Timpani a.k.a. kettle drums are widely associated with classical music. Occasionally you'll hear them in a pop context. Ringo plays them in the Beatles' "Every Little Thing." Most of us don't think of them as jazz drums. But here they are.
Timpani tuned to some pitches sound hella cartoony.
2 comments:
The very cool timpani made this a fascinating version of the Duke's Cotton Tail. It's always a treat listening to 20th century jazz and almost as nice hearing it well done nowadays.
Did you ever go to Bovi's Tavern in East Providence on a Monday night? Although there was no room for kettle drums on its shallow staircase stage the place did host a sixteen piece jazz orchestra with room for professionals from across the country to sit in on sessions. Even now my heart always skips a beat whenever I hear the opening to Take the A Train.
Duke Ellington was a pretty towering talent, with a great output. Also the subject of Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke". So yes, it's nice to see his work still out there, being reinterpreted anew.
I have indeed been to Bovi's, although not at all recently. Went a couple of times with my friend Jack and his wife when they were around. I think I went at least once by myself as well. It was a nice experience. They had a great house band and some good guest performers. I'm curious as to whether they still do the jazz nights and if so how much or little they've changed.
Post a Comment