We talked about the symbiotic relationship between the drummer and bassist, including the major role Denny played in developing the Wings sound. Paul also referenced his relationship with Ringo Starr and how they approached Beatles songs as a rhythm section.

“He was a wonderful man,” his wife Barbara says. “He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and one hell of a drummer.”

Vinnie Colaiuta and I went together and sat right in front of Tony’s big yellow kit. When the band started playing and Tony interacted with the other players, playing some incredible time feels and fills, Vinnie and I both lost our minds, applauding and screaming like teen-age girls seeing The Beatles!

To call Tony Williams a drumming legend is a complete understatement. Tony wasn't just a drummer… His drumming was a ‘Distinct Style’, which influenced other drumming legends -  (Steve Gadd for one).

“Believe It” is the name of Williams’ 1975 album with this new band line-up: Allan Holdsworth (guitar), Alan Pasqua (keyboards) and Tony Newton (bass).

After 35 years in the music business, Marc put away the drumsticks and began a full-time career as a fine artist and portrait painter. He opened MJP Studios, which is a full service decorative painting company located in Branford, CT. Moe has painted many of the iconic musicians adorning the walls of the legendary ‘Toads Place’ in New Haven, CT.

The new set was a gift from my parents by way of Western, Mass. drummer Fernand Choquette Jr. who had been wheeling and dealing in drums and cymbals since high school. His reputation preceded him. If you wanted a square deal, Freddie was the man to see.

“Mike Clark has provided the pulse to innumerable influential rhythm sections over his long and varied career. The drummer’s association with Zilber has blossomed over the last decade, focusing mainly on their love for New York City’s hard swinging jazz tradition.”

“Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts were drummers who played for the music, and supported the band. “Drummers like that will always work”

‘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.

In this episode of Sanity Lounge, we sit down with the incredibly talented John Crocken—drummer, craftsman, and creator of Persimmon Drumsticks.

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

Keith was a student of several teachers who taught at my George’s Drum Shop in Jackson Mississippi in the mid 80s; me, Quinous Johnson, Bud Berthold and he also was taught by my first drum teacher, Herman “Sonny” Hill. My opinion is this is one of the best solos he has ever played. Watch it, then go practice or lock your drums up in the closet! :-)

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

Drummer Rich Thompson recently announced his retirement from his 30 year career at Eastman School of Music. Rich has been in demand as a top call drummer in Rochester for the past 25 years.

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.

Although not as publicly well known as Gene or Buddy or Shelly or Louie, Jack was a treasure. He had steady work his entire career, he always had money, he behaved himself, and he came to play. As you may expect, Jack spent time teaching and coaching and encouraging.

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.

Haynes’ remarkable career spanned much of the history of jazz, from the swing era through bebop, avant-garde, modal jazz, fusion, and beyond. His contributions to jazz were profound, playing with some of the genre’s most iconic figures, including Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Sarah Vaughan, Chick Corea, and Pat Metheny, to name just a few

On August 23, 2024, James Gadson released a solo EP, Dance On Through [High Rise Sound]. The five-song, self-penned release finds the eternally youthful 85-year-old badass going deep with crisp funk beats and a buoyant and soulful voice.

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

I just remember looking at this melody part and I noticed a bar of 22 notes over four beats followed by 23 notes over four beats. These notes were also jumping large intervals. Frank asked Ed” ‘Is this playable?’ Ed just looked at him and said, sure, I’ll shed it tonight and play it for you tomorrow, which he did.