"Tom Sawyer" by Rush

A modern day warrior's mean, mean stride; today's Strong Song has mean, mean pride!

Yes, it's time for Kirk to tackle a song by the legendary Canadian rock trio Rush, and what better song than "Tom Sawyer"? Of course, what starts with Tom doesn't end there, as Kirk takes a broader look at Rush's musical legacy, with extra attention for the band's legendary drummer Neil Peart, who tragically died last month.

It's a longer-than-usual episode covering a variety of topics, from odd meter counting; to "kite and anchor" solos; to drum snobs; to just what kind of person spends 30 years conquering the world of rock drumming, only to seek out a new teacher and reinvent himself.

Band/Artist: Rush

Album: Moving Pictures (1981)

Written by: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart

Lyrics by: Neil Peart and Pye Dubois

Listen/Buy via Album.Link

Note: This episode has been updated to correct the pronunciation of Neil Peart's last name, which, as it turns out, is pronounced "Peert" and not "Pert."

ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:

"La Villa Strangiato" by Rush from Hemispheres, 1978
"Jump" by Van Halen from 1984, 1984
"Come Sail Away" by Styx from The Grand Illusion, 1977
The free (!) VST plugin OBXD Synthesizer
"Autumn Leaves" by the Keith Jarrett Trio from After The Fall, recorded 1998/released 2018
"Whippersnapper" by the Wayne Krantz Trio from Two Drink Minimum, 1995
"YYZ" by Rush from Moving Pictures, 1981
"Spirit of the Radio" by Rush from Permanent Waves, 1980
"The Monster" by Buddy Rich from Krupa and Rich, 1956 (1994 CD re-release)
Clips from various episodes of Freaks and Geeks
Excerpts from the excellent 2002 documentary Neil Peart: A Work In Progress

OUTRO SOLOIST: BJ CORD

This episode's outro soloist is BJ Cord, a fantastic trumpet player based in Portland who recorded this, the first-ever Strong Songs outro solo. BJ works at Monette trumpets making some of the most beautiful horns in the world, and is a regular presence on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monettetrumpets

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February 2020 Whole-Note Patrons

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💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺
July 11, 2026 | Portland, OR
Buy Tickets Here

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