Chinese New Year usually finds me seated at a large circular table in Hop Woo’s, a terrific dining establishment in West Los Angeles. This annual meal is organized by the wife of my longtime friend and drummer Peter Donald. We are always seated side-by-side, which allows for plenty of conversation between courses of Peking Duck and Steamed Pork with Salted Fish. Out of the blue, while I was feasting on some Hot Braised String Beans, Peter Donald began talking about the time he saw Specs Powell play the drums. Who was Specs Powell? For historical reference: Gordon “Specs” Powell was born in New York City on June 5, 1922, and passed away on September 15, 2007, in San Diego. He was the first black staff musician hired by CBS in 1943. He worked with Benny Carter and Ben Webster and played percussion on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960s […]

March 2023 Issue