Global Fusion 2009: True drumsmith

Not since the legend Billy Cobham performed at the Dubai Jazz Festival in 2003 has a celebrated drummer played in Dubai.

But when Steve Smith performs at an exclusive gig on Friday, music lovers will get the opportunity to see yet another legend live.

Most well-known for his association with violin maestro Jean-Luc Ponty and the '70s supergroup Journey, Steve promises an explosive show. “Expect my drum solo to be one of my best,'' said the ace drummer, who has been playing professionally for over three decades now. Steve's professional career took off after joining the Lin Biviano big band in 1974. But his association with jazz-fusion began with Jean-Luc Ponty. His popularity reached a new high when he joined the rock band Journey.

So what made him switch music styles? “Actually, I was involved in jazz-fusion much before I joined Journey. In fact, I first toured with Jean-Luc Ponty. I joined Journey because I felt the need to try out stuff that I was unfamiliar with.''

What impact did rock music have on him? “Not much, I was still playing jazz while I was with Journey. After leaving them, I played with jazz acts like Steps Ahead, Mike Stern and Mike Mainieri.''

Even with a diary full of commitments, Steve has persevered to keep his jazz-fusion band Vital Information going on for well over two decades. “I like having an outlet for my personal musical expression and Vital Information helps me achieve that.''

Indian calling

Besides jazz and rock, Steve is also at ease with Indian music. He has performed with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain on many occasions and on Friday he will jam with some Indian stalwarts again.

In his quest to master Indian instruments, Steve took lessons to get a deeper understanding. “I was so enchanted that I felt the need to study Indian music. I found a teacher who taught me the intricacies of Indian rhythms and konnakol [South Indian art of vocal percussion]. Then in 2003, I joined George Brooks's fusion band featuring Zakir Hussain. He shared some valuable tips. Playing with him has been an incredible experience for me.''

Steve has recorded with Mariah Carey, Bryan Adams and Savage Garden. And he embellished the songs with his tasteful playing. “Each session required different facets of my musicianship, my playing had a particular direction.''

Steve says that every moment in music is memorable. “One of the things that keeps music interesting for me is that I have best moments all the time. And that's true for most musicians.''

Playing alongside Steve

Voted one of the Top 25 Drummers of All Time by the US magazine Modern Drummer, Steve Smith will play alongside saxophonist George Brooks, ghatam (clay pot) player Vikku Vinaykram, sitar prodigy Niladri Kumar, tabla player Fazal Qureshi, guitarist Fareed Haque, pianist Nik Bartsch, Afghan rhubab player Homayun Sakhi and bass player Kai Ekhardt at Global Fusion 2009, organised by Bank Sarasin and Alpen Capital, Dubai.