On tomorrow, a man I consider to be a great musician, friend, and trend setting drummer, will be laid to rest. I met Tony "Stickman" Wyatt at the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival in Philadelphia, where I had the honor of serving as the lead drum tech for the event. What stuck out the most was this drummer who seem to go from stage to stage because he was playing for everyone. What really stuck out was how friendly and approachable he turned out to be. After hearing him, I was floored by how smooth he was and how he seemed to simply be talking from behind the kit. The cool part was hearing a few riffs and rudiments executed in the identical manner my instructor back in Philadelphia drilled into me. An hour later, during our conversation I would learn that we both had the same drum instructor, the late but great Sherman Ferguson. (drum instructor of the Philadelphia program, Model Cities on Broad & Fairmount) The next day we are again talking about the young talent also playing at the festival. Particularly this young lady playing over on stage 4 who he tells me I need to go and see. Due to having all of the riders for this 3 day event, I find out that he is talking about Jillian "Jill Pill" Jones; my daughter. Tony would later become her teacher, mento, & "Pops". Through his students, the bands he has played for, and his music, the sprit of Tony Stickman Wyatt will live on. I count it an honor and a blessing to have called this great man and awesome drummer, my Friend. Tony, for the gift you were placed on this earth to share, I humbly say, thank you and To God Be the Glory. For our conversations of woods, shells, sticks, cymbals, and musical approach, I say thank you. I will miss you. -Bobby D
Posted on: Fri, 30 Aug 2013 15:02:01 +0000
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