So...

Greetings Gates,

Writing on a blizzardy Wednesday from Newburgh, NY. Not that much snow so far and I love watching the TV newsreaders who are trying to make a non story into front page news.

Last Monday night with my Big Band and singer Billy Stritch at Birdland was more fun than diving naked into a warm vat of chocolate. Billy in front of the band, singing his tail off. Songs made famous by others but Billy made them all his own. My band blew the roof off the joint too. Hoping we can do this show again and again.

Was at Iridium the past week or so with Terese Genecco and her Little Big Band. Energy and talent plus. Fun to work with her and especially Jon Burr, one of my faves on Bass and Barry Levitt on Piano...plus Mayra Casales on Bongoes and Conga. Want to do that again as soon as my schedule permits.

Sold the WMP six ply 1997 Ludwig Set to Tommy Piorek. I'm so pleased that they went to someone who will use them and also someone who appreciates them. Great drums. I just have too many sets! Still available the Ludwig Maple Jazz Set in Black Lacquer. 18 x 16 BD, 8 x12 and 14 x 14 Toms, in perfect condition save for some tom rash on the small tom tom. There are pics here somewhere. Buy this set before I change my mind.

Nothing new on the Liza front. She is recovering nicely I hear from knee surgery and is happy to be pain free. Hope she gets back on the road soon to do what she does best...Live Performances!!!!

I'm off to Scotland next week for meetings and music. Good things will be coming out of these meetings for the future. Check back here soon.

Santa Rosa Symphony Academy Awards Movie Night Concert on Feb 27/28th. I'll be conducting the greatest music from the films you know and love. Come on out. The Orchestra is wonderful and I'm always in the Lobby after the show to schmooze and say hello.

April will bring two Big Band Concerts with my Band and the Four Freshman. April 7 & 8th in Sacramento and Napa, Ca. The Freshman sound amazing and are really fun to share the stage with...

Also back to Santa Rosa for a John Denver Tribute in April.

Looking forward to a Benny Goodman Quartet Tribute in the Fall at Iridium with Dan Levinson on clarinet. Dates to follow.

Ready for Spring. Bring it on. Thanks to all who wrote me about my favorite drummers in the last installment. Of course, I have another 500 or so I could add to the list.

Play DW drums and Bosphorous Cymbals. The Best Drums and Cymbals on Earth!

Stay Warm.

In the words of Harvey Estrin..."Times Are So Bad, even guys who lie, are complaining."

Stay Positive.

Soon,

MB

Favorite Drummers

Hello World,

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

Happy New Year

December 28th. Almost 2010, already. I'm still writing 1987 on my checks.

Last night was the 20 year Anniversary of Deirdre and I getting together. A long time ago in many ways, many changes in our lives since then, that's for sure. Best 20 years of my life and I hope there will be many many more to come.

We had a lovely Christmas, with visits with friends and family, a reasonable number of wonderful gifts...nothing ostentatious this year and too much good food. I'll be hitting the gym in the new year, for sure.

No news from Liza. The PBS Show was aired all over the country and I suspect it will be shown again on the rest of the PBS stations in the spring. I think the show is spectacular. Producer JoAnn Young and her team did a great job of capturing the Liza's At The Palace Show. The band sounds amazing. I really can't say enough good things about the Liza band. In my three years as drummer/Conductor, the band has always delivered, no matter the circumstances. I've been proud to have been a part of that.

I will be at APAP in NYC at the Producers, Inc. booth. They are representing my Krupa Band and the show, Sinatra and Basie at the Sands. Look for me there if you're at APAP.

Artists of Mainstage, Terry Kippenberger, has another of my shows, in addition to the Krupa Band, The Capitol Years. The best of the music of Capitol Records...Kenton, Billy May, Riddle, Sinatra, Cole, Garland, etc....

Santa Rosa Symphony in February...Music from the Movies. 27/28th.

Something very big in the offing. Will know more in the weeks to come and will let you all know then.

