It takes a true powerhouse to play drums for rock icons like Lenny Kravitz and Carlos Santana.
Born in Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 1959, Blackman grew up listening to an array of funk, jazz, classical and rock ‘n roll. When her family moved to Connecticut, she studied at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford and the Berklee College of Music in Boston before eventually dropping out to perform with beloved doo-wop group The Drifters.
In 1993, after moving to New York City, she got a cross-country call from Lenny Kravitz, who invited her to Los Angeles to audition for his music video for “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” She would become his touring drummer for nearly two decades, featured in the concert documentary “Alive from Planet Earth,” filmed live in Australia.
“I met Lenny through a mutual friend [who] said, ‘I’ve got this friend Lenny Kravitz who’s been looking for a drummer.’ … I said, ‘Who’s that?’ He said, ‘The guy that used to be married to Lisa Bonet,’” she said. “I went out there and ended up auditioning, there were like 40 drummers, I played second and after I played, Lenny called off the auditions like, ‘No, I choose Cindy.’ … Seventeen years playing on the road was quite an amazing run.”
“It’s really great to do what you love best with the person that you love,” she said. “We’re able to share something that is so divine. Music to me is like prayer, it’s the highest form of communication, because it transcends and transverses any kind of barrier whether it’s racial, political, cultural — no matter what it is, it transcends that. So I love music and to be able to share that with Carlos is just the ultimate trip, the ultimate joy, the ultimate ride.”
Cindy Blackman Santana is an accomplished American jazz and rock drummer, known for her dynamic playing style and impressive technical skills. Here’s an overview of her career and contributions to the music industry:
1. **Early Life and Education**: Cindy Blackman was born on November 18, 1959, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. She showed an interest in music from a young age and began playing drums at the age of seven. Blackman studied classical music and percussion at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut, where she honed her craft and developed her unique approach to drumming.
2. **Jazz Career**: Blackman emerged as a prominent figure in the jazz scene in the 1980s and 1990s, establishing herself as a highly sought-after drummer and bandleader. She has performed and recorded with a diverse array of jazz musicians, including saxophonist Sonny Simmons, trumpeter Wallace Roney, and guitarist Joe Henderson, among others. Blackman’s playing is characterized by her inventive improvisation, rhythmic complexity, and expressive dynamics.
3. **Collaborations**: In addition to her work in jazz, Cindy Blackman Santana has collaborated with numerous rock and pop artists over the years. She gained widespread recognition for her tenure as the drummer for Lenny Kravitz’s band in the 1990s, contributing to several of his albums and world tours. Blackman’s powerful drumming style and dynamic stage presence made her a standout performer in the rock music scene.
4. **Solo Work**: Blackman has also released several albums as a bandleader, showcasing her versatility as a composer and arranger. Her solo recordings blend elements of jazz, funk, and rock, featuring innovative drumming performances and collaborations with notable musicians. Some of her solo albums include “Arcane” (2004), “Music for the New Millennium” (2006), and “Another Lifetime” (2010).
5. **Cindy Blackman Santana**: In 2010, Cindy Blackman married legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, forming a musical and personal partnership that continues to thrive. As Cindy Blackman Santana, she has continued to pursue her solo career and collaborate with her husband on various projects. Her contributions to Santana’s band have brought a fresh energy and dynamic presence to their live performances and recordings.
Overall, Cindy Blackman Santana’s multifaceted career as a jazz and rock drummer has cemented her reputation as one of the most talented and versatile drummers of her generation. Her innovative playing style, creative spirit, and dedication to musical excellence continue to inspire audiences around the world.
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Exploring the Dynamic Drumming Style of Cindy Blackman Santana
Introduction: In the world of drumming, few names command as much respect and admiration as Cindy Blackman Santana. With her powerful grooves, intricate rhythms, and dynamic stage presence, Cindy has established herself as one of the most influential and talented drummers of her generation. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at Cindy Blackman Santana’s drumming style, exploring the techniques, influences, and innovations that have made her a standout figure in the music industry.
Early Influences and Musical Background: Cindy Blackman Santana’s journey into the world of drumming began at a young age. Born and raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Cindy showed a natural talent for rhythm and percussion from the start. She was introduced to the drums at the age of seven and quickly fell in love with the instrument. Inspired by jazz legends like Tony Williams, Max Roach, and Elvin Jones, Cindy immersed herself in the world of jazz and began honing her craft with dedication and passion.
Jazz Roots and Technique: One of the defining aspects of Cindy Blackman Santana’s drumming style is her deep connection to jazz music. Drawing inspiration from the improvisational nature of jazz, Cindy incorporates complex rhythms, syncopated patterns, and inventive fills into her playing. Her technique is characterized by a fluidity and grace that is reminiscent of the great jazz drummers of the past, yet she brings a modern sensibility and energy to her performances.
Dynamic Range and Expression: One of the hallmarks of Cindy Blackman Santana’s drumming style is her remarkable dynamic range and expression. Whether she’s laying down a thunderous groove or delicately caressing the drums with brushes, Cindy has an innate ability to convey emotion and intensity through her playing. Her command of dynamics allows her to create tension and release within a song, adding depth and dimension to the music.
Innovative Approach to Timekeeping: As a drummer, Cindy Blackman Santana possesses a keen sense of timing and rhythm that sets her apart from her peers. She approaches timekeeping with creativity and innovation, often experimenting with unconventional rhythms and meters. Her ability to push and pull the tempo while maintaining a steady pulse adds an exciting dynamic to her playing, keeping listeners on their toes and infusing the music with energy and vitality.
Fusion of Styles and Genres: While Cindy Blackman Santana is deeply rooted in the traditions of jazz drumming, she is also known for her willingness to explore and embrace a wide range of musical styles and genres. Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with artists from across the musical spectrum, from rock and funk to Latin and world music. This versatility and openness to new influences have helped to shape Cindy’s unique voice as a drummer, allowing her to transcend genre boundaries and connect with audiences around the world.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Cindy Blackman Santana’s drumming style is a testament to her immense talent, creativity, and dedication to the craft. With her innovative approach to rhythm, dynamic expression, and unwavering passion for music, Cindy continues to inspire drummers and music lovers alike. Whether she’s performing on stage, recording in the studio, or teaching the next generation of drummers, Cindy Blackman Santana’s impact on the world of drumming is undeniable, and her legacy will continue to resonate for years to come.