Ok... I've never been a "huge" Kenny Aronoff fan, because I just never appreciated his technique. After seeing this interview... not only do I now have a great appreciation for who he is as a person, but I'll now find myself listening to his music more often, to get a feel for what he's actually doing and why. Great interview!
innovators have to explain. hes not a real innovator per say, but hes unique, and does his own thing. and thats how real drummers are. we tend to fawn over other musicians, but then realize we can make our own thing too, then eventually you are doing things completely different. soon you've developed what works for you, sometimes it just happens to help other people too.
Kenny Aronoff is probably the most Humble Professional Artist in the World. You cannot appreciate and even begin to imagine what an enormously Great Drummer/Musician Kenny is until you have experienced his Musical abilities in person Live. I had no idea how unbelievably great this guy is until I was given the opportunity to see him perform with Bob Segar Live many years ago. Kenny Aronoff was key to allowing myself to having a full time Musical career as a performing artist and Drum Teacher for over 20 years. I am sure Kenny would have no idea how much his experiences has helped me and so many others. I am Thankful to God that Kenny was willing to inspire and share his time with me. God Bless Kenny Aronoff, Thank you Kenny. Tim Hamilton
Before a clinic in Bozeman, Montana, I took Kenny and the owner of our local music store, Paul, for a float and fly fishing trip down the Yellowstone River. Being a drummer, it was an amazing experience to have him in my boat and being able to get some insight into his musical genius. After the float we had dinner at the Rib and Chophouse in Livingston, Montana. Needless to say, it was an epic day! He's one of the nicest, kindest people one could meet! Thanks Kenny for one of the most memorable days in my life!
I have a much more deeper respect for Kenny now that I've seen this and heard him share. It's so true that you have to "keep at It" to stay on top and in-demand. Love his work and style with John Mellencamp.
Isn't it interesting that a lot of people (even drummers!) don't get how difficult it is to be half as CONSISTENT and RELIABLE as he is? The energy level he brings to the table is unmatched. And it it doesn't fluctuate. That is nearly impossible to achieve...
Mr. Aronoff has given so generously with his knowledge in such a down to earth way and it was really what the doctor ordered because Im at a place with my playing drums and in my life. He has given much food for thought in many different areas and I cannot thank him enough for being so forthcoming and generous in sharing his professional experiences with us. I felt I was needing some kind of personal mentoring in my life and without actually hanging out with the guy he seemed to have addressed many questions that nobody had to ask, He just offered it up on his own and always came back to address his original point which was great. So many just ramble from one thing to another and never address the point. So he can add great communicator to his skill set with all the others. A very intelligent down to earth nice guy. I'd like to be his friend and hang out with him and play!
Wow! I'm a guitar player and I can say that the information Kenny gives here is definitely some of the best a drummer could listen too. His expertise and his willingness to share his experience and education is not normal ! Wow
I got to see Aronof perform with Satriani not more than a week ago at the Bob Hope theater in Stockton. I was lucky enough to be sitting dead center to his bass drum not more than 10 or 12 rows back. I was locked in with Kenny the whole night. It was the best education i've ever gotten as a drummer. Everything he says in his video is legit. Thank you for the great performance Kenny
Kenny's the real deal. Met him at guitar center in 1985 on van ness ave. in San Francisco. I was picking up a custom Tama snare drum I had ordered and he was at the counter signing autographs and talking shop. It was just him, the dude at the counter and me. Its like he forgot to advertise he was going to be there.Very personable guy.
I was fortunate to have a great drum teacher 30 years ago. I wish when I was 19 I would have had access to guys like Kenny or Simon Phillips through sessions like these. We had to stand in line at a clinic and hope to get our question answered. I appreciate that Sweetwater produces these sessions and shares them. I love Kenny! Dude is so cool.
Went to a Kenny Aronoff clinic in 93 . . . the best description I can give him is "Rock Solid" He is not a master of finesse, he is not a twirly showman, he simply builds confidence for whoever he plays with. If you have Kenny behind you, your performance will go well. He is dependable, solid, practiced, rehearsed, creative, focused . . . his beats and riffs have purpose without being self indulgent. His "take care of business first" mantra is what makes him the "go to" drummer for any artist that can't take the chance on failure.
