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Ed Thigpen RIP
Ed Thigpen - 28 December 1930 – 13 January 2010 No one can prepare for losing those who are precious but this really is sad news indeed. I got to know Ed Thigpen in the 1990’s and worked with him on drum clinics in the U.K. and Europe. As such an accomplished musician, entertainer and educator with a great spirit, he had a great way of bringing the best out in you both as a drummer and a person – this certainly will be sad news to the drumming community - another loss and a true legend. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1930, Ed Thigpen was world-renown for his exemplary musicianship, his artistry and flowing technique with wire brushes, and his highly effective teaching methods. He is admired by musicians and critics alike as one of the finest performer/educators in jazz. Following in the footsteps of his father Ben Thigpen, he walked through his career alongside jazz greats as Dexter Gordon, Chico Hamilton and Art Farmer in his formative years. Between 1954 and 1958 he worked with Dinah Washington, the Johnny Hodges band and the trios of Bud Powell, Jutta Hipp, and Billy Taylor. During this period he began to gain recognition through his performances in concerts, nightclubs, recording studios and on the television series ‘The Subject is Jazz’. He also became a clinician for the Ludwig drum company. In 1959 he joined the Oscar Peterson Trio together with bassist Ray Brown. That same year Ed and Elvin Jones were tied for the New Star on Drums in the Down Beat jazz critics poll – a prestigious accolade at that time. This Oscar Peterson Trio is still regarded today by many musicians to be the greatest piano-bass-drums trio in the history of jazz. Ed recorded more than 50 albums with Peterson before he left the group in 1965 to tour with Ella Fitzgerald. Some of his best acclaimed work can be found on Porgy and Bess (1959), The Trio (1961), Live at the London House and Night Train (both 1962). Ed also found he had a natural flair for lecturing having been invited to The Advanced School of Contemporary Music, founded by Oscar Peterson, bassist Ray Brown and composer Phil Nimmons in Toronto, Canada. He lived here for a while before continuing his career with superstars of the day with Johnny Mathis, Pat Boone, Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, Oliver Nelson, Gerald Wilson and many others. 1972 saw him move to Europe to settle in Copenhagen, where he was rapidly accepted on the European jazz scene; he continued to collaborate with such luminaries as Kenny Drew, Sven Asmussen, Ernie Wilkins, Clark Terry, Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander and Thad Jones. He wrote and published five books based on music and drumming, the first being ‘Talking Drums’ and recorded a couple of instructional videos, one of which is the acclaimed ‘The Essence of Brushes’. In recent years he lectured at the Musicskolan in Sweden and the Rhythmic Conservatory in Copenhagen. Ed also performed at ‘The Day Of Percussion’ hosted by PASIC (UK). He actively travelled the globe and would frequently be seen at the NAMM, PASIC and Frankfurt Musikmesse in Germany. He is respected by many drummers across all genres – he leaves a respectful legacy and history which is universally admired. I remember organising a drum workshop in Montreux, Switzerland in the 2006 at the Montreux Jazz Festival where he demonstrated the principles of timekeeping, dynamics and expression on brushes – absolutely priceless. We spent a couple of days together and I got to know him as a person. He was a humble soul with a big heart who encompassed life and everyone around him. Ed was never a ‘chops’ orientated drummer although he admired the versatility of several techniques. He used his rhythms as a language for music and had the art of producing half the beats with twice the feel. I remember him saying at that event, “Allow your technique to have a conversation with the music and the musicians around you”. The last time I spoke to Ed was in November 2009 where I threw into discussion the possibility of getting him involved with the next ‘Worlds Greatest Drummer’ event after putting the prospect to drummer and organiser Ian Palmer. He was up for it and there was every chance that we would have seen him perform at the event. The saying ‘the person you are, is the drummer you’ll be’ definitely applies to Ed – a gentle giant of a man who expressed his personality through his instrument - he will be sorely missed. Accolades 2002 IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) Humanitarian Award IFPI (International Federation of Phonagraph Industry) 2002 Danish Jazz Awards Inducted into The PAS (Percussive Arts Society) HALL OF FAME. Videos: Ed Thigpen: Master Of Time, Rhythm And Taste (2009): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoV5zm9027k&feature=player_embedded Oscar Peterson Trio, Live in Italy 1961 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1HBrS23aGQ&feature=player_embedded# Oscar Peterson Cubano Chant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rn6AEVXpeo Those who aren’t familiar with his body of work may want to check out a link to his discography to follow. Check out his Discography: www.discogs.com/artist/Ed+Thigpen Tributes for Ed Thigpen “So sad to loose such a great idol, great contributor to the music scene and a wonderful help to SABIAN. Ed Thigpen was with us for almost 30 years. To say that he would be missed is the worst understatement of the year. Our deepest sympathy to his family and Donald Meade” - Bob and Willi Zildjian and the SABIAN family “God bless Ed. He was a good friend of mine and he helped me so much with my brush work, when I did not have a clue how to play brush. He took time out and showed me the way. Rest In Peace Ed - we love you bro. Your legacy will live through us all” – John Blackwell “We go back a loooooooong way, Ed and me... he critiqued me when I was part of rhythm section that consisted of George Cables (piano), and Clint Houston (bass), at a school called Rhythm Associates in New York City. I believe this took place between 1962 and 1964. From that point we were in touch over the next 50 years quite often. Ed was a cut above the rest, in my book. He is already sorely missed” - Billy Cobham “My dad became a bass player because of Ray Brown. So I grew up hearing the music of