One memorable day in 1967 - I walked into the house to find a brand new four - piece set of Rogers blue sparkle drums in the middle of our living room. All of my lessons with Joe Sefcik had finally paid off. As a fourteen year old drummer, I was overwhelmed. Up to that point, my kit had consisted of a beat up old snare drum, a parade sized bass drum, and two Japanese crash cymbals.
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.
In the 1960’s, Freddie had been working with my dad’s group, ‘The Jerry Barsalou Quartet’. He knew that Buddy Rich was my favorite drummer and told my dad that Rogers Drums would be the way to go. He was right… I’ll always remember that shiny new set like it was yesterday… For the next ten years they were my Go-To kit… I had been playing all kinds of gigs and they always sounded amazing. There were times when drummers would say to me - “I can’t believe how much punch you get out of that 20 inch bass drum.”
“I had the privilege of calling Freddie my friend for many years. His personality was much like that of the comedian, John Candy. He greeted you with a smile and always had a funny story, At times after a hang with Freddie my sides hurt from laughing so much. We made pilgrimages to drum shops. He was a master in the art of the deal. He was a fine no frills drummer. I miss him.” -- Gregory Caputo
During the Korean War, Freddie had befriended Fred Gretsch Jr. and would visit the company in Brooklyn, New York on a regular basis. He also made numerous trips to Manny’s on 48th Street.
Beginning with his discharge from the army in the 1950’s – Playing gigs and selling drums were Freddie’s primary means of making a living. Every drummer knew they could get a deal from Freddie…Much to the chagrin of local music stores who didn’t like the competition.
As a drummer… Freddie was always dependable – In fact, he never turned down a job… His fellow musicians knew he was the life of the party. When Freddie was on the gig everyone had a great time.
In 1970, Freddie joined a trio called ‘The Checkmates’ and played with them for more than thirty years. He also worked full-time as a security officer at Springfield Technical Community College.
In 2000, Freddie moved to Clearwater, Florida after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He believed that the fresh air and sunshine would help with the healing process. Sadly, the disease caught up to Freddie and he passed away on May 3, 2002.
Besides his career in music - Freddie left a lasting legacy. He served his country as an Army veteran of the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. He was buried with full military honors at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
“ To say that Freddie was a "Character" is surely an understatement. His personal I.D. was armed with a great sense of humor and a strong work ethic, anointing him as one of Western Mass. busiest jobbing drummers. Freddie was also known as the consummate dealmaker when it came to buying/selling drums, cymbals, and assorted hardware. There was no one better at "bartering" even if you left his house scratching your head, wondering if you got "taken." But, you're laughing too hard to notice!
Freddie Choquette? Without question, a "hands down" ORIGINAL.. (More like "hands-up.") There will never be another like him.” -- Bob Girouard