What a musician, and what a great guy. The greatest drum fill I’ve ever heard is Ralph’s fill in Zappa’s ‘Montana’. Thank you for this informative interview.
What a wonderful man! I had the pleasure of seeing him with the Don Ellis Orchestra on the Connections tour, and he absolutely amazed me. This interview was such a joy
I trained my son to really really listen. He completed 5 years with the top drum corps earning 3 gold and two silver and now teaches them starting his second year. I toured PIT in 85 and saw Ralph in a room showing a guy how to play flam paradiddle patterns. I marched the same drum corps and was totally blown away by Ralph.
Ralph's inspirational high school teacher Gene Graves (who arranged for Rafael Mendez and many others to play with us) lived and performed into his nineties and passed away last spring. His portrait now graces the band room at Castro Valley High School. Three cheers for Ralph and three more for Gene.
I was so exited when I saw Mr.Ralph Humphrey at his school because he was a person in video before. That was my first time to travel to U.S. I want to say thank you for the staff and students at LACM. They were so kind and friendly to me. I really enjoyed the experience to see how people enjoy music there.
I didn't write anything down but I ear studied and played along to his work with zappa. I mean, right out of the gate w/ 'Camarillo Brillo' alone is it's own nightmare. That was a tough tune to wrap my head around for some time. Whether one is a master sheet music reader or not? I highly recommend trying your hand at learning some Zappa songs. It's very humbling to say the least!
'Camarillo Brillo' and 'Zomby Woof'. If a drummer can learn to play just those 2 tunes? With feeling and dynamics? They can play that next level or 2 beyond just regular rock drummers.
Oh my goodness! Just watched this for the second time and I have the biggest smile on my face! 2 of my favorite people in the drumming/music world, whom I personally have gotten so much from. 2 of my mentors, having a conversation. Love it! Outstanding!!!! Thanks Dom and The Sessions!
A true class act. Worked with Ralph many years ago and he laid it down so that everything settled down immediately which equals smooth musical sailing. Great interview.
Ralph is AMAZING. When I was at MI in 1988-89 he was a teacher. I used to "sign up" to fill in on guitar in his class to play with drummers and bass guys for sight reading adventures. Great analysis, great mind. Please see my you tube video of this very class I speak of!
Just heard about his passing this morning. First came across him in the Ellis band and was thrilled when he joined Zappa. Great drummer and beloved by those who knew him.
Do you know why? You bring up a good point. Whether or not it was because his musicians got tired of him I'd like to think it was because Frank wanted his musicians to make names for themselves.
I think it's likely a multitude of reasons. Some decided to leave, some he would tell that he thinks it's time for them to go off on their own. I believe Bozzio mentioned that he was told that at some point. Ultimately, I think Frank just liked change. He was never finished writing a song. Ruth Underwood talked about how he was constantly adding and changing songs, even in the rehearsal right before a show. I think Frank also liked to challenge his musicians, and at a certain point, they became over the peak.
I love how many of these interviewees came through Frank Zappas band.
Hard to believe they’re both gone. Was lucky enough to meet Don but unfortunately missed Ralph. Respect to both these great men.
Mr. Humphrey is such a lovely, articulate, unassuming, and yet immensely talented individual. Great interview.
What a musician, and what a great guy. The greatest drum fill I’ve ever heard is Ralph’s fill in Zappa’s ‘Montana’. Thank you for this informative interview.
What a wonderful man! I had the pleasure of seeing him with the Don Ellis Orchestra on the Connections tour, and he absolutely amazed me. This interview was such a joy
So glad you enjoyed! Please be sure to see the others & subscribe to our channel for upcoming new ones!
A very humble man no BIG EGO,,,,, class act.. Met him at his home of Mendocino,, Thank you
Ralph is one of a kind and a fantastic teacher. My playing grew leaps and bounds from my one year at M.I.
Ralph, you came to Monterey Peninsula College a couple of times for clinics. At age 68, I still use many’s things you brought to us. Thanks.
I trained my son to really really listen. He completed 5 years with the top drum corps earning 3 gold and two silver and now teaches them starting his second year. I toured PIT in 85 and saw Ralph in a room showing a guy how to play flam paradiddle patterns. I marched the same drum corps and was totally blown away by Ralph.
