‘Seven Steps to Heaven’ was one of my all -time favorites with Miles Davis, and the Stan Getz Quartet at Montreux 1972 -- Featuring  Stan Getz on tenor saxophone, Chick Corea – electric piano, Stanley Clarke – bass,  Airto Moreira – percussion with the amazing Tony Williams on drums.

Billy had been a major influence in the local drumming community since first studying with Joe Morello’s teacher, Joseph D. Sefcik.

But it was the rolls Tony did on his toms that really did it for me.

Legendary drummer Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie presented a sold-out clinic at Rocky’s Music Studio in Rensselaer, NY

Between 1969 and 1971 my teacher Ed Shaughnessy introduced me to the music of drummer Tony Williams.

“I’m tired of drumming, I was thinking about becoming a ship’s captain but I’m not stern enough.”

When jazz drumming giant Elvin Jones passed away in 2004, his wife Keiko was left with the daunting task of handling his vast estate. Elvin had two apartments in New York City. He and Keiko lived in one; and the other was strictly for his drums.

On November 17, 2024 – Legendary drummer Liberty DeVitto presented a sold-out clinic at Rocky’s Music Studio in Rensselaer, NY.  Liberty performed an over two-hour clinic covering numerous aspects of his studio and live performance career.

Chicago based drummer, John Perrin assumed the NRBQ drum chair full-time in 2015. He had to memorize over 500 songs since the band never uses a set list.

Tony influenced me with the open flams, his loose high-hat rhythms, and the amazing sound of his snare drum and tom toms.

Tony said "Okay ... here's a good one. I was asked by a journalist, "Mr. Williams, you have played with three iconic musicians of our time — MIles Davis, John Coltrane and Jimi Hendrix — what quality do they have in common? And I answered, "They were not afraid to fail."

Billy Arnold’s new book is about being over the age of 70 and how to keep the spirit and enthusiasm that one had as a child. Also reminding us of when we were teenagers and thinking – “Wow! I’m going to do this. I’m going to do that.” In your 40’s you might ask – “Am I there yet?” Things change over time and we might again wonder – “Am I there yet?”

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of the great John Barbata. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans. Rock in peace, Johny”                                                     – Jefferson Starship

Jon Wysocki played on Staind’s first seven albums, which included the hits - ‘It’s Been Awhile’, ‘Outside’, ‘So Far Away’, ‘Right Here’, ‘Believe’, ‘Fade’, ‘For You’, and ‘Not Again’, among their numerous Platinum and Gold records. In total, Staind has released eight studio albums, three live albums, one compilation album, two video albums, 25 singles, and 18 music videos. In 2001, their third studio LP, “Break the Cycle,” debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Jon departed Staind in 2011 after their self-titled seventh album.

The oldest drum company in America introduces “U” created and designed in collaboration with Ulysses Owens Jr. - the three-time Grammy Award winning drummer and Juilliard educator. With his students in mind, Ulysses wanted a snare drum that was both high quality, yet affordable.

“Bill III and his Dad had been working with my company for nine months on my design of the FIRST digital drum set in the world (not analog). Selmer squelched the deal (Not Bill senior or III). The unit was to have Ludwig endorsee recordings as parts of the set settings.”

World renowned drummer, percussionist, and inventor Bob Gatzen passed away on December 29, 2023 following a nine year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dino joined long-time friend Steven Van Zandt’s group – ‘The Disciples Of Soul’. Dino designed Steven’s first four albums between 1982, and 1989. He also recorded and toured with the group during that same time period.

Apparently, being one of the greatest Rock drummers of all time just wasn’t enough for Dino Danelli. Beginning in 1965, Dino began to experiment with painting and drawing. Soon afterwards, his incredible talents led to the creation of numerous album cover designs for the Rascals, Fotomaker, and Little Steven Van Zandt.

Paul Wertico has always gone above and beyond the established definitions of ‘What Jazz Is’

Enjoyed listening to ‘Sherinian/Phillips Live’ so much that I must have played it over a dozen times…

A special limited edition version of Buddy Rich’s best-selling live album ‘Birdland’ will be released July 21, 2023 featuring an exclusive translucent red vinyl.

When Miles came to Boston to play Lennie’s on the Turnpike in 1967 my brothers and I were there. The band now included Wayne Shorter and Joe Henderson on tenors plus Eddie Gomez filling in

for Ron Carter. Needless to say, they blew the walls down. At one point Tony had played so hard that Miles jokingly threw a towel at him to wipe his face.

In honoring his former boss, Mike wanted to focus on Herbie Hancock’s Blue Note period rather than the later funky stuff that Mike Clark is best known for.

As for Joe Sefcik, he was a bit intimidating if you hadn't practiced when you showed up for your lesson! You could feel his disappointment, but then he would show lots of patience, as any good teacher would, and get you back on track! -Rick Schlosser

Brian Dunne has played on thousands of gigs since his high school days - yet, Brian’s greatest notoriety comes from his longtime affiliation with the hit television series, ‘Live At Daryl’s House’ which is presently recording a brand new season – Brian is once again playing with some of finest musicians on the planet. He credits his success to networking and lots of luck with each new gig leading to something else.

I had some first-hand experience with Tony Williams while attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in1965 and several years after that.

Throughout his career Tony inspired countless drummers to strive for excellence and find their own voices, as he had done throughout his remarkable career. Drummers such as Terry Bozzio, Bill Bruford, Billy Cobham, Vinnie Colaiuta, Peter Erskine, David Garibaldi, Steve Jordan, Jim Keltner, Michael Shrieve, Steve Smith, Charlie Watts and Dave Weckl have all named Tony Williams as an important influence on their playing.

My teaching studio was directly across the hall from his, where he was conducting group classes. I could hear him in there sounding like he sounded on all those Miles and Herbie recordings. Cool stuff. Because we were right there close, we started hanging out after our teaching sessions and basically just bullshitting about everything.