Gene Krupa, a name very well known propably to most drummers who are “a bit older” (sorry guys and gals!)… but one that every young drummer should look up.
I’m probably like most musicians with access to the internet nowadays in that I’ll spend quite a bit of time looking for performances from my favorite artists, bands and/or musicians. I also spend time digging around YouTube to see who’s out there and what they are doing. There are tons of very “gifted”, young and technically savvy musicians out there.
And there are many great players in whatever style or sound of music it is that you prefer! (Yes, YouTube is a pretty good spot)
Something I’ve noticed, in myself, is that I’ll find a new video by some new drummer playing to a new track (usually some kind of “gent” thing I guess) and the technical skill or coordination required for what is going on is astounding! But, I rarely finish watching it.
The first time I would see a drummer with a certain type of “voice” on the instrument, I’m all eyes and ears. My attention is set and I’m captivated.
But I do find there is a spark that is missing in much of the music I hear (newish… some not so newish)…. and this is precisely what Mr Krupa was a “master” at.
As I’ve said earlier, Gene Krupa was a “drum star” and that he was! He inspired countless numbers of young drummers. He was a showman and a great player!
He also had a great feel for music. He was a “star”, but he was a “team player”…. he played the music and made sure the music was all that it could be. Even when the spotlight was gonna shine on him, if it was in the context of a song, he was gonna augment the song while soloing!
Here’s an example of Mr Gene Krupa playing “Sing, Sing, Sing“, this was 2 years before Gene died when he was 62. (He died at 64!) What a great feel, if you don’t feel the rhythm and it doesn’t make you want to move, then I’m not sure you can hear music.
Mr Krupa, a combination of showman, star and team player all into 1 musician.
The song should be #1. (check your egos at the door)
Enjoy!
[kad_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7c0dOC3pnQ” ]