SKF NOTE: This excerpt, from my first of a few interviews with Ed Soph, follows earlier discussion on how best to teach students the history of jazz drumming. Ed’s idea seems simple enough: don’t bore students, make the subject interesting.

Ed’s home in Garrison, NY — upstate near Bear Mountain — was the setting for this interview. You’ll hear birds singing in the background. My friend, and Ed’s drum student, Chris Conrade, took part in the full conversation, although Chris is not heard in this excerpt.

But Chris did introduce me to Ed Soph, and I’m glad he did. Soph is always interesting to interview.