Duke Ellington with Louie Bellson

[RevWrona]

This is fantastic, I never knew Bellson ever played with Duke.

[mrsticks28]

I believe the title of this tune is "Skin Deep". The drum heads in those days were calf skin, and as a drummer, I can tell you they were a pain, humidity killed them, and they split all too often!

[lynsuefa]

I wish todays musicians would watch some of this old stuff,maybe they could up a few pointers.

PRICELESS.

[Stampit88]

Holy shit! This man is playing death metal.

[rasmondog]

@Stampit88 in the 50's lol

[pr192001]

Come on the man had a seven piece set in the 50's how cool was that

[ThomasD1962]

Great clip! If you've got any more just post them!

[iselliot]

and I always find it fascinating to listen to those big, double-headed, wide-open 24" bass drums. You can really hear them around the minute mark. This is the Bonham sound. This is what totally Bonzo was aiming for. Drums are good.

[Zakura616]

HOLY FUCKING SHIT THIS IS METAL! I always knew Jazz had some crazy drumming but this is on the level of Technical Death Metal!

[wiremu]

You mean, of course, that Technical Death Metal is on a level with this.

[dantean]

Dig that crazy double bass drum, brother! Crazy, man!!!

[drdee51]

I just now found out that Louie died! That is bad news. Who is there now to teach us and keep our heads straight as to correct playing?

[Zachdudeio2]

Without Louie there would be no metal. This guy is a legend.

[coorskegstander]

Louie from my home town of Rock Falls. He's a great drummer and an even greater person. He's a legend. GREAT VIDEO

[igluver15]

I met Louie in Woodland Hills, CA back in the late 1990's & he couldn't have been more gracious & down to earth! He let me go & get a pair of his drumstix that were actually signed! Great Memory!!!

[ksboy50]

This guy was just awesome. Was a Buddy Rich fan, now..... Thanks for sharing

.

[Champane97]

I am just floored with the sound of Louie's kick drums, in fact the whole kit as well!!! They just don't seem to record drums like they use to today. Even with todays advance in mic tech, I still prefer how drums were recorded back in these days.

[drdee51]

I appreciate what you are saying. However, realize that drums where constructed differently back then in terms of bearing edges and restraining hoops. Also, even Remo plastic heads were different then than now. I personally hate the way drums are constructed today. The tone is just obnoxious. No warmth at all for me. The closest these days to the old times is the Ludwig birch poplar (did I spell that right guys? And, no I do not work for that company).

[Champane97]

I hear ya drdee51!! Agree 100% Actually the Ludwig 'Lagacy" series drums are amazing, I desperatly want a set but they are very expessive. That's understandable considering that those drums are hand made, unlike the rest, made by computers!! I still prefer a human's ear and hands to a a computer when it comes to making intruments!!

[ElizabethBix]

We will miss having Louie in this world, we Moliner's are proud of our hometown musical genius and we can always say 'Louie lives!'. Thanks for the great video.

[RockfrdDrm]

I can't imagine a musical world without Louie in it. You will be missed my friend.

[leoojtt]

In what year is this?

Thanks for this incredible video.

[bongomanfromdalou]

First and still probably the best! Awesome clip, man!

[d0a0n]

wonderful playing. did he invent the dbl bass drum ? that was a joy to watch. thank you kind sir

[wildespace]

yes, he was the first one to use double bass drum.

[ciminoo]

This was actually a number called "The Hawk Talks." written by Louie Bellson himself. This was a clip found on a DVD called "Legends of Jazz drumming." in which was hosted by Louie Bellson and was commentated over the video. This is the original performance. Very nice upload.

[bevrich]

What's the title of this number?

Duke & The Orchestra was the greatest.

[jrock0789]

I think it's called "Musical Rhythm"