The ‘pretty’ drummer boy of funk

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You know that music is in the right hands, when it is being taught to you by none other than legendary drummer Bernard Purdie, also known as “Pretty” Purdie.
The artiste was recently in Mumbai to attend a music camp, which allowed music enthusiasts to interact with him, attend workshops and exchange music with their counterparts from all across the world. The 30 participants who were part of the three-day workshop took tips, suggestions and learned a completely new dimension of percussion music from Purdie and ace Indian
percussionist Taufiq Qureshi. Most of them were DJs, producers, musicians, songwriters, sound engineers and bedroom MCs from all corners of the country, who came together to gain experience in musical knowledge. They also had the chance to get to know and talk to some of their favourite music celebrities.
Purdie is known to be the most recorded drummer in the world and has a body of work encompassing the greatest hits and music numbers. He is also considered to be an influential and innovative exponent of funk
During my brief chat with him, he came across as being extremely amiable and affable. What strikes one the most about Purdie is his humility and his ability to establish a connect so easily.
Speaking about his workshop he says, “I thoroughly enjoyed myself. We exchanged a lot of musicality, which helps musicians enrich themselves. Moreover, such an exchange makes you aware of your capabilities and how far one needs to go in order to pursue a full-time career in music,” he says.
There is no shortcut to success and no one other than Purdie would know it best. Born into a family with 14 siblings in 1939, Purdie started out at the age of six playing on improvised instruments. His teenage years were probably very different from what a normal teenager’s life would be. He started playing with a full drum set at the age of 14 and was the source of income for his family. After moving to New York in 1960, Purdie landed up with Lonnie Youngblood before his first big hit with King Curtis.
Later in 1970, he joined Aretha Franklin, which set the sails for his career. From then onwards, Purdie went on to become one of the most successful drummers of all time. He was known for his discipline in music, particularly his use of precision of half note. He also went on to play with legends like The Beatles, Miles Davis, Hall & Oates, Al Kooper, Herbie Mann, Todd Rundgren and Cat Stevens.
“The journey has been wonderful, but not easy for sure. Nothing comes easily to you. I have had to practise for hours and hours together in order to reach this stage. And apart from that you also need to love what you are doing. I am passionate about the various other styles of drumming and want to learn more,” he says, with a touch of enthusiasm, which is not difficult to miss.
Unlike several senior musicians, who criticise fresh talent and younger musicians, Purdie is quite the opposite. “I see so many young musicians bustling with ideas and coming up with innovative techniques. Technology too has taken a huge leap and the dynamics have changed,” he says.
However, Purdie adds that the amount of hard work, eventually helps in future successes. “That’s the only advice I give the young guys. All they need is the dedication to pull it off in the long run. I just see things going good from here,” Purdie ends.