July 1977 - Modern Drummer - Alan Dawson

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• JULY 1977 $1.75Published Quarterly MODERN DRUMMER
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• Drum-Set Shoppers Guide by JOHN McGARRITY and DAN WIEDMANR O G E R S c/o CBS Musical Instruments 1300 E. Valencia Fullerton, Calif. 92631 No question about it, the people at Rogers have given this business of hardware a great deal of serious thought, resulting in some outstanding innovations for the working drummer on the move. The Rogers Memriloc hardware design leaves nothing to chance and has reduced set-up time to a fraction of what it was. This impressive system represents years of research and a tooling,up period of over a year. Based on a series of interlocking grooves and the use of a lock and key mounting principle, the pre-set locking mechanism offers the player his precise three dimensional setup everytime, making minor and annoying instrument position adjustments unnecessary. The o u t f i t , which is acutally 80% setup while still in the case, utilizes 1" tubing throughout, and Rogers claims the added strength hasn't added that much extra weight. The bass drum features 1" tubing spread angle spurs for a solid platform, and a powerful support tube running clear through to stabilize and anchor the receiver and tom holder. Dual or triple tom holders can be used for 1, 2 or 3 toms or any combination of cymbal assemblies, and drilling is unnecessary for additions or changes. The modular construction system offers playing by either right or left handers. A unique cymbal arm extension assembly affords virtually any cymbal position, without drilling into the Rogers 5-ply shell. Extension tubes are available for extra height to snare, tom, cymbal or hi-hat stands. The Supreme foot pedal has some excellent features including industrial belting strap, stroke and axle adjustment, easy lever lock hoop mounting, and a strong, wide footboard. The hi-hat stand is equally impressive with up to 40" height and smooth quiet action due to nylon moving parts. The Memriloc system, plus a dual-matic clutch which drops the top cymbal with the flip of a lever for closed position playing, all make for one of the most functional pieces of equipment on the market. The improved
• Page 4ALAN DAWSON ... chops and brains equal a Boston master by PETE DANCKERT "Yeah, Alan Dawson", Max Roach reflected recently. "I consider him to be a key man. Alan was the drummer we had to contend with whenever we played New England", Roach chuckled, remembering. "Man, we trembled when we knew we had to deal with him." Dawson hears of Roach's praise midway through a lesson with one of the 30 students he teaches each week in the studio of his rambling split-level home in the Boston suburb of Lexington. "That's real nice of Max", he says with his typical half-smile. He turns back to the student, a twentyish man facing him across a wide practice pad. "Hey Patrick", Dawson trembling".
• Freddy Jim Kohlman StrassburgCottler Irv
• Longer LifeConsistent Weight Controlled Balance Rapid Response are the features that JOHNNY SCIARRINO of the "Wayne Newton Band" finds in Keynote Drum Sticks.
• ROCK PERSPECTIVES by MARK KEENANA Study in Styles The rock drumming scene has progressed a great deal since the fifties. Those of us who played through that era remember the monotonous eighths and afterbeats, and those relentless right hand triplets. During the past decade, we have witnessed a remarkable evolution, as those simple rhythmic patterns have evolved into increasingly complex drumming, demanding much greater levels of independence, coordination and creativity. Though numerous players have made great contributions in this area, this author has found the rhythmic creativity and coordinative ability of Carmine Appice, Harvey Mason, Bobby Columby, Steve Gadd and David Garibaldi to be amongst some of the most exciting and inventive drumming in the field, and certainly representative of this facet of playing. The following brief transcriptions were taken from assorted recorded works of these five important and influential players. Note" o = A quick opening and closing of the hi-hat.
• Page 8A great deal can also be gained by intelligent listening to the time and drive of big band greats like Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson; the rhythmically precise execution of Ed Shaughnessy and the classic tastefulness, balance and blend of Mel Lewis's phrasing. Each one of these players combines all of the above-mentioned to varying degrees and can offer much to the aspiring drummer. Listen to fully appreciate the masterful drummer who can keep steady, swinging time, make all figures and accents unerringly, set-up figures with imaginative and tasteful fills, and choose colorful and musical phrasings. Most pros not only do all this, but also can do it the first time through a new chart. Perhaps it is here where clearly the thin line between the novice and the adept artist can be drawn. Note: Two of the finest books on the subject of big band playing are Get Your Fills Together by Sonny Igoe, published by Sonny
• MODERN DRUMMERIF YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT DRUMMING... YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF MODERN DRUMMER MODERN DRUMMER
• Page 10LENNY WHITE: An exclusive MD interview with one of the most dynamic and exciting young drumming talents on the scene TABLA TALK WITH BADAL ROY: Another MD exclusive with the renowned jazz tabla master.