Monthly Archives: November 2021

Help Drum Writer Robyn Flans Get Back on Her Feet

Robyn Flans is a dear friend, a writer who has helped chronicle the history of modern drummers. She will be familiar to MD readers and to those who have read her recent bio of Jeff Porcaro. Thank you for helping … Continue reading

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Pat Martino – The Joy of Playing

SKF NOTE: My earliest memory of guitarist Pat Martino’s music is the release of his 1972 album The Visit! I was an album sales guy at Sam Goody’s in the Walt Whitman Shopping Center, Huntington, NY. Martino’s music never clicked … Continue reading

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Neal Sausen – God Bless Neil Peart

SKF NOTE: In his first email to me about his longtime drum teacher and friend, Freddie Gruber, Neal Sausen mentioned Neil Peart’s stops by Freddie’s house to visit with his dying friend, and to bring food for Neal Sausen and … Continue reading

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With Regrets to Donald Bailey

SKF NOTE – Last week, in the mood for jazz organ, I bought Volumes 1 and 2 of Blue Note Records’ Jimmy Smith Live at the Club Baby Grand. Recorded and released in 1956. These are trio dates with Jimmy … Continue reading

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Freddie Gruber on Record

SKF NOTE: The late drummer Freddie Gruber is known by many drummers, including me, as an exemplary teacher. Other drummers, however, say Freddie is full of hot air, a charlatan, who has somehow put a spell on Neil Peart, Buddy … Continue reading

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