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Name: Tom
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On the Trap Kit
June 3rd, 2010
Please welcome Mr. Dave Knepp as the newest member of Old Empire. Dave is a Detroit rock scene veteran having played drums for many bands including The Sights, Mitch Ryder and most recently 750cc Moto Music. We are happy to have Dave aboard and we are working hard to get back on stage soon.
Changes
May 22nd, 2010Old Empire would like to officially announce that Daniel Kanka (drums) and Shaun Wisniewski (keys) have left the band. We played many great shows with these two, with a lot of great memories. We wish them both the very best. We hope you continue to support them, as we are sure they will both be on the Detroit scene again soon with other projects. The rest of Old Empire are looking forward to building our new line-up and being back on the stage again as soon as possible. We are continuing work on our new recordings with Dave Feeny over at The Tempermill. See you soon!
Old Empire at The Loving Touch
May 11th, 2010
Related show
Spitting Nickels (record release party) W/ Old Empire & The Crooks
April 5th, 2010
We’re playing this Saturday at The Majestic Cafe with Spitting Nickels. They’re celebrating the release of their latest record, Stop Don’t/Yes. The Crooks open the evening.
Related show
OE at PJ’s Lager House
March 17th, 2010
Related show
Gots to have that rhythm #1!
March 4th, 2010So here we are finally at the end! My pick for the Top Rhythm Section of Pop, Rock and Soul is Tom James and Danny Kanka of Old Empire, perhaps the greatest Post-Machiavellian SoulCore band ever.
JK!
1. 
James Jamerson/Benny Benjamin and others -- Motown
Toiling in obscurity at Motown studios in Detroit, the Funk Brothers laid down the groove for a sound that would literally change the musical landscape. Starting in 1959. it is estimated that James Jamerson played bass on more #1 hits than the Beatles. Sadly it was only after his premature death in 1983 that he received any real recognition, having never been officially credited on a Motown recording until 1971. Benny Benjamin was Jamerson’s usual side kick on the drums until his death in 1969. Bob Babbit was another Motown bassist that played on many tracks, most notably Marvin Gaye’s Mercy, Mercy Me Here is a live clip with Jamerson on bass:
Gots to have the rhythm #2
March 3rd, 2010I am almost to the end of my Top 20 rhythm sections of pop, rock and soul. It’s been a fun ride, and I probably could make about 5 of these. No matter how many lists I made, these two would always be my 1 and 2 pick. Tune in tomorrow to find out who my #1 pick is.
Donald “Duck” Dunn/Al Jackson -- Booker T. and the MGs
As the house band for Stax records this band helped define southern soul. Formed in 1962 their first hit “Green Onions” was just a warm up jam during a recording session. They would go on to back Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave and many others. Donald Dunne joined the band in 1965 and along with Al Jackson on drums they laid down the backbone for some of the songs that would define soul music.
Gots to have that rhythm #3
March 2nd, 2010
Clyde Stubblefield/Bernard Odum -- James Brown
These two served as the rhythm section on some of James Brown’s best work from the mid to late 60′s. They defined the modern funk sound and laid down some of the most memorable grooves of all time.
Gots to have that rhythm #4
March 1st, 2010
Larry Grahm/Gregg Lerrico -- Sly and the Family Stone
Perhaps more than any other band Sly and the Family Stone fused the two worlds of rock and soul. Coming out of Oakland, California, this band changed rock, pop and soul music everywhere in every way. Larry Grahm and Gregg Lerrico were a big part of the band’s success. Their syncopated playing style and Graham’s early use of the slap funk bass style took the band to new sonic levels.
Gots to have the rhythm #5
March 1st, 2010
Rick Danko/Levon Helm -- The Band
What can be said about The Band? 4 Canadians and one American? We are all Americans.
