"Drums are not a solo instrument". Apparently, nobody sent that memo to Max Roach. Drums Unlimited was my first introduction to the melodic and solo possibilities of the drum set.

The recording released in 1966 consisted of three solo drum tracks and three band tracks. I was a 15-year old buying every drum record I could find, whether it was Teen Beat by Sandy Nelson or "Orgy In Rhythm" by Art Blakey. "Drums Unlimited" was as revolutionary as "Kind of Blue" or "Giant Steps".

It was the first time that a drummer recorded composed works for the drum set without accompaniment. I know that this recording may seem somewhat tame to a generation raised on Terry Bozzio and the "Black Page", but it was the first and by far the best recording of its kind. 

The signature piece on the recording was, and still is "The Drum Also Waltzes"--a piece that I would play in my senior recital. It was built on a simple (boom-dit) ostinato with a motif in eighth notes. 

"Drums Unlimited" was beautifully recorded by Tom Dowd. The band consisted of Jymie Merrit (bass), Ronnie Matthews (piano), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), James Spaulding (alto) and Ronald Alexander (soprano). The tunes and performances point to a new rhythmic freedom that would be the next step in the evolution of Jazz.  

It's been many years since I sat at the drums in the recital hall to play the "Drum Also Waltzes". I realized shortly after that performance how much this album had influenced me. "Drums Unlimited" changed the way I looked at my instrument. I was no longer a provider of rhythm, but a maker of music. I'm glad I bought it.

Bass playing at its finest almost always means Paul Chambers. The many recordings that he did are audio text books on the art of rhythm section playing. 

Paul not only brought a great groove, but a deep burnished sound with a great deal of presence to any performance. Drummers simply adored him because he was so easy to play with. Pianists have often remarked about his interesting but effective note choices.

Paul's virtuosity was also well documented In this clip of Green Dolphin Street. The clarity, articulation and ease of motion with the bow are examples of his considerable technique.

John Coltrane's Giant Steps is a great example. The tune is famous for its modulations into different keys and its rapid tempo. What is not discussed is that the entire recording is filled with musical potholes. I don't think the recording would have had the impact without Paul. The harmonic and rhythmic challenges were at times too much for the rhythm section (we're talking heavy guys here). It is P.C. who steps up to light the way forward. 

His four recordings as a leader show his considerable talents as a composer and as a solo voice. Check out "Whims of Chambers" the title track from his first date as a leader. The melody tricky, as it is has a mature bluesy feel to it and is a harbinger of things to come.

It's too bad that he died so young. Who knows what heights he would have reached as a player and a composer. What he did leave behind was a considerable body of work that any musician regardless of instrument should study and enjoy.

"He Played it." "No, he didn't and I have proof." "Oh Yeah!" These words can be exchanged in any sports bar on game night. These words are often spoken by musicians when arguing about who played what and when.

We are no different than our sports brethren when we argue, and there is no music argument better than the "Love Me Do" controversy. In a way it has become a fable rather than a  story of how the music business works.

I've revived this argument because I can now provide audio samples that feature each of the drummers involved. The performances of Pete Best, Ringo Starr and session drummer Andy White along with Ringo on Tambourine, are presented in the order they were recorded. You can decide which version you like and to be free to present your opinion on this very blog.

A fascinating sidebar greater than the drum argument is the fact that everybody screwed up. The band was raw and producer George Martin had little experience in recording a rock group. In my opinion, the only thing good about "Love Me Do"  is that it was an original.  Other than that I can find little in it that I Like. The demo session with Best was awful. I'm talking the whole band here. The tempo was too slow, the arrangement was terrible and they were clearly very nervous. Best certainly didn't help matters with his sloppy playing in the bridge but Martin was too quick to blame Best. 

Martin told Beatles manager Brian Epstein that he would sign the group, but a session drummer would do the recording.  Most likely, Pete Best was fired due to a growing dissatisfaction with his playing. Ringo Starr was hired without informing Martin that he would be playing on the next session. It's at this point where some context is necessary.

Producers to protect themselves will hire a known session player when faced with a musician they don't know. What is apparent is that the Beatles were in a difficult transition period and the recordings of "Love Me Do" bear that out. What is even more clear is that George Martin was in too big hurry to get something out. The song selection, arrangement and his failure to allow the group to get used to their new drummer are clear signs of his impatience.

Ringo's recording was certainly an upgrade not only rhythmically, but in terms of the arrangement. Ringo's version would become the single. George Martin and his assistant Ron Richards were still not satisfied so they engaged session drummer Andy White for another go at the tune.

The version with Andy White (drums) and Ringo (tambourine) was the last version done. It is also the one I prefer simply because the group was more comfortable and confident in the studio. What also makes this version better is that Ringo's tambourine mirrrors Andy White's back beat, creating a far better feel. The other aspect is the stronger bass drum hook up with McCartney. This version was released on the album "Please Please Me".

All fables have winners and losers. Unfortunately, Pete Best lost the most. He would receive financial compensation and another look at his work when the Beatles anthology was released. The other characters in our story would fare much better. Andy White would go on to play with many major artists.  

Ringo Starr would remain a Beatle to the very end and became one of the best and most influential drummers in Rock. George Martin would earn a Knighthood for his brilliant and legendary work., And the Beatles? They were and still are a musical phenomenon whose influence pervades to this day.