Mick Mestek
drums
Mick Mestek.
‘Nuff said anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Mick’s name has become synonymous with drumming excellence in countless circles of outstanding musicians.
Most people know Mick Mestek for his work with Tower of Power, with whom he toured several years and recorded the 1987 album “Power” on A&M Records.
But his resume certainly doesn’t end there. Among Mick’s many touring and recording credits are Etta James, Buddy Miles, Pete Escovedo, Charlie Musselwhite, Jefferson Starship’s Mickey Thomas, jazz saxophonist Richard Elliot, The Platters, Omega, blues guitarists Tommy Castro, Ron Thompson, Roy Rogers, bassist/producer Curtis Ohlson, R&B singer Rosie Gaines, jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo, and a who’s who of Bay Area favorites including Hoodoo Rhythm Devils and Tortilla Soup.
Early in 2011, an unforeseen circumstance found Mick preparing MANZO’s entire repertoire to performance level in only 2 rehearsals and very little time. A considerable feat according to MANZO leader Gabriel Manzo.
“I knew I was asking a lot of Mick,” said Gabriel, “but I knew, too, that he could do it. And he did. He just came in and KICKED!” –laughs-
“Plus, him and (bassist) Jorge groove together like a BIG dog, and that makes everything fall into place. Easy.”
It’s interesting Gabriel used the word “easy” when discussing how quickly Mick mastered the intricacies of the music and fit right into MANZO. Interesting because Mick used that same word himself when asked about the band:
“It’s easy!” Mick observed. “Because it’s great musicians who are all playing for the music. That’s what it’s all about.”
‘Nuff said anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Mick’s name has become synonymous with drumming excellence in countless circles of outstanding musicians.
Most people know Mick Mestek for his work with Tower of Power, with whom he toured several years and recorded the 1987 album “Power” on A&M Records.
But his resume certainly doesn’t end there. Among Mick’s many touring and recording credits are Etta James, Buddy Miles, Pete Escovedo, Charlie Musselwhite, Jefferson Starship’s Mickey Thomas, jazz saxophonist Richard Elliot, The Platters, Omega, blues guitarists Tommy Castro, Ron Thompson, Roy Rogers, bassist/producer Curtis Ohlson, R&B singer Rosie Gaines, jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo, and a who’s who of Bay Area favorites including Hoodoo Rhythm Devils and Tortilla Soup.
Early in 2011, an unforeseen circumstance found Mick preparing MANZO’s entire repertoire to performance level in only 2 rehearsals and very little time. A considerable feat according to MANZO leader Gabriel Manzo.
“I knew I was asking a lot of Mick,” said Gabriel, “but I knew, too, that he could do it. And he did. He just came in and KICKED!” –laughs-
“Plus, him and (bassist) Jorge groove together like a BIG dog, and that makes everything fall into place. Easy.”
It’s interesting Gabriel used the word “easy” when discussing how quickly Mick mastered the intricacies of the music and fit right into MANZO. Interesting because Mick used that same word himself when asked about the band:
“It’s easy!” Mick observed. “Because it’s great musicians who are all playing for the music. That’s what it’s all about.”
