| Q & A With Blue Mercury |
Q & A With Bill Belshaw
Blue Mercury Questions & Answers
Name:
Bill Belshaw
Birthdate:
February 1959
Birthplace:
Newport, Rhode Island
Instrument:
Drums
Q: Let’s start with your kit. You play a classic set of DW’s.
A: My first drum set was an old Ludwig set that was my dad’s. It was a four piece set with a 28 inch bass drum. My dad
was a former drummer for as successful band in the mid 1950’s to early 1960’s called the Rock n’ R’s. When I was seven
years old, for Christmas, I picked out a brand new Apollo Drum set. It was a blue metal flake four piece set. Man, did I think I
was cool with those two high tom-toms. It was just like the “Dave Clark Five” drum set. The Apollo set were actually
purchased back in the early days from Don Middleton at Don’s Music land in Peoria, Illinois. After playing that set for many
years – about ten – I purchased my next set – a white set of Pearls. Recently I sold the white set of Pearls and I’m now
playing a five piece set of Classic DW’s. They are top of the line.
Q: What kind of hardware do you use? For the non-drummers in the audience, hardware in the type of stands that hold the
drums and cymbals.
A: I replaced all the cymbal stands with Tama hardware about six years ago and I’m still using the hardware to date.
Q: Drum heads, sticks, and pedals?
A: I use a Tama Iron Cobra single bass pedal and a Tama Hi-hat stand. I use 5A and 5B Zildjian sticks and Evans or Remo
pinstripe heads for the toms. On the bass drum I use an Aquarian Attack II. On the snare drum I use a variety of different
heads.
Q: Who influenced you as a drummer?
A: My dad was my first influence. Many jazz drummers and rock drummers. The jazz drummers were Gene Krupa, Buddy
Rich, and Louie Belson. Rock drummers were Neil Pert and Matt Apps.
Q: Are there any Chicago land drummers today that you believe to be exceptional?
A: I’m sure there are many but the one that stands out in my mind is Marty Mardirosian of M&R Rush. He is one of the finest
that I’ve seen out of Chicago.
Q: In your opinion who are the top drummers playing today?
A: There are so many it’s difficult to single any one out.
Q: How about top drummers of all time?
A: I still enjoy listening to Bill Bruford (original Yes drummer). What a fantastic syncopated drummer. Him along with Steve
Copeland from the Police.
Q: I noticed that in your solo’s you combine some of the snare drum work from old big band/jazz drummers like Krupa,
Rich, Bellson, etc. And the showmanship of rock drummers – especially, the big band/jazz stuff earlier in your career.
A: Well you hit it right on the head (Drum Head)! I consider myself a jazz/blues drummer that likes to rock. That comes
from some of my formal drum training through Rich Elam (Peoria, Illinois). I was brought up on learning all of the
rudiments. I am glad that you enjoy some of my theatrics behind the drums…..we can thank Keith Moon for that.
Q: Are there any other musicians (not drummers) that you admire?
A: That would be Brent, Tammy, and Steve. What more can I say. They are my band mates and I enjoy playing with them!
Q: What are the last bands or musicians you recently seen play?
A: I recently saw Sammy Hagar at the US Cellular Arena as well as Koko Taylor at the Lafayette Club in Bloomington, IL.
God Bless what she brings to the stage.
Name:
Bill Belshaw
Birthdate:
February 1959
Birthplace:
Newport, Rhode Island
Instrument:
Drums
Q: Let’s start with your kit. You play a classic set of DW’s.
A: My first drum set was an old Ludwig set that was my dad’s. It was a four piece set with a 28 inch bass drum. My dad
was a former drummer for as successful band in the mid 1950’s to early 1960’s called the Rock n’ R’s. When I was seven
years old, for Christmas, I picked out a brand new Apollo Drum set. It was a blue metal flake four piece set. Man, did I think I
was cool with those two high tom-toms. It was just like the “Dave Clark Five” drum set. The Apollo set were actually
purchased back in the early days from Don Middleton at Don’s Music land in Peoria, Illinois. After playing that set for many
years – about ten – I purchased my next set – a white set of Pearls. Recently I sold the white set of Pearls and I’m now
playing a five piece set of Classic DW’s. They are top of the line.
Q: What kind of hardware do you use? For the non-drummers in the audience, hardware in the type of stands that hold the
drums and cymbals.
