Drummerworld: Louie Bellson

[falconfira]

What year was this?

[pulgabros]

@falconfira  This was circa 1984-85.

[falconfira]

I think my neighbors are liking this.

[ThomasMetal75]

I am a drummer, been playing for 11 years and studied in elementary, middle, high school, and at the college level. I've never understood why jazz drummers tune their drums so high, especially the snare, till it has a cracking sound. Why tune the drums so high?

[coffeefootcarey]

@ThomasMetal75 i m h o so that they can be musical and actually play melodies as a part of accompanying the rest of the band. many jazz drummers strive to play melodically, not just chops.

[mechmove]

what an awesome style of drumming, having seen Buddy and Louie numerous times live in the 1980s, Pearl sitting on the sidelines probably got attention than her husband did. ok, he was a Drummer. I thought Louie put out more than Buddy on any given show. Louie was certainly more a showman without attitude. RIP to both great drummers.

[lettocarletto]

He was italian!! His real name was Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni! Great!

[DanLetts97]

Sounds an awful lot like Buddy in parts... who inspirted who I wonder.

[DanLetts97]

The double bass drum was always a bit of a gimmick with Louie... he hardly ever touched it. Wicked solo here though, I'm curious though---who is stealing from who?? Because he's doing a lot of Buddy stuff here... In fact, this was almost a tribute to Buddy Rich. No??

[19CACTUS51]

@DanLetts97 Maybe it was the inverse, Louie influenced Buddy, Louie and Buddy were contemporaries. They both have similar but different styles.

[DanLetts97]

@19CACTUS51 Yeah... I'd love to know. Buddy rarely mentioned influences other then Chick Webb.

[coffeefootcarey]

@DanLetts97 they were both influenced by Mr. Gene Krupa and Mr. George Lawrence Stone

[handidrummed]

@DanLetts97 Buddy was actually a huge fan of Louie. If Buddy couldn't do a gig, he'd always ask Louie to sub.

[bgibb101]

@handidrummed - Right on. Loiue also won a national Gene Krupa drumming contest when he was 17 years old and Buddy even said that Gene Jrupa was the "beginning and the end of all jazz drumming."

[hydroraz1900]

amasing.



[weirdo3759]

4:17= he's like the wolverine of drums!!!!

[ConquerTHEgreat221]

wow! what did i just watch

[sticksanddrums1]

holy heaven!!!!

[XDrummerSteve]

...and this was later in his career when he was "slowing down". I can't understand why young drummers don't appreciate this style of playing.

[bobledoc]

I will store my drum

[StephenFiorentini]

So here we go!

[jcghooker]

 Beautiful drum kit, too.

[spigots8]

There is such fluency musicality and style to this.....

[XXXCRSPL]

Ya he definately reminds me of Buddy Rich

[fnkdrmmr]

Louie!

[rockero94]

Louie was a freaking genius. And not only did he have this incredible talent, but also a charming personaliy. Miss him...

[seungoo79]

He reminds me of Buddy Rich

[TheBenry]

Rock 'n' Roll !

[monsterjohn]

WHO THE HELL DISLIKED THIS VIDEO!?!?! Have a word with yourself.

[Gretchluver1]

@monsterjohn Travis Barker I think!

[JakeBarnes777]

He ends with a smile.

[JuliannaML69]

WWWWWWellllllll, It doesn't get any better than this on Jazz Drums, people!

[ViniciusCiaBateras]

soul, creativity, power, speed, dynamics. What else can we talk ....

[ViniciusCiaBateras]

alma, criatividade, poder, velocidade, dinamica. O que mais podemos falar ....

[MightyMerold]

you know i find myself saying this over and over in alot of videos......mostly gaming videos and music videos......there is always competition between different types of music/musician and games/consoles......it is completely uneeded and it sends the wrong musical message......music is not all ment to be the same because we as people are not all the same we are all different and we all have different tastes and we should learn to enjoy one another's unique and creative minds

[dan8060]

super

[pootershnitzel]

@dan8060 overdose on viagra

[dragonkid521]

why even have a bass pedal when your hands are that fast.

[DonkeyPunchin]

@BLINK2BARKER who's travis barker?

[DreamTheater8540]

@BLINK2BARKER Next joke please Barker fan....

[WindyCityJazz]

I miss Louie :( Such a great drummer and such a true gentleman. Couldn't meet a nicer guy.

