John Robinson Zildjian Cymbal Set-up handout 198?

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: I have a handful of these Zildjian Cymbal Set-Up handouts that were, I believe, meant to be used for note taking at drum clinics. I’ve already posted one for Vinnie Colaiuta and Steve Smith.

As of this writing I am unable to date these handouts other than sometime in the 1980s.

I don’t know if Robinson always used this set-up in the studio or if he still uses this set-up. Until I know for sure I will view this information as a moment in time.

Meanwhile, here’s how Robinson describes himself on his website.

World-renowned, Grammy winning musician, John JR Robinson is the drummer to the soundtrack of our lives. Having played on recordings that have sold well over 500 million copies and currently streamed well into the trillions, JR’s grooves are featured on many legendary hits with artists Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Daft Punk, Madonna, Steve Winwood, Rufus & Chaka Khan, Lionel Richie, The Pointer Sisters, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Barbra Streisand and many more. When JR is not in the studio, he performs with his own groups and tours with various artists. JR’s talents also extend into drumming masterclasses, motivational speaking and writing. JR’s autobiography King of the Groove-The John JR Robinson Story is due out in 2024.

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Gregg Bissonette – I’m a Drummer

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTES: How times change! In November 1982 Gregg Bissonette sent his handwritten letter of introduction, on Maynard Ferguson stationary, to Modern Drummer Founder Ron Spagnardi.

Today Greg Bissonette is among the world’s best known, respected, and loved drummers.

The circled (R.P.) near the top of Bissonette’s letter is Spagnardi’s handwriting, letting MD‘s Managing Editor know he wants this letter published as part of MD‘s “Reader’s Platform.”

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Roberto Petaccia – Big Band Rock Playing

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: This collection of papers is drummer Roberto Petaccia‘s first contact with Modern Drummer.

It’s also an illustration of how an idea sent to MD in 1981 established a new relationship with an exciting drummer, which gave birth to a new MD column (Rock ‘N Jazz Clinic).

Readers will see how MD Founder/Publisher Ron Spagnardi, who first received Petaccia’s letter, passed the letter to me, MD‘s Managing Editor, for a follow-up.

Then we have another letter from Roberto, this one written to me because we were now working on his initial column, which is posted here just as Petaccia sent it to me at MD.

Finally, you can see my handwritten note to Spagnardi letting him know Petaccia’s column in hand was being rewritten as two columns. That was strictly for space considerations. Petaccia’s original column is much longer than MD was publishing in 1981.

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Walking Out on Tony Williams

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: I don’t know if it’s sound guys managing band PA systems, the musicians themselves, or a combination of the two. But I have attended concerts where, opening to closing, the music was just LOUD. No dynamics.

To be fair, I’ve attended more concerts where the sound was beautiful. And the music had soft and loud spots, and even moments of silence.

This morning I’m thinking about the time I walked out of a Tony Williams Lifetime concert.

The venue was a club in Roslyn, NY on Long Island called My Father’s Place. I’d been there for other shows. Chuck Mangione and Captain Beefheart, for example. And I was really looking forward to hearing and seeing Tony Williams perform with his “Fred” band.

It was hot and packed inside the club. I remember that. And I was surely over my beer limit, which didn’t help. The club had a low ceiling. If there was a club ventilation system it wasn’t even coming close to scrubbing the heavy cigarette smoke from the room.

David Sancious’s band opened for Williams. Loud, fast, fusion music. That’s all I remember about Sancious. At one point I became aware Tony Williams was standing right next to my left arm watching Sancious’s band. I didn’t say anything to him. Even if I did, Williams couldn’t have heard me.

Sancious’s set ended. There was a long break. It seemed longer in the heat, smoke, and beer.

The Tony Williams Lifetime took the stage and began playing. L-O-U-D. Standing to his right, looking across the stage at Tony, he was almost invisible in the dark stage lighting and the smokey air. The Lifetime sound was one jumble of musicians trying to overpower each other.

There was no studying Tony. No listening to or watching Tony’s hands and feet. It was hard discerning the any kind of specific sounds from Tony’s playing.

With nothing enjoyable to see or hear, I walked my disappointed self out of My Father’s Place to the cooler, cleaner air outdoors, and made my way home.

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Musical, Timeless Krupa

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Scott K Fish
The Tonight Show 9/25/1962 Gene Krupa, Doc Severinsen, Tommy Newsom, and Donald O’Connor

SKF NOTE: Like millions of drummers, Gene Krupa holds a special place in my heart. Certainly in my love for drumming, and in my development as a drummer.

Krrupa’s quartet recording of “China Boy.” when I was six years old, hooked me on drumming. More than 60 years later I’m still discovering Krupa recordings, such as these two offerings from TheCrippledDrummer.

Krupa had such a great touch. His playing is always musical. I’m not sure Krupa’s often considered among the musical drummers, such as Sid Catlett. But, that Krupa’s drumming was very musical is evident in these two timeless recordings.

Gene Krupa Quartet 1959 “Drum Boogie” | Live at the London House, Chicago
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