Who played drums on the basement tapes?
Richard Manuel played drums on several key tracks during The Basement Tapes sessions.
Richard Manuel: The Drummer Behind the Piano
While widely recognized as the pianist and a lead vocalist for The Band, Richard Manuel also contributed on drums for specific recordings during the legendary Basement Tapes sessions with Bob Dylan. These informal yet highly influential sessions took place in 1967 in and around Woodstock, New York, primarily at a house known as Big Pink.
Manuel's versatility on instruments was a defining characteristic of The Band, and his drumming contributions underscore the fluid and collaborative nature of these recordings. Musicians frequently swapped instruments, allowing for spontaneous musical arrangements that captured the raw and eclectic sound of the era.
Tracks Featuring Richard Manuel on Drums
Manuel's drumming provides the rhythmic foundation for several notable songs from The Basement Tapes. His performance on these tracks showcases his capabilities beyond his primary roles as pianist and vocalist.
| Song Title | Drummer |
|---|---|
| Odds And Ends | Richard Manuel |
| Yazoo Street Scandal | Richard Manuel |
| Ain't No More Cane | Richard Manuel |
| Don't Ya Tell Henry | Richard Manuel |
The Multi-Instrumentalists of The Basement Tapes
The musicians involved in The Basement Tapes were known for their ability to play multiple instruments, which enriched the sound of the recordings. The core instrumental lineup, featuring members of The Band (then known as The Hawks), included:
- Rick Danko: Primarily played bass, with an appearance on mandolin for Ain't No More Cane.
- Garth Hudson: Featured on organ, but also contributed saxophone on Orange Juice Blues (Blues For Breakfast) and accordion on Ain't No More Cane.
- Richard Manuel: Handled piano duties, drums on the aforementioned tracks, and harmonica on some recordings.
This dynamic interchange of instruments among The Band members and Bob Dylan created the distinctive, organic, and deeply rooted sound that has made The Basement Tapes a landmark in music history.
