SKF NOTE: Thanks in advance to the person who solves this mystery.
A member of drummer Gary Chester’s Facebook page would like to identify the drummer in these photos. My best guess: Irv Cottler.
As of this writing we don’t have a verified winner. I can be reached through this blog, or you can respond on Gary Chester’s Facebook page.
SKF NOTE 8/13: Paul Testa on The Great Drummer’s Group Facebook page solved the mystery. The drummer in these photos is the splendid Vernell Fournier.
SKF NOTE: I don’t have much to add to my written introduction to Artimus Pyle’s Modern Drummer interview in April 1983 – which is available here.
Paul T. Riddle as co-interviewer was great. His friendship and history with Artimus were invaluable. I’m sure Paul’s presence helped Art feel more relaxed. And Paul could ask questions on topics only Paul would know.
I remember the three of us were sitting outdoors on a sunny day at a small circular table, but I don’t remember exactly where we were. Probably somewhere in New Jersey at either Artimus’s hotel or at a nearby restaurant.
Artimus’s is the predominant voice here. Paul T. is a bit off mic, but still audible. And mine is the third voice.
SKF NOTE: Thinking – a few posts ago – about service drummers vs solo drummers, I was reminded by this 1980 Premier ad of a key service drummer: Paul Humphrey.
Growing up believing that a professional drummer had to know how to play everything – all music styles – convincingly, authentically – Paul Humphrey was that kind of a pro drummer. I would study Mr. Humphrey’s drumming on The Lawrence Welk Show tv show and listen to him on different albums. He was one of those drummers who could turn up on any album playing very, very well.
Just this morning I was surprised to learn Paul Humphrey is the drummer on Joe Cocker‘s Feelin’ Alright. How did I miss that?
Anyway, thank you, Paul Humphrey for being a role model for me and thousands of other drummers.
SKF NOTE: When I was learning to play brushes, Jimmy Crawford was a key influence. I would put on headphones and play along with Crawford on albums by pianists Eddie Heywood, Jr. and John Wright.
Joe Morello and Alan Dawson also admired Jimmy Crawford’s drumming.
This is Mr. Crawford’s obituary from Down Beat in June 1980.
Here’s a clip of a young Jimmy Crawford with the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra — a killer band. Lunceford’s group appears at about 1:40 in this video.
DRUMMING UP INTEREST IN NEWPORT
BY BILL BROTHERTON | 2017-08-02 19:56:38
Terri Lyne Carrington: “I didn’t know that girls didn’t play drums. There was no stigma. My parents encouraged me. By late elementary school or junior high, most girls stop playing instruments and go to chorus, the boys go to band. I stuck with the drums.”
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