Drum Live! Drummers Community - Drum Solo Artist

I talked to Nashville session drummer, Craig Kampf at Fork’s a few days ago.  Although, like me, he is a “senior” now , he is still rocking…..still writing…..still producing….and still playing drums.  He had just played a show with the famous L. A. studio greats, the “Wrecking Crew” the week before.  He was excited because Hal Blaine had asked him to join in and play percussion with them at the show.  Craig considered it a very special honor!

Now some of you may not recognize the name Craig Kampf, but he has played on over 200 albums, including 60 "Top 40" hits, plus many movie and TV soundtracks, with over 60 Gold & Platinum awards.  He has drummed and played percussion on several Grammy winning and nominated songs and albums.  He also writes.  For example he co-wrote "Oh Sherrie" with Steve Perry.  That kind of song can keep those royalty checks coming in!

Here is a sampling of some of the artists he has worked with:

Leon Russell

Steve Perry (of Journey Fame)

Alice Cooper

Kim Carnes

Melissa Ethridge

Dolly Parton

Nick Glider

Flo and Eddie (the Turtles)

The Motels (Martha Davis)

Patty Loveless

Tanya Tucker

Alabama

I asked about his drum stash from his long-standing relationship with Camco Drums and later with Rogers Drums.  He had only a few, and really regretted not keeping so many others.  Some of his very favorites had also been stolen over the years, including some that had been on some very historic recordings.  He commented "We all need to learn to watch our gear when we are storing it, don't we?"

As far as endorsements, he laughed and said yes, if you want to shut down a successful drum company just sign me on as an endorser.  He mentioned that, however, those days were like living a dream.  Craig did many ads for the products he endorsed and was even on the cover of a catalog for Rogers Drums. He is quoted as saying "I used to see Gene Krupa on the covers of those old Slingerland catalogs and dream---and now, here I was on the cover of the Rogers catalog. Dreams really can come true."

And speaking of dreams, Craig's pursuit of performing music is always characterized by drumming that is full of heart and passion. Robyn Flans perhaps said it best in her Modern Drummer article: "The energy Craig transmitted as an 18-year-old is no different from what you see now. More than 25 years have passed and with that has come a lot of experience, but the spirit remains the same."

“Craig is known for playing with abandon.  He is the perfect combination of raw and polished: perfect in his time and all the necessary recording techniques, but with the heart, guts and soul of an 18-year-old rock'n'roller." 

"This desire for making music that is full of passion and heart can be evidenced in all three areas of the music industry that Craig has established himself in---as a musician, a songwriter and as a producer.”

Craig is a great example of not only playing for the song, but also for coming up with original ideas.  He said that main goal was to make the song feel great.  Craig also mentioned that he had always tried to go that extra mile for the people he worked for.  You can feel the enthusiasm when to speak to Craig, and his career accomplishments certainly are proof of the impact of that enthusiasm.

I must also point out that Craig has performed pop, rock, jazz, country, and the “mixture of everything” required for TV and movie scores.  certainly He is certainly NOT a one-trick pony.

For young and aspiring drummers, these are certainly some good things to ponder.

Well, until next time………

CHEERS!

Ken Sanders

IBJAMN in Nashville, TN

Tags: Session Drummers

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