Internationally known drummer, music educator and Mendocino County local Ralph Humphrey will be back for another rhythm session! In his second visit on North Bay Beat, Ralph will explain his approach to teaching and playing in time, both simple and complex. We’ll use Ralph’s picks from his 50 year career for our soundtrack.
Don’t miss this chance to listen and learn from a master. Ralph Humphrey on North Bay Beat with John and Catherine, Friday, March 17th from 8 to 10 pm on KZYX and Z! Ralph Humphrey's touring and recording fame includes the Don Ellis Big Band, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, Akiyoshi-Tabackin Big Band, Al Jarreau, Manhattan Transfer, Seals and Crofts and Free Flight. He can also be heard on album projects by Wayne Shorter, Tom Rainer, Mike Miller, Jeff Richman, The Outsidemen, Babaghanoush, and many others.
Humphrey is one of Los Angeles’ most requested studio drummers, recording for TV, motion pictures, albums and jingles. He is the author of the drumming books Even in the Odds and Rhythm by the Numbers: A Drummer's Guide to Creative Practicing, and has written articles for Modern Drummer Magazine.
Ralph joined Frank Zappa's band in 1973. His drumming can be heard on Over-Nite Sensation, Apostrophe, Roxy & Elsewhere, You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Volumes 1, 3, 4 and 6, Piquantique, Unmitigated Audacity, The Lost Episodes and Lather. He is interviewed in the documentary The Drummers Of Frank Zappa.
Ralph is a long-time educator, heading the drum department and authoring curricula at the Los Angeles College of Music and at Drumchannel.com. He and Joe Porcaro created the drum program for the Percussion Institute of Technology, a part of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood.
He lives in Coastal Mendocino County, and plays locally with the popular Steven Bates Band.