Category Archives: SKF Blog

Tommy Aldridge: Modern Drummer Interview 1981

SKF NOTE: In my introduction to Tommy Aldridge’s October 1981 Modern Drummer interview I wrote, “Not a week would go by without [reader] letters asking, ‘When are you guys going to interview Tommy Aldridge?’” I connected with Tommy by phone … Continue reading →

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Ferguson: Shelly Manne Always Played Music, Not Just The Drums

SKF NOTE: Here’s an insightful tribute letter to Shelly Manne from drummer Sherman Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson’s letter first appeared under the headline, Shelly Manne, in 1985 in Modern Drummer. It is a keeper letter, in my opinion. Mr. Manne was … Continue reading →

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Jimmy Webb: Retiring Ringo’s ‘Sgt. Pepper’ Drumset

SKF NOTE: This story is from the full typed transcript of my interview with Jimmy Webb somewhere between 1980-83. I edited the interview for a short piece in Mix magazine, which the magazine editors, unfortunately, edited again, changing the entire … Continue reading →

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Bobby McFerrin: A Simple Thought Came Into My Head: Why Don’t You Sing?

“I was in a quiet moment when a simple thought just came into my head: ‘Why don’t you sing? It was as simple as that, but it must have had some force behind it because I acted on it immediately. … Continue reading →

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One Night Watching Sonny Greer and Papa Jo Jones Trading Fours

SKF NOTE: Reading again my memories, written in 1982, of one night at New York City’s West End Cafe watching Sonny Greer and Papa Jo Jones trading fours with wire brushes. I’m thinking about a phone conversation with Chip Stern … Continue reading →

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