A: I replaced all the cymbal stands with Tama hardware about six years ago and I’m still using the hardware to date.
Q: Drum heads, sticks, and pedals?
A: I use a Tama Iron Cobra single bass pedal and a Tama Hi-hat stand. I use 5A and 5B Zildjian sticks and Evans or Remo
pinstripe heads for the toms. On the bass drum I use an Aquarian Attack II. On the snare drum I use a variety of different
heads.
Q: Who influenced you as a drummer?
A: My dad was my first influence. Many jazz drummers and rock drummers. The jazz drummers were Gene Krupa, Buddy
Rich, and Louie Belson. Rock drummers were Neil Pert and Matt Apps.
Q: Are there any Chicago land drummers today that you believe to be exceptional?
A: I’m sure there are many but the one that stands out in my mind is Marty Mardirosian of M&R Rush. He is one of the finest
that I’ve seen out of Chicago.
Q: In your opinion who are the top drummers playing today?
A: There are so many it’s difficult to single any one out.
Q: How about top drummers of all time?
A: I still enjoy listening to Bill Bruford (original Yes drummer). What a fantastic syncopated drummer. Him along with Steve
Copeland from the Police.
Q: I noticed that in your solo’s you combine some of the snare drum work from old big band/jazz drummers like Krupa,
Rich, Bellson, etc. And the showmanship of rock drummers – especially, the big band/jazz stuff earlier in your career.
A: Well you hit it right on the head (Drum Head)! I consider myself a jazz/blues drummer that likes to rock. That comes
from some of my formal drum training through Rich Elam (Peoria, Illinois). I was brought up on learning all of the
rudiments. I am glad that you enjoy some of my theatrics behind the drums…..we can thank Keith Moon for that.
Q: Are there any other musicians (not drummers) that you admire?
A: That would be Brent, Tammy, and Steve. What more can I say. They are my band mates and I enjoy playing with them!
Q: What are the last bands or musicians you recently seen play?
A: I recently saw Sammy Hagar at the US Cellular Arena as well as Koko Taylor at the Lafayette Club in Bloomington, IL.
God Bless what she brings to the stage.
Blue Mercury Questions & Answers
Name:
Brent Coburn
Birthdate:
December 1956
Birthplace:
Peoria, IL
Instrument:
Guitar
Q: You currently play Flying V’s and Gibson Les Paul’s on tour. In the past you played Fender Strat’s and a Les Paul
Custom. Would you mind elaborating on this?
A: Well, I think you never stop searching for the perfect tool. I right now feel most comfortable with my Gibson Les Paul,
SG and Flying V’s. I think it all depends on your state of mind at a time in your life. Next week I may play all Fenders. You
never know! I believe Fenders are faster but right now I don’t love the tone as much as my Gibson’s.
Q: From the sound you get, I can tell you like to use a wah-wah pedal. Do you use any other special effects?
A: Oh Yah! I love my bad horsy wah. I also use a 1970’s Market Electronix Echoplex, an Arion Chorus (the old good one)
and my early 80’s Boss DS-1. I use a Peterson Tuner, and on occasion a Dan electro talk box. A lot of other pedals come
and go but the ones I mentioned are always on the board.
Q: I noticed you use a Marshall Amp. I understand there may be some changes in amplification.
A: Probably not! I have been experimenting with a black face Fender Super Reverb lately. It only sounds awesome at one
volume setting and at this time that doesn’t fit the bands requirements. I’m still working at it and want to use it along with
the 1959 SLP. My cabinets are Marshall reworked 1960 A+B with vintage 30’s and T12-75’s in them.
Q: Do you ever play an acoustic guitar for other musical projects or just for fun? What kind of acoustic guitar(s) do you
play?
A: Yes, I usually play one when my mother and I play together, but other than that I don’t have plans to do any acoustic
stuff. Not my style I guess! I have a Taylor and a hand made Japanese classical, a Guild, and a few others that have been
in my family a long time. There all sleeping! (Ha!)
Q: I know that Chuck Berry and Jimi Hendrix were early influences. Who else influenced you as a guitar player?
A: Oh! I would say Jimi Page, Eric Clapton ( old Cream ), Ted Nugent, Johnny Winter, Rick Derringer, Joe Walsh, Alvin
Lee, Luther Allison, Ronnie Montrose, Peter Green, and Danny Kirwin. Oh, can’t forget Billy G.
