jr. walker and the all stars- (i'm a) road runner

[simon4186]

I LOVE MOTOWN!

[TheKeithdcobbin]

That's what I am a road runner I've been all over America 48 states been moving around since 1986 I'm out here in Corvallis Oregon from here later on this year I'm moving over to Hawaii for 2 years from there I'm moving on down the road.

Brother Keith D. Cobbin

[tomovox]

@TheKeithdcobbin Then this song definitely is for you, my friend!

[Lorenzo1950]

From SITSOM there was a statement made maybe by Pistol Allen that Benjamin said to keep it simple. Where most drummers would do a fancy "fill" Benjamin would hit a tom tom once or twice. His timing was impeccable. When he did a fill it was short and explosive like a thunderbolt. His best recording for this is "Too Many Fish in the Sea."

[tomovox]

@Lorenzo1950 I LOVE your comments on the drumming here and how you call attention to Benny's style of simply hitting that tom tom once or twice. When I was younger and just getting into Motown, that was one of THE elements of Benny's style that ALWAYS identified a song as a Motown song. (one of the best of Benny's "simplified" drum figures is heard on Stevie Wonder's "Hey Love" Those unexpected hits to the tom tom are genius.) I can't agree with you more on your comments!

[tomovox]

@Lorenzo1950 PS- "Too Many Fish In The Sea"- you nailed it- that is Prime Time Benny Benjamin drumming. One other aspect I've always loved about Benny's style is how hard he works that bass drum. Never heard anyone other than Motown's drummers work that pedal as much.

[TheKeithdcobbin]

@Lorenzo1950

Yes it is thank you for emailing me hello!!! Hawaii!!! later!!! on!!! this!!! year!!! peace!!!

Brother Keith D. Cobbin out here in wet Corvallis Oregon a little college town.

[fanofprotopic]

one of the wildest and funkiest Motown records ever.

[tomovox]

@fanofprotopic I completely agree!

[soulmansteve]

Congratulations! Many of the accolades directed towards the Funk Brothers name James Jamerson (deservedly) as a key contributor. Far less has been written about Benny, even though his signature drum sound is instantly recognisable as 'Motown' by even the most casual listener. I am constantly fascinated by the fact that the greatest musicians are able to play in a style that instantly identifies them as individuals. Benny Benjamin is up there with the greatest drummers that ever graced a studio.

[tomovox]

@soulmansteve Outstanding point! I bought a cd by the Marvelettes some years ago and my cousin happened to hear some of the songs as I was playing it. He was always more into what was going on the charts at the time, rap, urban and such and he really surprised me when he remarked on how he could ALWAYS tell a Motown record strictly by the drums. It was the "Tamla Roll" in particular that Benny played that my cousin could always pick up on. That says a lot...

[tomovox]

@soulmansteve ...That says a lot about the impact and far-reaching impression Benny's style has to this day. In fact, I learned to play drums strictly by listening to and trying my hardest, to master Benny's style. I once filled in for a buddy in his band, playing the drums- ever hear rock music played with a Benny Benjamin / Motown beat? It was truly something else!

[srercrcr]

Bought it new

[tomovox]

Thanks pal! You gave me a suggestion and it seemed to kick off a new burst of creativity for me!

[ioxxd90]

Excellent video. This is my favorite song by Jr Walker...

[tomovox]

Thanks for the compliment on the video! I'm with you, there are a lot of Jr. Walker and the All Stars songs I like, but this one is Number One for me! The Motown Sound at it's best!