By Simon Deppeler
In a big band, every different section (group of instruments) has their own particular role. The rhythm section for example, is often thought of as the engine room or driving force of the band. Of course, every engine needs spark plugs to keep things going and in the case of the Victoria Police Showband, the igniting spark is provided by drummer Larry Kean. Joining the band in ’91, Larry immediately became a crowd favorite with his energetic style.
Always giving 110% to every performance, Larry propels the band with energy and excitement. Also singing lead vocals - a talent he knew he always had from his early days when he sang backup before graduating to lead…this musician always makes an impression with audiences.
But of course he had to start at the beginning like all musicians. At age 11, Larry was exposed to the drummer bio-movie, The Gene Krupa Story and it lit a fire. During his early childhood, Larry recalls music always resonated with him.
“At home, Dad was always playing saxophone, clarinet and piano. At age 14, I began my serious study of the drum kit with Powell Baker, the percussionist from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra”.
While still at school Larry played in Shadows and Ventures ‘cover’ bands and these were an early learning experience. At 16, there were lessons with Billy Hyde (yes, that Billy Hyde) for 2 years, which prepared him for advanced study with Australian drumming legend Graham Morgan. After completing school, Larry found himself playing all styles of music including Jazz and Pop but especially R & B and Soul music.
Backing well-known performers of the time, fond memories include touring with Welsh singer/entertainer Harry Secombe and also The Edgley Touring Company playing in theatres and Circus shows.
“Two 3-month tours with Edgley really tested my ability and endurance. Circus gigs especially are a real discipline. They’re all about non-stop playing and we would do three 2.5 hour shows daily for three months at a time.”
Larry Kean has played in almost every playing situation imaginable – a true working musician…all live playing, including casino work, nightclubs (Whiskey a Go-Go) and TV (playing the legendary Channel 7 show Sunnyside Up as a regular dep) backing artists such as:
Normie Rowe – 60’s Australian pop legend
Sam & Dave – early American soul and R&B duo
Bobby & Laurie – 60’s Australian singing duo
Marcie Jones - Marcie Jones & the Cookies ‘60s girl group in Australia’s “mod” music scene
Ian Turpie - Australian TV personality
Ron Lees - Australia's Greatest "Italian" tenor
Syd Heylen - Australian actor, comedian, and variety performer
Maurie Fields - Australian actor, vaudeville performer and stand-up comedian
Denise (Ding-Dong) Drysdale - Australian TV personality and comedian
Barry Crocker - Australian singer, actor
Daryl Somers - Australian television personality
Ricky May – Maori Vocalist, musician, variety entertainer
Tony Pantano – Entertainer/singer
Tony Paris - Cabaret entertainer
Lovelace Watkins - Las Vegas-based singer and performer
Colleen Hewitt - Australian actress and popular singer
John Farnham - English-born Australian pop singer
Kate Ceberano – Australian singer
Michael ‘Banjo’ Young - banjo player, entertainer
Smacka Fitzgibbon – Australian entertainer
O.C.Smith – American singer, musician
Frankie Laine - American singer, songwriter, and actor
Al Martino - American singer, actor
Warren Mitchell - English actor
The Drifters - American doo-wop and R&B/soul vocal group
Nancy Wilson – American actress, entertainer, song stylist
Alma Cogan - English singer of traditional pop music ‘50’s and ‘60’s
Billy Eckstine - American singer and bandleader of the swing era
Tina Arena – Australian singer, songwriter and musical theatre actress
Karen Knowles - Australian singer and entertainer
Maria Mercedes - Australian actress
Maria Venuti - Australian actress and singer
Delilah – American singer, entertainer
John Rowles – New Zealand singer 70’s and 80’s
As most of his friends would attest, you can’t mention Larry without also including Buddy Rich who has been one of Larry’s big inspirations. Of course other drummers on that list would include: Irv Cottler (Frank Sinatra’s favourite drummer),
Alvin Stoller (Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Billie Holiday, Mel Tormé, and Frank Sinatra),
Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck),
Philly Joe Jones (Miles Davis, Bill Evans),
Bernard Purdie (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, B.B. King, Steely Dan),
Rufus Jones (Lionel Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, James Brown) and
Harold Jones (Count Basie, Natalie Cole, B.B. King, Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Harry James Orchestra, Benny Goodman, Joe Williams, John Lee Hooker).
