Simon Phillips: I have a distinctive sound

You've played rock, from hard to metal, pop, jazz, what was the style closest to you as a drummer and as a music lover?
It is important to mention that I grew up playing Dixieland, as did most drummers in the early 60s in the UK, so it could be said that my roots are in jazz. The traditional swing beat (straight ahead - whatever you want to call it) is the first beat I learnt to play. I used to play along with records ranging from big band swing to pop so that was the start of being able to play a broad spectrum of musical styles.

How would you describe your style of drumming?
That's a tough one. Pete Townshend would say it had an anarchy to it. The only thing I can say is that I have a distinctive sound and no matter what kind of music I play I seem to find a way of making it sound unique.

How has evolved your collaboration with Hiromi and Jackson throughout the years? We're talking about different generations...
The band has only been together for almost 2 years but we have only been playing concerts for just over a year. As we are all big listeners we have developed very quickly and found a unique style that changes every time we play. We are all open as players therefore we can move and develop the music we play quickly and fluidly.

From all time drummers, which one do you think gave the most to music? Regarding inventions/technique... Which one is your favorite?
That is always a difficult question as there are so many great players, past and present. My main influences have been Buddy Rich, Grady Tate, Louie Bellson, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, Ian Paice, Tommy Aldridge, Bernard Purdie - to name a few - and I mean a few. I must make it clear that not only drummers have influenced me but many other musicians. John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Freddie Hubbard, Miles Davis, Mike Stern, Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter. And then there are groups like Chicago, Yes, Jethro Tull etc etc.

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