Some time around ‘77 or’78 Louie Bellson did a workshop with the Dos Pueblos Jazz Band and a clinic for Mike’s Drum Shop. At that time two phenomenal drummers were playing for DP, Karl Lindgren and Philip Thomas. If you were around you know who I am talking about. A high-light of the DP Jazz Band’s performance after the workshop was Louie, Philip and Karl trading solos, and trying to mimic each others licks surprisingly well for a couple of high school kids. Obviously Louie shined with his double bass, I seem to remember roto-toms and concert toms, and chops like you wouldn’t believe.
During the drum clinic, one of our students asked Louie if he ever worried about making mistakes. He said “No way man. Play it loud, straight ahead!” He went on to explain that in the middle of playing you don’t have time to stop and try again and the less attention you pay to the mistakes the better. Just keep playing. Loud. Straight ahead.
My opinion is there are three from that era that could have received similar attention. Rich, Krupa and Bellson. Now they’re all in the same place for a three drummer battle. Hey it worked for Thomas, Lindgren and Bellson.
