He was so talented, he really didn't even need a second bass drum. Always the gentleman and he was definitely the one who went to Zildjian and asked for his hi hats to be matched with the top one to be lighter and thinner than the bottom one. This was the birth of the "New Beats". This was great for Louis and for Zildjian!
@@boomerguy9935we all ran out and got New Beats when they came out - didn’t know that my friend Louie was the designer - amazing. I wonder if Roto Toms were his idea too maybe?
There was a guy before him that I recently saw in OLD footage BUT Mr. Bellson was the first to really push it out there. Class act guy too and ALWAYS dressed to perfection.
70 years old back in 1994... I wonder what he might think watching SO many uneducated (and egotist) colleagues claiming that "Less is always more" lol AMAZING, outstanding performance of a TRUE innovator of our beloved Art of Drumming!!! thank you for sharing!
My pleasure! Very pleased to know you enjoyed seeing this clip, and took the time to post a note of appreciation - for the musicianship, and the video. Thanks!
The great now late drum play execution music master Louie Bellson would B extremely beyond just POLITE and methodically analytically generous in verbal communicative compliments.. Louie, GINO, and even Buddy really were kind humans and generous instructors ! The MAIN MAN of few from BIG BAND/Combo's BIG-BEAT JAZZ SWING era in true DRUM MASTER MUSIC MUSICAL GENIUS ! LOUIE BELLSON MASTER DRUMMER EXTRAORDINAIRE..! RIP LOUIE !!
Keep in mind he was 70 in here. Dude was a beast. Every rock and metal fan should know who Louie is. You can hear many patterns and fills in this performance that many modern metal drummers use to this day. The double bass, the 4 sticks, how much more metal could it get xD? A true legend, exceptional drummer and human being.
I saw Louie and his band twice at Ronnie Scott's in the late 70s, when I started playing drums. I also saw him doing a drum clinic with Harvey Mason at The Fridge/Brixton. When I saw him at Ronnie's the album Matterhorn had just come out in which Louie shared the seat with Billy Cobham (this is an amazing album). But Billy Cobham's name is never mentioned in the credits for some reason. At the Ronnie Scott's gig Louie walked past me and I reached out and said hello to him (and as everyone says who's ever met him he was super friendly and put his hand out to greet me). 'That was Billy Cobham on Matterhorn, wasn't it?' I asked him. 'yes it was,' he replied, 'and he was great guy to work with!' Anyway.. - that's my Louie Belson story!
Why don't the late night shows still book amazing musical talent like this? Instead we see an endless parade of actors and actresses I've never heard of.
Folks when you catch magic in a bottle, as this show does, you want to share it with the world. Please share this show to every musician you know! BUDDY RICH / LOUIE BELLSON TRUE ROAD STORIES by protégé & personal valet Alan Dale Brent Holland ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hMr5evBs7BA.html&lc=z23bjhdybtiog1eqf04t1aokgv1jqnj4o24p13oa5gqerk0h00410
Had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife at a restaurant many years ago when I was in college. Two of the nicest people I have ever met. On their way out, Ms. Bailey asked if I knew who she was as our eyes met and I smiled. I said I absolutely know who you are! She smiled and they left. My friend and I finished our breakfast then got up to pay only to find out Ms. Bailey paid for your breakfast that morning. Truly a class act they were..
A cheerful countenance as always. Such substance, control and finesse. Double bass drums add that extra dynamic. Louie marked an epoch in drumming history. Thanks for sharing. Conan plays guitar, incidentally.
I was lucky to attend three of Louie's drum clinics, and see him in performance at least three times. Met him, and he was a true gentleman, so friendly. He autographed my album cover of Duke Ellington with Skin Deep on it and told me they recorded it in an auditorium to get that big sound. I also 'won' a signed drum head at one of his clinics. My personal favorite drummer of all time.
@@jamescalifornia2964 I saw him just before he passed. He did a drum clinic and then played with a 3 piece group. He was walking real slow and not moving about as smooth as earlier times I'd seen him. But, he gave the exact same drum clinic as before, his hands worked perfectly. Amazing man and drummer. My mistake that time was I forgot my camera, as I stayed after he was done and could have had a pic with him and me at his drum kit.
