Scott K Fish

Long before every bit of recorded music known to man was available on the internet, I sometimes dubbed History of Jazz Drumming audiocassettes for a few drummer friends. My music source was my personal record and tape collection — which was pretty good.

For drummer Dave Tough I always steered clear of Tough’s more oft cited work with Woody Herman‘s big band, and instead used Opus 1/2 from my LP of the Benny Goodman Trio, Quartet, Quintet.

I love Goodman’s Trio and Quartet. Gene Krupa was the usual drummer. The original trio was Goodman, pianist Teddy Wilson, and Krupa. Later, Lionel Hampton on vibes made it a quartet. These were truly groups of star, innovator musicians who always swing their tails off!

Dave Tough

Listen carefully to Dave Tough backing the Goodman Quartet as a group and behind the individual soloists. Swinging? Yikes! And on what parts of the drumset — if Tough is even using a full drumset — is he playing??? A hi-hat, for sure. Then what? His hi-hat stand? Snare drum rim? I’ve never figured it out. Which, I think, is part of the fun listening to it.

Whatever Dave Tough is playing — I love it. It’s beyond straight timekeeping, but he’s super supportive and musical.

This remains on my short list of must hear drum records. Bon appetit!