When i started playing in 74 i bought an old Beverly 4 piece kit in a light (or Faded) yellow, wish i got a photo of them. I paid $30 for them and on sold them for $25 a year later. I play Pearl and Gretch now days. JW
Wow, wish I had seen this before. Steve Samuels was one of the greats, the guy overcame a severe disability to become one of the most respected blues guitarists ever. Unfortunately, that did not come with much fame, the blues world is relatively small, and fragmented too. It's a tough life trying to make a living as a blues guitarist. Steve had financial problems, and health problems. I believe he dropped out of the blues scene years before his death, and just kind of faded into obscurity. I think he had a few demons he had to deal with as well, and eventually he did pass away at still too young of an age. He lived fast and hard and died far too soon. But he is still highly respected by the best in the bizz. The Mighty Flyers, that's Rod Piazza's band, as in Rod Piazza and The Mighty Flyers. One of the best west coast blues bands around, and has been for decades. Rod was playing the blues and slogging out a living at it long before Stevie Ray Vaughan made playing the blues cool again. And he's still at it. I've opened for them a few times. Here I am with Rod & with my playing partner Papa J at a show last year.
BTW, that video you posted, there's also the great William Clark leading the band, on blues harp and vocals, and also the great John Markowski (Marks) on guitar. William also passed away too young. One of the great West Coasts blues harp players. John is still around and playing in the LA area, one of the area's best kept secrets. The dude should be a national treasure, but hardly anyone knows of him. Guys like him play for the love of the music, there's not much glory or money to be had doing it.
Hello, I have been playing for many years professionally with plenty of road time under my belt. I have quite a few drum sets including pre-'71 3 ply ludwigs, vistalites, and fibes sets, but keeping with the "pre-'65 traditional vibe", I will share my favorite set. This was given to me by another "name in the business". This is a 1947 WFL WMP set once owned by Buddy Rich. The shells are mahogany/poplar/mahogany with rock maple reinforcing hoops. all, COB hardware, lugs, hoops, and the wrap is very nice with some cracking (think lacquer paint). The bass drum is virgin. sizes 24x14, 9x13, and 16x16. The kit sounds like a dream ---- really something very special. This is an heirloom piece and one I will keep forever.
That’s an awesome kit! I take it the rack Tom was originally a clip on? Did WFL have inserted spurs on their bass drums that early?
good eye...yes, everything clips on the bass drum. I have the clp for the cymbals, tom and bass legs, but dont use them....the bass drum was altered before I got them with circa '76 + arched spurs. Not certain who would of done that, but, its done now....have the muffler that'd attach to th bass drum along with all the calf skin heads too. The Buddy Rich shield is hand painted in Navy Blue.....
I purchased my old Slingerland Blue Sparkle Gene Krupa kit in the early 60's and they are still sitting in my office along side my Mapex Venus Series kit. So many memories of being 14 years old and playing Rock and Roll shows to ever even consider selling the kit. Jimbo
This picture shows a 24 giant beat ride....I use those with a zep tribute....I have a mid 80's Zildjian 22" ping ride that I use typically with this set. That ride has nice "wobble" and wash to it.....I use 15" 2002 hats (70's vintage) or early 1980's 14" zildjian quick beats (nice chick to them for jazz applications)---- depends on the gig. I also will use for live applications a 14" Z bottom and 14" A top. Then I have some real K's -----My K ride is 22" and is really something special ---- nice ping and wash to it. The K's were gifted to me by a drummers daughter. He wanted me to have them when he passed. Those are also heirloom musical instruments.
Just took this screen shot from eBay just now to show you guys [emoji12] Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Here is a great drum company from the west coast. They made really nice drums in the style of the 30's and 40's but are no longer operating.
Of course I realize this is a drum discussion but when talk (and sound) turns to harmonica I perk up. Piazza, Clark, Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, Billy Boy Arnold, Gary Primich, James Cotton, Lazy Lester...the list goes on and I dig them all. Number one, though, was, is and will always be Paul Butterfield. To get back to drums...Billy Davenport and S.P. Leary. There.
I haven’t been in any gig bands since the 70’s, the only blues I get to back; are if I can talk some buddies into a little jammin’. Hung up my sticks for 30 years, but for the last 10 years; I do jazz inspired praise and worship every week.
Sounds like we chose the same route. Have been playing with several greats that chose the same route also. Never been sorry .
I have a 1965 double Slingerland set but play DW's at church. I have played most genres of music. Rock, jazz, orchestra, stage band, big band, country etc. Have played with Cayleb Quey who was Elton John's guitar player for years, Mike Shields (Doc) who recorded with The Greatful Dead and Little Feet, and several other well knowns that have decided to play in church and Christian concerts. Its been a good life.
My late friend and drummer for our band Reid Bowman played Ludwig drums and he could hold his own with any of the drummers around our area in the late 60's, be it rock or country. HRP
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