All those people who let their inspiration out into the world. The great drummers, including Mike Clark and my main infuence; Ray Torres. Here's
an excerpt from a Mike Clark interview on Jim Paynes' page that I really like where he talks about Ray: " About Ray Torres: My main influence and mentor in the funk style was Ray Torres. I first met him in Fort Worth and then, a year later, I ran into him and his family in a park in Sacramento. They used to call him "Good Rockin' Ray." You could feel his rhythm in the parking lot. We used to get to the gig, and as soon as we got out of our cars, we could feel Ray in there gettin' down. The whole parking lot was moving. He had a whole movement and a rhythm to his playing that the band built on, and it was astounding. He was the first cat I ever heard break up the sixteenth notes and play over the bar line. He'd put things in and leave things out. It was like a solid improvisation all the way through. He was playing in Leo Valentine's organ trio. They played in the style of Jr. Walker & The All-Stars. He just doesn't play into the center of the sound. He creates a rhythm that's all his own. We call it "the Ray thing." When he does "the Ray thing" the whole club does it, the band does it, the people in the parking lot do it, the people down the street do it. Everybody seems to be smiling and having the best time of their lives as soon as he starts. Everybody in Texas and around the Bay Area would say, "Hey, man, can you do 'the Ray thing'?" He became my mentor and my idol. I used to get to the gig a half hour early, watch him set up, and just sit there and wait and listen to every note. I'd go every night to hear him, and each night there'd be a new innovation, and each night he'd show me what he did with his hands and how he was playing time. He was so funky that the place was jammed full of dancers. Unless anybody has heard Ray I can't really explain it to them, but the only other drummer I've ever heard play a rhythm that seemed to move the whole structure of the building and the ground along with it was Bernard Purdie. Those are the only two cats I've ever heard do that. Ray was the drummer who recorded "Hey Baby" by Bruce Channel. While he was in Texas, he played all the blues gigs in Fort Worth - Delbert McClinton, Ray Sharpe and everybody. After I heard him, I went right into the shed and reworked my stuff along the lines of funk. Everybody who knows Ray knows what I'm talking about. He's one of the greatest drummers of all time and probably the funkiest drummer I've ever heard in my whole life, bar none. " (with permission from Mike Clark)
BIOGRAPHY:
Don began playing drums at age 10 in Roseburg, Oregon. After listening to the records around the house, ‘The Smothers Brothers’, South Pacific’, and so on, Don’s first ‘milestone’ was when The Beatles ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ came on the radio. Borrowing a cymbal from the band room and learning Ringos’ drum beat became a top priority. At age 12, Don was inspired by his friends' rock band and was first exposed to ‘Hendrix’, Iron Butterfly’, and ‘Cream’. Don continued his musical studies and began playing professionally at age 17. To date he has played in over 100 bands, encompassing Rock, Jazz, Country, R & B, Punk, Funk, and (specializing in)Blues styles. Dons’ experience includes 5 years of touring, a portion of which was with the band ‘J.J. White’, opening for Sawyer Brown, playing on several recordings, teaching drums since 1991, and drum building since 2004. Since moving to the Portland, Oregon area in 1994, Don has had the honor of performing with several local luminaries such as: Paul Delay, Curtis Salgado, Lloyd Jones, Linda Hornbuckle, Janice Scroggins, D.K. Stewart, Robbie Laws, Duffy Bishop, LaRhonda Steele, and Jay Koder, as well as national artists; Tab Benoit, Rod Price, Lee Oscar, Mitch Woods, The Texas Horns, Fiona Boyes, and Geoff Achison.
Don attended Monterey Peninsula College where he studied music theory, percussion, piano and voice. He currently lives in Portland, Oregon, where he performs locally and regionally. Don is the recipient of four ‘Muddy Awards’ from The Cascade Blues Association, and has been twice nominated for ‘best drummer’. Don gives snare drum and drum set instruction at ‘Portland Music on S.E. Division and S.E. Powell Blvd., the East Portland Community Center, and at his home studio in S.E. Portland. He also owns and operates ‘Portland Drum Company’, a custom drum building business.
DON'S DRUM STUDIO
Some information about my teaching practice:
I am currently accepting new students in the Portland and Vancouver areas.
I teach all ages and styles. Beginning with an initial evaluation, each student is presented with a step by step curriculum designed to foster his or her musical development. I utilize written and recorded media as well as play-along C.D's, and record the students progress regularly to provide feedback and motivation. Areas covered include: Basic drum technique, reading for snare drum and drum set. rudiment studies, syncopation, two and four limb coordination, timing, groove, dynamics, fills, all major music styles, drum care and tuning, practical information for career-minded drummers, and any specific questions the student may have. I may be reached at don.shultz@yahoo.com, or by phone at: 503-459-3047 to answer any questions about drum lessons.
Hey Don Ill be calling u in a ili while to make that order cant wait. i got the cymbals from soultone they sweet kool sizes,a few selects with holes in it plus 1 with holes and jingles from a tambourine. i cant wait to play Tipitinas this weekend
Hi Don Thanks for the add. I came across you while investigating the Portland Scene as I'm coming up there this month. We're playing "The Cave" on Feb 20th. Please help us spread the word and let your students know. I hope to see you there and keep up your great work
It's a pleasure to have you as a friend! Our album "Trust Your Mojo Sista" is coming out on January 18th, enjoy the previews and let us know if your dig it :) Lotsa kisses Bluebird & Skoko
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! My mom and I have been stuck in our house since last friday. I was ready to take the bus yesterday to go listen in ANY kind of live music!! Perhaps we will head out that way for the Sunday Jam! Enjoy your day!!
Hey...Thanks for the add! Don't know what the stories were about...but from one drummer to another...if she offers to help carry your gear...let her!!! LOL ps...it's cold here in Minnesota!
Yeah....hahaha good point there Don. I must agree!!! Heading to Eugene for the Pink Floyd tribute concert tonight. Should be an interesting experience?! Hanging with my father till tomorrow...are you going to be drumming round town Saturday night?! Still looking for something to do
So would you ever let me offer to help you carry your gear out to your vehicle after a show?! HAHA those stories were absolutely hilarious!! Enjoy your weekend I am sure I will run into you in the next couple weeks...
Cant wait till I get my own set!! You inspire me to wanna jam down! I think I will be hitting up a guitar center for a little show staring me!! Till we randomly run into each other one weekend have good days!
hey Don the drums are sweet, Im using them for the next two weeks for JazzFest also for the next Cleary tour of Europe. Thansk I will take some pics too
