Andrew Newmark (born July 14, 1950) is an American session drummer who was a member of Sly and the Family Stone and has played with George Harrison, John Lennon, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Carly Simon, Steve Winwood, Ron Wood and Roxy Music. Sly Stone, in his memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), called Newmark the best drummer he had ever worked with.
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In 1973, Andy Newmark's drumming on Sly and the Family Stone's "There's a Riot Goin' On" still sends shivers down the spines of even the most jaded music aficionados. The way his sticks dance across the snare, conjuring up the raw energy of the streets, is nothing short of mesmerizing. This clip from the DeepCutsArchive is just one testament to Newmark's enduring impact on the sound of popular music.
Born in 1950, Newmark's entry into the music scene coincided with a seismic shift in the industry. The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of great experimentation, as artists pushed boundaries and challenged conventions. Newmark, along with his contemporaries, was at the forefront of this movement. His work on "Riot Goin' On" is a prime example – the way he coaxes out the funk from Sly's rhythm section is nothing short of alchemy.
Newmark's association with Sly and the Family Stone is significant not just because of the music they made together, but also for the influence it had on his subsequent work. The band's unique blend of rock, soul, and psychedelia created a sonic landscape that would be emulated by countless others. Newmark's own playing style, which blended precision with a deep sense of groove, was perfectly suited to this eclectic sound.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Newmark's career is his ability to adapt to different musical contexts. From the avant-garde experimentation of Pink Floyd to the glam rock excess of David Bowie and Roxy Music, he has played alongside some of the most innovative and provocative artists of the era. His work on George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" is a particular highlight – the way he brings a sense of space and texture to the album's more introspective moments is nothing short of breathtaking.
Sly Stone himself was effusive in his praise for Newmark, calling him the best drummer he had ever worked with. This endorsement comes from someone who knew a thing or two about great drumming – after all, Sly's own rhythm section was one of the most iconic and influential of its time. For Newmark to have earned such accolades is a testament not just to his technical skill, but also to his ability to connect with the music on a deep level.
Newmark's work extends far beyond the realm of rock and psychedelia, however. His collaborations with Carly Simon and Ron Wood demonstrate a versatility that belies his reputation as a session drummer. He has a chameleon-like ability to absorb the nuances of different styles and settings, making him an invaluable asset in the studio.
One clip from the DeepCutsArchive that showcases Newmark's range is his work on John Lennon's "Imagine" sessions. The way he brings a sense of understated elegance to the album's more introspective moments is nothing short of remarkable – particularly given the monumental task of following in the footsteps of Ringo Starr.
Throughout his career, Newmark has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, providing the rhythmic foundation for some of the most iconic music of our time. His legacy extends far beyond the studio, however – he has helped shape the sound of popular music itself. As we continue to explore the archives and uncover new gems from his storied career, one thing becomes clear: Andy Newmark is a true giant of modern music.
In the midst of all this creative ferment, it's easy to forget just how much Newmark's work has influenced generations of musicians that followed in his footsteps. His playing style, which blended precision with a deep sense of groove, has been emulated by countless others – from Steve Gadd to Omar Hakim, the list goes on.
Newmark's impact extends beyond the realm of drumming itself, however. He has played alongside some of the most innovative and provocative artists of his time, helping shape the sound of popular music in ways both subtle and profound. As we continue to explore the archives and uncover new gems from his storied career, one thing becomes clear: Andy Newmark is a true giant of modern music.
In 1973, Andy Newmark's drumming on Sly and the Family Stone's "There's a Riot Goin' On" still sends shivers down the spines of even the most jaded music aficionados. The way his sticks dance across the snare, conjuring up the raw energy of the streets, is nothing short of mesmerizing. This clip from the DeepCutsArchive is just one testament to Newmark's enduring impact on the sound of popular music.
Curated from public records and music databases.
