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Twelve Q's and Some Revealing A's with the Canadian Blues Shuffle Queen

The Canadian drumming scene - past and present - can count a lot of serious heavyweights among its fraternity, including - but certainly not limited to - Neil Peart, Paul Brochu, Skip Prokop, Garry Peterson, Graham Lear, Whitey Glann, Paul DeLong, Mike Sloski, Mitch Dorge, Flo Mounier, Mark Kelso, Pierre Hebert, and Maureen's husband, the rather sensational Rick Gratton. But Maureen Brown Gratton is different. The name may be the instant giveaway (that matter of gender), but there's much, much more. Check this out: Maureen is classically trained in drums and percussion; is a multi-award winning drummer and vocalist (4-time 'Canadian Blues Drummer', 3-time Mapleblues 'Female Vocalist of the Year' nominee); has played with some of the greatest names in the business; can hang seriously with those she hasn't played with; and blows away audiences at events including the Cape Breton International Drum Festival and Montreal Drumfest. No, we're not talking fear-inducing chops; we're talking drumming... musical drumming that makes the music sound and feel great; the kind that makes you go 'Wow, nice groove.' The fact that she's married to one of the world's great groovers and chops monsters, Mr. Rick Gratton, would be enough to drive a lesser woman into the kitchen. But not Maureen, who is also a painter and qualifies as an all-round wonderful person. Her past life may not have all been a bowl of cherries, but thanks to music and the joy it has brought, today it's all peaches, which is fine by her.

1. At what point did you realize you wanted to make drumming your career?
Playing drums always seemed to be in my future. When we were teens, I told a friend I wanted to marry a drummer and to play a pink drumkit. When she reminded me many years later, I was playing professionally, owned a set of pink Milestones (or was it pink Canwoods?), but had yet to meet and marry Rick. I was immersed in the school systems music programs. Just prior to graduating, my father, in a moment of anger, kicked me out of the family home. I was given 12 hours to collect my belongings and find a new place to live. Whatever I couldn't carry he gave away. This included the double-bass kit he had bought me, as it wouldn't fit in the cab that took me to nowhere. By 19, I was married to a young guitarist, feeling we would both pursue music professionally, only to realize that was my dream, not his. Money was tight at that time so I took on four part-time jobs to afford to buy a set of drums. All I ever wanted to do was play drums, but without the support of my family, I made the move, on my own, to join a touring band and start my career as a professional musician.

2. That was extremely brave, but then you had some seriously good influences didn't you?
My early teachers, Mike Bergauer, Gary Tomlin and Chris Woroch, really shaped my direction and influenced my attitude in preparation for what was to come. Their support means very much, especially now that I truly understand its value. In terms of drummers who influenced me, I looked to Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Whitey Glann, Carmine Appice, John Bonham, Keith Moon and one of my biggest influences, Little Feat's very funky Richie Hayward. Then there is my first influence, Ringo Starr. But it was the playing of Billy Cobham in the early 1970's that inspired me to buy my first drumkit.

3. Your playing swings and grooves as opposed to being high-powered and chops-oriented, so your Ringo Starr is more evident as an influence than, say, Billy Cobham. How do you reconcile such diverse influences?
Because I've never played in any kind of band that embraced his style, I've never really had a chance to utilize my 'Billy' chops. I practice them, but also find elements of his technique escape me at times, particularly in my fills. From Ringo I learned how to swing, and he was probably my first influence for playing 'the song'. One thing for sure, he was definitely my introduction to the blues. Check out early Beatles recordings and you will hear their blues roots.

4. From where do you draw your inspiration and confidence?
Knowledge is power... or in my case confidence and ability. Being a classically trained percussionist, my early teachers made sure I was a well-rounded, competent drummer in everything from swing and rock to latin and drum corps, while also able to handle all aspects of orchestra charts and drum ensemble work. Between my pre-teen years and high-school graduation, we were required to write our own scores for an eight-piece percussion ensemble. Also, I was in the Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra for a short stint. But I really wanted to be on the road with a band, so off I went. When I quit the tour circuit, I moved to Toronto, where I was regarded by many as a 'blues' drummer, simply because that's the music I was playing most. Me, I just wanted to be a very good drummer (and singer), not a drummer of any particular style. So, I researched every style, including the blues but also jazz, funk, latin... even African rhythms and anything else I could get my hands on. I gained my confidence from acquiring knowledge and skill. Add to this list one of my greatest influences, my accomplished husband and biggest supporter, Rick Gratton.

