Along for the Ride Cymbal
I started learning Jazz with Kevin Sommerville, one of Barry Elmes and Bob McClaren's former students last year and among many other things, he taught me all about Ride cymbals, the most important part of a Jazz drummer's instrument. Kevin is an excellent musician and very driven.
I've listened to, played extensively or tested over a hundred cymbals in the days since in my quest to find MY cymbal. Old K. Istanbul Zildjians, old A's, Paiste Pre-Serial 602s, Paiste Sound Creation Dark Rides, Istanbul Agops, the list goes on. I was playing a 21" Agop SE Jazz Ride which was beautiful, but still missing
something. This is a very personal thing. Then on a trade deal with a brother from California, it happened. I played MY cymbal.
It's a modern 22" K. Zildjian Constaninople Medium. More weight, solid stick, complex shoulder, old school bell. Feels amazing to play. Feels grownup. Feels like I could play it for thirty years and still have miles to go.
Kevin was there through this with me all the way. Late night texts and phone calls. Listening to my bullshit but taking none of it. Letting me learn. Making me play nothing but beginner cymbals all last summer. Making me laugh. Reminding me of Montrealers past and present. I'm forever grateful to him.
I named my cymbal Samantha in honour of his brand new baby daughter. I asked him to write her name and sign the cup of the bell and then put my other ride cymbals up for sale. No more searching. Just listening and playing. Thank you brother.
#jazz #journey #ridecymbal #love #gratitude#musicschool #playmusic #toronto #montreal
I started learning Jazz with Kevin Sommerville, one of Barry Elmes and Bob McClaren's former students last year and among many other things, he taught me all about Ride cymbals, the most important part of a Jazz drummer's instrument. Kevin is an excellent musician and very driven.
I've listened to, played extensively or tested over a hundred cymbals in the days since in my quest to find MY cymbal. Old K. Istanbul Zildjians, old A's, Paiste Pre-Serial 602s, Paiste Sound Creation Dark Rides, Istanbul Agops, the list goes on. I was playing a 21" Agop SE Jazz Ride which was beautiful, but still missing
It's a modern 22" K. Zildjian Constaninople Medium. More weight, solid stick, complex shoulder, old school bell. Feels amazing to play. Feels grownup. Feels like I could play it for thirty years and still have miles to go.
Kevin was there through this with me all the way. Late night texts and phone calls. Listening to my bullshit but taking none of it. Letting me learn. Making me play nothing but beginner cymbals all last summer. Making me laugh. Reminding me of Montrealers past and present. I'm forever grateful to him.
I named my cymbal Samantha in honour of his brand new baby daughter. I asked him to write her name and sign the cup of the bell and then put my other ride cymbals up for sale. No more searching. Just listening and playing. Thank you brother.
#jazz #journey #ridecymbal #love #gratitude#musicschool #playmusic #toronto #montreal