In the meantime, have a great rest of the Holiday.

PS. If you're going to email me, please do give your name. Anonymous emails are rather cowardly, don't you agree?

All the best,

MB

Where does the time go?

Hi,

Been a while. Time to catch up around here.

Let's see.

Was at PASIC in Indianapolis. Great to attend. Met many people. Saw many seminars, clinics and demonstrations. My faves...The Emeritus Percussion Ensemble. Sal Rabbio and Alan Abel were amazing. Learned so much just by watching these two perform excerpts from Orchestral repertoire.

Had lunch with Michael Vosbein from Bosphorus Cymbals. These cymbals have changed my life! What beautiful music comes from these Turkish made wonders.

Richard Markus, old friend from Indiana U days was there. He's an Industry stalwart, always moving and always a big supporter, as I am of him.

Steve Houghton did a magnificent job on the Convention and the new Rhythm Center which houses the PAS Collection in downtown Indy is a must see for everyone.

Did two Judy Garland Tribute Concerts in Santa Rosa with the Orchestra there. The amazing Debbie Gravitte sang the Garland Songbook and she knocked them out of the Ballpark. Hope to do this concert many more times, the music is so wonderful. BTW, this is not a "sound alike" show. Just a celebration of the Music that Garland made famous, with a few surprises along the way.

Just finished 4 nights with Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch at NYC's Birdland. Their Holiday show, "A Town and Country Christmas." I had a ball and was able to take out the old Mark tree, jingle bells and triangles from a long time in the case and use them on the show.

The lovely Deirdre and I got our Xmas tree yesterday. Will put on the lights and other treasures this evening, while drinking champagne and yours truly smoking a cigar.

Off to the gym.

The lovely Deirdre and I wish all of you the Happiest and the Merriest and see you in 2010.

MB

Melbourne report...

So, made it to Perth last week after flying 30 hours from O'Hare to Perth, with stops in Los Angeles and Sydney.

Finished the Mancini Magic concerts with the Elgin Symphony on Sunday afternoon at 5:25 pm and was at O'Hare, checked in and through security by 6:05!

Loved the Elgin concerts. Really wonderful Orchestra, great players who were very enjoyable to work with for three days. Really responsive audiences, standing Ovations and, of course, the genius of Henry Mancini's music.

Got a chance to hang with Gene Krupa friend, Joe Vetrano on the 16th, which is the date of GK's demise. Had dinner and went to some drum shops in the Chicago area. The DRUM PAD in Palatine, Ill. has more drums on display than anywhere I've ever been before! Cool place.

Concerts in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney with Liza Minnelli. Plus a pair of trio dates with Billy Stritch in Melbourne and Sydney too.

Go to Liza's website, www.officiallizaminnelli.com for the updates on reviews, news and dates. The Aussie reviews have been incredible and the audiences have embraced Liza everywhere she has performed. She is doing a Peter Allen tune, ALL THE LIVES OF ME, for an encore. I worked with Peter Allen in the early 70's, through my Helen Reddy connection. Nice to hear Peter's song sung by Liza. Speaking of Helen, hoping to see her and some other old friends in Sydney. Don't know when we'll get another chance to see each other, but you never know.

Back to NY on November 3rd. Home until PASIC in Indy, Nov. 11-14th. Can't wait to attend.

More soon.

MB

Off to Australia and Elgin, Illinois, too!

Hi All,

The October update.

Liza was in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand for a week, where we filmed "LIZA'S AT THE PALACE" for PBS. To be shown in December. Shows were fun and I enjoyed revisiting the Kay Thompson Material once again. I think Liza's championing for Kay Thompson has caused a bit of interest in Kay's work. I recently got a new reissue of 3 CD's of Kay Thompson music on Amazon. Really interesting arrangements and lot's of fun to listen to.