Most musicians teach at some point in their career and Larry’s teaching stints have included numerous private students and regular gigs at some of the Melbourne’s top private schools. (Xavier College and Kingswood College)
I recently cornered Larry and asked him about his successful career:
Why did you join the police bands?
To keep playing for a living…also the band had great people and I could see enormous potential there.
Memorable moments in your career?
Playing with John Farnham a few times in his early days and also Ricky May who was sensational.
Embarrassing moments on stage?
I was packing up on stage after a gig and horsing around when the bass player suddenly slapped me on the back. I tripped and went flying three feet off the stage into the auditorium much to the delight of everyone else! Another time on the way to a gig with Winifred Atwell I got my directions mixed up and went to the wrong city! No I didn’t make the gig.
Do you still practice? How much?
I put in at least 1.5 hours every day to stay sharp. I practise exercises for stick control and general independence. I still work on all the David Garibaldi stuff (Tower of Power) and speed from single stroke rolls.
I’m always being asked…
Can I have a go of your drums!
I wish I could play….
Trumpet or piano.
Musicians you admire?
Well all of the musicians I admire are because of their musicality and taste.
Dave Weckl (drummer) is a stand out for me, Chuck Mangione (fluegelhorn), Dizzy Gillespie (trumpet), I love trumpet players… the Brecker Brothers (trumpet and tenor saxophone), Bernard Purdie (drummer), Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday (jazz singers), Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra. They’re all on my long list.
Why do you play music?
I love it.
There are countless musicians in the world that would love to make their living from it…why have you succeeded?
Devotion, determination and I love it.
What are you listening to lately?
In the car, I’m playing Aretha Franklin Live At Fillmore West. Mainly because of that rhythm section - organist Billy Preston, the great jazz/R&B drummer Bernard Purdie, (he’s the drummer who set it all up for all the soul and funk drummers today, as far as I’m concerned), guitarist Cornell Dupree and bassist Jerry Jemmott. Of course it doesn’t hurt having sax wizard King Curtis and Ray Charles along for the ride.
What would you be doing if you weren't a musician?
I think I’d be a carpenter working with wood somehow.
Your "dream band?"
I'm fairly much a traditionalist so let’s say…Oscar, (Peterson) on piano, Ray Brown on bass, Herb Ellis on guitar, Phil Woods on alto sax, let’s throw in Tom Scott on tenor, Sarah Vaughan on vocals and me on drums of course!
What is it about the drums that attracted you?
The rhythm, the dexterity and showmanship of other drummers appealed to me, the way you can catch the phrases of other instruments to heighten their impact musically. These were some of the different aspects that got my attention.
Favourite album of all time?
The classic ‘Swingin New Big Band’ by Buddy Rich.
Last album you bought?
Aretha Franklin Live At Fillmore West.
The best concert you ever saw?
That’s a tough one, I’d say it’s a toss up between Duke Ellington’s band and Stevie Wonder.
Your favourite sound?
The sound of winding pasta onto a fork.
What's the magic formula for success as a musician?
Play the situation you’re playing in…in other words, play what’s right for the gig and the song.
The best thing about being in the Police Band is…
…the job security plus by playing in the Police Showband I get to play bigband music, which I love.
What was the best advice on pursuing a career in music you were ever given?
Be honest, and never sit back and wait for the calls.
Victoria Police Showband drummer Larry Kean is sponsored by PEARL and ZILDJIAN.
