Jazz for aficionados
Another pairing of Grolnick and both Breckers -- Don Grolnick's "Weaver of Dreams" re-released as a 2 cd set with Grolnick's "Night Town" -- both excellent, showcasing Grolnick's distinctive writing executed by two killer bands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDSgV3F8WyI
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Thanks for the Grolnick recommendations. I had already contemplated creating a Don Grolnick playlist on Spotify and after listening to your suggestions and "Smokin' in the Pit" by Steps Ahead (I believe Grolnick's only date with Steps) I have done so. Spotify did not have "Weaver of Dreams" but the complete album is on You Tube. Grolnick was definitely a gifted musician and yet another struck down by cancer at a young age. I have been listening to Steps Ahead and vibrophonist Mike Mainieri along with Michael Brecker exclusively but Grolnick will join that list as well. Its interesting comparing the first 2 drummers in "Steps Ahead", Steve Gadd and Peter Erskine. Both are consensus picks on any list of "best drummers" but their styles/influences are different. Both ventured into other genres but were rooted the jazz tradition of drums (masterful use of the ride symbol in keeping time). Listening to "The Complete London Concert" Grolnick album now |
Gadd and Erskine are both great drummers. Different styles as you say, pjw. Personally, I find Erskine’s playing more to my liking with Steps. Just enough feel-good looseness and not so relentlessly metronomic as Gadd. Good example: https://youtu.be/dLE_IBg9abk?si=x9QnCxAiBFxDF7E Don Gronick: |
