Clark Cox

Mac Cox is one of the most versatile drummers around. He is equally skilled on the trap-set or the synthetic rhythm board.

By sheer good fortune, he ended up in a charming little town in Northeastern Oklahoma where his Eagle Bus, and his lovely blue-eyed bride, Pat call home. If he isn't making music with The Holistix, you might see him around at one of the many local music venues, taking it all in or jamming with Pat who is an accomplished Country and Gospel tour musician. (She says she's retired, but we know what that means...) And we think Mac's a Renaissance Man of many skills and heart of kindness!

The Time-Keeper

August 2005

FS: When did you realize your interest in music?

Mac: Ah music, truly the universal language. I'm still realizing... I'm told that as a toddler I would sit in front of our old Victorola, listening to folks' music and keeping rhythm to Bob Wills, The Grand Ole Opera, etc. One of my earliest memories was receiving a toy drum set for Christmas when I was about four. My aunt and uncle were almost disowned for getting it for me. They thought it was a good alternative to the coffee cants that I had been beating. I wanted to be in the band in grade school. My folks wouldn't let me because they couldn't afford to buy or rent an instrument for me. I decided to save my lunch money and bought my first pair of drumsticks and kept "forgetting' to get the permission slip signed. The plan lasted a couple of months--- 'till a lady called my Mom before delivering the material and pattern for my uniform. I caught hell that night, but I was soon forgiven for my tenacity.

FS: Who were your greatest influences?

Mac: Unlike many who credit a famous musician, I give credit to two truly devoted music teachers, Al Hammel and Gene Rotramel. From orchestra, marching, or 'big-band' music, they instilled the need to read music and the discipline of learning to play more than just the percussion instruments. Additionally, I was also lucky to have a mentor who turned 'pro' and left the high school music program. He groomed me as his replacement in the school's jazz/stage band by teaching me the mechanics of the trap-set. I'm still keepin' time.

FS: Tell us about your music ...

Mac: I still call Oklahoma home, but I used to move every few years with my job. After getting settled, one of my top priorities was getting acquainted with the local music scene. Ah, what an opportunity to jam and work with musicians across our great nation and overseas. Imagine your lead singer with a thick Australian accent singing Bruce, Waylon and Stevie Ray; or doing a standard old rock-n-roll song but the lyrics have been changed giving a special meaning for the troops. Proud to be an American!