5. On a more local level, who do you see and enjoy? The Toronto area is the home of or plays host to a lot of great players.
I love to see Mike Sloski, as he has one of the most relaxed, authentic grooves. He's also one of the nicest guys on the circuit. Ed Ham, with Carol Bakker, is another guy who has a great pocket and wonderful spirit. I also love to see Joe Rigon, with Robbie Lane and the Disciples. And I will go out of my way to see guys like Whitey Glann and Graham Lear, two monster drummers, who still play the Toronto area. Whitey's legendary performances with Mandala, Bette Midler, Alice Cooper and Lou Reed, and Graham's with Gino Vannelli, Santana, and Paul Anka set a high standard of expectation for Canadian drummers around the world.

6. So, Maureen, how did you become a band-leader? It's a mammoth task...
It all came down to what I wanted to do as a musician. In my early years I learned to sing because others pushed me to take on the occasional lead or harmony parts. As much as I enjoyed drumming, I also wanted to sing. When I came off the tour trail and settled in Toronto, I immersed myself in the local blues scene. Because harmony vocals are not big in the blues, my desire to make singing a bigger part of what I do was stifled to the point where I decided to start my own band... so I could drum and sing. It wasn't about being 'the star,' it was all about keeping my singing active. As for the mammoth task of starting my own band, the Beatles were a big inspiration for me to be a drummer and even to sing. They also made me want to be in a band. I love that family feeling of being in a band, that sense of security that comes from living on the road as a group. As a band leader, I also find comfort in ensuring each group member gets to express all their talents. If they're a player but also sing, they're encouraged do their thing, to showcase themselves, because when they do so they also enhance the band.

7. What advice to you have for young, upcoming drummers?
I would suggest every drummer learn to sing at least one song while drumming. Not only will it help their skills as a drummer or singer, it will also enlighten them to realize what it means to support the song. So often, drummers want to show off the latest lick they've learned, whether or not it is appropriate for the song. If you sing while drumming, you will instantly get what it means to stay out of the way of the vocals. You will also understand what mood or message is being conveyed by the lyrics of the song. If you don't know what the song is about, how can you reflect that message with dynamics and passion emphasized by your playing? How can you support the rest of the band and the song if you are not listening to the band and vocalist? Play the song!

8. What are some of the highlights of your career?
Oh, there are so, so many, but here are some standouts:

• Imagine meeting the person who inspired you to become who you are today. Imagine that this same person also inspired your mate. Then you and your mate, together, meet that person. That's how it felt when Rick and I met Ringo Starr. That is a moment frozen in time... and we've even got a photo together!
• When I first got together with Rick, he asked me who inspired my playing. When I said Richie Hayward and Little Feat had a huge influence on my New Orleans style, he got on the phone and asked Richie if he would record with me. I had no idea he knew Richie, so when Richie agreed, I nearly fell on the floor. That's a session I'll never forget, with Richie as a featured guest on my CD. Other highlights related to that CD include the inclusion of my favourite blues vocalist/harpist, Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, who a couple years ago, had me drum for his entire show at the Kitchener Blues Festival. Also, top songwriter/producer Ian Thomas, (Santana covered his tune 'Hold On') produced my CD then invited me to play percussion on recording sessions for The Boomers. I loved that band and their music, so that was a huge thrill. Recording with Ian initially made me very nervous, knowing how much care and attention he gives to each and every element of his music and timing. As I laid down each percussion part, in as little as one or two passes, I began to relax and enjoy the ride.
• Then there's the time Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne took me on tour to Europe, where we spent the first two weeks in Paris. After a series of errors on its part, the hotel upgraded my room to the Presidential floor, where I lived in style for over a week, complete with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Kenny is such a confident and extraordinary talent; it was an honour to support him on that tour.
• One night, to the surprise of everyone in the room, Oscar Peterson, who'd suffered a stroke, showed up at my gig in a wheel-chair. That was a very humbling yet thoroughly enjoyable experience. I remember him smiling a lot.
• Getting to meet and perform with the likes of greats including John Hammond, Otis Rush, Watermelon Slim, Big Mama Thornton, and Jeff Healey is always a treat, but one of my ongoing joys is to play drums while fronting my own trio, or to front my N'awlins tribute band, Maureen Brown & Big Hand while my husband Rick does the drumming. Which reminds me, Rick is a sensational drummer... amazing.
• Watching Rick demonstrate some ideas to Anton Fig when we visited him on the set of the David Letterman Show at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York was a thrill in itself, but when Anton led us onto the stage where The Beatles made their 1964 debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, that was another magic moment. Then Anton invited Rick to check out his kit, but Rick graciously invited me to sit behind the drums and capture the moment on film.
• Rooting for Rick as he was nominated for a Grammy, for his contribution on the Hairspray movie soundtrack (with John Travolta). It was a very proud moment for both of us, as Rick was not only nominated for a Grammy, but was up against The Beatles, who won the award with their Love CD.
• Movie star Chrisopher Walken making his way across the huge set and sitting next to me while Rick and I were watching filming of a final scene of Hairspray. That was a huge thrill for me.

