Back with the first entry of 2010.
Getting ready for a Birdland date with the Big Band and Billy Stritch singing. Thought it was time to get Billy in front of the band and he agreed. February 8th @ Birdland in NYC. One show at 7 pm.
Condolences to the family of Bob Ayers who passed away last Friday. Bob liked everyone, didn't care who was in or out of fashion and was a good spirit. Will miss seeing him at his studio.
For whatever reason, I wanted to list my favorite drummers.
In order:
Sol Gubin...amazing drummer. I have based my entire Big band and Show drumming approach on his playing. He was like a Father to me and I think of him every time I play. I have some of his equipment and use his canister throne all the time. You can hear him with Steve Lawrence on YouTube playing In The Still Of The Night on the Carol Burnett Show. Doesn't get any better.
Alvin Stoller...followed Buddy Rich on the Dorsey Band. Great feel, great fills. He's on many of the Sinatra Capitol recordings, also the Billy May things plus countless TV shows and recordings with Ella and Oscar and Fred Astaire.
Irv Cottler...I met him at NBC in 1972. Used to sub the Flip Wilson Show for him. Of course his live work with Sinatra is the benchmark for that chair. No one did that gig better, not even Sol when he took over for a while.
Mel Lewis...tasty, played with so much fire and yet made it seem so natural. Not a trained player, he is the guy most of today's Big Band drummer emulate. And why not. Drum solos? Nope. Just amazing ensemble playing with the ability to get inside the chart and make everyone swing.
Tony Williams...believe it or not, I played in this style for many years. The way to play Jazz. I was lucky enough to spend some time with him in 1967 and learned so much.
Alan Abel...World's Greatest Symphonic Percussionist. Hands Down, no contest.
Joe Morello...I bought a Silver Sparkle Set to be like him. Have his first solo album, It's About Time. As good as Buddy. Chops, taste, swing and humor.
John Guerin...first guy I heard when I moved to LA. Almost went home. I've stolen from him over the years. Died much too young. Under appreciated talent.
Jeff Porcaro...Amazing feel and nice guy.
Jake Hanna...best with Woody of all the drummers.
Bill LaVorgna...last of the guys with a recognizable style. Knew him for 40 years. Impossible to sound like him. I know I've tried.
Ed Thigpen...another Monster.
Steve Gadd...nothing to add.
Jim Keltner...a jazz drummer, really, who has stayed at the Top of the List of Rock and Rollers. Great feel, great ideas.
Vernel Fournier...Poinciana.
Shelley Manne...one of a kind.
And last but not least...Buddy and Gene.
See you soon.
Mike B