[eusoucarlos]

not only the creator of double bass, but also created the blastbeat!!!! (around 0:52) LOL =D

[JAZZOLOGIST1]

louie is one of the great est drummers of all time. Unique.

[Bearthoughts]

He is so ridiculously good, it's not even fair.

[ThaTyger]

Just.... wow... always loved jazz drummers, but this is a totally different level all together

[panzerschnott]

Hope some of you drummers learned something from this video. I played it for a young drummer at work and he was completely humiliated.

[Psycho9263]

I once seen that rug come off while he was doing a drum solo with Buddy Rich. Buddy thought it was a flying tarantula.

[panzerschnott]

@Psycho9263 Sure, Don't forget, Buddy wore a rug, too, along with about 90% of all male entertainers

[Psycho9263]

@panzerschnott LOL! But rug or no rug these guys were legends. I'd love to see Buddy's rug fly off. He must of looked hiliariously funny.

[panzerschnott]

@Psycho9263 Yeah man, I dig it too...

[sweetfly66]

awful hair piece but outstanding drumming .... LOVE louis bellson .... i think this was the first drum instruction video I ever had

[roccovaselino]

I first heard of Louis Bellson almost 50 years ago, when I was just getting interested in drums. I don't know where this solo came from, and why I've never heard it before, but I am stunned. That's the strongest Louis Bellson drum solo I've ever heard, and by no small margin. Amazing chops.

[crocotone]

Travis Who? ;-)

[fallingfromjupiter]

It's actually quite astounding how much him and Buddy played alike. The hunching over, the crazy fast fills and crossovers, The weird little stuff they would randomly start playing in the middle of a bar for no reason. Definately a huge loss for the drumming community.

[WELLBRAN]

will Travis barker be playing drums in his 70's? no!  this guy was

[ChiTown7721]

Louie was actually playing in his 80's. Right up to the day he died at the age of 84. Amazing!

[fursday]

He would be even better if he used his feet !!

[steve89z]

a one man show! i don't see how louie cannot be considered the best ever!

[ludwigsupramike]

The GREATEST!!

[SecretAgent068]

Why do people keep bringing up Travis Barker on these drum threads?? Doesn't he play in some shitty flavor of the month "has been" pop band? I can think of about 50 drummers off the top of my head who have created and produced some of the greatest drumming the world has seen AND will be remembered long after your boy Travis is dead and gone. Not trying to get in a pissing war here, but let's be realistic. This "Travis Crap" reminds me of a little kid saying "my dad can beat up your dad".

[hazzathebest]

Hold on travis barkers alright but this guy revoloutionised double bass drumming itself. So for me Louie gets my appreciation

[bgibb101]

Louier was the best. I wrote to him two years ago and asked for an autographed photo. He sent one back promptly with a very nice letter!

[ChiTown7721]

Wow, that's great! Doesn't surprise me at all. Louie was always a true gentleman. I got his autograph when he was playing at jazz showcase here in Chicago. He was selling CDs so I bought it and went up to him and talked to him for a few minutes, and he offered to sign the album for me. Such a great drummer and a great human being.

[borishog]

love it

[houseofburn]

he's no travis barker though.

..

nah i just said that to piss people off

[Hells616]

This may be the best and most complete demonstration of louie's legendary skills

[SplitHoof]

The only thing bad about Louie is that rug on his head.

[speedoflite1]

yes, an impressive display.

[nortuber]

Nice display of ernergy - and not even a drop of sweat. Cudos :)

[TheJohnnyMetal]

what year's this?

[xiscide]

malamang magaling yan gagu..

[Bosphorus92]

possibly my favourite jazz solo move, and only done by louis...2:26.....it looks like he's just tearing into the drums, it looks so dam angry, but he makes it sound so musical and makes look easy, not one rim click

[12Medals]

damn! this is one cool old guy!

[NDiesel31]

man. music is so great because here you see a drummer in his absolute peak at about 60 or 70 years old....You will never see an athlete in their peak at that age except for golf maybe.

[deterdettol]

Like what Louie himself said at 80 years old:

""I'm not that old; I'm 40 in this leg, and 40 in the other leg."

[wolloolloo]

hah nice comment :)

[ustuscanman8]

upbeat, unique, understandable, outstanding musician this man.  his musical soul will echoe through eternity..

[knighthawk86855]

Awesome....that about sums it up!!!!!!