Oscar Peterson in my parent’s house when I was a kid. Therefore I got acquainted with Ed Thigpen’s drumming before I even knew his name. Years later, I had the chance to meet Ed and spend an afternoon with him, a snare drum and two pairs of brushes. Ed granted me insight into his marvellous philosophy of music and drumming and showed me the ropes of playing brushes. Up to this point I was very concerned with the technical side of playing brushes: Stroke and swipe diagrams etc. But that afternoon he opened my mind and ears to the real secrets of playing brushes: LISTENING to the sound of the brushes and using your imagination to come up with your OWN solution to GLUE the band together. I will never forget this and am thankful for this beautiful and generous gift he gave me that day. Ed Thigpen was the greatest gentleman and his contribution will life on forever” – Jo Jo Mayer “I loved Ed as a drummer and as a person. He was a warm hearted soul. Always quick to teach and help drummers learn - especially with brushes. What a great brush artist he was. I would see him a drum events and NAMM Show, always so great to be around...he will certainly be missed. RIP my drum brother!!!” – Carmine Appice “Ed Thigpen was a true master of not only the drums but of humanity itself. I had never met a more sincere, honest and uplifting man who was filled with an indescribable radiance that both had shown in his playing and personality. He was a patriarch in every way and a moral role model like no other. I will greatly miss wonderful presence, his smiling face and his amazing drumming. He was an avid learner and never stopped feeding his passion. The most humble man I knew. It was an honour to be his friend and I loved him dearly. We have truly lost a great source of light in our world but he made an indelible mark on the world for many years. The ripples that he left have gone far across the globe and will continue to through those who were influenced by him of which I am at the top of the list. With great admiration and love” - Zoro “God Bless Ed. He was the King of brushes and taste” – JR Robinson “Ed Thigpen was a quiet giant, his brush work was incomparable and his touch and taste were impeccable, a true musicians musician” – Steve White "Like many others in our art, I was fortunate enough to hear and study the magnificent Mr Thigpen on the Oscar Peterson albums. He was without doubt Mr Subtle, Mr Time and Mr Accurate! And Mr Brushes!! All of the recordings Ed and Ray Brown made with the pianist will thankfully live on and resoundingly confirm all of those attributes. I''ve heard he was also a true gentleman and infectiously inspiring man to boot, and it''s very sad to hear now of his passing. Thank you Ed Thigpen for all you brought." – Gary Husband “I love working with vocalists because of Ed Thigpen. I heard him with Ella Fitzgerald when I was a kid and couldn''t believe his tastefulness. His sound, his brush work, the joy he brought to the song, the foundation he provided for the band. And it makes my heart feel good that I was born Dec. 28, Rest Ed Thigpen, rest in peace” – Herman Matthews “We have lost a true legend. I got excited every time I saw Ed at one of our trade shows. He was so approachable, always hanging out at the Remo booth demonstrating mastery to us mere mortals. You touched us all forever. Say hello to Buddy and Miles...” – Mark Schulman “A true gentleman and a master drummer. After years of being a fan, one day at NAMM! wow...it lives in my heart that lesson and every time I play brushes, I think of ED THIGPEN! so musical!!! We''ll miss him...check Ed wailing!” – Walfredo Reyes Jr. "Ed Thigpen was the consummate swinging accompanist, simply incredible in the line-up of Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown. Ed was one of my first and greatest influences due to his immaculate time and brush artistry and I learned from his great brush book which I continue to use with students today. He''ll be sadly missed, although his spirit will continue with the likes of Jeff Hamilton and Brian Blade around!" – Ralph Salmins “One of the greatest brush players ever, always musical and swinging and a real gentleman of the drums!” – Doane Perry “A wonderful man and a true gentleman. My last short meeting was at PASIC 2007 - Ed, I will miss you!” – Bernhard Castiglioni (Drummerworld) “Ed Thigpen could swing his behind off!! He was an extremely tasteful drummer. Ed knew how to use space and knew when and when not to play! What a masterful brush-man he was! Ed will be dearly missed. Check him out on Youtube! R.I.P.” – Alphonse Mouzon “Thigpen was a brush master to the masters. His book on brushes is brilliant and musical” – Kenwood Dennard “Sad news indeed! Ed Thigpen, "Mr. Taste", was also the consummate gentleman - a beautiful person. This beauty shined through his playing, which was honest and true. Ed was one of the first drummers I listened to and practiced to in my formative years, the early sixties. He left an indelible mark on my musicality. Later, I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know him, including hosting Ed Thigpen clinics in my drum store. I always looked forward to seeing him at trade shows and in my travels. I shall miss not only his drumming, but his engaging smile and that special twinkle in his eye in his eye” - Ray Ayotte "It was very sad at NAAM this year not having Ed with us, always with his wonderful smile and personality. An immense musician and human being. He will be missed" - Walfredo Reyes Sr "Ed Thigpen was obviously one of the greatest brush masters ever, ever to play brushes. There is no discussion about that... great is great! But equal to that was his kindness and his beautiful heart. He was devoted to music and I could tell he was a deeply honest man especially to him self which reflected in his approach to playing and his relationships with musicians and people" - Kenny Aronoff "Ed Thigpen, what a fine gentleman. Ed helped me with his kindness and ideas when I first started to write. Jim Chapin and Ed Thigpen, you can imagine the stories they're sharing!" - Chuck Silverman My sincere thanks to everyone for the kind tributes and swift response for their tributes, the drumming community continues to uphold its reputation for unity. For more information: www.edthigpen.com Equipment: Tribute: Jerome Marcus |
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