Las Vegas...What can I say. I first was there in 1969 for a couple of days. The Marquees had Jack Benny, Sinatra, Danny Thomas, Esquivel,Liberace and many more. It was an exciting place to be. Now it just 9 or 10 versions of Cirque De So What, very few name entertainers and a bunch of clubs. There is no longer any sensibility about how to dress in the Hotel or Casino. Lots of young adults, drinking, smoking, gambling and apparently, getting tattoos, everywhere.

I must say, I long for the Rat Pack days of Las Vegas. I know the current Marketing campaign is brilliant. What Happens There, Stays There...but how's about some class and manners?

Off to Elgin, Ill. on Wed. for three concerts with the Elgin Symphony. Mancini Magic on the 16/17 & 18th. Looking forward to being there.

Just got an endorsement with Bosphorus Cymbals, thanks to Michael Vosbein. I am amazed at the beautiful sounds I am hearing from these fine musical instruments. Clear and yet complex sound, fast response, great tonality...Try these out for yourselves!!!

On to Australia on the 18th, following the afternoon concert with Elgin. Concerts in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne, plus a couple of club hits behind Billy Stritch. Haven't been there since Helen Reddy days. Only 12 Million in the entire country. Less than the population of Greater New York City.

I know they're going to love seeing Liza do her thing. All the hits in this show. If you're there, say Hello to the Drummer.

It's Xmas in the Mall already and 32 degrees outside here in Newburgh. Global Warming, Where For Art Thou?

Until the next time,

Mike B

New iMac!!!

Howdy again,

Had a major virus meltdown on the old PC and have turned to the APPLE Corporation for my future computer needs. Just got a new iMac with a 24 inch screen and a new Printer/Scanner that does 11 x17 pages so I can now scan scores into the computer. Nice.

In other news...

The band and I did a Sinatra Tribute at the Charles Ives Center in Danbury, Ct., once again featuring singer Tony Babino. Tony is a real showman, a real singer and a really nice guy. No Sinatra affectations at all. (Most of these guys travel with their own rain coat, hat and lamp post, trying to be like Frank).

Two big nights at the Hollywood Bowl with Liza Minnelli and the band. Had a swell time in LA, seeing old friends, going to the Hollywood Drum Shop to bother Stan and the gang, attending a Hollywood Bowl Orchestra rehearsal so I could bother Don Williams as he was trying to play Bass Drum and also a stop at Chad Sexton's Drum City in North Hollywood.

Ate at Dan Tana's and Musso and Frank's Grill in Hollywood. Glad that a few of the places I love and loved in Los Angeles are still around.

The Bowl Concerts were great, with the Saturday night show being one of my all time favorites with Liza ever. She was amazing and the audience of 14,000 was on their feet all night, screaming for more.

Then we did a trio gig at the New York Public Library for the 25th Anniversary of PAPER magazine. We followed Queen Latifah and another band called the Virgins. Big guns but Liza had them singing along and under her spell, as always.

As I write this, we are about to go to Las Vegas for a week of Shows at the MGM. The last two are going to be taped for a PBS Special.

Then a Mancini Magic Weekend with the Elgin, Ill. Symphony Orchestra followed by a 27 hour flight to Perth to join Liza and the Minnoolians mid tour.

November has the Santa Rosa Pops Opener Nov. 21 & 22 featuring Debbie Gravitte, Tony Award winner and Singer Extraordinaire.

Looking forward to a new Endorsement relationship with Bosphorous Cymbals. Thanks to Michael Vosbein for that and while we're at it, thanks to Don Lombardi and Garrison at DW Drums. DW are the best drums I've ever played and the company is tops in terms of Artist support. If you see me in concert, DW has helped to provide the great drums I'm using. Try them...you'll like them.

Autumn has arrived a bit early in New York and I had the heat on in the house last night. Too soon, too soon.

That's it for the moment, I still have drums for sale. Scroll down and you'll see them. I'll make you a good deal. I NEED THE ROOM!!!!

Until the next time,

Happy New Year and don't hesitate to say hi if you come to a concert.

Mike Berkowitz