Performing as the backing band to Bob Dylan was probably enough to earn them a spot in rock and roll eternity. But to go on and record some of the sweetest soul music of all times is another. More often than not it was Rick on the bass fiddle with Levon playing the cans. The fact that both of them could sing the sweetest of songs only makes it all the easier to put these two at number 5. read em and weep:
Gots to have that rhythm #6
March 1st, 2010
Harold Brown/Morris Dickerson -- WAR
Eric Bourdon, the English lad from Newcastle (The Animals) just happened to be in Cali back in 1969 as he saw a group of musicians that would eventually become WAR. Los Angeles born, their message of unity and racial equality still echoes today. Listen to this simple yet elegant groove.
Old Empire at the Blowout
February 28th, 2010Related show
Gots to have that rhythm #7
February 28th, 2010
Stan Lynch/Ron Blair-Howie Epstein -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
When Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers first came on to the rock and roll radar, a lot of the press and music industry wanted to label them “New Wave”. Which is somewhat funny now, but just goes to prove how much their roots rock, twang-n-roll set them apart from the arena rock bands that dominated the scene of the late 1970′s. I mean who could ever forget the first time they hard those jangly opening chords of American Girl? Stan Lynch and Ron Blair were the original drummer/bassist for the Heartbreakers and their work on the first four albums is just outstanding. Howie Epstein replaced Blair in 1982, and he managed to fill Blair’s shoes and then some. I would even go a step further here and say that The Heartbreakers as a whole are one of the most under rated bands in rock and roll. Mike Campbell (guitar) and Benmont Tench (keys) rounded out a unit that could kick anyone’s ass on any given night.
Gots to have that rhythm #8
February 26th, 2010
Chris Frantz/Tina Weymouth -- Talking Heads
It is sometimes easy to forget the sphere of influence this band has had. Originally formed way back in 1974, the Talking Heads came out of NYC’s CBGB scene with their first ever gig opening for The Ramones in 1975. Tina Weymouth was persuaded to take up bass by Chris Frantz since the band could not find a regular bassist. Together they would grow into one of the most innovative and rock steady rhythm sections in rock history. Have a listen to this for proof:
Gots to have that rhythm #9
February 26th, 2010
Ringo Starr/Paul McCartney -- The Beatles
Ringo’s technical limitations are perhaps what made him the perfect drummer for the fab four. And in the end… it doesn’t really matter since he is the only soul on earth who can claim he was the drummer for The Beatles. Well, Pete Best my have a thing or two to say about that, but that is another sordid tale. Paul McCartney’s melodic style on that Hofner violin bass will always be a sonic treasure. The Beatles changed the world…of music at the very least.
Gots to have that rhythm #15 – 10
February 25th, 2010The countdown is picking up pace as we count our way down to #1.
15. 
Mick Fleetwood/John McVie -- Fleetwood Mac
McVie’s melodic playing is the perfect compliment to the steady beats of Mick Fleetwood. The roots of this band go all the way back to 1967. They would reach the pinnacle of rock success in the mid 70′s when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined the band.
14. 
Bruce Thomas/Pete Thomas -- Elvis Costello and the Attractions
Although they are not related, for over 10 years these two turned out some of the tastiest grooves ever heard in pop music. You don’t believe me?
13. 
The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section --
The backline of Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” this group of Alabama based musicians would go on to play on some of rock and souls best known recordings. Originally consisting of Barry Beckett (keys), Roger Hawkins (drums), David Hood (bass) and Jimmy Johnson (guitar), they have played with artists such as Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Clarence Carter, Johnnie Taylor, Arthur Conley, Etta James and many more.
12. 
Bill Wyman/Charlie Watts -- The Rolling Stones
Not much needs to be said on this one. These two were the rock solid foundation for the “Greatest Rock and Roll Band of All Time”.
11.
John Paul Jones/John Bonham -- Led Zeppelin
Bonham sure gets his due as a great rock drummer but I am not quite sure people realize how great of a bass player John Paul Jones is. Not to mention the multi-instrumental (guitar, koto, lap steel guitars, autoharp, ukulele, sitar, cello, continuum) abilities he also possesses.
10. 
John Entwistle/Keith Moon -- The Who
Keith Moon just plain changed the way drummers play rock music. While Entwistle’s sound is unmistakable whenever or where ever you hear it. Give a listen to “5:15″ from Quadrophenia.
