I don’t actually like rock music. I like rock ’n’ roll music. I know it’s a debate that isn’t exactly original, but the “roll” part of rock ’n’ roll is the interesting part. Any dimwit can play rock music, but the roll part of it is altogether more difficult. It’s subtle, and it’s rare to find people who can do it. And they’re not always the most accomplished musicians. I’ve been lucky to play with some very famous musicians, and I’m here to tell you that some of them, and I will mention no names, I wouldn’t cross over the road to see. They’ve got one lick they do well and that’s it. On the other hand, there are some unknown people who are great, and it’s because they have a rhythm or a groove that is so rare to hear, but you know it immediately. People talk about rock ’n’ roll music like it’s Happy Days, 1950s, pink-Cadillac stuff. But you hear it in all kinds of music. [From Issue 102, Mar/Apr 2009]
