Brannen Temple Interview
a cura di Alessandro Grassi
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Italian Version -->Brannen Temple Interview

It’s been a long time I desired to have an interview with one of the drummers who has more signed me during these last years. He’s Brannen Temple. When I saw him sharin’ the stage with Eric Johnson at G3 tour in 1996, I started to be interested in this so pure musician. These fast, few but at the same time intense words which follows represents for me the realization of a little dream of mine. Thank you Brannen.

How long did you play drums? How did you find out your passion for this instrument?
I've been playing the drums now for 25 years. I knew from the beginning that playing drums was what I wanted to do. It was also a way for a quiet kid like me to talk loudly! The funny thing is that a lot of the time, I still even play soft!

Do you remeber anything about your first steps across the world of drums?
Sure. It seemed to come easy. Easier than how I feel now. Although now I always try to play from my heart and in the moment... when I was a kid I did not try to play in the moment - I DID play in the moment. That was the noticable first step. (Blissful confidence!).

Have you started studying at once, or have you preferred to play “technique-free” and enjoy yourself?
I always studied from the beginning. I still study and absorb new approaches and techniques. I can not rest on my accomplishments.

When did you realized that your passion was going to become something of more professional?
Again, I knew at an early age that I wanted to pursue this as a career. I have loving parents and supportive mentors that gave me courage and guidance to bring me to that point.

If we look at the past, who are those who you regard as models for your personal inspiration?
A choir director at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, where I grew up. His name was Deshón Boyd. Wonderful musician that gave me some of my first gigs. Beautiful spirit in that man. He died years ago. My sisters inspired me too. They all played instruments and I wanted to carry in that family tradition, so to speak.
Also the music of Jackson 5, James Brown, Prince, Funkadelic's songs "Not just knee deep" and “One nation under a groove" (heard those and nearly jumped out of my skin!), Lionel Hampton
(with drummer Franky Dunlop), Buddy Rich, Clifford Brown and Max Roach. Larry Blackman from Cameo, Jellybean Johnson from the band The Time, Steve Jordan, Ralph Peterson, Fred White from Earth, Wind and Fire. Many other things!

And today? Is there anyone among your colleagues who you particularly like?
So many. All the greats. Elvin Jones, Art Blakey, Tony Williams, Billy Higgins, etc...and believe it or not in the past as well as today I'm influenced musically/rhythmically by countless bassist!!! Yes, bassists!!! Our counterparts in the rhythm section...Verdine White with Earth, Wind and Fire, James Jamerson, Anthony Jackson, The Funk Band Slave (from Ohio), Larry Graham, Phil Bowler (Terrence Blanchard, Wynton Marsalis), Marcus Miller and SO MANY OTHERS!
As far as drummers today ...I love JJ Johnson. We grew up shedding together and I used him in a double drummer band I had called Hot Buttered Rhythm. He plays with guitarist, song writer John Mayer. Also with Doyle Bramhall, Charlie Sexton, and a little with Lenny Kravitz.
Another drummer is Earl Harvin. He’s from Dallas, Texas, cat now in L.A…so fresh and raw as a drummer. Excellent musician. He played with Seal, The The, Eagle Eye Cherry and many others. Sean Rickman from Washington, D.C. (Steve Coleman, Dapp Theory, Maxwell, Me'Shell Ndegeocello). Sean is a friend. He and I used to work together with him playing his tunes on guitar (a la “Eddie Van Halen meets Alan Holdsworth”) and me playing drums. He has STUPID chops!! And also Terreon Gully. A friend from St. Louis now living between New York and Atlanta. Swinging and powerful drummer with Christian McBride, David Sandborn and many others.

How has began the collaboration with Eric Johnson?
We both live in Austin, Texas, where I was born. We first had contact when briefly I lived in Memphis, Tennesse, and he came through town. Then we played on some gig in Austin I was on. He sat in. Later, before the G3 tour (in 1996, note of the author) he asked me to audition and that's how we hooked up.

Is there anything that you remember with pleasure about the G3 experience?
Food Catering!
I'm happy and honored to be included in that cd, video and dvd but frankly that music (from all the bands) was too loud! In the end, looking back it was all ok. Lots of serious and hard working folks that offered a great environment overall.

I know about a current project in which you spend a lot of your time and your creativity, Blaze.
Would you like to talk us about this gig?
This band has had differnt configurations. A jazz quintet modeled after Donald Harrison and Terrence Blanchard's bands in the 1980's. I later changed the sound to more relaxed grooving soul. With this sound, I did a cd and it included my old boss guitarist Robben Ford on 4 tracks.
Now the line up is Ephraim Owens on trumpet, Phillipe Vieux on tenor sax and flute, Yoggie on electric bass, Dj Nick Nack on turntables and myself on drums. We've recorded and released 3 cds. The last 2 are available on cdbaby.com. We have another ready for release very soon (as soon as a label signs us or as soon as I can get the money to put it out!). Our sound is jazz, hip-hop, funk with a small dose of electronica.

Have you got some other collaboration actually? Tell us about them!
I have another record ready for release. It's a solo cd featuring 12 compositions I wrote. It's not a drummer - play everything I know -  kind of record. It's more about band interplay, mood and introspective thought.

Have you ever played in Italy, or had a gig with some italian musician?
I played with guitarist Robben Ford in Italy in 2000. I've played with no Italian musicians...yet!!

Do you know any italian drummer?
I'm sorry but I do not.

Is there in your programs any tour date in our country?
I wish I could say yes because I love the parts of Italy I've seen. No touring there in my schedule.

What could you suggest to anyone who’d like to start playing drums? And to anyone who’d like to start a professional career?
Always stay humble with an open heart. Practice, practice, practice. Even when you do not have a gig there is always work to do...listening to music, writing music, transcribing music, whatever!! Be very serious and estudious but don't think too much.
And have fun!

Brannen Temple endorses: Fibes drums, Sabian cymbals, Acquarian drumheads, Vater sticks and brushes, Rhythm Tech percussions.

Website: http://www.brannentemple.com/