Tag Archives: Drummer

Who is Gary Chester?

SKF NOTE: This piece was published first in the Piscataquis Observer weekly newspaper on October 29, 2018 as Who is Gary Chester? Gary Chester, starting in the 1960s, was a top New York studio drummer. One of a special breed … Continue reading

Posted in SKF Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Appreciating Denzil Best

SKF NOTE: Denzil Best has always been somewhat of a mystery drummer to me. In all my studies of drummers, Denzil Best was always praised by drummers and other instrumentalists as a swinging, supportive drummer. Best was a trumpet player … Continue reading

Posted in SKF Blog | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Appreciating Denzil Best

Hearing Drum Beats as Melodies

SKF NOTE: Will learning to play a melodic instrument make you a better drummer? On balance, yes. The most common melodic instruments drummers play are piano (keyboards) and guitar. I also know drummers who played trumpet or trombone. Learning to … Continue reading

Posted in SKF Blog | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Hearing Drum Beats as Melodies

Start with Curiosity

SKF NOTE: The first time a kid with the desire to learn picks up a pair of drumsticks and starts playing the most basic rhythm, he or she has the opportunity to learn from all other drummers present and past. … Continue reading

Posted in Audio, SKF Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Start with Curiosity

Nice to Meet and Hear You, Smokey Johnson

SKF NOTE: There’s always one more drummer to learn about, isn’t there? This morning, scrolling through online news I stop at this provocative headline about New Orleans drummer Smokey Johnson: “His playing wasn’t just hot; this New Orleans drummer was … Continue reading

Posted in Audio, Drum/Music News, SKF Blog | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Nice to Meet and Hear You, Smokey Johnson