Tag Archives: Max Roach

Start with Curiosity

Posted on June 8, 2018 by

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 →

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The Beat Changes the Entire Style

Posted on February 28, 2018 by

SKF: Researching for my History of Rock Drumming series, Robert Palmer’s book, Deep Blues: A Musical and Cultural History of the Mississippi Delta, was quite helpful. This morning, leafing through a few pages from Deep Blues I had photocopied in … Continue reading →

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Alan Dawson: Innovator vs Innovative

Posted on February 13, 2018 by

SKF NOTE: In 1985, Alan Dawson invited me to his Massachusetts home for this interview, part of which was included in Modern Drummer‘s 10th Anniversary issue January 1986. As time allows I am converting portions of the Mr. Dawson’s interview … Continue reading →

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Between Beginner and Buddy Rich

Posted on January 7, 2018 by

SKF NOTE: This 1958 photo of Chico Hamilton brings back memories of a turning point in my learning to be a jazz drummer. The first two jazz drummers I noticed, who really grabbed my attention, were Gene Krupa and Buddy … Continue reading →

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Max Roach: Every Drummer Should Play a Melodic Instrument

Posted on September 18, 2017 by

SKF NOTE: This exchange with Max Roach took place on July 15, 1981 at his home in Connecticut. The back story is posted here.  I asked Mr. Roach if he thought musicians should be aware of the business side of … Continue reading →

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Frankie Dunlop: Max Roach Took Me Under His Wing

Posted on September 5, 2017 by

SKF NOTE: Prior to interviewing Frankie Dunlop, Mel Lewis told me he thought Frankie, when he first came to New York City, had studied with Max Roach. This interview excerpt is Frankie’s response to what Mel Lewis said.

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Max Roach: High Taxes Killed the Big Bands

Posted on September 2, 2017 by

SKF NOTE: The 1940s federal government entertainment tax (or cabaret tax) and the Musicians Union’s bans on recording music are two incredibly shortsighted policies that devastated the Swing Era. Coming across these incidents for the first time, many years ago … Continue reading →

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