153 – Rodd Bland: Drumming for his Dad Bobby Blue Bland and B.B. King, The Past and Present Memphis Scene, Life After Dad

Rodd Bland was born and raised in Memphis, the son of Bobby “Blue” Bland and the godson of B.B. King. He began playing drums at age 3, and learning at the feet of legendary drummers like Tony Coleman, and Jabo Starks. The time soon came for Rodd to move into the drum chair for his dad’s band, and he remained for much of his career, until Bobby Bland’s death in 2013. Since then, Rodd has remained active with Memphis-based artists such as Rev. Shawn Amos, Brimstone Jones, and Otis Clay.

In this podcast, Rodd talks about:

Starting on percussion in his dad’s band as a high school student

The variety of sub-genres that culminated in his dad’s music and in the Memphis sound

Howard Grimes, Tony Coleman, and other Memphis drummers that have influenced him

His (and my) favorite Bobby Bland song

Jabo’s advice about cultivating your own sound

How to take different types of cues from singers and figure out what they need without asking

The history of Beale St.

Having to reintroduce himself to the Memphis scene as more than Bobby Bland’s son/drummer

His love of 90’s rock and grunge, and his relationships with Chad Smith and Matt Cameron

This episode is sponsored by Crush Drums.