A drummer I feel really doesn't get the respect and attention he deserves is Sonny Greer. I'd love to hear your thoughts on his contribution to the art form!
I saw Mel Lewis's name mentioned, and it reminded me of a live quartet recording/performance in Miami Florida that Thad & Mel made with Rufus Reid, and Harold Danko in the 1970s...The Thad Jones Mel Lewis Quartet on Artist House records.
I was 18 or 19, and tried to be there every night of a 5 night engagement. I got to sit right next to Mel a couple of nights and was mesmerized. His playing sounded like nobody else I had heard. The understated way he shaped the group was uncanny. His solos and trading were also totally unique.
You can find a track on YouTube, but the whole record isn't there.
But Not For Me, from that record, has always been one of my favorite Mel Lewis recorded performances , but sadly it's not available online.
If you can ever find a used CD or the original vinyl do yourself a big favor and grab it.
Please add Joseph Modiliste of the Meters to the New Orleans drummers . ( Play Rubber Band And Birdland consecutively ) Did Art Neville compose for Ziggy beats ?
All well and good. But nothing on Sidney Catlett, who Whitney Balliett thought was the greatest drummer in jazz? And nothing on Dave Tough, who Artie Shaw thought was the greatest, especially his magical work, though brief, with The Benny Goodman Quartet?
Vinnie, Wowza, I’m so inspired by your writing, and completely attuned to your core values. I am a big fan of Michael Formanek and his Very Practical Trio, so am looking forward to following your music. Plus I have about 20 hours of plane time coming up, and look forward to downloading and listening to your musical curations. Count me in to your community!
At the risk of repeating myself, it's such a joy to read your words on music and the (your) role of (as) the drummer. You push me to go back and listen to artists such as Chick Webb, Joe Chambers, Freddie Waits, and others concentrating on their "voices" and how they move the ensemble. Keep up the great work, Vinnie!
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
Good point!!! Thanks for reading and giving me some ideas!! I need to learn a lot more about them…thank you Bobby…
A drummer I feel really doesn't get the respect and attention he deserves is Sonny Greer. I'd love to hear your thoughts on his contribution to the art form!
Hi Vinnie,
I saw Mel Lewis's name mentioned, and it reminded me of a live quartet recording/performance in Miami Florida that Thad & Mel made with Rufus Reid, and Harold Danko in the 1970s...The Thad Jones Mel Lewis Quartet on Artist House records.
I was 18 or 19, and tried to be there every night of a 5 night engagement. I got to sit right next to Mel a couple of nights and was mesmerized. His playing sounded like nobody else I had heard. The understated way he shaped the group was uncanny. His solos and trading were also totally unique.
You can find a track on YouTube, but the whole record isn't there.
But Not For Me, from that record, has always been one of my favorite Mel Lewis recorded performances , but sadly it's not available online.
If you can ever find a used CD or the original vinyl do yourself a big favor and grab it.
Please add Joseph Modiliste of the Meters to the New Orleans drummers . ( Play Rubber Band And Birdland consecutively ) Did Art Neville compose for Ziggy beats ?
All well and good. But nothing on Sidney Catlett, who Whitney Balliett thought was the greatest drummer in jazz? And nothing on Dave Tough, who Artie Shaw thought was the greatest, especially his magical work, though brief, with The Benny Goodman Quartet?
Vinnie, Wowza, I’m so inspired by your writing, and completely attuned to your core values. I am a big fan of Michael Formanek and his Very Practical Trio, so am looking forward to following your music. Plus I have about 20 hours of plane time coming up, and look forward to downloading and listening to your musical curations. Count me in to your community!
At the risk of repeating myself, it's such a joy to read your words on music and the (your) role of (as) the drummer. You push me to go back and listen to artists such as Chick Webb, Joe Chambers, Freddie Waits, and others concentrating on their "voices" and how they move the ensemble. Keep up the great work, Vinnie!
Fine writer and reader of Substack—we are starting a movement to get a poetry section added to the platform. Can I ask, are you with us?
https://substack.com/profile/10309929-david/note/c-15579327
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
Thank you for your time and support.
Love and appreciation,
David