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.
Read moreDrummer Mike Clark Releases Two Amazing CDs
“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.”
Read moreDave Mattacks Drum Clinic At Wood & Weather
“Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts were drummers who played for the music, and supported the band. “Drummers like that will always work”
Read moreRalph Pace Jr. - Remembering Tony Williams
‘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.
Read moreBobby T’s Double Whammy
June 2025 has turned out to be a banner month in the long storied career of drummer Bobby T Torello. He’s the featured cover artist in ‘Blues Blast Magazine’, and has a brand new CD release with friend and collaborator guitarist extraordinaire, Jay Willie.
Read moreThe Billy Wanat Story
Billy had been a major influence in the local drumming community since first studying with Joe Morello’s teacher, Joseph D. Sefcik.
Read moreRemembering Tony Williams / Jeff Turcotte
But it was the rolls Tony did on his toms that really did it for me.
Read moreBernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie Drum Clinic
Legendary drummer Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie presented a sold-out clinic at Rocky’s Music Studio in Rensselaer, NY
Read moreRick Drumm: Remembering Tony Williams
Between 1969 and 1971 my teacher Ed Shaughnessy introduced me to the music of drummer Tony Williams.
Read moreMike Clark: Words of Wisdom Chapter 30
“I’m tired of drumming, I was thinking about becoming a ship’s captain but I’m not stern enough.”
Read moreDonn Bennett : Preserving The Legacy Of Elvin Jones
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.
Read moreLiberty DeVitto - November Drum Clinic at Rocky's Music
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.
Read moreNRBQ's John Perrin – A Force To Be Reckoned With
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.
Read moreRemembering Tony Williams - Jeff Indyke
Tony influenced me with the open flams, his loose high-hat rhythms, and the amazing sound of his snare drum and tom toms.
Read morePeter Erskine: Remembering Tony Williams
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."
Read moreBilly Arnold's New Book - Keeping the Groove After 70+
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?”
Read moreRemembering John Barbata
“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
Read moreDrummer Jon Wysocki founding member of the rock band Staind has died at 53
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.
Read moreNoble & Cooley introduces very first Signature Snare drum
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.
Read moreTim Griffin: The Futurist – Part 2, The Inventions
“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.”
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