Paul McCartney. Chuck Berry. Elton John. Stevie Wonder. Wyclef Jean. Buddy Guy. G. E. Smith. B.B. King. Sheryl Crow.
If these artists have one thing in common, it’s that they’ve all played with master drummer Steve Holley, in Cleveland performing at the Beachland Ballroom on 09/27/12 as the pulsating heart and soul of Ian Hunter’s Rant Band.
Holley, a recent inductee into the Blues Hall of Fame, talks about recording Ian Hunter’s new album, “When I’m President,” in only three days, with most of it done live in the studio.
He digs playing with Ian Hunter, “He is one of the greats.” They get along so well that Hunter has to approve any other acts that Holley works with, from Dar Williams to Joe Cocker.
Holly talks drummer to drummer with Cool Cleveland about the skills a superstar drummer has to bring to a gig. “You have to find the center of the song. I want to know what the song’s about. I want to know what the emotion should be. And you just don’t play too much. To play music is just listening.”
As for how much respect he has for Ian Hunter, Holley suggests, “It’s about time, for godssakes: Let’s get Ian into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then let’s play a big New Year’s Eve bash in Cleveland.”
http://www.irishusa.com/holley
http://www.BeachlandBallroom.com
Cleveland, OH 44110