Dec-Jan 1981
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Cover photo by Dario Perla CONTENTS FEATURES: RINGO STARR The Beatles were, without doubt, the single-most influential force in music during the '60s, and their influence is still being felt. As the drummer for that group, Ringo Starr was originally criticized for his individual style, but by the late '60s, studio drummers throughout the world were constantly being told to "play like Ringo." In this very exclusive MD interview, Ringo speaks in-depth about his love of playing drums, and discusses his life as a musician. 10 MITCH MITCHELL Known primarily for his membership in the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mitch Mitchell has been involved in a variety of musical situations since beginning his professional career at age 13. He talks about his association with Hendrix, and gives an interesting look at the English music scene. 14 ANDREW CYRILLLE Andrew Cyrille has always been interested in the interpretive power of drums and percussion, and he has shown various aspects of this in contexts ranging from the Cecil Taylor Unit, to solo percussion albums and concerts. Here, he shares his thoughts on maintaining musical values while taking care of economic needs. 22 SITTIN' PRETTY: A CLOSE-UP LOOK SAUL GOODMAN 26 AT DRUM THRONES 18 SHOP HOPPIN'—ANDY PENN'S 30 COLUMNS: EDITOR'S OVERVIEW 2 CONCEPTS Overcoming the "Horribles" READER'S PLATFORM 4 by Roy Burns 76 ASK A PRO 6 PORTRAITS ROCK PERSPECTIVES Fred Satterfield It's an Open and Shut Case by Scott K. Fish 80 by David Garibaldi 34 DRUM SOLOIST ROCK 'N' JAZZ CLINIC Steve Gadd—"Samba Song" Rock Big Band—Part I by David Wood 84 by Roberto Petaccia 42 UP AND COMING CLUB SCENE Butch Baron Soloing With A Purpose by Scott K. Fish by Rick Van Horn 48 88 SOUTH OF THE BORDER PRODUCT CLOSE-UP Mambo on the Drum Set Slingerland's 69T Magnum Force by John Rae 52 by Bob Saydlowski, Jr. 92 MALLETS TEACHER'S FORUM Using the Pedal Choosing a Drum Teacher by David Samuels 56 by Robert D. Wallis 98 IT'S QUESTIONABLE DRUM MARKET 102 by Cheech Iero 60 STRICTLY TECHNIQUE INDUSTRY HAPPENINGS 105 Extending Stick Control by Ray Fransen 64 JUST DRUMS 107 STAFF: EDITOR/PUBLISHER Ronald Spagnardi FEATURES EDITOR Rick Mattingly MANAGING EDITOR Scott K. Fish ASSOCIATE EDITORS Mark Hurley Paul Uldrich Recently, the Selmer Company of Elkhart, Indiana, announced that ART DIRECTOR it had reached an agreement with the Ludwig Drum Company for the Tom Mandrake purchase of the company. ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Though this event might appear as just another slice of big business Jean Mazza American-style, in actuality, it marks the end of an era for the ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR percussion industry. Ludwig was the last, major family-owned drum Isabel Spagnardi company in America, originated and sustained as a result of the ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER dreams and tireless efforts of one enterprising individual. There were Ann Lambariello several in our industry: V. G. Leedy, Bud Slingerland, Joseph Rogers, DEALER SERVICE MANAGER Fred Gretsch, and of course, William F. Ludwig, ST. All, with the Carol Morales exception of Leedy, are now divisions of much larger American CIRCULATION corporations. Leo L. Spagnardi Though I'm confident the Selmer/Ludwig marriage will be lasting Ellen Urry and productive, one tends to look upon acquisitions in general with SALES PROMOTION MANAGER mixed emotions. Perhaps we've all become a little mistrustful of the Evelyn Urry American conglomerate. It's certainly no secret that our nation has experienced a gradual, yet steady decline in pride of workmanship and MD ADVISORY BOARD Henry Adler, Carmine Appice, Horacee Ar- the overall quality of consumer products in many areas. One wonders nold, Louie Bellson, Bill Bruford, Roy Burns, if corporate mergers and acquisitions, impersonal as they tend to be, Jim Chapin, Billy Cobham, Les DeMerle, Len have not been at least part of the cause. How many times have we DiMuzio, Charlie Donnelly, Saul Goodman, seen the mother company infuse their new offspring with capital, new Danny Gottlieb, Sonny Igoe, Jaimo Johnson, management and boardroom tactics, only to see the product itself lose Don Lamond, Mel Lewis, Peter Magadini, the quality which made it famous in the first place? If this were not the Butch Miles, Joe Morello, Neil Peart, Charlie case, why is old, strangely enough, always considered better? Old Perry, Charli Persip, Joe Pollard, Arthur guitars, old furniture—old drums! Press, Paul Price, Paul Real, Paul T. Riddle, We can only hope that the decision makers of the large companies, Ed Shaughnessy, Lenny White. who've gradually taken over the major segment of our industry, keep CONTRIBUTING WRITERS in mind that the family-owned firms became successful because they Susan Alexander, Rich Baccaro, Robert Carr, took great pride in the end