Play it Forward: A conversation with 'Yes' drummer, Alan White (video & photos)

"Yes" Drummer Alan White performing with local musicians to benefit music education this past Sunday - Photo: Greg Roth SME / SMI

By Greg Roth SME / SMI

Drummer Alan White has just about done it all and seen it all, in the rock arena. He has played and toured with the classic rock icons, “Yes” since 1972. His drumming duties have taken him to just about every port and city throughout the world.

White was also a founding member of the "Plastic Ono Band" playing live in 1969 at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival which was recorded and released three months later as "Live Peace in Toronto" in 1969. In all, White has appeared on no less than over fifty albums with artists including, John Lennon, George Harrison, Joe Cocker, Ginger Baker, and The Ventures.

Obviously, White has played with some of the biggest names in the business but for White, music is not about that. He is not a rock star. He is a musician first and foremost. The man just loves to play... anytime, anyplace and anywhere. In fact, there is nothing more that he would rather be doing than sitting in on any given night, practicing his craft in just about any room, with just about any musician in town. Music is White's vocation but more importantly, it is his passion.

White and his family have lived up here in the Northwest for about 30 plus years. He enjoys the quality of life that the region offers. The drummer is very much embedded into the musical community, often lending his services for various projects and causes. He and his band “The White Sox” have played several shows throughout the region over the years, using his talent and passion to make a positive difference in the community in which he and his musical brethren are part of. White also serves on the Music Aid Northwest Board of Directors.

White and Yes will embark on a seven week European tour and will return to the Northwest right before the holidays.

Seattle Local Music Examiner / SMI had the opportunity to sit down and chat briefly with one of music’s greatest living drummers. In the below video you will see some live performance footage from last Sunday’s show. “Play it Forward”.  White played drums on two Yes classics, “Roundabout”  featuring, former Heart bassist Steve Fossen, Rick Knotts on Guitar, John Sindelman on keyboards, Terry Young on lead vocals with Arny Bailey on backing vocals, along with “Shelly and the Curves” own Shelly Tomberg, Sally Annabella and Karen Ford. In addition to “Roundabout”,  White performed “Owner of a Lonely Heart” with former Heart guitarist Roger Fisher and Fossen on Bass along with Craig Webb on guitar, Sindelman on keyboards, Arny Bailey handling the lead vocals with Tomberg, Annabella and Ford  once again, taking care of the backup vocal duties.

Our apologies for the ambient noise on the interview with White, there was not a quiet spot in the room to conduct the interview so you may need to crank the volume on your speakers to hear. (To see the video in high def, click on the HD button on the screen)

Other links and sources..

A rock n' roll night to remember: Local legends and musicians brought joy to the masses (video)

Local Licks: former members of 'Heart' & longtime 'Yes' drummer Alan White highlight musical weekend

Local rock music legends 'Play it Forward' for music education and awareness

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