Chops Master and Musical Poet Joe Morello inspired thousands of drummers during his long career, which spanned from 1957, the year of his first recording session with Dave Brubeck, to 2011, when he passed away. Morello’s legacy reached a wide spectrum of players. His technical skills were off the charts. His mastery of finger control was legendary, his touch and feel were superb, and his speed was incredible. But Morello never let technique overpower his playing; he used it as a tool to help him express his musical ideas. One of the most obvious examples of Joe’s masterful and musical approach to the drum solo can be heard in the classic song “Take Five” by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Joe could have easily filled every measure with technical fire and flare, but instead he crafted a very musical solo that took advantage of space. Sometimes what you don’t play means […]

October 2020 Issue