product. Most were started by players who Jim Dearing, Clint Dodd, Robyn Flans, Stan- saw needs, found solutions, and were sincerely concerned about the ley Hall, Harold Howland, Cheech Iero, Dave industry in which they were the leaders. They were successful because Levine, Bruce Nixon, Michael Rozek, Mi- their first concern was the product on which they proudly placed their chael Shore, Robin Tolleson, T. Bruce Wittet. names. The product came first, and in so doing, it won the approval of the consumer and made its mark on the American music industry. It's MODERN DRUMMER Magazine (ISSN 0194- questionable whether we see enough of that kind of thing in this day 4533) is published 9 times yearly, February, and age. April, May, June, July, August, October, Yes, Ludwig was the very last family-owned drum company left in November and December by Modern Drum- America. There are no more. It's unlikely that we'll ever witness the mer Publications, Inc., 1000 Clifton Avenue, Clifton, N.J. 07013. Second Class Postage likes of a Bud Slingerland, a Fred Gretsch or a Bill Ludwig again, nor paid at Clifton, N.J. 07015 and at Richmond, the incredible effort it must have taken them to build their companies Virginia 23219. Copyrighted 1981 by Modern through wars, depressions and the like. Drummer Publications, Inc. All rights re- Sure, the major corporations now control the strongest segment of served. Reproduction without the permission our industry, but that doesn't necessarily mean we can't continue to of the publisher is prohibited. SUBSCRIP- make our voices heard. How? By continually reminding them that TIONS: 5/5.95 per year, $28.95, two years. after all the management studies, all the computer technology, all the Single copies $2.00. MANUSCRIPTS: Mod- Harvard Business School high-level decisions, the essence of our ern Drummer welcomes manuscripts, howev- acceptance still remains with the quality of the product itself. Our er, cannot assume responsibility for them. Manuscripts must be accompanied by a self- statement is really not very much unlike what the new car buyer has addressed stamped envelope. CHANGE OF said to the American automotive industry. "Give us quality at fair ADDRESS: Allow at least six weeks for a market value, or we'll be forced to venture elsewhere until we find it." change. Please provide both old and new My very best wishes to the people at Ludwig and Selmer. I'm address. MUSIC DEALERS: Modern Drum- hopeful the relationship will be not only lasting, but beneficial to us all mer is available for resale at bulk rates. as well. Direct correspondence to Modern Drummer Publications, Inc.. 1000 Clifton Avenue, Clif- ton, N.J. 07013. (201) 778-1700. POSTMAS- TER: Send form 3579 to Modern Drummer 1000 Clifton Avenue. Clifton. N.J. 07013. In the June issue you had a column by I would hope that Elliot R. Goodman I have been buying MD since 1979. It's Dave Samuels entitled Mallets. I was might reconsider the slam on such fine a great magazine, but I'm tired of hearing under the impression this would be a players as Paul T. Riddle and Jaimo about all these new rock drummers who regular. How about it? Give us more. Johnson. These guys have drummed can't read music and are uneducated. Maybe some insights in studio, group their way into musical history, certainly Please, I would love to see an extensive playing, and techniques, starting at the giving them the right to express them- article on Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) and beginner stage. More, more, more, selves without being subjected to musi- Cesar Zuiderwijk (Golden Earring). more! cal snobbery or prejudices. There exists, JERRY L. BERLANGA JAMES LEE COCKRELL and always will, a brotherhood between TENNESSEE COLONY, TEXAS PEARL, MISSISSIPPI drummers of all musical styles, and all levels of success. I feel MD should be an open and positive forum for the ex- Shortly after I began taking drum les- I started getting MD in June and al- change of information between amateurs sons my drum teacher started heckling ready it has helped me in many, many and pros alike. me to take a look at MD. It didn't ways. How about interviews and articles GARY L. ALLEN (REVOLVER) interest me. The only way to play the on new wave and punk drummers? TUCSON, ARIZONA drums was to hold the sticks vertically Drumming for new wave and punk bands and try to stab a hole in the center of isn't easy and it takes talent. Why not do I apologize if I have hurt anyone's each drum head, or push the drumstick stories on Topper Headon of The Clash, feelings that I criticized in the May issue. wood through its nylon tip on the hi-hat. the drummers of Devo, the Ramones, I probably should be more aware of the I teamed with a bass player who wants Adam and the Ants, Adolescents, The other person's feelings, particularly me to match the bass lines exactly with Klan, and Black Flag? Ringo Starr needs when dealing with people as sensitive as my bass foot.