I was obsessed with this track when I first heard it. I wasn't aware of drummer Omar Hakim prior to seeing him perform live with Sting in 1985. He is featured on both Sting's solo debut and the live concert film and album that followed. But I had been listening to Weather Report since I first heard 1977's "Heavy Weather." It was six years later that Hakim joined Weather Report and it was this track from 1984 that made me a fan for life.
The groove, once you get past the acrobatic intro, is indeed a waltz. And once you grab hold of it, you will find it hard to not count "1-2-3" for the full 11 minutes. Or at least, that's what the drummer in me feels.
The groove, if you don't count "1-2-3," also swings like a muthafu**a!
I once played this track in a crowded shop on a Saturday afternoon, and I had a dozen people boppin' while shoppin'.
Omar Hakim's playing is off the charts. It's mind-boggling and still fluid.
I hope you get lost in the "D-Flat Waltz."
2 comments:
I am sooooooo stealing "boppin' while shoppin'". 😎
I'm dreaming of a dual drum band with Hakim and Stubblefield.
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