Rob Silverman: Drumology Volume 3

The beat goes on. Yes, that was a big hit for Sonny & Cher back in 1967. However, here it references the third volume of drummer Rob Silverman's Drumology series. The formula seems to be working, so why not keep pounding them out? Again all proceeds go to the Neil Peart Fund for brain cancer research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. And the core band stays intact, with Silverman being joined by brother Michael Silverman on piano and keyboards, bassist Larry Kornfeld, keyboardist/producer Jay Oliver and a different drummer on every song. As with the first two volumes, there is also a bevy of guest stars.

In the past, among others, drumming legends Billy Cobham, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Carmine Appice, and Simon Phillips have contributed. This time, among others, Steve Gadd joins the party and Weckl is back for seconds. Fusion drummer Gergo Borlai and prog rock drummer Gavin Harrison bring their sounds to the mix as well. The Drumology series is broader than a drum workshop, as attested by the presence of bassist John Patitucci and saxophonist Eric Marienthal. Both artists have played on all three records. This time around guitarist Frank Gambale, bassist Victor Wooten, and percussionist Gumbi Ortiz join the cast. If that wasn't enough, the great Bela Fleck performs as well.

The record explodes from the beginning with triplets in triplicate. Gadd, Weckl, and Silverman playing in unison throughout the opener. "The Alchemist" is a blistering, nearly nine minutes, tour de force.There is a feel of them being in the moment enjoying themselves and embracing each other's artistry, not that of some sort of competition or drum-off. In watching the video of the song they make it look easy. to improvise off of their fills and rhythmic patterns. Drumology is, of course, heavily drum influenced, but on the whole it is about musicians working together in service of the tunes. No better example of that then Patitucci, Gambale and Marienthal all adding elements to "The Alchemist" that connected and drove it to a crescendo. And yes, in case you missed it, with Chick Corea bandmates Weckl, Patitucci, Gambale, and Marienthal this is indeed a tribute to Corea composed by Jay Oliver.

With "Jaco's Dream" the intent wasn't to emulate Jaco Pastorius. Good luck with that. Instead it is more about feel and emotion. With his high-end approach and Vinnie Colaiutaish style, Gergo Borlai takes the spotlight. A third different direction is attained in as many songs with Bela Fleck now at center stage, joined by two of his Flecktones, bassist Victor Wooten, and drummer Roy Wooten. "Fibonacci Pie" has the multi-talented and diversified Fleck beautifully delivering the purest jazz tune in the set.

In truth, the record leans more towards rock. The first Drumology was jazz fusion. The second edged more to the rock side of fusion. That directional pull now even more evident with prog rock entering the picture. Deep into that world is the riveting sound of Porcupine Tree and their inventive drummer Gavin Harrison, also of King Crimson fame. Here he takes his intricate rhythms in a deliciously funky spiral. In "Sevenish" you hear some of his trademark licks, and many more, in a uniquely original manner. They rocked on with Alice Cooper drummer Glen Sobel making his second Drumology appearance. Sobel anchored the big arena rock sound of "Talk of The Town," along with former Michael Jackson guitarist Jennifer Batten. An amped up Marienthal smoked through his solo.

The record takes a little tumble on the final tune. "Sailing" features a poppish vocal and is bogged down with the catchy hook concept. While redundant, "Sailing" does have the silver lining of Gumbi Ortiz and his fine percussion work. The real takeaway is that overall this is a very enjoyable new record and was done for an important cause.