Cindy Blackman

Editorial Review

Cindy Blackman goes back to her jazz roots while still channelling the spirit of rock.

Editorial Review

There aren't many jazz musicians that can say they've played drums for Lenny Kravitz. Cindy Blackman did it for 10 years - touring the world and playing in front of millions. In fact, if you watch the clip to Are You Gonna Go My Way you can catch a glimpse of her on those drums. While touring with Kravitz and band was certainly a well-paying gig, Blackman stood aside in '04 to pursue her true love: jazz. For much of the '90s she'd released jazz albums on the side; working them around the Kravitz tour schedule. Those albums, and the mini tours that accompanied them, had Blackman in high esteem throughout the jazz community. As did her instructional videos for drummers.

What's interesting about the Cindy Blackman Quartet is the rock music presence they bring to any performance. Jazz isn't a music known for its wild stage antics, but with Blackman on the drums that's exactly what you get. She may have left rock music behind but it's definitely shaped her as a performer. And no Lenny Kravitz means she can finally take her original compositions to previously unavailable places. Places like Australia.