Capital Region Timekeepers with Al Kash By: OP Callaghan

In the early 80’s, I was an underaged aspiring musician, desperately trying to break out of my high school music scene to be a part of something bigger. I think the drinking age was still 18; but I was far from the cutoff age, and looked even younger, so getting into clubs to see bands was nearly impossible. I was frequently sent home by less than sympathetic doormen and bartenders with the same parting words; “Ya gotta grow up, kid”. Every once in a while, I would get lucky and be able to catch part of a set, sometimes only part of a song, before being discovered and swiftly ejected. Yes, I was that pain in the ass kid. One band in particular, The Units, had quite a following in the area, and enjoyed some success before changing their name to Fear of Strangers. They were very popular, and their shows well attended, which provided me with plenty of camouflage. I was able to catch the entire set before being discovered, and as I was firmly escorted out (I weighed about 80 pounds), I was still going through my mental notes of everything that I had just picked up from their drummer, Mr. Al Kash. This was the closest that I had ever been to a legitimate rock star. Al appeared to be ten feet tall, with an additional two feet of hair, with a five-foot reach over his drum set. His playing was inspiring to this impressionable teenager; as he effortlessly conducted the band, while laying down the perfect groove with an ever-present smile. I’ve seen him play dozens of times since then, and he still inspires me. Al has been a staple of the local scene for over 40 years, playing with multiple acts, and is one of the nicest, most talented and humble guys that you’ll ever meet. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Al Kash!

RRX: How did you get your start on the drums? How old were you, and why the drums?

AK: My family arrived in Australia in 1964. One of my first friends there happened to be a guitarist. He suggested I take up bass so we could start a band. Next thing we’re auditioning for a band. There was a drum set, but no drummer. The singer’s girlfriend played drums, but they recently split up. For whatever reason, I sat down on the kit and started playing. I ended up buying the drums. I was 15.

RRX: Who are some of your earliest influences?

AK: Surf music, The Rolling Stones, Them, The Dave Clark Five.

RRX: Who influences you today?

AK: I’m still influenced by all of my favorites. I listen to a lot of stuff from India, Brazil, etc.

RRX: I’ve seen you play a number of different kits; what’s your favorite? Do you have a “dream kit”?

AK: I’ve had so many kits, including a 13-piece Rogers kit. But mostly four to six piece kits, the majority of them being USA brands, with an occasional Premier or Yamaha kit. My dream kit would probably be some sort of Terry Bozzio set up.

RRX: Tell me about some of your favorite gig/playing experiences.

AK: Opening for The Rolling Stones was a great experience. I’ve also played in opening acts for Roy Orbison, Van Morrison, REM, and Iggy Pop. I’ve toured through Italy, Hawaii, Europe, Brazil, Australia, Tasmania and the USA.

RRX: The Rolling Stones? What?!? Please, tell me more!

AK: The Stones gig was great. Seeing Bill Wyman asking our singer if he could bum a smoke (Rollie Drum tobacco) was a crack up! They were great. They seemed to be having a great time. This may have been the last show of their Oz Tour. (Perth Australia, 1973).

RRX: Amazing! What an experience! Do you play any other instruments?

AK: Percussion, guitar, recorder and bass

RRX: Do you read music? Write?

AK: I do read and write music, and I have two solo albums.

RRX: Yes! I’ve listened to “Spectrum Bateria”, and it’s great! You have some great videos on your Youtube channel; alkashdrummer. There is an incredible video of you playing high atop a sculpture. How high was that, and who lugged all of the gear up there? Were you prepared for rain? Snow? Any plans to do it again?

AK: That structure is a look-out tower in Kings Park, Perth, West Australia. I’m sure that it’s three stories or more high. We had a road crew back then, who got my stuff up there. No snow in Perth. I would gladly do it again if someone would lug my drums up there!

RRX: It’s a great video and seems like a great experience. Tell us a good gig story.

AK: Back in The Units/Fear of Strangers days, we were playing at Yesterday’s on Fuller Road when a group of bikers came in. All of the sudden there were bottles and glasses flying through the air. We panicked and started to drag our equipment into the kitchen. It all stopped rather quickly when the bartender whipped out a rifle! Another time I was playing the Corporate Run with Playin’ with Fire under the museum on Madison Avenue in Albany. The little side street next to where we were set up had a row of 20 porta-potties. As we finished up our set, a strong wind storm came in, which required a few band members trying to keep one of the porta-potties from wiping our gear out! We watched three or four more of them coasting by, heading down Madison Ave. with the cops in pursuit!

RRX: That sounds terrible. I hope that they were not in use at the time. What do you play for cymbals?

AK: Most brands, the drier type preferred. I am always interested in independent cymbal makers; Istanbul’s, K’s, even broken/cracked cymbals.

RRX: Have you had any formal training?

AK: Yes, I’ve had a half dozen lessons with Andrew Cyrille, the drummer for Cecil Taylor. I’ve also studied with Rob Taylor from Perth, Australia. I’ve also had reading and technique discussions with Mr. Mark Foster from Albany NY.

RRX: We’ve all studied with Mark Foster! Tell me about your current projects.

AK: I’m currently gigging with Playin’ with Fire, and I have a few recording projects with Axe Iron Suns. I’m also looking forward to a new project with Moses Nagel, bassist from The Magdalens.

RRX: What is some advice you would give to aspiring drummers?

AK: Be adventurous and play as much as you can every day.

RRX: I’ll do my best. Thank you

Al Kash! Thanks to the rest of you for reading, and check out Al’s YouTube channel, or playing live with Playin’ with Fire. See you next time.