Every drummer that had a name, had a name because of his individual playing. He didn't sound like anybody else, So everybody that I ever listened to, in some form, influenced my taste.

But, when you have to resort to turntables, trick lights, flashing lights, fire and all that, you're actually saying, I need this because what I do is not all that together.

But, I don't think any arranger should ever write a drum part for a drummer because if a drummer can't create his own Interpretation of the chart and he plays everything that's written, he becomes mechanical; he has no freedom.

But primarily, the drummer's supposed to sit back there and swing the band.

But I've played with so many varied bands with varied musical tastes, that I feel qualified to have my own musical tastes at this point in my life.

As far as music school goes. I walked through Berkeley one time to visit with some people I know.