What I Love about Clyde Stubblefield

(09/02/10) – This past year, I’ve had the pleasure of playing with the “Original Funky Drummer,” Clyde Stubblefield, and his amazing band every Monday at the Frequency in Madison, WI. The first time I heard the band was over 2 years ago, and I was completely blown away. In fact, I was so impressed, that I saw it necessary to not miss a Monday night if I could help it for the foreseeable future. Well, after a number of Mondays I was encouraged to sit in with the band. What a blast it was playing with this great band! The horn section was made up of 3 very fine players, one of whom, I’ve known for the last 16 years. I met Bryan Husk while attending Western Michigan. We became fast friends, spent a lot of time playing and transcribing music, and formed a few bands to work with around town. Bryan has lived in Madison for the last 9 years, and was the catalyst for my continued visits to Madison. He has played with Clyde the last 7 years and is the “tenor man” in the band, playing solos reminiscent of Lenny Pickett and Pee Wee Ellis. Pete Ross plays alto, a graduate of the University of Michigan, and a former member of the Glenn Miller band, and also roomed in Ann Arbor, MI with one of my best friends, guitarist Laith Al-Saadi. So, although we had never met before, we had a lot in common and became fast friends. Chad Whittinghill plays solid lead trumpet, and is also a member of the Jimmys, a fantastic R&B band in Madison. It wasn’t long before I felt right at home with this great horn section, who were so well established and a breeze to play with. After a few weeks, much to my delight, Clyde asked me to play with the band full-time. I’ve never looked back, and consider each and every Monday night a true blessing. I play bari sax in the band, and am loving it. Lately, we’ve been graced by trombonist Darren Sterud, when he’s not touring the world with Davina and the Vagabonds, and jazz trombonist Joel Adams also sits in from time-to-time. Clyde has the uncanny ability to always sound fresh and original, and has the most solid “pocket” I have ever heard. It has been one of the best musical experiences of my life playing with Clyde Stubblefield, and hope you can make it to the Frequency in Madison, WI on a Monday night for a truly magical and memorable night out! Here’s a video clip from a WORT tribute at the High Noon Saloon, and Clyde is singing the heck out of “Georgia on My Mind,” with the original Clyde Stubblefield Funky Monday band.