SKF NOTE: A generous offer from the excellent drummer, Hal Blaine.

At first read I assumed Hal was offering to help me with the History of Rock Drumming series I wrote in the early 1980s for Modern Drummer.

On closer look, the August 10, 1990 postmark on Blaine’s note tells me his offer concerned the History of Rock Drumming book I was under contract to write for MD. An expanded version of the MD series.

Diane Riccobene remains my friend. She was an MD contributing writer. As described in her online teacher’s bio:

“Diane Riccobene has more than 20 years experience teaching music, and loves tailoring lessons to individual needs. She holds a B.A. in Music from the University of Maryland.. and serves as a musician in the military.

“Diane has been a Principal Percussionist with the Northern Virginia Symphony, and has twice performed for the White House.”

She’s also a mean chef!

Having Hal Blaine – and other musicians and music industry people of his stature – alive, well, and always willing to share their knowledge and experiences, was an incomparable blessing. They made the work of discovering and chronicling drum history that much easier, interesting, and fun for me and many others.

I have fond memories of them all.