On this day in 1973 the music died. Or at least a very substantial part of it, with the passing of Eugene Bertram Krupa, known as Gene. Americas Ace Drummin Man did more for drums and drumming than any other - yes even including Buddy Rich. Others (Rich, Bellson, Big Sid Catlett) may have been faster, more technical or what have you, but Gene was the first to make the drummer a high priced guy. He made the sound of the Benny Goodman Band and small groups. and when he left, something of the soul was taken from the Goodman organisation. His playing, based on New Orleans pioneers, Baby Dodds, Zutty Singlerton and Tubby Hall was always hot, driving and exciting. He was affected by the great Chick Webb and had the humility to acknowledge that the little giant of the drums cut him in a battle of the bands. He was always ready to acknowledge his debt to those who inspired him. Know-all critics in latter years dismissed him as being a show-off and a showman at the expense of the music. Utter rot. He was always musical, always creative. We lost him at the early age of 64. There will be no more Gene Krupas, but thankfully much of his legacy is availble on CD and video. Bruce Klauber does a fantastic job of making much of this available. RIP Gene. Heres a video which Ive not seen posted here before: https://youtube/watch?v=jGhHeka_y4g
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 13:32:04 +0000
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