Drumming News :
If you think you know the powerhouse energy behind the drum kit for Lenny Kravitz and Carlos Santana, prepare to go deeper. A recent, wide-ranging interview by A.D. Amorosi shines a brilliant light on Cindy Blackman Santana, one of modern music’s most formidable drummer-composers, as she steps into a thrilling new creative chapter with her latest album, Coherence.
From her deep-rooted jazz lineage to her dynamic current projects, Blackman Santana shares profound insights that will change how you listen to rhythm and groove.
Why You Need to Read the Original Interview
While short summaries can give you the highlights, the full conversation reveals the raw texture of Blackman Santana’s artistry. Here is a taste of what is waiting for you in the complete feature:
- The Legend of the Frayed Brushes: Read the hilarious and humbling story of how she nervously tech-ed for her idol, the legendary jazz innovator Tony Williams, handing him a pair of battered, frayed brushes—only to watch him make them sound like absolute magic.
- A Masterclass in Mentorship: Discover how titans like Art Blakey and Tony Williams shaped not just her ferocious drumming style, but her entire philosophy as a bandleader, composer, and musical force of nature.
- Inside Coherence and Beyond: Get the behind-the-scenes breakdown of how her new album came together, including surprising collaborations with Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, and Matt Garrison, plus a look ahead to her debut project with her new trio, The Power of 3.
- The Philosophy of the Groove: Learn why she believes music must always have a higher purpose, a driving heart, and an inescapable pulse that refuses to make room for the mournful.
“My solo stuff just focuses more on exploration, on improvisation and freedom within the band. Those points of departure set the tone — they’re absolutely necessary to what my band is doing.” — Cindy Blackman Santana
Whether you are a lifelong jazz aficionado, a rock enthusiast, or simply a fan of world-class musicianship, this interview is an masterclass in passion, discipline, and creative freedom.
Don’t miss out on the full story. Head over to read the complete, uncut conversation and experience the brilliant mind of Cindy Blackman Santana in her own words!
What is your favorite era or collaboration of Cindy Blackman Santana’s expansive career?
Read the interview HERE
