Just to be around that, to feel a part of it and be able to integrate the experience while I was with the Messengers, of going and playing gigs with other drummers, gave me the chance to realize that it was not just me that was making it happen. Benny Green Read Quote
Like Russell, I enjoy the fact that when I’m playing solo, if I want to do something completely spontaneous, I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to cue the other musicians, or if it’s something that’s rehearsed. Benny Green Read Quote
We have different personalities, but in a harmonious way, I’d say. Anyway, we were booked to play at the festival as a duo; and we decided we wouldn’t have any rehearsal. Benny Green Read Quote
The first time we performed as a duo, we had already been playing together in various situations. Benny Green Read Quote
The magic can happen in a studio. Special things can happen in a recording studio, even though it may seem like a clinical environment from the outside looking in. Benny Green Read Quote
No, that’s not it. The first time we met was at Fat Tuesday’s. Benny was playing, this was, I think in 1989? Benny Green Read Quote
I’m glad you asked that question, because of any musical situation I’ve been in, the communication feels great here with Russell. He really pays close attention to what I’m doing because he cares. Benny Green Read Quote
You know, there’re no rules between Russell and I. We don’t want to have to have to talk too much, because it’s really precious, really special to play music. Benny Green Read Quote
I’m naturally going to react to that and he’ll bring out elements in my musical character that were lying dormant, because I’m relating what he’s playing. Benny Green Read Quote
I think there’s a natural chemistry between us as friends; and there’s really no separation between the rapport that we feel when we’re in conversation and when we’re playing music, it’s one in the same. Benny Green Read Quote