WELCOME TO FOUR ON THE FOUR: A BLOG ABOUT JAZZ DRUMMING AND ALL THINGS UNRELATED, BROUGHT TO YOU BY JON McCASLIN

Monday, July 14, 2025

Christian Vander - "Un Homme...Une Batterie"



Well, last week's post featuring Christian Vander's solo and duo drumming album really resonated with a lot of people who read this blog and I received many emails and messages regarding Vander's drumming following this post.

Thanks to Michael Griener for sharing this interesting French documentary on Christian Vander (subtitled in English): "Un Homme...Une Batterie" (1988).

There's some really unique, powerful and interesting Elvin Jones-inspired drumming here, and worth checking out for sure:

In this video, French drummer, composer and founder of the progressive rock band MAGMA, Christian Vander remembers how he started playing the drums, talks about his philosophy on music and his personal approach on drumming. He makes particular reference to the influence of John Coltrane's music and how Coltrane's spiritual quest eventually had an impact on him as a composer. Furthermore, it is obvious the influence of Elvin Jones, drummer of Coltrane's quartet.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Christian Vander - Fiesta in Drums

I was first introduced to Christian Vander's name and drumming via a Modern Drummer interview with Brian Blade many years ago. Vander is best known for his work with the French progressive rock band Magma.

Here's a rare and pretty intense album of solo and double drumming featuring Christian Vander and Frank Raholison from 1973.

Fiesta in Drums (1973)

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Fiesta in Drums (10:56)
2. Suite Exotique (7:45)
3. Suite Malgache (19:35)

Total Time 38:16

Line-up / Musicians

- Christian Vander / drums (tracks 1,2)
- Frank Raholison / drums (tracks 1,3)

Artwork: Pierre Caron

LP Palm ‎- PALM 3 (1973, France)