Burundo Drumbi! - John French's Series of Q&As, 2000/1
In early / mid 2000 John French called on Radar Station visitors for some help
writing his book, Beefheart: Through The Eyes Of Magic...
John French, aka Drumbo, is currently writing his own book about
the Magic Band, which is likely to take the form of a greatly extended version
of his contribution to the book in the Grow Fins box-set, featuring numerous and
extensive interviews with other Magic Band members interspersed with his own commentary.
Provisionally titled Beefheart: Through
The Eyes Of Magic this will cover the history of the Magic Band from the
inside.
The author called on Radar Station visitors in early / mid 2000
to send him their questions and suggestions for the book, to ensure that he included
the details that you wanted to know. Many responded to this appeal and John French
would like to pass on his sincere thanks.
Many of the questions were of a very specific nature and couldn't
be easily covered in the format of a biographical book. Since they were also very
interesting questions well worth addressing, John suggested that his answers could
be made available at the Radar Station as a preview to the book.
Here are the results - virtually all your questions along with
John's illuminating and fascinating answers. Many thanks to all concerned, especially
John French, for making this such a worthwhile exercise!
Questions from Pierre Antaya
Antelope Valley. Ecology. John Parr. Strictly Personal guitar styles. Band
input. Disappointment with Spotlight Kid. Don and science. Drummers who
influemnced John.
Questions from Robert Carey Trout house. Musical influences. Band members' personalities. Band's thoughts
on Trout Mask. Difficulties creating Trout Mask. Who wrote the music?
Ex-members' music. Don's vision. Decals, BJ&MB & Mallard. Debra
Kadabra. Voices on Trout Mask. Don and money.
Questions from Steven Ceiro
Don's rhythmic ideas. Don's musical training. Improvisation. Multiple time signatures.