Book, Tommy. Put it -all- down in a book. You'll find a publisher easy because of the subject matter. That compendium of knowledge needs to be shared widely. Sell copies on ebay and Amazon etc. I'd read it! And... if I'd read it, that indicates that many others would too. It doesn't have to have the onus of a biography either, just call it 'Buddy Stories' or something along those lines so people know you're not writing just another unauthorized bio. Think about it.
John
Book, Tommy. Put it -all- down in a book. You'll find a publisher easy because of the subject matter. That compendium of knowledge needs to be shared widely. Sell copies on ebay and Amazon etc. I'd read it! And... if I'd read it, that indicates that many others would too. It doesn't have to have the onus of a biography either, just call it 'Buddy Stories' or something along those lines so people know you're not writing just another unauthorized bio. Think about it.John
John!
Man... I gotta tell you, but first, THANKS for the kind words! I have actually been approached to DO JUST THAT, and by an actual publisher. The publisher got my name/rep from a VDF member! ... started digging through my posts here, and well... we did talk. Interestingly.. ( and I don't mean to divulge too much too soon here ) .. I will be at this years Chicago Vintage Drum Show as I have been invited to display/present my "Snare Drums of Buddy Rich" collection. In addition, word is... the "publisher" will also be there to have a look at my collection and other artifacts, and then chat a bit. Don't know WHAT if ANYTHING will come of it, but it has my interest, and primarily because I think it could be a nice read on the history of all the different model snare drums Buddy played.. what he liked about them.. what he didn't like about them.. and why. Deb and I are taking 10 days.. ( YIKES! ) .. to get there, display, and then get back home. David Anfuso/VDF and Rob Cook is sponsoring this and making it possible. I guess we'll see what happens... if anything! Would be nice to meet some of our VDF members too! Hopefully many of you will stop by to view and chat! THANKS John!, and you were kind of psychic too!
Tommyp
Tommy hope you can make the book deal happen. I'd like mine autographed please! Hey congrats on the Chicago show. Glad to hear it's a go. :)
Tommy - It wasn't psychic, or rocket science. As soon as I read the words "50 years of research," arriving at the conclusion that a 'book' is in order was a short step away. What you have accumulated is undoubtedly unique. It needs to be cataloged, compiled and shared. Otherwise it dies with you. Get it down and get it out there. Even if it only sells ten copies to relatives, it will become a part of the historical record. ISBN number and all.
My wife's sister lives in Chi-Town, maybe this year... It would be nice to meet you in person.
John
Even he couldn't keep a straight face after saying what he did.I am sure Tama is now on damage control and wished they had spent a buck or 3 on writers, camera man, props,a game plan, costume design, lunch, producers, set design, budget and anything else they could have thrown at that. "WOW", that was bad. Next!
Isn't that the point of all promo, to look as cool as possible. I agree TAMA failed on that one. The video is abysmal.
Peter Erskine is one of the finest drummers ever to come down the pike. That man has made his bones musically ten times over. Making a living as a professional musician is never 'easy.' As far as I'm concerned Mr. Erskine can do whatever he has to to feed himself. Erskine is an artist (and one hell of an artist too,) the only thing that matters is the music he makes. An endorsement is business and something musicians do to support themselves, or to save money on equipment, the tools of the trade. Musicians make music, they're not necessarily good business men. A lot of them make very bad decisions. Personally I don't care 'which drums' he may be endorsing this month as long as he keeps the music coming. We're talking about, Peter Erskine! Who gives a rats hindquarters what tubs he banging on? That cat could smoke any one of us even if all he had to play on was cardboard boxes. Tama is not a bad drum company. Cut the guy some slack. Some of the comments have been harsh.John
Yeah I do agree with you, you are right. But I feel that Gretsch has his name written all over them. What a shame.
On saying that they are a tiny company and probably could not entertain his professional needs. Bottom line I guess.
As for EricP talking about going vintage. That would be super cool. But International touring can be tough on an old vintage kit. Maybe Charlie Watts can get away with it because his RB's are housed within a big organisation that can handle the freight as kindly as possible, but PR is hired mainly by Jazz artists who's budgets probably stretch to shared cars(possibly a tour bus with a bumpy trailer), or *taking flight packs and using local back line. You'll be surprised but even the big boys in that arena don't get the money. So he'll be needing newer hardwearing gear.
*Flight pack = Checking in your instrument, and maybe your effects board and kissing it goodbye down the conveyor belt! Hopefully to see it at the other end in one piece. For drummers thats usually a Snare, Cymbals Stickbag and Pedal. Mind Blowi
I've just realised after my last post that of course Peter is american and probably takes a flight for every other show he does around the US. Flight pack hell.
gecko - I wasn't referring to you when I mentioned harsh comments. I know where you're coming from and I hear you. He -is- a better fit for Gretsch sound-wise.
John
