[Harp-L] The Groove and Louie Bellson

[Tom Richardson <drtrichardson@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Harp Buddies,

I have been enjoying the conversations about "Finding the groove."  I have an unusual perspective, in part due to a world class teacher, that may provide some insight.  Here's a rather long bit concerning that.  I hope that you are patient enough to read it. 

I am a drummer as well as a harpist.  Finding the groove is intrinsic in all that I do with music and more.  In 8th grade, 1963, I joined the drum line of a drum & bugle corp and stayed with that for five years.  In 9th grade I joined my high school marching band (eventually earned 2nd chair) and symphonic orchestra (tympani) and continued such through college.  I formed a garage band in '65, doing mostly Beatles and Stones, that performed at many school dances.  In college I supported myself by playing jazz in night clubs and teaching two drum lines.  After college I traveled through most of the USA and parts of Europe in a country-rock band.  While writing songs in our hotel rooms, I took up the harp (drums wouldn't be tolerated here).  We quickly incorporated it into the show.  I continue to play trap drums and harmonica in many types of bands including blues, country, pop, rhythm & blues, rock and jazz.

While in my teens, in the 60's, once a year, for five years straight, I had the privilege of attending clinics by world-famous drummer Louie Bellson (a.k.a. Luigi Bellasoni).  He invented the double bass drum set in the 30s --  that is really true.  He had chops for sure but was the most musical drummer I've ever heard.  He played the snare, bass & toms with melody, like the set was an organ.  Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich had chops like a machine guns but seldom managed the melody licks like Louie.  Two days after graduating from high school, he went on tour with Benny Goodman.  Then he played with Count Basie and Duke Ellington.  He was given the title "The Best Jazz Musician in the World" by them.  He was one of the first to break the race barrier in jazz.  Many years later I had the pleasure of numerous private discussions with him. 

During those clinics Louie gave his drumming students, many who became famous players, lots of advice.  Most of that applies equally as well to harpists, some relating to finding the groove.  I don't remember his exact words, so I'll paraphrase.

His most mentioned advice was:
Be a musician first and a drummer second - that was his #1
Be a team member - control your volume and get in sync with the bass and rhythm guitar/piano (watch them continually and become one with them)

Play simple beats most of the time to contrast with the occasional complex beat
Support the melody and rhythm of the band, especially the soloist
Never interfere with the lyrics
Never show off until its your turn
When you play a solo, start by simulating the melody and then take variations on it


He also told us to:
Keep your instrument clean, tight and well tuned
Listen to many styles
Listen to how the drums & bass interact with all of the performers
Listen to drummers who you like and don't like

Practice rudiments, invent new rudiments, practice backwards, reversed & upside down

The conversations about the groove on Harp-L has been interesting.  Though Louie's advice is not directly related to harpist' find the groove, I hope that some of it will be of value to you.

Tom Richardson
Bakersfield, CA.