Gergő Borlai - drumtalk [episode 70]

"If God exists, music is the closest thing to him"
Gergő Borlai is wrapping up drumtalk's [season 14] in style!
This phenomenal Hungarian drummer has it all - from intricate jazz and complex fusion, to infectious pop grooves, jaw-dropping gospel chops, and hard-hitting thrash metal. His versatility is mind-blowing, effortlessly mastering genres like few others can. Tune in to witness him work his magic on the drums and discover a fresh take on music, artistry, and the rhythms of life.
01:40 - on the language of drums
05:52 - on the ups and downs
07:25 - on lesser skilled drummers
08:46 - on the joy of playing
11:15 - on pivital moments
13:49 - on time and space
16:49 - on the grid and dynamics
19:01 - on instant connections
21:31 - on letting go
23:13 - on negative emotions
24:35 - on forcing it
26:22 - on changes
28:46 - on farewell

[@MikeOBrien-l9t]

Another great thing about your channel is that I get to learn about guys like this who fly under my radar. I’m a headbanger at heart but I really enjoy watching guys like this.

[@drumtalkofficial]

Hey Mike, thank you for your comment! I always had an open mind for a lot of genres in the first place, but through this channel I've learned so much about different approaches to music, percussion, life, work, practicing etc. I'm totally thankful for all the opportunities and even more that it inspired other musicians on the way

[@TheOlvan]

Gergo, thank you for mentioning John Blackwell. I knew him personally and was able to hang out with him a lot and he was an incredible drummer and pocket player who could blow your mind with fast chops too. He always played to the music, just like you do. That's what I appreciate about your playing and the decisions that you make in a song. Thanks, Gergo! You're the best!

[@MartinvonBargen]

I was helping out a friend who was providing and tuning pianos for the Hamburg Jazz Festival a while ago. A trad trio played an OK set and were followed up by a band with a drummer who played like Gergő. About a minute into the first number, at least half the crowd left. That for me was the sign of a challenging musician who knew how to take risks and would confront people with drumming that is anything but 08/15. So happy to see this interview as he is a very inspirational musician.

[@t3hgir]

the best drum interviews... thank you for all the years of inspiration and reflection with these great musicians.

[@t3hgir]

nice Vinnie Paul reference from Gergo.. didn't expect that :)

[@drumtalkofficial]

ur welcome!

[@TinnyHidge]

I first saw a video of Gergő playing to Frank Zappa's Keep It Greasy (the bit in 19/16) and was immediately hooked. Brilliant drummer! 🤘🙂👍

[@sega.milkis]

Gergo at last! 🤘🤘🤘😼

[@rhythmicbeast]

A complete drumming genius & your channel brother is the best 🤘♥️🔥🥁

[@yarpyarp85]

oh hell yes, I see Gergo and I like sub and listen. Forever inspired by this man! Thank u!

[@A_Noite666]

Fantastic drummer.

[@jcdrums2798]

Great person and Great Drummer

[@WarunkiMedia]

Awesome to hear him praising PANTERA! Would love to hear him play in that heavy groovy metal context someday, he would crush it. Maybe he has in the past??

[@yarpyarp85]

Omg what’s the performance from?! That’s Patrick bartly on sax right?!

[@PatLBestEver]

Oh wow. They're always talking this guy up on 4Fusion Friday. I gotta check this out

[@kurtis4572]

Love Love Gergo and his playing. Where can one buy the shirt he is wearing?

[@frederf69]

Saw them at Ronnie Scott's april 23 - was like a Weather Report

[@Om-maa]

Aha, a Magma shirt! If only you could get Christian Vander on for one of these!

[@drumtalkofficial]

well, I almost did it -- I even was backstage with him! But Christian isn't too familiar with the English language and my French really sucks... considering my usual complicated questions and my way of editing (way more omissions than anyone else would imagine) it was obvious that it wouldn't work...

[@moritzulrich2168]

@@drumtalkofficial Have someone help you translate! I speak reasonably good French, I could translate a set of written questions for you and record the pronounciation, if you like

[@drumtalkofficial]

@@moritzulrich2168 hey Moritz! That's too kind -- thanks for the offer! If I ever get the chance again to film with Christian, I'll reach out!

[@moritzulrich2168]

@@drumtalkofficial Cool. It would be a pleasure, I hugely admire Christian Vander

[@davidmichaelsen9805]

Unbe-fucking-livible musician/drummer.D🤘O.Dave DiCenso next please.

[@STIXAHOY]

Looks like that dude in human centipede part 2

[@chrischilton2245]

The baddist mofo on the planet.