Over a year ago, I promised that I’d be taking a three-part look at cymbals and cymbal-playing in 1920s jazz, each article profiling a typical period instrument from my own collection which I use regularly, and examining some instructive audio examples of our ‘Twenties drumming Heroes using theirs in action. I began with an essay … Continue reading Instruments #7: The ‘Snappy’ Turkish-style Cymbal, late 1920s
Red Nichols
Heroes #15: Gene Krupa, 1909-1973
“Krupa’s drums went through us like a triple bourbon.” – Eddie Condon KEY RECORDINGS: With FRANK TESCHEMACHER / RED McKENZIE / EDDIE CONDON and GANG 1927-9 (The Chicagoans / Chicago Rhythm Kings / Jungle Kings / Condon Quartet, etc. etc.) With THELMA TERRY AND HER PLAY BOYS, 1928 With RED NICHOLS / MIFF MOLE and … Continue reading Heroes #15: Gene Krupa, 1909-1973
Heroes #9: Chauncey Morehouse, 1902-1980
"The drummer[’s] success depends entirely on his own originality" – Chauncey Morehouse KEY RECORDINGS: With THE GEORGIANS, 1922-24 With JEAN GOLDKETTE & HIS ORCHESTRA, 1926-27 With FRANKIE TRUMBAUER & HIS ORCHESTRA, 1927 With BIX BEIDERBECKE & HIS GANG, 1927 In jazz, as in many art forms, certain historical figures occasionally acquire a mythical status, as … Continue reading Heroes #9: Chauncey Morehouse, 1902-1980
Heroes #5: Victor Berton, 1896-1951
“A true pioneer, for the timekeeping methods he introduced and for his role in determining the very equipment [...] subsequent drummers would play.” – Richard M. Sudhalter KEY RECORDINGS: With THE WOLVERINE ORCHESTRA, 1924 With RED NICHOLS & MIFF MOLE, 1925-30 (aka. The Red Heads / Red Nichols & His Five Pennies / Red & … Continue reading Heroes #5: Victor Berton, 1896-1951
Drums In The Twenties 