Max Roach: The Day Sid Catlett Died

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: Max Roach was 33-years old when he did this 1958 Down Beat cover story.

“I’ve always been fond of Art Blakey and Jo Jones,” [Max Roach] continues. “Blakey is a creative person. He plays with the sincerity of a dedicated person. He does things that make sense. However, Sid Catlett has been my main source of inspiration.

“I remember coming to Chicago to play a concert. He was in the wings. He came to see me, as he always did. While we were onstage he laid down and died right there. Somebody said that Big Sid was sick and I saw them opening his collar. He left us right there. Funny how tragedy strikes without warning, when you don’t even know it’s coming yourself. I don’t think he knew it was coming.”

Source: Max Roach, by Don Gold, Down Beat, March 20, 1958

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Phil Collins’ Drum Equipment July 1984

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Scott K Fish

Phil Collins’ Equipment

philcollinsPhil Collins has several different drum kits (Gretsch, Pearl, Premier) for different occasions.

On tour with Genesis, Robert Plant, and on his own tours, he uses a Gretsch set, which he is currently endorsing. (“They’ve always had a lovely sound.”) His toms are 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-inch, all single-headed with Remo Weather King clear Ambassadors.

On his snare he prefers a coated Remo Emperor.

His bass drum is 20-inch, although the bass drum on his Premier kit is 22-inch. He says he has about 150 different cymbals for all occasions – Sabian, A. Zildjian, and Paiste.

His drum machines include a Roland, a Linn, and an English version of a Linn called The Movement. For a while he was using Billy Cobham model Pro-Mark sticks, sawed down about an inch or more. He is currently using his own signature sticks manufactured for him by the Professional Percussion Center of New York City.

Source: Phil Collins: Genesis of a Drummer, by Bill Milkowski, Down Beat, July 1984

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Wynton Marsalis: When I Joined Art Blakey’s Band

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Scott K Fish
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“I’m embarrassed to admit it, but when I joined Art Blakey‘s band, I hadn’t even listened to Art Blakey’s records. I was just playing scales on chords – I didn’t know you were supposed to construct a solo.”

Source: The Wynton Marsalis Interview, by Howard Mandel, Down Beat, July 1984

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Carmine and Vinny Appice New Release ‘Drum Wars Live!’

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Scott K Fish

CARMINE And VINNY APPICE Go Head-To-Head On New Release ‘Drum Wars Live!’
November 17, 2014

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Drumming demi-gods Carmine and Vinny Appice have both had extraordinary careers behind the drum kit, beginning with Carmine’s tenure in such legendary classic rock bands as VANILLA FUDGE and CACTUS as well as supporting stints with Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne.

Younger brother Vinny made his name as a metal drummer for monster acts such as DIO, BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL. Recently these two virtuosos have been wowing audiences with their own rock show called “Drum Wars”, featuring not only the hits of their associated bands but also a thrilling series of solos that pit them against each other like the Gene Krupa/Buddy Rich drum battles of yore.

Fortunately for us mere mortals, this unique concert experience was recorded in June of this year at the Iridium in New York and is now available on CD courtesy of Deadline Music and Rocker Records.

Along with Carmine and Vinny, the “Drum Wars Live!” CD features Jim Crean, Ethan Brosh and James Caputo.

Full Story

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Listening to Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet: “Here and Now”

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Scott K Fish

51j-vm8tggL._SS280Listening today to the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet’s Here and Now album. A long-time favorite I once owned on vinyl. Found it on Amazon yesterday as an MP3. Great band and music. Drummer Roy McCurdy is exemplary here. Chops + musical taste.

On Amazon

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