This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Phil Raskin. This Slingerland 12, 13, 14, 16, 18 set was originally owned by drummer and educator Skip Hadden. The drums originally had a natural finish but are now finished in black lacquer. The bass drum originally had a heavy rough coat layer of green latex primer inside of the shell, which was a remedy passed down by Alphonse Mouzon. According to Skip, “It really rounded out the sound.” Many forget that Skip played on the Weather Report album Mysterious Traveler (along with drummer Ishmael Wilburn,) and these are the drums that Skip played on that important record. Skip remembers that while Weather Report was in the studio, Joe Zawinul also played these drums when Joe was describing some parts for Skip to play. Hadden continues, “It was an amazing time and perhaps many are still touched in some way by that energy.” The set has since been played by jazz legend Billy Hart, and by a very young Abe Laboriel Jr. when Phil was rehearsing with his father, bassist Abraham Laboriel Sr. The set was restored by Nodar Rode in 2012. Thanks to Phil Raskin for taking such great care of these special drums.

November 2023 Issue