#32 Gary Moffett - Nick Russo - Gabriel’s Brass - Theme Park Pavilion- Epcot - Space Mountain - the happiest place on earth
100 drummers I’ve seen and heard in my lifetime
#32 Gary Moffett
In the early 70s, I went to Walt Disney world for the first time. My favorite fun thing was to ride Space Mountain. In the early 80s, I became employed as a musician. My first temporary gig was percussionist playing tympani, xylophone etc. for their seasonal Christmas musical. The large ensemble played the music in the band room. It was recorded and pumped/streamed to the park. The conductor and drummer took cues from a video monitor. I did that gig for several weeks, 7-days a week. Double/Triple scale. There were other drumset players, but I was the only percussionist. Those were some nice paychecks.
One morning, I got a call from head of talent booking. They ask if I was interested in a 2 day gig? I’m sure, I wasn’t their first call, but they needed a 2 day drummer for the about to be launched EPCOT, German Band. That’s a whole different story.
I must have been a good boy, later, I got another call to join a 2-day band performing at Magic Kingdom. I had subbed on the band. The leader liked the way I played. Maybe he recommended me for the gig. This would be keyboard, electric bass, drumset trio. We performed with a track as the Disney characters performed their show. It was Goofy, Donald Duck, Pluto and others. There were also lead boy/girl singers, host. It was a fun gig. My favorite of all Disney gigs. It didn’t last very long, go figure.
But, during my breaks I would ride Space Mountain. It was as good or better than I remembered from 1971.
Back to 1971, and my first visit. There were a few solo musicians, bands and ensembles when the park opened. The “World Band” was a replication from Disneyland. Those musicians (I subbed in that band) played special events and the scheduled Magic Kingdom parades. That was quite an event. I was in my early 30s and in decent shape. Some of the older musicians were always complaining about doing the parade. It was Florida in the Summer Heat.
Returning to 1971. I remember hearing the group Gabriel’s Brass on one of the stages in the park. (The happiest place on earth) Nick Russo was the leader and trumpet player. He had a reputation for his high notes. It was a good band with a rhythm section and horns. They performed popular horn music from Chicago and Blood Sweat & Tears. There was a popular record single by trumpet player Bill Chase called “Get It On” which was imitated regularly by horn groups.
Playing drums in the band was Gary Moffett. That was the first time I saw and heard Gary play. His early influence was Billy Cobham. Gary was always a first call drummer in the Central Florida area. I heard him in the 80s at a downtown venue called Cheyenne Saloon. It was located at Church Street Station. Rosie O’Gradys was located across the street. Those two venues offered full time employment for musicians.
Gary has been the drummer in 38 Special for many years. You can watch several videos on Youtube. His playing and sound is very impressive. All respect for Gary and all drummers that can create and fulfill their dream to play drums as a career. He’s a dedicated drummer and musician that studied the historical drummers from the past and added his identity to the instrument.
I know very few musicians, drummers, artist that have full time careers at that level.
Badaboom