Podcast with drummer Jeff Sipe
Jeff Sipe | Courtesy Jon Weiner Photography
Jeff Sipe brings his trio to Martin’s Downtown on Saturday night. Read the full story and get show details.
Here’s one from the personal anecdote file: I went to Nashville, Tenn., more than 20 years ago to audition for a band. I didn’t get the gig, but I got something better, something that keeps inspiring me.
Before the audition, I walked into a Tower Records store to look around. I heard something that amazed me, something that for one of the few times in my life drew me right up to the counter to ask, “What is that? And can I get a copy?”
The record was “Col. Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit,” and there was nothing about it that I didn’t like. I still listen to it today. It combined seamlessly elements of rock, jazz, bluegrass, Afro-Cuban and psychedelic music, played by absolute instrumental monsters. I heard the band live three times, and it never sounded the same as the record. Often, it sounded better.
I have followed the careers of the players on that record – Hampton, guitarist Jimmy Herring, bassist Oteil Burbridge, mandolinist Matt Mundy, percussionist Count M’Butu and drummer Jeff Sipe (Chuck Leavell, the guest keyboardist on that record, is a member of The Allman Brothers Band and the Rolling Stones).
As a drummer, though, the player I most identified with was Sipe, aka Apt. Q-258. His drumming was so energetic, in the pocket and sympathetic, with dynamic control and a wild streak. His improvisational skills were – and are – phenomenal.
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February 13, 2013 - 7:00 AM
Is he related to former Browns quarterback Brian Sipe? I could probably look that up myself, but you’re the journalist here.
Okay Tadd, we get it….you like Jeff Sipe.Alot…some would this article of adulation borders on obsession.So let me shine some light on your “phenom”.When I was living in atlanta{mid to late 90′s}.I got to see the Jonas Hellborg Trio..Hellborg on bass,Shawn Lane on guitar,Sipe on drums. Yeah,I heard his playing with Hamptons band.But they sounded to me like a watered down version of Frank Zappa’s musical genius.Anyway,the Hellborg trio played at Atlanta Drums{you can see it on youtube},yes they killed it.Sipe’s playing was good…just good not “phenomenal”.Shawn Lane’s and Jonas Hellborg’s playing was mind-blowing{watch the vid}.Sipe seemed like he was just trying to hang on…maybe he was having an off night.I met SIPE thru a mutual friend and we hung out a couple of times,jammed double drums,talked music..etc.I was playing in an experimental jazz/fusion band at the time and invited Sipe to come out and see us,thought he might dig it.He never showed..I took it as he was just to busy.Ran into him months later after his falling out with Hellborg{word on the street was that they exchanged punches after a show one night and Hellborg canned him}.Anyway,we talked about music,drummers etc…asked him again to come see my band{jazz/fusion} and he declined.And not in a I’m too busy sort of way..It was more a ” I don’t like drummers who play double bassdrum pedals”.What?!? So months before when chatting with Sipe I’d mentioned I played double bassdrum pedals on my kit.I was dumbfounded,here was Jeff Sipe telling me he since he doesn’t{more like can’t} play double bass drums,he won’t come see my band play.Talk about narrow minded.I couldn’t believe that just because he plays single pedal he would just write-off another drummers playing.So I went back and listened and looked at whatever he played on…he follows the same “formula” on everything he plays,his fill,groove,chops.They never change..he doesn’t think outside the box,doesn’t grow,it’s stagnation.He’s good at networking,but that doesn’t make you a good drummer..just a good politician.He doesn’t even consider himself a musician{said it himself in your article}.So I’m guessing he hates or ignores drummers such Billy Cobham,Terry Bozzio,Chad Wackerman,Dennis Chambers,Louie Bellson…etc.I’m sure he doesn’t remember me or any of the conversations we had…but I do.This comment might upset you,infuriate you,or more than likely you think it’s all a big lie.You have your opinion on him TADD…but I KNOW him.
Well, James, I can always count on you to bring the bitterness. I see you’re using a new e-mail address, too. Wonder why?
I won’t argue about any of your opinions here, or even question whether your story is true. But if you’ve watched what Sipe can do with his hi-hat foot or have heard the speed of his bass drum foot, you would not question his skill or technique — unless you’re embittered by a personal experience with him.
Jimmy Herring or Jeff Coffin would have different thoughts from yours about Sipe.
That said, I don’t think anyone goes through life without pissing off someone. I guess that’s the perspective you bring to the table when discussing Sipe.
That said, “obsessed” would be a strong word. I’m a huge admirer of Sipe’s playing, and have thought of him as a very nice guy, having spoken to him a few times before I was a reporter who has something of public value to offer a performer.
I am a bigger fan of Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Porcaro, Dennis Chambers, Tony Williams and a few others. But they’re not playing in town any time soon, and two of them are dead, so I guess I won’t be talking to them.
I will argue this, though — if you think of Hampton and the ARU as a “watered down version of Zappa,” you are missing the point entirely.
Ric, clearly all Sipes are related, haha!
Ain’t missing the point at all.Hampton is a poor emulator of Zappa’s type of music.As in clone,copy,lack of originality.If you ever talk to Jonas Hellborg ask him how he feels about Sipe.His opinion probably doesn’t stray to far from mine.So you enjoy the show this weekend,I’m sure he will do the same tired fills,and the way too long “look at me solos” in the middle of all the songs.As for the “bitterness” I call it facts.
If you listened to more Sun Ra and Bill Monroe, you might drop the idea that he is trying to emulate Zappa.
Hampton is a teacher, or as he calls himself, a “minor league manager.” Jimmy Herring, Oteil Burbridge and Sipe have gone on to do amazing things in music. Sipe is involved in a recording with John McLaughlin these days, among others.
After all this, I absolutely have to hear you play. Let me know whenever you join a band.
As for Hellborg, I’m not going to comment, though I have heard things — and not from Sipe. We’ve never discussed Hellborg.
Yeah Tad. Be sure to update the blog when jimmy scores a gig. I’ll come out too.
I’ll put you both on the guest list.
Yet another e-mail addy for James, and a “not James West” handle in the mix. I suspect sock puppet action!
Awesome
“Like my mama used to say, “If you can’t…don’t.”
I’ve been perusing the blogs here, and I’m picking up on some pent up hostilities. I’m I looking at a Jeff Sipe hater? Possibly a Bruce Hampton hater, as well, or maybe just anybody associated with Jeff Sipe. I don’t know…I think we’re getting a dose of sour grapes from someone who was, “dissed” a couple times by Mr. Sipe. If his only support is to tell us to ask Jonas Hellborg, or to bring up an alleged throw down between them, well I’m sorry. I’m going to need more. So, I think I’ll ask Jeff myself.
When I shared this rant with another musician (a drummer), I received a response that I’m going to have to concur. He replied, “Well, I’m glad to hear that I have a completely wrong impression of Jeff and his drumming. I based my erroneous opinion on watching him play. I only met him once or twice. I don’t KNOW him. Good of this dude to share his superior understanding with us knuckle-draggers. I think that about says it.
I’d like to add, that if at all possible, I wouldn’t mind hearing Mr. West’s “experimental jazz/fusion band”, with his “double bass drum pedals.” If not in person, perhaps Mr. West can direct me to some recordings, or videos. I’m game! But, Jesus H. Tap Dancin’ Christ, STOP being so DAYUM negative people! Play what you play, and keep making it do what it do, baby!
Be well!