Toughing It Out ; Me and Music..

Me and drums..? Great drummer I was.

They asked me to carry the bass drum in high school band. No drumming talent except I could walk and march and stay with the beat. Useful skills in marching I would agree.

My favorite band groups from back when? NorthTexasJazzBand from NorthTXStateUniv (now part of UT system). They had awesome big band musicians and sound -- sounded like Stan Kenton.

Dave Brubek 'TakeFive' was one of first albums I ever owned back in 60s. I remember interesting rhythms - 5/4 time - tune's in my head right now.

Buddy Rich -- had the treat of seeing him Live in LasVegas in the 60s. Of course his solos were featured. His band was backing for Ol'BlueEyes that night at the Sands - summer of '67. FrankS and BuddyR -- and front row table dinner show. Wow -- Nice work. Another singer in a side room that night - Dinah Washington. Dont think we went in there -- should have.

Good memories!

My friend Victor too -- He played bass fiddle, trombone, and whatever they handed him. Was card-carrying professional musician by the 10th grade. Fit that bass fiddle across the front and back seat of that '48 Buick.

My "normal" musical "talent" - band and orchestra - high school - was on the flute. Picked out a little instrument in 5th grade -- heavy tuba not for me. So I had to sit amongst the cute majorettes -- also flutists -- for 6 years all the way through high school.

I toughed it out.

Ralph in SC 864-580-8215