I recently received a request to submit a short testament by way of video regarding a hero of the Hungarian drumming world, the late Sándor Kármán. Sándor was also my friend. As I would coincidentally begin touring Europe a few days following this event in early July, I volunteered to make my speech in-person. So began a series of adjusted flights and hotel stays that ultimately landed me in Budapest, where I would rehearse with the Jazz Orchestra of the same name. The plan became to speak and play in honor of Sándor Kármán, and I could not have been happier to do so. Here are the words I spoke to the large crowd which was assembled in the town square of Cégled, Hungary, in front of the Drum Museum (Dob Museum) where a bust of the man would soon be unveiled: “Sándor Kármán loved the drums. His love was […]

September 2026 Issue