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| Part 2 of the Kenwood Dennard Interview! |
| Q: Your website is really wonderful and inspirational for young and old drummers alike. No doubt it is one of the most informative and intelligent drummer websites I have ever seen. The real centerpiece of Your philosophy is "Just Advance". Can You tell me how you developed this theory? Was it Your own original concept? A: The way I came upon the concept of "Just Advance" was through a dream I had. As I explain in my Just Advance Educational Video, I had the following dream: The dream took place in the not so distant future. The President came on TV and explained "We don't need the American Constitution anymore, because we are going to take care of You." He sent out these huge robots to protect us, but they malfunctioned and turned evil. They kept saying "Just Advance" and they were crushing cars, people, and even buildings! But the people won in the end because they came out and sent positive energy all over the world and the robots self-destructed. In the end, it was a "JUST" advance of the people- not just and advance. I used the song I heard in My dream for my first album, "Just Advance". I also give credit to My Buddhist practice. Q: In all of Your years of teaching, I wanted to ask You if You think there should be more emphasis on technique or a proper mental attitude towards drumming? A: Proper mental attitude. But if I am in the context of a drum lesson, then I'd say proper technique. But that's because there IS no proper technique without proper mental attitude! Attitude is everything. Timing is everything. Q: I cannot imagine how mind blowing it must have been playing behind jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Miles davis. How intense and rewarding was it playing behind such legends? A: Ha ha! Got a minute? Especially with reference to Dizzy Gillespie. He was like a beloved father, brother, and teacher all rolled into one. He taught Me so much, I get wet eyes just thinking about his consideration for Me. I was 23 when I played with Dizzy but I was a little naive. He taught Me sooo much! He would always grab Me and say things like "Here, what time signature is this in" or he would say "Here, read this!" One time, he said something I will never forget. He said I learned this one rhyth he taught Me even faster than Buddy Rich. When I think back, Dizzy was a strict bandleader, but a deep, beloved, and compassionate human being. Miles was difficult to get to know. But He was an acknowledged genius and leading artist in the history of Jazz. What an honor it was to play with him. I was friggin' nervous! Ha ha ha! Q: I am most familiar with the great work You did with Brand X, one of My favorite bands. You stepped in for Phil Collins and played phenomenally. You were truly a band of instrumental virtuosos. Were there ever any conflicts in the band as a result of all of the talent or was it a friendly enviroment? A: Ha ha! I am a friendly person and there tends to be a friendly enviroment wherever I go. When there are exceptions, I fight hard to make it friendly and cheerful. In the case of Brand X, we all just had a ball together in the year of 1977! It was incredible! The atmosphere was better described as crazy, zany, world class, fun, adolescent, spontaneous, full of camaraderie. Somehow, friendly just doesn't quite fit! Q: You also played with John McLaughlin, who undoubtedly was a huge source of inspiration for Brand X through the Mahavishnu Orchestra. What do You remember about your time playing with John? A: Well, as You say, We with Brand X were influenced heavily by Mahavishnu as well as Weather Report. Working with John was another heavenly joy! Incredible! It was a great honor and a great spiritual experience. I wish upon You the joy of camaraderie and friendship that music can bring. It is out of this world! Q: You are definitely taking drumming innovations to a new level with Your drum/synth setup. How did You develop this technique of incorporating the two instruments? A: The reason I started playing with two instruments in 1967 was because I was playing outdoor shows with My friend Herman Wright Jr who played two saxes at once, and I used to play the two instruments seperately, so one day I just stumbled upon the idea of playing both! Q: Kenwood, how might I and the readers of this site be able to purchase your solo albums and videos? A: Right now, the "Just Advance" CD is available at www.kenwooddennard.com and so is the video. Contact Me on the site and I will mail You the merchandise. Also, Amazon has the CD! Q: What do You have in store for all of Your fans and students in 2002? Are there any projects in the immediate future to tell about? A: Yes, I am most excited about My growing library of online drum courses. Quick, go to the site, do not pass go, and sign up for the MD1, the online course! I will be performing mostly in LA this year as well as Italy. Q: Kenwood, I want to thank you so much for joining us here! My final question for You, hopefully a bit of a lesson, is what is the key to complete freedom for all of your limbs while playing drums? A: I think about one thing more or less: FREEDOM. Practice makes perfect, my friend. Don't be fooled by the cliche nature of that statement. It's really true! Good luck and Peace! :) |