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Brian Blade @ Blue Note Hawaii on Gretsch RB Last viewed: 46 minutes ago

Posts: 162 Threads: 25

I had the pleasure of providing a set of Gretsch Round Badge drums to Brian Blade for his 4-night engagement with Chick Corea at the Blue Note Hawaii (or, as Chick referred to the club, "Blue Note on the beach!"). Aside from being a brilliant musician, Brian Blade is a warm and wonderful human being AND vintage drum enthusiast. When I asked him if my drums were satisfactory, he said, "They sound just like my drums at home. Everything is perfect! Thank you very much."

BB was especially impressed with my Gretsch Floating Action bass drum pedal, that was beautifully restored by Steele Turkington at Kentville Drums. He said, "It looks like it just came from the factory in 1961!"

Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 977 Threads: 124

Probably my favorite drummer. Saw him in Mpls twice this year w/ Fellowship. Plays guitar as well. Both bands are excellent. Sold him a kit few years ago. Your kit just went up in value!

Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Posts: 162 Threads: 25

Yup, Brian Blade is one of my favorites as well. There are only a handful of drummers I would do this for: Bill Stewart, Billy Drummond, Cindy Blackman and Joe LaBarbera come to mind. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather hear these players on a vintage RB kit rather than the club's backline Chinese-made Yamaha drums.

By the way, were as surprised as I was to find out how low Brian Blade sets up his drums and sits, and how low he tunes his drums? I usually prefer to crank up the tension of the heads on RB drums, but Brian's tuning has made me re-think my own drum tuning. Man, does he get a great sound of his drums and cymbals.

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Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Posts: 162 Threads: 25

Here's a larger photo of B.B.'s set-up from behind.

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Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 162 Threads: 25

Check out Brian Blade's low set-up.

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Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Posts: 977 Threads: 124

From Drummer808

Yup, Brian Blade is one of my favorites as well. There are only a handful of drummers I would do this for: Bill Stewart, Billy Drummond, Cindy Blackman and Joe LaBarbera come to mind. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather hear these players on a vintage RB kit rather than the club's backline Chinese-made Yamaha drums.By the way, were as surprised as I was to find out how low Brian Blade sets up his drums and sits, and how low he tunes his drums? I usually prefer to crank up the tension of the heads on RB drums, but Brian's tuning has made me re-think my own drum tuning. Man, does he get a great sound of his drums and cymbals.

Wow! That is low.

Didn't notice low tuning / sitting. But that sounds right as his recordings sound at least not high pitched as you'd expect.

The fun fact @ the kit he bought (60's BDP Club Date): had it listed w/ matching Pioneer but had the JF that came with the kit. Wrote that I had it as well & he was welcome to it. He insisted on the Pioneer or he didn't want it. I have no idea if he bought it for himself or as a gift but this told me a lot about P's & JF's: I've never really liked JF's and was always perfectly happy with Pioneers. The best vintage Ludwig snare I've ever owned was a Super Classic - an underrated snare.

Posted on 8 years ago
#6
Posts: 343 Threads: 65

This is so cool, what an opportunity. I hope to see him play live someday. Doesn't matter with who or what type of music. I just want to experience it.

Nice drums!

Dan
(red66charger)

Looking for:
- L.A. Camco 12" Stradivarius Tom Tom
Posted on 8 years ago
#7
Posts: 1296 Threads: 208

What items did he bring along to the gig?

Never play it the same way once.
Posted on 8 years ago
#8
Posts: 162 Threads: 25

Aside from his sound effects toys, Brian Blade brought his cymbals (old 15" A. hi-hats, 20" Istanbul K., 22" Spizzichino, 22" K. Constantinople) and an old Ludwig 1400 cymbal stand for the Istanbul K. since the hole is small and it doesn't fit most modern stands.

Posted on 8 years ago
#9
Posts: 162 Threads: 25

A short, interesting clip with the late Roberto Spizzichino talking about BB's ride cymbal:

[ame]https://youtu.be/ZtzmAXfYcho[/ame]

Posted on 8 years ago
#10
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