Hal Smith and Kevin Dorn: Let’s Talk More Great Drummers

Hal Smith: Last June, Kevin Dorn and I talked about some of the people who have influenced our own playing. That article received many positive comments from TST readers, so we decided to discuss some more drummers we admire… One guy I know we both enjoy hearing is Ray Bauduc; especially on the records he made in the 1930s with Bob Crosby’s Bob Cats and with Wingy Manone. He played such an exciting style, with plenty of press rolls, blocks, rims, cowbell and choke cymbal—during the Swing Era! Bauduc was certainly one of the greatest pioneers of the New Orleans style, along with Baby Dodds, Zutty Singleton, Paul Barbarin, Tony Sbarbaro, and the Halls (Minor and Tubby). When you hear Bauduc’s masterful playing on “The Big Crash From China,” it is easy to understand why he was a favorite of Chick Webb! Kevin Dorn: Yes! I remember when I first heard Ray Bauduc on record (with Bob Crosby’s band), it was further evidence to me that there was more than just one way to play. He didn’t sound like Gene Krupa or Dave Tough or Jo Jones. He had his own approach. I’ve met some people who think that “traditional jazz” drumming is restrictive, but I believe nothing could be further from the truth. These great players prove that there are unlimited ways to play this music. I love Bauduc’s