Mark Kelso – How Does It Feel?

While I was getting ready for this interview with Canadian drummer Mark Kelso, I listened quite extensively to his latest record Elementals with his own band The Jazz Exiles. One thing that struck me was how musical and confident he was sounding. It doesn’t matter what style he is playing, Mark Kelso always sounds 100 percent authentic, organic and groovy; and he writes all the music, so that tells you how good an all-around player he is. The same musical observation can be done when watching his educational DVD, Musician First, Drummer Second.

For Mark, it is always about the music. His DVD gets to the core of what makes a drummer groove and how to achieve a higher level of musical playing. It is not about explaining the latest 32nd-note lick, but more about being true to the moment and how to flow like water on your instrument via groove and chops, of which his are tastefully displayed, and as always, serving the music. Let’s get to know this great musician.