Neil Peart ‘Tradition and Technology’ Zildjian Ad (1988)

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: Here’s a 1988 full page magazine Avedis Zildjian ad featuring Neil Peart. Neil’s retro look is interesting. We could almost be looking at a stage actor backstage at a Grease production. Good stuff.

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Roy Haynes on Papa Jo Jones (1986)

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: More words of wisdom from drum pioneer Roy Haynes about drum pioneer Papa Jo Jones.

Roy Haynes: “Young drummers who never got to see Papa Jo play missed the treat of their lives.

“Jo Jones had a feeling — a looseness. He had a happy sound. He was something to watch, especially with a big band like Basie’s. That was it! When I was about 16 years old, I would go to the RKO theater in Boston to see him. When he started his solo, it was something special — different. It wasn’t about playing fast. It was that warm sound.

“He ‘invented’ the sock cymbal. The way he played it was beautiful to listen to and watch. He didn’t have to play a solo; just a two-bar break was beautiful.”

Source: Roy Haynes, by Jeff Potter (Modern Drummer, February 1986)

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Neil Peart Ludwig Ad 1989

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: I came across this infrequently seen full-page Neil Peart/Ludwig ad in the April 1989 of Modern Drummer. Great looking kit. Not sure why Neil was made up like a Mime.

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Tony Williams Shure Drum Mic Ad 1994

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: This full page Tony Williams ad is in the March 1994 Modern Drummer.

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The Purpose of Technique

Posted on May 9, 2020 by Scott K Fish
Photo from David Jacobson’s website.

SKF NOTE: Reading an intriguing book, Lost Secrets of Master Musicians – A Window Into Genius. The author is a violinist, so his examples have so far been violin examples. I can apply some to my guitar playing, but others are valuable, I think, mostly to other violinists. And there are many good general thoughts and principles so far, like this one on technique.

“We all know that the purpose of technique is to have the skill, physically and mentally, to allow a player to perform without impediment. It is using only the muscles that are necessary and not more. Technique is also knowing how to learn. It is knowing how to make a piece expressive. It is the ability to control nerves in performance.

“Technique is the beauty of the sound. It is using the body effectively and naturally to master demanding physical and mental complexities with ease. Technique and musical expression are intertwined, inseparable. The end-result seems like a magic trick. But how do you get it?”

Source: Lost Secrets of Master Musicians – A Window Into Genius, by David Jacobson.

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