This is the opening tune from Peter Gabriel’s Secret World Live DVD, which I’ve owned for many years but revisited yesterday because a conversation with a friend reminded me how genius it is. Holy cow. The show is so theatrical and artistic, the players are so spot on, and the production is incredible, especially for 1993. I love it.
And then there’s the clinic that Manu Katche is putting on. His playing is of course mature and precise, but also totally inspiring and creative… everything you want. I specifically like the marriage of the live drums and tracks, as I do more and more programming gigs these days. Note how much of the groove’s foundation is in the track on this particular tune, instead of him playing it live. The halftime backbeat in the sequencing means he’s freed up to do the tribal thing and almost take on an aux-perc kind of role. I also love the snare on “e of 2” on the choruses – that’s a really unique idea but it just totally fits.
Oh, and I guess his solo breaks are pretty cool too. Sheesh.
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January 13, 2011 at 10:20 am
Jeff
Agreed Steve.. I really enjoyed this when it came out.. and marveled at Manu’s musicality in this setting! You may have already heard/viewed it.. but the P.O.V. video.. (the first PG concert video I am aware of).. is really amazing as well. Less production.. more playing. The well known “In Your Eyes” is especially amazing. There is a part where it breaks down the track and everyone is dancing and then Manu runs behind the kit to play a mind bending fill to bring everyone back in. It really is amazing!
Thanks for the reminder on this.. making my day.
Peace,
jeff
January 14, 2011 at 9:13 am
Bill R
I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to see real lighters in peoples hands again as opposed to cell phones. That takes me back. Thanks for sharing this.
January 14, 2011 at 9:21 am
Bill R
Great clip. Manu’s playing from this time was very inspirational for me. Check out Sting’s The Soul Cages album from 1991. Vinnie C took over for him from that point on but for me, TSC was and is still my favorite Sting album.