Russ Kunkel & Leland Sklar Interview (Part 3 of 3)

Immediate Family fans get 30% discount, use coupon code 'FAMILY30' when you become a member on www.drumchanne...! 🤘
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One of the tightest rhythm sections in music share their expertise in this informative and engaging series with Drum Channel founder Don Lombardi!
Russ Kunkel (drums) and Leland Sklar (bass) - two-fifths of Quarto Valley Records (QVR) recording artist The Immediate Family - are the featured guests in this three-part video series on DrumChannel.com, hosted by Don Lombardi (CEO of DrumChannel.com and founder of Drum Workshop Inc.).
Lombardi states, “Join Russ Kunkel and Lee Sklar as they discuss their roles as the heartbeat of The Immediate Family band. The interview is a great lesson on feel, pocket, groove, musicality and their life experiences. It was an honor to host this interview with these two legends, and I know you will enjoy it as much as I do."
Episode summary:
Part 1:
An in-depth discussion on pocket, which also brings up a profound moment for Lee Sklar about body motion when playing. They discuss their experiences in the studio and on the road. Lee tells a story of when he was with Toto and how important it is for the bass player to be there on the downbeat of every song.
Part 2:
They discuss the importance of playing in a band and learning to write a chart. You will also hear from the legendary band members of The Immediate Family about what they look for in a drummer. They discuss the importance of playing "time" together, whether pushing or pulling back, and the importance of breathing. Also, how important it is for the bass and drummer to lock in together.
Part 3:
An interesting conversation about playing electric bass versus upright bass. Lee talks about a new book he has out that has been years in the making. A unique "fingering system" that is definitely not what you would expect. As we say on Drum Channel, we want you to learn and have fun.
About DrumChannel.com:
Celebrating 12 years of supporting the international drumming community, Drum Channel offers exclusive content plus an extensive archive of over 550 lessons and 400 shows featuring Terry Bozzio, Chad Smith, Mick Fleetwood, Charlie Watts, Neil Peart, Sheila E., Chad Wackerman, Gregg Bissonette, Virgil Donati, Eric Moore, Luke Holland and many more of the world’s best drummers. Players of all ages, abilities and styles can choose from Drum Channel’s multi-level, sequential lesson plans designed to help them play better or enjoy a variety of DC performances, interviews and panel discussions that will entertain and inspire them.
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[@hank1519]

You guys set the bar for civilized, laid-back conversation.

[@bazgolin1036]

I follow Lee Sklar everyday. He’s the daily 20min of music and sanity during this pandemic. And I’ve seen Don on Lee’s channel. And Lee is always saying nice things about Don an DW Drums. I just wanted to say that that was a blooming’ great 3 part interview, Don! Great questions, great atmosphere on your soundstage. I’m not a drummer but I’ve worked with scores of them on bass and guitar, and I’m going to have to subscribe to your channel. 🙏

[@smoovegittar]

Thank you for posting... What is never lost in these wonderful conversations is the reverence for Music. Master Movers and Shakers.

[@user-hm2mu6mh8j]

National Treasures! Thank-you for enriching my life for all these years.

[@garytoro2]

Honest down to earth people. Loved it and thanks❤️👍

[@dmlevitt]

Leland or Sklee got me here. fantastic 3 part interview. I just subscribed to the drum channel. inauguration day. yes!!

[@sethcashman1011]

Really enjoyed this interview. The book is fabulous. Even better than I'd hoped it would be.

[@dmlevitt]

hey Seth. I heard Leland referred to as Sklee in part 2. Sklee and Ruskel. great clubhouse yesterday. cheers.

[@sethcashman1011]

@@dmlevitt Haha, yes! I caught that, too. Great seeing you and everyone in the clubhouse. Always an amazing time.

[@stevolene]

Kinda surprised Leland didn’t mention the percussive aspects of the upright bass , the slap is what I always dug

[@jay0keys]

This conversation is so important. Listen carefully!

[@RicG.]

Great interview and info! If you haven't already done so, check out Lee's KZbin Channel (Leland Sklar). Also some great tunes are located on their band's KZbin Channel (Immediate Family).

[@doncallahan456]

Great interview!

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

Great series. Thanks!

[@MelissaThompson432]

So that was pretty cool. It was like sitting around on the couch with three of my newest brothers (and 3 more, part of the time.)

[@hank1519]

Good rock is ageless!

[@BateraLab]

Great show, thank you! 👍🏻🎸🍊

[@pamr4040]

🧡

[@christianstrodt1302]

Legends!

[@gregedenfield1080]

what's happening with Slingerland?

[@frankrolandjr.1060]

I miss Joe Porcaro his Grace his Stories and his Passion.

[@sethcashman1011]

Same here.

[@profile2047]

🤨

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Beef cho mein sounds good

[@krioni86sa]

I didn't know Al Pacino can play guitar

[@andrewsandoz8005]

When I listen to the top notch session drummers (Gadd, Porcaro, Coliuta) and others. I wonder how Kunkle managed to land all those gigs? Minimal chops, groove lacks that signature sound that others have.

[@robinseedah]

Andrew, groove is the operative word here. Not lacking Mr. Kunkel, no signature needed. Thanks for years of beautiful performances Russ

[@robertriteman3227]

Too funny reading someone such as yourself being dismissive of RK. Let’s see Andrew Sandoz’s comment vs professional musicians such as Waddy Watchel, Leland Slkar, Danny Kortchmar, James Taylor, Jackson Browne et al. You also get bonus points for not spelling his last name correctly (seriously, how intellectually challenged can you be to misspell the name that is actually in the title of the post). I note that you could have praised Gadd et al without slagging RK. Most morons would at least have had the common sense to use the phrase “in my humble opinion “ to cover themselves but you went for broke in being dismissive of a skilled musician which is why I am enjoying ridiculing you for being both arrogant and incompetent.