And so we come to CHARLIE MORGAN, arguably Kate's no 2 drummer and a man who has risen to the very top of his profession.
Again, as a non drummer I have been reliant on the insights of others into his style and abilities, and I am obliged to certain individuals (suitably credited) and to Angelfire.com.
Planet 9, featuring Mr Morgan..Charlie's
Manicdrums Company website reveals him to be a man of some humour with a nice line in drummer jokes:
"OK, so this drummer is fed up with being the brunt of all the jokes and decides to take up another instrument. So he pays a visit to his local music store, where he is approached by the sales assistant with the usual 'can I help you' routine. Immediately flustered, drummer says 'I want that trumpet on the wall and that accordion over there by the window'. The shop assistant hesitates for a second, then says 'well you can have the fire extinguisher if you really want it, but the radiator has to stay there I'm afraid'... " After some extensive research, I was able to trace Charlie's career back to it's earliest moments and these were actually with the pre-famous Kate Bush.. A friend of Paddy Bush, he was a member of the scratch KT Bush Band mkII, (replacing Vic Smith) formed to give Kate some experience of early live playing, alongside Del Palmer, Paddy, Brian Bath & Kate herself..
Generally speaking, Charlie is now best known as Elton John's 2nd longest serving drummer (top honour belonging to Nigel Olsson of course). Prior to that most desireable of gigs, he had spent the decade between 1976 & 1985 establishing himself as perhaps Britain's leading session drummer, with a huge number of recording credits for many 1980s icons. Be it pop, rock, reggae or even instrumental, he became a technician of many different rhythmic styles.
He was one of the first drummers "to master the art of playing alongside drum machines with pinpoint accuracy, whilst still creating a dynamic live feel" (Angelfire.com). Charlie Morgan came to the attention of Elton John in 1985, who found in him the ability to hold down the rhythm end during his famous wild stage shows. There followed 6 albums and 14 years of concerts. This came to an end in 1998, when Charlie was forced to quit mid-tour following a traumatic split with his Italian wife. Soon after, he made a complete break and relocated to Orlando, Florida. Early in 2000, he toured the US with country star
Trisha Yearwood whilst gradually infiltrating the expanding Florida music scene and developing his Manicdrums Company, developing internet downloadable drum tracks from his new home.
Charlie was last seen in the UK, backing the extraordinary guitarist John Jorgenson (another Elton John regular at one stage, supplementing Davey Johnstone's usual gtr work). With Charlie doing the driving, he (and Jorgenson+band) returned to their roots travelling the Country in a jam packed hire van, playing every gig with the enthusiasm of teenagers in their first band.. His most recent work is with
Planet 9 a troupe of respected side men from all over the US, described as "Mannheim Steamroller meets Tower of Power".
Testimonials to Charlie are many and easily found:
Billy Joel, calls him an intensely creative musician with a rare rhythmic precision and recounts a tale of his tour with Elton. Moments before going onto a stage in Philadelphia before an audience of 55,000, Joel's regular drummer, Liberty De Vitto, was taken seriously ill and was rushed to Hospital. Charlie, took the drum stool for Joel's show and incredibly, without any preparation improvised his way through a near 2 hour set, armed only with his previous observations of Joel's show, from the tour. "A staggering achievement" said Joel, apparently shaking his head in wonder..
Top Producer Guy Fletcher, states:
"I've known Charlie for 15 years and used his services many times. It is beyond doubt that his ability & application have taken him to the very top of his profession. His is rightly considered one of the World's finest allrounders and is always in heavy demand with Producers. Technically excellent, unique stylist, no other drummer plays quite like him. He is always a pleasure to deal with and is a credit to the global popular music fraternity. His attitude, integrity and professionalism are second to none.."
Charlie plays a large Premier kit with Sabian Cymbals, but has used Yamaha equpiment in the past.
His discography is immense and couldn't be repeated here, but includes work with the following artists:
Elton John & Kate Bush of course,
Nik Kershaw, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Pete Townshend, Matt Bianco, LIghtnin' Hopkins, Duane Eddy, Clannad, Gary Moore, Kini Te Kanawar, Delaney & Bonnie, Thin Lizzy, Judy Tzuke, Tom Robinson, Sally Oldfield and The Hellecasters. There is also an extensive canon of work with various Italian Artists, that we assume came about through his one-time matrimonial connection.
He has worked on many soundtrack albums, including Thelma & Louise and Mad Max (Beyond Thunderdome) with Maurice Jarre.
Further info on this major artist may be found on his excellent Company Website:
www.manicdrums.comThis fun site includes a novel cyber drum kit for users to play with and details of his "You've Got Drums" downloadable drumtracks side line, for use by musicians and songwriters.
Charlie has spoken of his musical relationship with Kate Bush, and whilst I haven't been able to run down any quotes for this article, the interview itself may be found in the Homeground fanzine/info periodical, issue #70, from Summer 2002..
A rare early photograph from 1976 of Kate & Charlie in the #2 version of the KT Bush Band..
;D 
(he's just a dumb drummer, he'll not know.) 
