By interviewing some musicians for articles and encouraging others to write articles themselves, I’ve been able to shine the spotlight on the lives of several musicians of Harry Brabec’s era and further chronicle an interesting period of time in Chicago’s music history that is gone forever.
Archive for the ‘Music Biz History’ Category
Notes from an American Jazz Drummer in Japan
September 29th, 2011
After a lifetime of playing with countless jazz, rock, and country groups in Chicago and Los Angeles, George Edwards took a teaching job in Japan in 2003. His unusual 46-year journey as a freelance drummer and now teacher will be of interest to drummers everywhere. His interesting link to Harry Brabec is that he took a marimba lesson from him in 1966 when Harry was teaching privately at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Memories of Jacob Schwartz and the Shubert Theatre
May 26th, 2011
After reading an article about the Shubert Theatre on TheDrummerDrives site, the granddaughter of Jacob “Doc” Schwartz shared memories of her grandfather and his career. Includes three rare photographs from the family’s albums.
Custom Percussion Instruments II
February 7th, 2011
Percussionists have always made their own instruments. This post about Franks Drum Shop talks about some of the custom percussion instruments made in its “Goodie Room,” as reported in a 1967 Chicago Sun-Times Article by Abra Prentice.
Bill Crowden’s Drums Unlimited Drum Shop
January 14th, 2011In this “Tale of Two Chicago Drum Shops,” Barbara talks about Harry’s relationship with Bill Crowden, owner of Drums Unlimited, and links to “An Historical Document of Interest to Percussionists,” a unique download that features a 1969 issue of Crowden’s Drums Unlimited newsletter, which in turn features mini articles by leading percussionists of the day. This PDF document may be shared with others by email, or offered as a free download on music-related websites.
Fritz Reiner's Chicago Symphony Audition Process
June 2nd, 2010Fritz Reiner’s audition methods were unusual, to say the least. Here’s how he found and auditioned musicians for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the fifties. This is just one of many behind-the-scenes music-biz stories (and one of several Fritz Reiner tales) to be found in Barbara Brabec’s memoir, The Drummer Drives! Everybody Else Rides.
The Bensenville/Wood Dale Concert Band
May 7th, 2010The Bensenville/Wood Dale Concert Band has been conducted by Fred Lewis since 1953. This article offers information about Fred’s background, his band, and its outstanding musicians, as well as one of Fred’s amusing “Harry stories.”
Two Years with Wayne King's Orchestra
May 1st, 2010Harry Brabec spent two years with Wayne King’s Orchestra, on the road as well as when the orchestra was performing on television in Chicago. Here are some of his memories of the band in 1949-1951.