9. With Ringo and the Beatles being such a huge inspiration, you must be thrilled with the remastered Beatles albums. What do you feel when you hear this music today?
It takes me back to my childhood, reminding me how much they pulled me through some tough and lonely times, as well as propelling me to higher level, inspiring me to be the person I've now become. It's fantastic to hear Ringo's drumming evenly mixed in the remasters. I am hearing parts from all the Fab Four that I have never heard before/Sharing these new recordings with Rick is a delight to re-live together again for the first time.

10. It's Saturday night and you're not gigging this week. What do you do?
Crank up the tunes and jam along, or Rick and I will indulge in movie watching.I always have a painting on the go as well, so I paint regularly. One of my other joys is to experiment with new recipes. I love to cook and bake... barefoot, in the kitchen! Throughout it all, I have to stop for hugs from my pooch, my beautiful black Pug.

11. What do you think when you hear these names:
• Terry Bozzio - a sweetheart. I'm honoured to call him a friend. Terry is an innovator, he's always on the cutting edge of modern drumming.
• Bernard Purdie - the Purdie shuffle... Bernard has such a wide groove.He's also a very entertaining man, on the drums or off.
• Mark Schulman - the diversity of Mark's playing, with everyone from Cher, Simple Minds, Stevie Nicks, and PINK! highlights his expertise and versatility, as well as his constantly creative mind. He continues to be on the cutting edge of popular drumming.
• Levon Helm - I was always a huge fan of The Band and the wide pocket Levon brings, as well as his incredible vocals. Levon illuminated my confidence that you can lead a band from the drumkit.
• Jimi Hendrix - an innovator and trail blazer. Mitch Mitchell's support on the song "Fire" is one of my favourite drum grooves to hear and to play. Hendrix was on this planet much too short of a time. Had he lived, imagine what he would be doing now!
• Ed Shaughnessy - listening to Ed on the Tonight Show for years showed me the importance of being a well-rounded, diverse drummer.
• Miles Davis - sweet and simple... pure genius. Something I try to impress upon guitarists I play with, is to play a note and let it speak. It's not about how many notes you play but how you make each note sing. Miles was the master.
• Tony Williams - I hold him in high esteem, next to Billy Cobham.
• Carmine Appice - he is instrumental in Rick and me getting together, which happened at a Carmine clinic Rick presented. I studied out of Carmine's Realistic Rock book, never imagining I'd meet him or be calling him a friend. I'll never forget taking him to our local mall to see the movie Cliff Hanger, and seeing people's reaction to his unique personality. Carmine's attention to detail, in his business, as well as his drumming has been an inspiration and education.
• Chester Thompson - he invited us to hear him perform with Genesis, as well as when he was touring with Phil Collins. Chester is a solid, supportive drummer as well as a most humble and gentle soul.
• Anton Fig - another humble guy, who, in my opionion, has the best drumming gig on the planet. He brings such taste and finesse to every performer he accompanies.
• Tony Braunagel - Tony brings controlled looseness to his drumming that has complimented artists from Taj Mahal, Robert Cray and countless others. His performance on one of my favourite Bonnie Raitt tracks, "I Can't Make You Love Me" is superb. Tony is also a great producer and has one of the best sets of ears in the business.
• Ralph Johnson - Ralph tracked Rick down and requested some instruction from him. I got to witness it and was also asked to show Ralph a thing or two about playing shuffles. Ralph, who is also an art collector, has given me confidence in my painting career by inspiring me to continue to create more art. His contribution to the world of music, with his performances with Earth, Wind & Fire, has also inspired me since my introduction to that band, as a teenager.

12. Any final thoughts?
I am a firm believer that we create our own destiny. With a clear vision and focused mind, whatever one wants to accomplish is possible; there are no limitations. Roadblocks along the way should inspire, resolve and encourage greatness. It's important to be clear about what you want, ask the right questions and be very specific, as you will find the answers and can accomplish whatever greatness you aspire to be. Throughout life, our goals may change but if you can be pure in heart and intent, be honest and considerate of others and dedicate yourself with passion and integrity, there are no limits. To quote my favourite comedian, Bill Hicks (R.I.P): '...(life) is just a ride. Enjoy the ride.'

Interview/Editing: Wayne Blanchard - SABIAN Senior Marketing Manager