The Legend of Tommy Thomas (1901-1995)
"You see, Tommy knew everyone who was somebody in the business. All of the players: Gene Krupa, Lionel Hampton, Davey Tough, and everybody that I mentioned before; all of those people knew who Tommy was. All of the manufacturers knew Tommy. Tommy is mentioned in the 1933 Ludwig catalog, and notably in the 1937 WFL catalog for using the new Ludwig Speed King pedal. Tommy had an endorsement with Zildjian, Gretsch and also later with Slingerland. Tommy was also best of friends with William F. Ludwig, Sr. I think that’s why he (WFL) gave Tommy those two beautiful Ludwig drums, i.e., the 6.5 X 14”” engraved Ludwig Black Beauty and 5 X 14” Super-Sensitive.
Editor's note - It should be mentioned that the book that Tommy Thomas collaborated on with Ray Bauduc, Dixieland Drumming Instruction, is considered the first drum set instruction book ever published. This alone makes Tommy one of the most important persons in the early history of the drum set. I have included a picture of the front of that book. I have a copy myself and it is one of my prized possessions. I never completely understood why the drum set is played the way it is until I read that book. It is mind boggling that Tommy watched the entire growth of drum set drumming from the early pioneers like Baby Dodds, Zutty Singleton, and Ray Bauduc all the way up to Elvin Jones, Terry Bozzio, Vinnie Colaiuta and all the modern leading edge players who are still pushing the envelope.
Read moreSteve Jordan: One Extraordinary Life
"My dad said to me, "If you can learn how to play Art Blakey's "Blues March," you can play anything."
Read moreAdaptive Anticipation - or - What comes next?
I like to use a billiard analogy. You can just whack the cue ball and hope for the best, but serious pool players put a lot of effort into controlling where the cue ball ends up. It's important to make the shot, but if you're not preparing for the next shot, your game will suffer. Same with your strokes.
Read more"Of Splendor and Elegance"
Formally part of the famed William Guthman Collection of Early Americana, this sturdy relic was hand-crafted and painted by Stephen Emory, of Rindge, NH.
Read more1960s Carlton Drums
Although the English vintage drum market tends to be flooded with Premier, Olympic and Beverley drums, Carlton offered some really nice sets that often swoop under most people’s radar.
Read more1923-25 Ludwig & Ludwig Wood Black Beauty
All these years I had thought that the hardware was the DeLuxe (copper plated/gold lacquer) plating but as I began this restoration I discovered that the hardware is gold plated.
Read more1962 Ludwig Super Classic in Sparkling Galaxy Pearl
This June installment of Vintage Happiness is featuring a set that had long been a bucket list item of mine. Finally this time last year I was able to locate one in excellent condition.
Read moreThe 2016 Connecticut Vintage and Custom Drum Show
Danny Seraphine
Once again, Rick Smith’s annual vintage and custom drum show at The Sphinx Shriners Center in Newington, Connecticut was a huge success.
Read moreCanopus and Drugan Drums at the Chicago Drum Show!
We caught up with Johnny Drugan of Drugan's Drums at the Chicago Drum Show where he was showing off the latest Canopus Drums...
Read more1976 Slingerland Rock Outfit
Slingerland drums are very cool drums. The set I am showing you this month was owned by the original owner since they were brand new, and I fell in love with this five piece set the first time I saw them.
Read moreNick Marcy launches Austin Drummer Magazine
Veteran Austin.Texas drumstick wielder, teacher and drum book author Nick Marcy just put out his first issue of Austin Drummer Magazine and, if it's an example of things to come, it's going to be of great interest to drummers everywhere.
Read moreA Few Thoughts About Our Thoughts....
Mind
Self-esteem is what gives you the courage, the confidence you need to make it through life. Confidence helps you ask for a try-out for a band you admire. It’s also what enables you to play your best.
Read more1947 WFL Big Time Kit
This set is a 1947 WFL Big Time kit with the sizes 14x26-16x16-9x13-6.5x14. One cool and unique factor was this kit had all working, no issues, original WFL Zephyr lugs - even offset version lugs on the tom. Most of the time these old lugs have issues with the threading. Fortunately for me there are no issues.
Read moreThe Gretsch Building Turns 100
I sometimes wonder if the people currently living on what used to be the seventh floor of the Gretsch Building are aware of all the musical history that happened there (and all of the stars and legends that walked those floors when they visited the factory).
Read moreMike Clark: Words of Wisdom, Part 9
Many musicians… Myself included - would not have a career today if not for the genius and innovation of Tony Williams. Many who don't know who he is have careers because of Tony, and not just drummers. His musical voice was like a war cry to those of us who were young when he hit the scene. It spoke to us on every level, social, political and cultural.
He changed music and drumming forever in several different genres. Always seeking, and pushing the envelope… Always challenging everything.
Reflections on Shelly Manne - Ch. 7
Not So Modern Drummer columnist David Barsalou asked internationally recognized drummers – Hal Blaine, Aaron Kennedy, Shawn Meehan, Bobby T Torello, and Jay Wood to share their ideas and opinions on the following quote attributed to Shelly Manne.
Shelly Manne said...
"The ride beat is the easiest and the most difficult thing a drummer will ever play".
Olympic by Premier, drums from the seventies
This month I’m looking at Olympic drums from the 1970s. Marketed by Premier as ‘professional drums at inexpensive prices’ they were always viewed as cheap. Recently, Olympic drums have made resurgence and kits in good condition are steadily rising in price.
Read more2005 Craviotto Drums 6.5x14 solid maple abalone/gold plated special order snare
The 6.5 x 14 solid maple shell is finished in real (un-endangered) abalone shells. Johnny Craviotto used another builder that supplied the abalone finish. The abalone shells are glued to the shell, sanded to a smooth, shiny finish and then sealed. I was told that during the sanding stage you have to wear a respirator in order to protect your lungs from all of that calcium flying around. Only a few snare drums were made because Johnny and the abalone supplier were consumed with other projects as their businesses grew.
Read moreMy evolution from a not so modern drummer to a modern one
On September 14, 1980, I met someone that would motivate me to open my ears, and my mind, regarding the drumming protocols I'd held onto for many years. It was a little known accordion-playing parody/satire artist named "Weird Al" Yankovic, at the broadcast studios of the Dr. Demento radio show in Los Angeles. Al debuted his new Queen parody - "Another One Rides The Bus" - live on the air, and asked me to pound out the beat on his accordion case. Afterward, I suggested he have a band, and I'd be his drummer. It was the start of a lengthy and rewarding musical journey for me.
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