Jazz Great Grady Tate plays the drums and talks to students at Harlem's Thurgood Marshall Academy as part of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem's Educational initiative.
Man, these kids have no idea that they are in the presence of greatness. Grady Tate, Jack Sheldon, Blossom Dearie and Bob Dorough taught an entire generation of us kids mathematics, English and history back in the 70 and I for one am eternally grateful.
Good heavens! This is amazing. Do these kids know how lucky they are? I wonder if Grady Tate would come to Australia and, I don't know, just bless us with his presence. He wouldn't even have to do anything. There's a big soul/funk scene in Melbourne. We would adore him here. I wish I were a promoter, not just a retired secondary school English teacher!! I am in awe.
Mr. Tate was a world class drummer. I especially enjoyed his work with Mr. Erroll Garner, world famous pianist. The $99 drum set is what it is and speaks for itself. :)
Growing Starting drums at 4 years of age I was introduced to Grady Tates Drumming when I was 9 years old my Drum teacher Joe (Skinny) Porcaro told me to study his techniques So my best friend great drummer also Butch Grasso brought me over Jimmy Smiths The Cat Any Number Can Win Monster albums I was Hooked and Blown away and by the way Grady can Sing he has a tremendous voice
infofaith, while in high school, my daughter came home one day and told me a "friend of her teacher" dropped in on their glee club rehearsal. "who was it?", i asked. she nonchalantly answers, "oh, i think her name was 'patrice rushen'." i blinked hard and stood speechless in the middle of the kitchen. she was MY idol when i was younger!
He's like one of those old "Masters" that just know everything. Would of loved to of been there. Do you have the whole video? cos that would be amazing. Thanks Xavier
Most schools have crappy music dept. gear due to being under-funded, enduring years of abuse, and not being properly cared for/maintained. While I agree w/ Grady Tate that the drum kit is 'garbage', it was an easy target. At least he shows what muffling the batter heads can do.
Killer Joe...he could've recorded that one song, playing on that could be his only claim to fame, and he'd still be an utter legend. Good Lord what a talent.
Grady was a great player but his comments and teaching skills are not that good. His concepts are good but not able to communicate them clearly. These drums just weren't tuned correctly. When tuned correctly for the correct style not a whole lot of muffling has to be done. Some for sure-but your finesse of technique is what controls the volume. For example you would most likely never use that set in a trio gig in a small lounge. You would also muffle Dixie different than Bebop.Actually contrary to his statement (and this is not always true in any style of music) bebop did have their drums typically wide open and not all muffled like a rock and roll style where it sounds like a box not a drum. He should of gotten their early and re-tuned the drums to accommodate his sound expectations. I am sure the teacher would not mind nor have any clue how to do it. Not impressed with his cockiness and ability to express ideas. he was a great player yes. Enough said-no offense meant to Grady.
