SKF NOTE: Jim Keltner once recommended I interview for Modern Drummer Donald Bailey, Sr. Keltner raved about Bailey’s drumming. I knew Bailey by name only and I dismissed Keltner’s suggestion.

Much later, after hearing Bailey’s great work with Jimmy Smith, I regretted not interviewing Bailey. But I was too late. Bailey was dead.

In my November 15, 2021 blog post I praised Donald Bailey and shared my regret for not interviewing him.

October 1, 2023 I received a reader response to my “With Regrets to Donald Bailey” post:

“Hey Scott I would love to talk to you about my Father. Just came across your blog today.”

The sender was Donald Bailey, Sr’s son, Donald Bailey, Jr, who is also a drummer.

In this excerpt, Bailey, Jr and I discuss the reason his dad set up his drums, especially his snare and small tom, at such a severe angle.

That full interview is available on my YouTube channel.