Joe Morello passes away

[Henry II]

Bummer. The last of the great jazz players.

Roy Haynes, Jimmy Cobb, Jack De Johnette, Paul Motion, Ed Shaughnessy, Billy Hart, Al Foster

Chico Hamilton, Grady Tate, Donald Bailey, Albert Heath, Barry Altschul, and I'm sure there's a few more I've missed. But, it's true that the heard is getting quite thin.

[YamahaPlayer]

I've never heard of any of those guys...! *off to the google box*

[willyz]

Matt Starr, a good mate of mine (killer player based out of LA, also a cat I learned a lot from), was a long-time student of Joe's. Check out his blog for a great read about his experiences with the master himself:

http://starrdrum.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/schooled-by-joe-morello/

[YamahaPlayer]

I spent some time with Chapin as well, greatest guy ever. Still sad at his passing. I sent one of my students to Matt specifically because of his experience with Jim.

[Henry II]

I've never heard of any of those guys...! *off to the google box*

Most of my knowledge about jazz history and musicians (which isn't that much), comes from a local jazz radio show on public radio back in the 80's. The DJ (Len Pace, who had the best taste in music of any DJ I've ever heard), would always tell listeners who all of the players were for each song. That's how I learned who played with who and to recognize the styles of the great jazz players. Unfortunately, since then, the local NPR affiliate has phazed out all but one jazz show and replaced them with inane nationally syndicated news/political blather.

[Tombo 7/4]

I thought Chico Hamilton was long gone...
Gee, he's 90 and still records!

Very good read on the major jazz players: Drummin' Men
http://www.amazon.com/Drummin-Men-Heartbeat-Swing-Years/dp/0825671779
http://www.amazon.com/Drummin-Men-Heartbeat-Bebop-Years/dp/0195176642/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300236022&sr=8-1

[equipmentdork]

Long time lurker...so sad my first post has to be this one.

I studied with Joe in the 90's, and brought him to a few gigs(of his). After that, I remained friends with him, getting together for an occasional dinner or calling him. I almost always called him on his birthday.

The thing I'll always remember, apart from his godlike command of the drums, is how real a guy he was. He would talk to you honestly about any subject. So many great memories are flooding back. Joe was quick-witted, funny, an excellent storyteller, and just as good a human being as a musician.

I bought a late 70's engraved Black Beauty from him while I was his student. It rarely leaves my house, but I'll be playing it tomorrow night(along with a silver sparkle Ludwig kit), and offering a brief tribute before one of my band's sets.

Dan