This is the video that was played at Jake's memorial service in LA. His nephew Rory, who clearly loved his uncle very much directed and supplied all the footage, photos and music. To whoever is claiming copyright ownership of material in this video and wants it taken down, have a bloody heart. Jake was and is legend and to remove this because it may infringe copyright in places is a petty thing to do.
"Keep Swinging!" Indeed. That's what Jake wrote in my Modern Drummer magazine I had brought to Carmello's Jazz Club, June 1981. I was there to see Louie Bellson and his band Explosion. I stood next to Mr. Hanna, not really knowing who he was at the time. He and I talked and chatted about drums and drummers all night, and digging Louie. All the top drummers in L.A. were there that night. He was the nicest guy in the world. I now realize I was in the presence of greatness and walking history. He told me some funny stories and really encouraged me. I was just a young man with big dreams and learning the ropes. Thank you for posting this. Jake Hanna was one of the greatest drummers EVER to pick up a pair of sticks. The proof is right here.
The most swinging of drummers both with a big band and a small group. Saw him propelling Woody's Herd in 1964 and later in Cambridge with a trio/quartet. Lovely man too.
My favorite of course, Buddy Rich. But Jake Hanna, no less a master drummer than Mr. Rich. Classic! You can hear the passion for his craft in his drumming. Shear enjoyment of the music and the mood that surrounded swing!! I can't get enough of these old guys!!! I'm only 36, but to me these guys are better than any modern drummer. With the exception of Neal Peart. They just had soul.
Great post - Superb drummer - real pro. Herman's band with Jake, Chuck Andrus, Nat Pierce, Sal Nistico, Bill Chase was out of this world. Man could he swing and drive those bands - and those tempos.
Thanks, Rory, and Maria. Jake was a great drummer. Period. As to being "pedestrian": ask any bass player who had the honor of playing with him: we all gladly "walked" with him, anywhere. With fondest memories, -richard simon
I love this documentary of Jake Hannah. I met Jake at the Pro Drum Shop's 50th Anniversary celebration in Hollywood CA around 12 years ago. What a sweet and totally engaging man he was. I happened to have a 20" Zildjian China cymbal with me that had about 125 signatures of the world's greatest and most famous drummers on it....a project I started in 1999 as a vehicle to be able to turn my young drum students on to drummers they may never, ever come to know or even be aware of. Getting Jake on my Signature cymbal added the sophistication of the big band drummers who could really "swing" the groove like the great Louis Bellson, Tonight Show drummer, Ed Shaughnessey, and Sammy Davis's and Tony Bennett's drummer, Clayton Cameron as well as Jzaa drummers Steve Gadd, Jeff Hamilton, Steve Smith, Vinnie Colaiuta and many others who can really "swing." I put Jake on my Cymbal in RED to stand out from all the others. He had a great sense of humor that night which was his requirement of others to be ....funny. RIP the great Jake Hannah and long live his Groove.
Mr. Jake Hanna, one of the great jazz drummers along with Ed Thigpen, Max Roach, Louie Bellson, &, of course, guys like Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Chick Webb & so many others. When these guys took a drum solo it wasn't just a lot of fast loud drum riffs; they would many times base it on the melody, or theme of the jazz piece, while playin' tasty shit that complimented the composition & the other soloists. Jake Hanna's brush work was impeccable, the best! He played with all the jazz greats.
Jake was in the Air Force Band in Wichita Falls, TX, got discharged, and I was sent as the drummer to replace him. What a Joke! I was okay, but no Jake Hanna. He stuck around for awhile and I picked up some pointers from him. I met him again at various times at the music dealers conventions in Chicago. Great guy. I used his Regal sticks for many years.
Great tribute, I wish there was more of these clips with Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. I am re-reading a book about Jake -great stories. What a character!!..... Thanks!
Greatest single jazz gig I ever saw- a trio with Jake, Howard Alden and Harry Allen, in front of 25 people late at night, at the top of the Holiday Inn in Sacramento at the old Jubilee, around 2008. UNBELIEVABLE. Electric, world class, all 3 inspiring each other. I was literally in tears by the end of the set. I so wish I had recorded it. Never have seen anything better since. Jake was Jeff Hamilton before Jeff Hamilton. What a timekeeper, one of the top 5 jazz drummers of all time. Not even in doubt.
Rory, I just found out Jake was your uncle. Thanks for posting this. Jake didn't know me from Adam, but treated me like I was an old friend and encouraged me to hang in and keep trying. He was real and genuine and I wish I had known more about HIM when I met him. I was wet behind the ears and just learning about Jazz. Jake introduced me to several famous drummers, never having heard me play. That night at Carmello's in Sherman Oaks was special. My hearfelt condolences for your loss. This post is a little late, but had to tell you about my memories of Jake. His kindness was as big as his talent.
I first met Jake at the Hickory House on 52nd Street in 1955 while he was playing with Marion McPartland. His brush work enchanted me. Later he appeared at the same bar with Toshiko. I had the pleasure of talking with him during many intermissions (when he wasn't in a booth in the back beating the hell out a folded napkin to stay "warm.") We mainly talked drums and eventually I accumulated a set identical to his...funny they never sounded like Jake's.
just spotted the comment of poopersnooper from last year - bullshit!!! . jake was one of the all time greats! he could hold his own with anybody when soloing! obviously mr pooper is just into drum sh---- and not musical artistry we miss you jake dave Hassell uk
