Charlie Clifford – Capital Region Timekeepers

Charlie Clifford – Capital Region Timekeepers – by OP Callaghan.

Being a drummer is not an easy job. Drummers have more gear to lug around, require bigger vehicles to transport, and need more time to set up than the rest of the band. We’re the butt of more jokes, are usually the first to arrive and the last to leave, and typically have to sit in the back. And if that were not enough, imagine being the drummer for Troy’s most dangerous band – the Lawn Sausages. Known as a band of degenerate musicians whose sole purpose in life was to pollute the ears of the unknowing, and steal some hearts along the way, the Lawn Sausages are set to wrap up a 30-plus-year career of offensive behavior and schlock rock on October 6 at the Cohoes Music Hall. Touted as Iggy and the Stooges meet the Three Stooges, the Lawn Sausages are celebrating the end of an era with one final show. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to sit down with Charlie Clifford, who has been drumming and babysitting for the Lawn Sausages since their first gig in 1990.

Art Fredette says, “Charlie Clifford is a singer’s drummer; locked into the beat, and not afraid to kick you in the ass with a cue!” Jimmy Barrett, vocalist extraordinaire, says, “Charlie is a pure power drummer. He plays hard and fast, and lets the fur fly!” One of Charlie’s longest collaborations is with Soul Sky’s Mark Emanatian, who says, “I met Charlie when we were teenagers. As kids we played in a punk blues-based band called the Slugs. He was a great straight-ahead punk drummer, with energy and attitude. He can also kill on a ballad, is an amazing percussionist, and an excellent singer.” High praise from one of the Capital Region’s finest musicians.

So, let’s welcome the Lawn Sausages’ Charlie Clifford!

RRX: Hey Charlie! Welcome to Capital Region Time Keepers. Tell us how you got started on drums.

CC: I got started at an early age, actually in a marching band. St. Peter’s marching band, with Father Flannagan. It was a lot of work for me. I had bad arches and the drum was half my size. The parades were fun but work!!

RRX: Do you come from a musical family?

CC: There was a lot of music in my family. Grampa Frank Depasquale came off the boat from Sicily and played a mean clarinet. My parents met in drama class in high school in Rutland, VT. My father actually cut a record, a 78rpm cover of Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy.”

RRX: Was your family supportive of you being a drummer?

CC: My mother was especially supportive of my playing, and got me my first kit: an old champagne-colored Ludwig Jazz kit. I somehow let it go. I’d give anything to get it back!

RRX: I don’t blame you! Who influenced you early on?

CC: Growing up, Buddy Rich was king! I actually saw him once with a band full of 20-something kids. I will never forget that!

RRX: Did you take lessons? What was your first gig?

CC: My first combo was a foursome of guys from the marching band. Eighth-grade kids trying to cover “Band On The Run.” It was doomed. The cool part was the sax player took lessons from Nick Brignola. I was lucky enough to work with Ralph Perfucato. What a player! My parents couldn’t afford the lessons for very long, but I got my flams and paradiddles down!

RRX: Important stuff! What are you playing now? Are you a collector?

CC: I still play Ludwigs. I have a Pearl kit and a very old Slingerland set that I’m still planning on bringing back to life. I wouldn’t say I’m a collector.

RRX: You’re being modest! You’ve got some green Vistalites, which are killer and rare! Tell us more about your playing experience.

CC: I have to say I’ve been lucky. Been in a few original bands. So not a lot of wedding bands. Played for a long time off and on (still do occasionally) with Mark Emanatian and Tom Dolan. Known those guys for more than 40 years.

What can I say about my time with the lads in the sausages??

RRX: Do you have a favorite gig?

CC: The memories and talk are endless. I have to say my favorite has to be the first show at Billy’s on Broadway. We let people in for free, sold earplugs, played “Louie Louie” for four hours, and charged five dollars to get out!!

RRX: That’s great! Who are some of your current influences?

CC: My drum heroes haven’t changed much. Buddy Rich is still great to watch and listen to. Keith Moon, and John Bonham. A lot of great stuff to watch with Phil Collins and Chester Thompson together.

RRX: Buddy’s the best. Anything else that you’d like to add?

CC: Overall, I’d have to say I’ve been pretty lucky. Been playing a long time with people I love and consider like family. And I hope to keep on doing so!!!

RRX: Us too, Charlie!

Be sure to catch the Lawn Sausages farewell show on Sunday, October 6 at Cohoes Music Hall at 2 PM. It’s gonna be something!

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