Q: In your opinion who are the top guitarists playing today?
A: Blues – Brent Johnson, Brian Leg, Little ED, Buddy Guy, Tinsley Ellis,
Tab Benoit, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Billy Gibbons.
Country – Keith Urban, Brad Paisley
Rock & Roll – Eric Clapton, Ted Nugent, all the guys still playing today are
awesome. The Schenkers, Steve Vai, Jo Satriani, Malmsteen,
and Billy Gibbons.
Q: Are there any other musicians (non guitarists) that you admire?
A: Oh Yes! (Laughs) Steve Boyd, Tammy Boyd and Bill Belshaw! Really!
Mitch Mitchell, Jack Bruce, Tommy Shannon, Ginger Baker, David Hoffman, Ray Charles, Pine Top Perkins, Chris Layton,
Little Walter, Yan Hammer, Charlie Musslewhite, Buddy Miles, and Roland Kirk
Q: What was the last band or musicians you recently seen play Live?
A: Koko Taylor ( Veno and Shun are awesome ), Joe Walsh, Jim Davis Band, Doran and the Soul Mystics, and ZZ Top.
Q: Before I let you go, please tell me what CD’s you have recently listened to at home or in the car (be honest)?
A: Kid Rock, Tab Benoit, Alman Brothers, Ted Nugent, Robert Cray, and Jeff Beck.
Q & A with Brent Coburn
Blue Mercury Questions and Answers
Name:
Tammy Boyd
Birthdate:
December 1966
Birthplace:
Homestead Florida
Instrument:
Bass Guitar
Q: I noticed when watching your playing style, you play bass with your fingers and not a pick. Was there any reason you
chose that particular playing style?
A: I play that way because I feel like I’m in more control of the sounds . There is an obvious closer connection when
using fingers to play, and I am more comfortable with that style.
Q: Have you ever considered using a 5 or 6 string bass or maybe go way out and use a 12 string Chapman stick like Tony
Levin (Peter Gabriel) uses?
A: I am currently playing a 5 string bass because of the deeper and richer tones available. It gives you a great bottom
end. I thought playing a fretless would be awesome, but now I have a tough time deciding which bass to play. Usually the
5 string wins.
Q: I noticed you were using a Trace Elliott Amplifier. Is there a particular reason you chose this amplifier or is there a
particular sound you were looking for?
A: I use a Trace Elliott amp because they are considered the dark horse or underdogs of amps. They deliver an awesome
sound a have a lot of variety with plug ins and other uses.
Q: Did you always play bass or did you switch from guitar? Have you had any formal training.
A: I have been involved in music forever. As long as I can remember anyway. Both sets of grand parents had pianos. I
played flute in grade school and high school. I started with guitar after high school and love the sound, but bass is my
true love.
Q: Who influenced you as a bass player?
A: Years ago, I saw Sammy Hagar and his band perform in concert. His bass player was a woman he called Big Mona,
and after seeing her play at that concert, I looked at my husband and said, “I want to play just like her”. That was my
defining moment.
Q: Are there any Central Illinois area bass players today that you believe to be exceptional.
A: I know there are lots in the area, but the first one to come to mind is Craig Moore. He is an awesome musician and
bassist. He has years of great experience and still plays today.
Q: In your opinion, who are the top players today?
A: I listen to so much music that I have a hard time narrowing it down. The greats for me are Jack Bruce, Jaco Pastorius,
Sting and Paul McCartney.
Q: Are there any other musicians (non bass players) that you admire?
A: I love just about any kind of music-so it’s hard to narrow groups down. I like everyone from Benny Goodman, Cab
Calloway to Aero smith (love Steven Tyler), Wes Montgomery and Tom Waits.
Q: What was the last band or musician that you’ve recently seen play live?
A: I saw Edgar Winter, Koko Taylor and Tab Benoit. They’ve been here in the area at the Blues Fests.
Q: Please tell me what CD’s you have recently listened to at home or in the car (be honest)?
A: At this point, I have Ozzy Osborne’s newest CD in the player. I also have in the player a Blues CD we picked up in
Grenada and as well as Eric Clapton and a Little Milton cd in the car player.
Q & A with Tammy Boyd