INCREDIBLE interview with a very talented, very educated man with tons of real world experience. And conducted by my favorite post-Peart drummer!! I am not a drummer, but I love drumming and learning new things.
Kenny is a really great guy. He looks amazing at 64. He is truly devoted to drums and music. A true professional in the music business. His work ethic is incredible.
this was one of the best interviews I've seen about music. I say music and not drums because that's what his whole approach is. really appreciate this video clip. extremely insightful.
GamerDares wins Lang is amazing for sure. But you kinda don't get it. You are basically comparing a Hayabusa to a '67 Camaro. You hire a guy like Lang if you are looking to blow someone's mind with technical prowess. But if you have a SONG that you want to hit a wide audience, Aronoff is probably the better investment. And I was not a fan for many years, until I realised how important his skill set was.
Kenny is a great drummer & is a unique teacher. I saw him @ Gear Fest in the food court in 2014 . I should have asked for his autograph but he was carrying his lunch on a tray and I didn't wanna disturb him!
Good call. You don't always need an autograph, or even a selfie with an artist or other celeb etc. An authentic hi, glad to meet you, actually goes a lot farther. If an artist needs the ego boost of an autograph request then I don't ask in spite of it.
Great wisdom Kenny!! You will never be as good as you want to be. But if you keep on trying to be the best you can be. You will achieve!! Great interview great insight!! Love you, Kenny Aronoff!!
I didn't know anything about Kenny but I knew he slayed Mellencamp songs. You never forget those fills because they made the songs. He's brilliant. The back story is truly fascinating.
Kenny is not overly flashy, and some might say very average and ordinary BUT he's a solid drummer.....and a solid human being! As he states sometimes your ability to get along with people is as important as your drumming ability. I've seen him play so many gigs with so many artists and one thing is for sure. He's always way into it! If he's not feeling it, then he does a heck of a job faking it! Very fun guy to watch! Interesting I use 15" new beats as my favourite hats also. They are so balanced and the most versatile hi hat cymbals in the world in my opinion. Great interview Nick!...also a great drummer in his own right!
Jan Patrick Lucas well said I agree he's not extraordinary or bad but he's a rock solid drummer and person but I really have a huge problem with them using the term master class and trying to put him in it not accurate at all
I think Kenny Aronoff just fired straight to the top of my list of great drummers. I’m going to spend the rest of my weekend getting more familiar with his work.
That is great information for anybody and makes it even better for me being I started playing the drums again after 20 plus years. Thanks Kenny and Sweetwater! Great stuff
What a great guy!! He's an open book. A extremely talented drummer. He has the self doubt that all of us drummers have. No matter who I play with from country to hard rock, even though they tell me I'm good, I can always come up with reasons that I'm not.Especially after I watch a 12 year old tear it up on You Tube.
Glad I watched this. It certainly made Kenny more three dimensional as a drummer to me. I gained a lot of respect for what he does (and did). Thanks for the video.
This is a great video and I am extremely glad I clicked on it. Didn’t really know crap about Kenny other then his name and distinctive look. Small kit with big sound. I like those 13 basic hand lessons near the beginning. Good stuff. Nick is a great interviewer.
Kenny slams and grooves and has been a kind and friendly person when I've met him. Lang leaves me cold when I hear him play. Music isn't about technique. Maybe someday you'll grow up and realize that.
Michael Maier Pfft without technique you got nothing. The amount of people with no technique wondering why they can't hold a groove makes me sad. Perhaps when you get some experience you'll know that ;) Been playing drums for over 30 tears btw.
Interesting what Kenny said about the studio session where him seemed to playing behind time when it was actually the guitarist playing forward of the click. Recently had a session where some of the drum parts seem to lag a little,I thought maybe it's latency in the recording process but now thinking it was keys playing in advance of the click !! Knowledge is everything !!
In May 1983 I went to Zildjian day in Chicago. Tommy Aldridge was supposed to be on the bill, but was not able to make it for whatever reason. Kenny was on the bill as a replacement and we were all a bit disappointed and wondering who this (almost) bald dude was and what could he possibly offer on the stage that welcomed Steve Smith, Larry Londin, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie and played with Mellencamp! After he played, I think the entire auditorium was pretty amazed at this new guy that laid it down pretty impressively. After that, elieve me, when Mellencamp came on MTV, I always watched for Kenny and his great groove and ballsy playing style. The guy is great.