@@jamescalifornia2964 So true, so glad I did He was my inspiration for playing drums, I heard Skin Deep and decided to switch from guitar to drums. Plus my friends needed a drummer in their band. No regrets on that decision.
Such a gentleman with class! He presents himself in such a warm way that you have to smile along with him. He can persuade the drums and cymbals to give their best without beating the life out of them. What a master! I love watching him in other videos in which he and Joe Morello each try to be more humble than each other. What a pleasure to watch and listen to. I've never heard anything negative about him or about Joe.
@lonewolf5238 Yes. Well, I dont have as much time to play anymore as I used to, between work, wife, and the kids. But I built a drum room out in my shop that I still try to get out and play whenever I can. First picked up the sticks as a boy because of Alex Van Halen, and the other guys quickly became my other 3 favorites. Also love Danny Carey, Elvin Jones, Stewart Copeland, Terry Bozzio, Art Blakey, Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, John Bonham, Neil Peart, Tony Williams, Gene Krupa...there are so many great players all over the world but these are a bunch of my longtime favorites. But, in the end, my top 4 favorites always remain Alex, Buddy, Billy, and Louie.
@kevinwilkins3248 great selection, a hall of fame lineup. Wow. I'm a lowly guitar player, so my favorites are maybe a bit offbeat. But in addition to Bellson, Rich, and Krupa they are Stewart Copeland, Ringo Starr, Phil Collins, Elvin Jones, Carmine Appice and (of course) Danny Carey.
Holy shit. That made me cry. My new favorite drummer. He had an edge over Buddy Rich in the double kick and double stick components. Not quite the speed or stamina of Rich but definitely more creative. R.I.P.
Love you Louie!!!!Saw him in Anaheim, CA with the IJE (International Jazz Educators). What a PHENOM drummer, one of the first to use double bass drums, too.
being a drummer,Im very surprised to have not heard his name before..All I mainly heard about were Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich being the best drummers but man this guy is right up there as well..and to think I stumbled on him by curiosity when I googled who the first double bass drummer was
I knew who LB was but never heard a recording with him. Until i was listening to an ella Fitzgerald song with a really good drum track, simple, but with amazing tone and timing and great musical taste. So i checked out who was the drummer in the recording... Louie!!
Every Time I Got the Chance to See Louie Bellson Play Live in Chicago He Never Let Me Down in His Showcasing His Gift of Playing His Drum Kit. I Would Get the Chance to Talk to Him In Between His Set's Of Playing People would Always ask Me How Long had I Known Louie and His Wife Francine Bellson. He and Francine were Always Friendly Toward Louie's Fan's. Rest In Peace Louie, You Are Truly Missed My Friend.
For those drummers who think that either the cross grip or match grip is better, should pay attention Louis. He can do both and he can play match grip with FOUR sticks. A great drummer never leaves out anything that works.
None other than Duke Ellington declared that Louie Bellson was the GREATEST JAZZ MUSICIAN IN THE WORLD, meaning he was not only an unbelievably talented trap drummer, but also a virtuoso percussionist who played xylophone, vibes, orchestral timpani, and every other percussive instrument. A skilled pianist, Louie composed *hundreds* of songs and arranged countless more. Louie was indeed a consummate musician. (He was also greatly admired by Buddy Rich. )
57 years ago Louis Bellson was my favorite drummer, 2018 I am almost 70 years old Louis Belson is still my favorite drummer of all time. Simply put he is a complete musician and phenomenal drummer.One of a kind!
Oh my God what a talent he was! And playing with two sticks in each hand? Heck I have enough trouble keeping control of one stick in each hand let alone two! Louie could hold his own with all the greats in drumming with the plus by all accounts he was a nice guy too.
I would say that the people who control todays late night shows book who they think are great musicians? Talent like Louie Bellson and the late Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson and a host of others are gone. Their memories are with us and will remain with us. Unfortunately today you see a lot of entertainers that are flash in the pan acts. They are hot for a while and then they fade out. Talent like Louie Bellson and Max Roach and Joe Morello will SUSTAIN and last forever and ever. Unfortunately its not worth staying up late to see any one that really is a stand out in entertainment.
![Louie Bellson - Skin Deep [July 1994]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
