Louie Bellson - Quadragrip - Hal Blaine - Modern Drummer

1980

358### Louie Bellson/ In the 80s, Louie Bellson played each year at the Village Jazz Lounge in Orlando / Disney World. I had just published my Quadragrip book. Tommy introduced me to Louie at his gig. Louie was very nice, kind and interested in my concept. Ted Reed and Maurie Lishon were there that night. Ted brought several Billy Gladstone snare drums. Tommy was great friends with Maurie and Ted. Their Chicago connection started in the 30s. The next day after meeting Louie at his Village Lounge gig, He did a clinic at my former employer, Discount Music in Orlando.

The place was packed. I had just met Louie the night before. To my shock he called me to the drumset and talked about my book. He then asked me to demonstrate it on his drumset. Being left handed, I did the best I could. Certainly shaking in my shoes. The next time I saw Louie play he was using Quadragrip. In his correspondence, Louie told me that he’d been experimenting around with a triple grip. He said he used it for a drumset piece he composed with orchestra.

You can see many of Louie's solos on YouTube using 4 sticks. He picked up on it quickly with the correct grip. Louie was always very busy as a musician and drumset clinician. Several drummers picked up on a variation of Quadragrip from Louie. I’ve seen a few drummers use a Burton grip concept. It doesn't give you as much spread. There’s also the Steve Gadd (Late In The Evening) – John Bonham (4 sticks) 2 in each hand attempt.

When Louie used Quadragrip he featured it in his solo. He would start with a double bass drum pattern, pick up two more sticks and begin his 4-stick solo. It was very good. He understood how to use the spread and combined playing of multiple cymbals and drums. His 4 sticks playing on snare drum was great. To me, that is the hardest thing to do.

359### Ron Spagnardi / Modern Drummer April 1981/ after my first paperback editions of Quadragrip books were printed, I began advertising and selling them in Modern Drummer. I had previously created my connection to their advertising department when I started monthly ads during my gig at Discount Drum World in Orlando. I presented my book via snail mail to Mr. Ron Spagnardi, editor of Modern Drummer. He liked the concept and offered the opportunity to print a few excerpts of my book. The Modern Drummer article was published, April 1981.

The great Hal Blaine is on the cover. I actually sold a few books and cassettes with my monthly Modern Drummer ad. It was very exciting. I began a marketing campaign to get a few endorsements. After sending copies to Vic Firth, Jim Chapin, Louie Bellson, Ted Reed, John Beck from Eastman School of Music they all responded with very positive and encouraging reviews. Dean Anderson from Berklee School of Music offered me an open opportunity to present a master class clinic.

Johnny Carson replied, said he preferred Duo-Grip. My original 1980 book included a cassette of playing examples. (Wish I had my original cassette copy) In 2024, I’m updating an expanded edition of my Quadragrip 4 Drumset method. I’ve produced hundreds of videos dating back to 1989.

370### Discount Music Center Quadragrip Clinic/ After publishing my Quadragrip book I was motivated to become a clinician and acquire sponsors. I won’t go into detail about my years of communication with industry manufactures. My first clinic was at Discount Music – Drum World. It went well. My photos show a nice crowd. I was very nervous standing in front of a room full of drummers looking at me. I was prepared but could have had more playing and less talking head. ‘Music speaks louder than words’

371### Michael Welch Publications POB 3625 Orlando, Florida 32802/ in 1980, I opened a Post Office Box in downtown Orlando. I checked it daily for letters with checks. Being an entrepreneur was a rewarding journey.

26*** The Lotus Position/ he’s on the sidewalk in the lotus position each day as I pick up my mail at the downtown Orlando post office. He doesn’t ask for money he’ll look at you & nod as he puffs from his cigarette. Today he was eating from a open can of beans it was open with the lid bent back. He wears the clothes of a homeless person is this his paradise is he happy are we the stupid ones he has no car insurance to pay no credit card late fees just sitting in the lotus position maybe he’s a writer a millionaire on sabbatical he has a different view of life’s temporary existence_

372### 26 Rudiments of Drumming – Quadragrip Production – Cassettes – T-Shirts/ In 1981 I created a 26 Rudiments of Drumming sheet. I used a friend’s wife – graphic designer from Calvary Assembly. She also assisted me with assembling my Quadragrip book. This was all old school poster board lay out. I utilized ancient rudiment notation from published materials.

I played and recorded each rudiment on my Marantz cassette recorder. That recorder had a variable compressor and limiter with built in microphone. It was high technology in 1981. I don’t remember if it was mono or stereo. I did my best to play each rudiment. They’re acceptable but not great. In order to keep everything in-house I purchased a dual cassette duplicator from Christian Duplicators in Orlando. I think it duplicated at double speed. My 30-minute cassette would take 15 minutes. The quality was good.

I also used my duplication machine for my Quadragrip cassettes. Quadragrip and 26 Rudiments were packaged in a clear letter size bag. I offered Quadragrip T-Shirts in several sizes and colors. I have one remaining from 1981. It’s possible they may be reproduced in the future.

373### Quadragrip Logo/ I created my original Quadragrip logo freehand with coins and a ruler. I used a quarter for the bass drum. I think I used a dime for the head. The 4 sticks, snare and floor toms were drawn straight lines with a ruler. The original inside Q of Quadragrip was drawn as straight lines.

374### Copyright Trademark Patent/ I formally jumped through all of the legal hoops to successfully acquire a Copyright, trademark and patent. Everything was snail mail with exception of a final phone call.

Looking back it was amazing that I did everything myself without professional legal representation. It was exciting to get the final approval and legal documents from Washington, DC.

#66 $$$ Gig - 1981 - Orlando Casuals/ I played many gigs with established professional Orlando bandleaders. Joe Murat, Dale Burke, Moe Lowe, Lou Feldman, Don Scaletta, Clarence Palmer. These gigs consisted of Country Clubs, Weddings, Parties, Private Clubs and Jewish Community Centers. I learned from playing with older musicians. I like playing quiet swing, Bossa Nova, waltzes and backbeat four-four Rock. In my early 30s, those musician bandleaders were all older established professionals.

375### Gigs Is What’s Happen in/ Looking back 25 years I question my struggling artist mentality. Playing music I respected was always a priority. This definitely limited my gig network. My casual gigs were erratic. I had resigned my position managing Drum World. Focusing on getting my music degree and authoring Quadragrip had much to do with my lack of gigs and income. I also resigned my Brevard Symphony Orchestra position. The Riddler Band ended when Al Walker moved back to California.