Joe Morello (1928-2011)
The first time I saw and heard Joe Morello was at Music City in Orlando. It was well attended and Joe Morello played brilliantly. I heard Take Five in 1968. Quite a few years after it’s original recording on the 1959 album, Time Out. Since 1968, I’ve become a big fan of Joe Morello. His playing amazes me like Buddy Rich. The Dave Brubeck Quartet was a unique group.
After my introduction to Tommy Thomas (1901-1995) I began to acquire drum method books to improve my musicianship. Joe Morello’s 1963 book New Directions in Rhythm: 3/4 and 5/4 Time)…became part of my library. The discography of recordings with Dave Brubeck is lengthy…beginning in 1957-1993. Over 60 albums)
I remember seeing classified ads for drum lessons in Downbeat and Modern Drummer, offered from Joe Morello. Many drummers have stories about their first lesson and multiple lessons with him. His technique is legendary.
Danny Gottlieb presented Joe in a performance at the Orlando PAS. In the Music City clinic and PAS performance---Joe demonstrated his touch and technique. It was also worth the price of admission for his stories and opinion.
Joe was elected to the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame and Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. His drum sound, playing with sticks, brushes or his hands are unique. His invention of playing odd time signatures was historical. I continue to listen to his discography.