's live performances and Mickey Hart's solo work. These sessions exemplify the band's commitment to musical exploration and their willingness to experiment with new instruments and techniques.
Today, the Grateful Dead's musical legacy continues to influence new generations of musicians and fans. The band's dedication to improvisation and innovation remains a powerful testament to their enduring importance in the world of music.