Gots to have that rhythm #16
February 23rd, 201016. Pete Farndon and Martin Chambers -- The Pretenders
A girl from Akron, Ohio moves to London, witnesses the punk explosion and forms one of the greatest rock bands ever.Their first album won them critical acclaim and a number one in the UK with Brass In Pocket. Sounds like a fairy tale? Well, it quickly turned into a nightmare. By 1983 two of the original four members were gone, as Farndon and James Honeyman-Scott were dead from drug abuse. Oh, but those two albums those original four made are oh so sweet. Pete Farndon and Martin Chambers provided the sonic bedrock for James Honeyman-Scott’s absolutely brilliant guitar work and Chrissy Hynde’s meandering yet sexy voice.
Gots to have that rhythm #17
February 23rd, 201017. Bernard Edwards and Tony Thompson -- CHIC
We go back to the disco era for number 17. Yep that’s right disco! Disco sucks right? Well that whole movement by the white dominated AOR stations was just a front for a bunch of racists IMHO. No one can deny the grooves these two laid down. Hell, where would hip hop be today without this groove?
Gots to have that rhythm #18
February 23rd, 2010Continuing on my quest of listing my top 20 rock, pop and soul rhythm sections, I am finding it harder to put these in any order since they all are very good in their own ways.
18. Glenn Kotche and John Stirrat -- Wilco
For me these two embody what Danny and I try to be with Old Empire, they add just the right touch to any song. They are never stepping on anyone’s toes, but yet if you analyze what they are playing it’s always something clever and in the groove. Glenn Kotche has been Wilco’s regular drummer since 2002′s “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot”, with John Stirrat being one of only two original members of Wilco still in the band (along with Jeff Tweedy). Perhaps the premier American band of the past 10 years, take a listen to “Theologians”, originally released on “A Ghost is Born”, this video clip is taken from the film “Ashes of American Flags”:
Gots to have that rhythm! #19
February 19th, 2010#19 in my Top 20 Rhythm Sections of pop, rock and soul! -Tom
19 -- Paul Simonon/Topper Headon -- The Clash
No one could argue these two belong in the top 20 based on technical ability. But being the back line for one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century counts for something. In the mid to late 1970′s the rock scene had become increasingly corporate and stagnant. Thankfully, the punk scene exploded in England with the advent of the Sex Pistols and others. Out of this scene also sprang The Clash. Topper Headon without a doubt was always the glue that held the Clash together. Paul Simonon was always there to lend his classic Fender P-Bass/Ampeg sound. These two provided a rock solid platform for the genius of Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. Give a listen to “The Guns of Brixton” for proof positive. Paul sings lead on this song.
Gots to have that rhythm!
February 18th, 2010I have stumbled across several lists over the last few days of top 10 or 25 rhythm sections of rock or soul. Not really being a big fan of lists, I found these to be interesting nonetheless, since rarely do these musicians get recognized as a unit. For those non-musicians out there the drum and bass player in rock, pop and soul is usually referred to as the rhythm section. I am going to assemble my top 20 over the next month or so and I’ll update them on here. Your comments and disagreements are most welcome. -- Tom
I’ll start at # 20 and work my way down:
20. The Small Faces -- Kenney Jones and Ronnie Lane: A “blue eyed” soul band and of course a big part of the Mod sound and scene of the mid to late 1960′s. The Small Faces remain a highly influential band even today. Jones and Lane laid down the bed rock for Steve Marriot’s soulful voice. Jones and Lane would go on to form The Faces after the break-up of the Small Faces. Jones would also go on to join the Who after the death of Keith Moon. Have a listen to the soulful back bone they give to “Tin Soldier”.
OE @ The New Way Bar
December 1st, 2009Join Old Empire for a night full of music at the New Way bar in Ferndale this Friday. Also performing will be The Mourning Voices w/Illy Mack and Utility Monster. Doors are at 9, cover is $5. The New Way Bar is on Woodward just North of 9 Mile in Ferndale.
New Way Bar - Ferndale