Ralph's inspirational high school teacher Gene Graves (who arranged for Rafael Mendez and many others to play with us) lived and performed into his nineties and passed away last spring. His portrait now graces the band room at Castro Valley High School. Three cheers for Ralph and three more for Gene.
'Even in the Odds' is one of the best drum books ever. Thanks Ralph!
Ralph is a tremendous musician...I loved his playing with Don Ellis. Really nice, down to earth guy too.
dino de luca thanks
Al Jarreau’s «Never givin’ up» and «Alonzo»!!
Beautiful drumming!!❤️
Ralph Humphrey is one of the most legendary drummers & teachers of our time. 🥁
I was so exited when I saw Mr.Ralph Humphrey at his school because he was a person in video before. That was my first time to travel to U.S. I want to say thank you for the staff and students at LACM. They were so kind and friendly to me. I really enjoyed the experience to see how people enjoy music there.
Ralph is my favourite drummer without a doubt - I love his fills, always exciting, but never overplayed.
Ralph Humphrey is such a world renowned drummer and educator. Amazing interview!
I didn't write anything down but I ear studied and played along to his work with zappa. I mean, right out of the gate w/ 'Camarillo Brillo' alone is it's own nightmare. That was a tough tune to wrap my head around for some time. Whether one is a master sheet music reader or not? I highly recommend trying your hand at learning some Zappa songs. It's very humbling to say the least!
'Camarillo Brillo' and 'Zomby Woof'. If a drummer can learn to play just those 2 tunes? With feeling and dynamics? They can play that next level or 2 beyond just regular rock drummers.
Love Ralph & Dom. Ralph's books are great! Last Q&A is the real problem... so troubling Ralph can't say.
Fantastic interview! Dom, you are a treasure. Thank you for these wonderful interviews!
Rob Ferrell Drum Studio Thanks so much!!!
I love you Ralph!!
What a class act... Great interview
Oh my goodness! Just watched this for the second time and I have the biggest smile on my face! 2 of my favorite people in the drumming/music world, whom I personally have gotten so much from. 2 of my mentors, having a conversation. Love it! Outstanding!!!! Thanks Dom and The Sessions!
Very kind individual, skillful drummer and patient teacher, love you Ralph!
This a fantastic interview ! Bravo
Great interview .. really dig 'The Sessions' .. Always take something positive away from it!!
Thanks Felix! Appreciate your support and helping us get more subscribers to our channel to keep inspiring with new Artists!
Great interview.He is a phenomenal musician/drummer
still love his attitude.
Great interview! Well done Dom!
Dom, I'm such a fan of you and your channel!! Thank you for all you do!!
Thank you for your support Brad to Empower Artists!
Brad Kimes Thanks so much!!!
A true class act. Worked with Ralph many years ago and he laid it down so that everything settled down immediately which equals smooth musical sailing. Great interview.
Great questions. Great perspectives. Great video. Refreshing. New subscriber.
Awesome, thank you! Appreciate your support to our channel & be one of first to see the new releases in 2023!!
Holy cow, Ralph does NOT look 75!
Ralph is AMAZING. When I was at MI in 1988-89 he was a teacher. I used to "sign up" to fill in on guitar in his class to play with drummers and bass guys for sight reading adventures. Great analysis, great mind. Please see my you tube
video of this very class I speak of!
Ralph entered hospice care yesterday. Please send your thoughts and prayers for a peaceful transition of this highly influential teacher and drummer.
Fantastic person all around & will be missed....RIP Ralph...
Just heard about his passing this morning. First came across him in the Ellis band and was thrilled when he joined Zappa. Great drummer and beloved by those who knew him.
Hi Ralph, just watched your interview. Would like to get a hold of you to talk about coming out to give a clinic/concert here in Colorado.
No one ever discusses why Frank Zappa went through so many drummers or why drummers chose to leave.
Do you know why? You bring up a good point. Whether or not it was because his musicians got tired of him I'd like to think it was because Frank wanted his musicians to make names for themselves.
I think it's likely a multitude of reasons. Some decided to leave, some he would tell that he thinks it's time for them to go off on their own. I believe Bozzio mentioned that he was told that at some point.
Ultimately, I think Frank just liked change. He was never finished writing a song. Ruth Underwood talked about how he was constantly adding and changing songs, even in the rehearsal right before a show.
I think Frank also liked to challenge his musicians, and at a certain point, they became over the peak.
Hey Elliot Gould/Francis Coppola, stop laughing so much.