Category Archives: SKF Blog

Alan Dawson – MD 10th Anniversary Interview Pt 1

SKF NOTE: In 1985, freelance writing again for Modern Drummer magazine, I was asked to contribute two drummer interviews to MD‘s upcoming January 1986 10th Anniversary issue: Neil Peart and Alan Dawson. Unlike MD‘s other feature interviews, 10th Anniversary interviewees … Continue reading

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My Jazz Yin and Yang

This morning the “Friends of Charles Mingus” Facebook group showed this photo taken at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival of a relaxing Charles Mingus and Eric Dolphy. Those two musicians represent for me the yin and yang of jazz. After … Continue reading

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Paul Motian – Songwriter Drummer

SKF NOTE: Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts described his first hearing of jazz pianist Bill Evans’s early 1960s trio as a group where no one, including drummer Paul Motian, served as timekeeper. Instead, observed Watts, he heard and felt the … Continue reading

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Buddy Rich – Always a Lesson Learned

SKF NOTE: Buddy Rich endorsed Ludwig drums, Rogers drums, and several other drum brands. But in my mind it’s hard to separate Buddy Rich from Slingerland drums. On DrumForum.org one knowledgeable person said Buddy endorsed Slingerland 1938-1946, switched for a … Continue reading

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Benny Benjamin’s Unbeatable Timing

SKF NOTE: Piecing together for my History of Rock Drumming series the mystery that was Motown‘s drummers, I called Motown’s offices for help, and Brian Holland spoke with me! I didn’t ask to speak with Mr. Holland. I imagine the … Continue reading

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