“See you in the funny papers”
Read moreFotos N Funnies
Farris Coursey, Nashville’s First “A” Team Drummer
I am ashamed to admit it, but even as an amateur history buff, I wasn’t familiar with Farris. That all changed a few years ago with the purchase of an early 1960’s Rogers drum set that Farris owned and played. I will attempt to tell his story now as best as I can.
Read moreTim Griffin: The Futurist – Part 2, The Inventions
“Bill III and his Dad had been working with my company for nine months on my design of the FIRST digital drum set in the world (not analog). Selmer squelched the deal (Not Bill senior or III). The unit was to have Ludwig endorsee recordings as parts of the set settings.”
Read moreRemembering Bob Gatzen
World renowned drummer, percussionist, and inventor Bob Gatzen passed away on December 29, 2023 following a nine year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Read moreDino Danelli – The Renaissance Man - Chapter 2 - Additional Album Cover Designs and Concepts
Dino joined long-time friend Steven Van Zandt’s group – ‘The Disciples Of Soul’. Dino designed Steven’s first four albums between 1982, and 1989. He also recorded and toured with the group during that same time period.
Read moreDino Danelli – The Renaissance Man Chapter One / Rascals Album Cover Designs
Apparently, being one of the greatest Rock drummers of all time just wasn’t enough for Dino Danelli. Beginning in 1965, Dino began to experiment with painting and drawing. Soon afterwards, his incredible talents led to the creation of numerous album cover designs for the Rascals, Fotomaker, and Little Steven Van Zandt.
Read moreLiving Music: A Film About Ra Kalam Bob Moses; Indie GoGo Fund Raiser
(Editor’s note: My friend, Nashville drummer Clifford Koufman, is currently making this film and is raising funds via Indie GoGo. In 1976 Bob Moses was the drummer on Pat Metheny’s first album, ‘Bright Size Life ’, which also featured Jaco Pastorius on bass. All drummers need to hear this recording of one of the greatest drummers in the world. Bob influenced my playing so much. I listen to this album every week. -George Lawrence)
Read morePaul Wertico: Drums Without Boundaries and Beyond
Paul Wertico has always gone above and beyond the established definitions of ‘What Jazz Is’
Read moreDEREK SHERINIAN AND SIMON PHILLIPS RELEASE ‘SHERINIAN/PHILLIPS LIVE’
Enjoyed listening to ‘Sherinian/Phillips Live’ so much that I must have played it over a dozen times…
Read moreBuddy Rich’s “Birdland” Album Will Be Re-Released
A special limited edition version of Buddy Rich’s best-selling live album ‘Birdland’ will be released July 21, 2023 featuring an exclusive translucent red vinyl.
Read moreJoe La Barbera: Remembering Tony Williams
When Miles came to Boston to play Lennie’s on the Turnpike in 1967 my brothers and I were there. The band now included Wayne Shorter and Joe Henderson on tenors plus Eddie Gomez filling in
for Ron Carter. Needless to say, they blew the walls down. At one point Tony had played so hard that Miles jokingly threw a towel at him to wipe his face.
Read moreJim Catalano – Personal Reflections on a 36-year Career with the Ludwig Drum Company
Jim delighted a packed audience at the 2022 Chicago Drum Show by giving a clinic sharing his personal experiences throughout almost 4 decades in the drum business. I have transcribed Jim’s clinic below for those who were not able to attend and hope you will enjoy Jim’s wonderful anecdotes and shared life lessons
Read more'Mike Clark Plays Herbie Hancock' - Album Review
In honoring his former boss, Mike wanted to focus on Herbie Hancock’s Blue Note period rather than the later funky stuff that Mike Clark is best known for.
Read more15% off "The World of Gene Krupa" EBook
This book is the most exhaustive and well written documenting of any drummer ever written. It’s the story of the man who conceived the modern drum set as we know it, and led the way for us all to play drum solos and be in the spotlight.
Read moreIn Memorian: Ralph Humphrey
“Throughout his career — the live performances, studio recordings, method books, videos, drum-solo compositions, teaching — Ralph eschewed the usual trappings of success, and maintained his customary integrity and humility. He was an outstanding leader and soloist, with the sensibility of an ensemble player. He never flashed his superpowers, though he had many: flawless technique, stylistic versatility, laser focus, adaptability, eagerness to learn, calm temperament, dedication to his students, and professionalism at all times. His keen ear and obsession with tuning his drums helped make him one of the best sounding drummers on record.” -Ruth Underwood
Read moreGrowing Up In The Shadow Of Joe Morello: Part Three -- Remembering Joe Sefcik
As for Joe Sefcik, he was a bit intimidating if you hadn't practiced when you showed up for your lesson! You could feel his disappointment, but then he would show lots of patience, as any good teacher would, and get you back on track! -Rick Schlosser
Read moreBuddy Rich the Singer
…album titled Sing and Swing with Buddy Rich, recorded in 1955. This album is unique because Buddy is not the drummer (except for one out of the 5 songs,) rather, he sings on the full album. Buddy had not been featured as the lead vocalist in this caliber in the past. The reason he drums on one song is because there are no vocals.
Read moreBrian Dunne: Live At Daryl's House
Brian Dunne has played on thousands of gigs since his high school days - yet, Brian’s greatest notoriety comes from his longtime affiliation with the hit television series, ‘Live At Daryl’s House’ which is presently recording a brand new season – Brian is once again playing with some of finest musicians on the planet. He credits his success to networking and lots of luck with each new gig leading to something else.
Read moreRIP Dino Danelli July 23, 1944 – December 15, 2022
Mr. Danelli, a protégé of the great jazz drummers Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, merged percussive virtuosity with a rock sensibility. Like Ringo Starr of the Beatles, he set the template for the rock drummer archetype: disciplined and precise, but with a flair that drew the crowd’s eye. He would twirl his sticks — a trick he learned from his sister, a cheerleader — and throw them in the air, before catching them without dropping the beat.
Read morePeter Magadini: Remembering Tony Williams
I had some first-hand experience with Tony Williams while attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in1965 and several years after that.
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