Joe Morello - A Tribute

The great jazz drummer, Joe Morello, died a couple of weeks ago.

Joe Morello - wikipedia

There's a lot I could say about Joe, probably too much, and since I don't want this to get too emotional
or have it run on with boring personal platitudes, I'll just make a few remarks and let the music
and Joe's artistry do the rest.

Probably more than anyone else, Joe Morello is the drummer that taught me, through his example,
what it means to play drums as a true musician.

I could go on about his amazing technical facility and his phenomenal solos, but what
impressed me the most was how tastefully he played and how he used his exceptional
technique in an unobtrusive way to so greatly enhance the music he was a part of.

I'll dare to say that in spite of the other immense talent within the Brubeck quartet,
in my opinion, the group could not have achieved the success, worldwide acclaim and popularity
that it did without Joe's presence and his unique contributions.

I had the good fortune to meet Joe in 1971 and had a chance to visit with him a couple of times
at his studio in New Jersey between 1971 and 1975. That was quite a big deal for me and he was
kind, gracious and very supportive.

So here are a few clips that I've found which I happen to like.
There are others available, of course, and I may add some at a later time.

Joe is gone in body, but what he has given us through his gift and his heart will be a
source of enjoyment and inspiration to many for a long time to come.

— Michael

@Major Geeks owners and staff:
Thanks for including a spell checker in the post message editor! :major

"Take the 'A' Train" - 1966
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbUklDXdH2o&feature=related

Drum solo from "Take Five"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tTyTc6FjjU&feature=related

"Sounds of the Loop" - 1964
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0XED9VI2cg

"Just In Time" from the album "It's About Time"
(album back cover photo attached)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUMQ4OIe7BI&feature=related