don’t know the origin of these ious route? Was it a conscious
drums for sure. I have heard choice or was this the way the
they are a subsidiary of Pearl, opportunities arose?
but I’m sure some of your Keith: I think I’m more con-readers would know. My Dad scious about it now, but it
found an ad in the paper and really was how it happened
bought them used. The next naturally. I’m more conscious
kit was an old Slingerland now about trying to keep the
(wish I knew the year) with a instrumental stuff happening
silver sparkle finish. This kit whenever possible. I personal-was also used we found from ly need to have improvisation-an ad in the paper. It came al music in my life on a consis-with two 22” bass drums, tent basis. I love the challenge
mounted 12 and 13 on a and freedom of that. But I also
stand, and 14 and 16 floor love the challenge of the more
toms. Being that this was back structured gigs I do playing
in my heaviest of rock days songs. I’ve always been inter-and everyone was using big- ested in many different genres
ger kits with every size pos- of music, and wanted to have
sible, I eventually ordered a 6, a sound and style that could
8, 10, and 15” toms and had work well in all of these many
my first huge rock kit! (ed. Kit different musical situations: a
pictured on first page) Later, consistent sound that is my
I had a Tama Superstar kit own. It’s a constant work in
that was also red sparkle with progress! It’s been a fun ride
double kick and also had ev- so far, and I have been fortu-
Keith with Larry Londin at George’s Drum Shop 1986
ery tom size possible! nate to have the opportunities
George: You bought that to work with all these great
Tama kit at my shop and traded in the George: What are you playing now? artists. I feel like I relate to their music
60s Slingerlands and the Remo kit that Keith: Since 1998, I have exclusively in many ways. I grew up listening to a lot
you won at my drum shop solo competi- been playing Yamaha drums and have of classic rock, R&B, and jazz, and my
tion. Remember that? used various kits. I play the Maples, influences are similar to theirs, so I feel
Keith: That’s right! I would eventually Oaks, and PHX kits depending on what like I can get deeper inside the details,
start down sizing and started moving I am going for in the music. As for snare the vibe, the attitudes of the music.
back towards the standard 5 or 6 piece drums, other than the ones that came George: Is there a solo album in the fu-kit and to this day that’s generally what I with each kit, I have been to the Yamaha ture?
like to play, and I also add another floor factory in Osaka, Japan and have made Keith: I’ve been kicking around the idea
tom on occasion. So, I now always use several custom drums over the years that for a long time. I think it will eventually
either an 18, 20, or 22 single bass drum consist of a birch, beech, kapur, maple, happen, but it’s been on the backburner
depending on the music, 10” and 12” and oak woods with various depths and since I’m always on the road and dismounted toms, 14” and 16” floor toms. plies for different sounds I need in the tracted.
My next kit was a DW with a blue finish studio. I’ve also always used a Yamaha George: So, four months ago I saw you
that I got when they were just starting to brass piccolo as one of my main snares playing for two nights with Steely Dan in
make drums around the late 80s early in the studio and live. Akron Ohio and I barely recognized you
90s. George: Are you looking for any particu- because you had lost so much weight.
George: I sold you that kit too, I believe. lar old instruments now? How much did you lose and how did you
Keith: In college, I bought a Gretsch kit Keith: I am always interested in old cym- do it? You look great, man!
when I got more into playing jazz. I al- bals, old Ks, etc. Keith: 60 pounds! I hit the fitness ma-ways wanted a Gretsch and came across George: Classic rock music and tribute chines every morning on the road in
one someone was selling. It wasn’t a vin- bands are big business these days. You the hotel and at home, and I’m eating
tage round badge, so I assume maybe it are 38 now and playing with some of healthy, drinking lots of water, occasion-was made early 80s if I remember cor- THE most famous classic rock acts and ally drinking wine instead of beer. You
rectly. current pop stars but spending the time know, all the usual stuff.
George: The red rosewood kit. Nice in between playing what I call “musi- George: What made you decide to go for
drums. cian’s music” for far less money. Did you it? You are even skinnier than you were
Keith: They really sound great. I still ever consider becoming a full time instru- in high school.
have that kit actually. mentalist and pursuing that more precar- Keith: Well, I was getting married last
