Rufus "Speedy" Jones - new addition on Drummerworld

[Bernhard]

Just added finally the great Rufus "Speedy" Jones - the driving force behind Count Basie and Duke Ellington - to Drummerworld:

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Rufus_Speedy_Jones.html

enjoy...

http://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drumpics34/rufusjones5509856.jpg

[Bo Eder]

Nice one, Bernard! Rufus is one of those 'quiet' greats that no one really knows about.
Having started out with Slingerland drums myself, what got me nostalgic when seeing Rufus' Slingerlands was how light everything was back in those days. My new Tama Bubingas probably weigh in at twice what the old Slingerlands did. Stupid modern drums! I miss when drums were actually musical instruments ;)

[mattsmith]

I've been watching that Basie clip for years The cymbal interlude in the middle of his solo is one of the most sonic things I've ever heard. Very cool...incredible intensity.

[tomgrosset]

Man, that Moeller technique that Rufus has is simply incredible.

[mattsmith]

I just read where Speedy Jones actually contracted a terrible degenerative disease that forced him to leave Ellington and quit drumming. Then his son went to prison for several years while this great titan lived out his days as a valet in a hotel bathroom. That just wasn't right. This is the kind of guy we should be studying in conservatories.

[keep it simple]

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to hear this wonderful playing Bernhard. So sad to read Matt's reporting of Rufus's later life. A shocking end indeed. That cymbal interlude was stunning. A technique & skill that I can only dream of.

[Lex]

Finally, this giant gets the Drummerworld credit he deserves. What an energy did he have behind the kit.. :)