I’m fascinated by the Star System in jazz (and any other art): who is celebrated, who is forgotten. I am considering starting a society for the restoration of the forgotten, although I don’t like any of the acronyms, and in some ways, JAZZ LIVES has been doing this for eighteen years next February.
Recently I offered an audio excerpt from a fine jazz drummer and asked my readers to identify the person.
Two people, friends of mine who play drums and study drums, got the answer immediately, but they were disqualified from the start.
What about you, students of the art? This isn’t a trick question.
Here’s another offering, same performance:
Here’s Exhibit A, posted a few days ago.
I know my readers are erudite deep listeners, both by their appreciative responses and (less often) their eagerness to point out perceived inaccuracies. I thought I would offer this quiz or test, all in fun with no prize except satisfaction, to see how well and deeply my readers have delved.
[Note: a stock illustration not related to the performance under consideration.]
Here’s a beautiful sustained drum solo. The creator? North American, known for their jazz drumming. A live gig. Now, for those who wish to venture: identify the drummer, and, more importantly, say WHY you think so. When the answers abate, I will repost with the answer.
Ready?
Note: So far, readers here and on YouTube have identified the performer as Gene Krupa, Jo Jones, Buddy Rich, Sidney Catlett, Roy Haynes, Ray Bauduc, Lionel Hampton, Roy Eldridge, Gary Burghoff, Paul Barbarin, Panama Francis, Joe Ascione, Billy Higgins. Keep listening!
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 