[JacqueShredo]

damn that bass drum sounds huuuge!

Louie = the greatest

[MrGramparules]

Jazz drummers are the best

[Ignats911t]

What an amazing talent,,,the best !

Long Live Louie !

[barbetta777]

Che dire... E' la cosa piu estrema che io abbia visto fare con una batteria...

[sacraficeuntodrums]

holy shit that was crazyyy

[andrewdoug5]

I'm looking for a set of low roto toms like hes got does any one know where i can get some

16" and 18"

[zozarbuddies111]

amazing techniqe

[persini]

damn!

[spacitydrummer4JC]

....how?

[flamwork06]

LOL A3189's right 0:36 that's just down right sick!!! lol wow very musical.

[renz0905]

geez.. he's a GOD..

[A3189]

0:36 "BREAK IT DOWN NOW"

never seen anything like that on the cymbs, or atleast that fast and cool:)

[westcoastusa]

Great, great, great. We love you Louie.

[toth1971]

what a great solo and what a lovely sound.. go louie. he's the man i like buddy rich and joe morello too. all the greats are gone now how sad.

[winnerbaby44]

that snare is AWSOME!

[Gretsche87]

lol - when playing with two sticks it looks like he has talons coming out of his hands. Like wolverine or something. Awesome.

[dhoosee]

TOTAL INSANITY from 6:50 to the end.

We truly have lost a legend..... Love you Louie! You made it look easy.

[Sirbersha1ot]

sometimes things in life are SOOO good it makes you cry...for joy. for the things that are truly extraordinary...yeah, He was a great man. and one of THE LAST great connections to the most genuine music of America, jazz.....and last but not least...this is what makes 70 year olds seem like 6 year olds, and what makes 6 year olds want to play like 70 year olds...just playing the drums man...playing the drums...NOW GO AND SUPPORT YOUR ARTS AND LIVE MUSIC, because WE'RE STILL OUT THERE DOING IT!!!!

[puckf17]

Yep Louis always seemed like a kid relishing every minute of his life.

[ChiTown7721]

This guy was just awesome. One of the all-time greats and the nicest professional musician I ever met. Heck, the nicest musician I ever met period. A real down to earth guy. Not an ounce of cockiness in his body, and never acted as though he was too good to talk to somebody. In fact, he always took the time to talk to everyone. Truly one of the saddest days when he passed away. We'll never forget you Louie!

[chrisvalkyrie]

hE HAD 3 OCTOBANS BY HIS hI HATS..pEARL MAKE..AND 2 ROTO TOMS BY rEMO ABOVE HIS FLOOR TOMS..14 AND 16INCH..

[anishnaube]

Those crash cybals sound great!

[GrooveCreek]

the last of the big three

[rushdrummerYYZ]

R.I.P. Louie

[Howard1000]

Considered by most to be the father of the double bass drums. One of the all time greats and a class act. RIP, Louie, you were one of the best!

[rockero94]

Oh, man, that was great, he was one of the best. Only the good die young.

Hey are those Octobans or Rototoms?

[lupine73]

On his left are Roto-toms. Not sure what he has way over on his right above the floor toms.

[Shitfuckerino]

Those are giant rototoms. :)

[Andythefunkman]

I waited like 6 or 7 seven years to see the entire video. I´m happy for this. thanks Bernhard.

[rhythm61067]

Louie had a great style. You will be missed Louie!

[pichinaki]

Louie I´m glad to see you again and God Bless you in his Glory. What paradidles! what rudiments! what singles and elegant triplets!!. Thanks for your incredible teaching. Good bye Louie and keep up your irons to the eternity. One of the best drummers in the history leave us my friends!! one minute off for him...

[toth1971]

what a great solo and what a lovely sound.. go louie.

[Davide888]

Mind boggling! You will always be my favorite, Louie. RIP

[MvyMkr]

SERIOUS skills with his hands...maaate!

[SteveTheDrummer56]

amazing rip louie

[Drumguy1988]

What a lose. Last of the Big Band Drummers. Will never see his like again that's for sure.

R.I.P Mr Bellson.

[Windbreaker777]

Drumguy1988: We still have some greats like Joe Morello or Roy Haynes still around...

But indeed, this is a great loss. R.I.P. Louie, you will inspire drummers for generations to come.

[elliottboggs]

Sweetest man in the world! heart of gold and hands of steel. He'd shake my hand and even at 80 something, he had a serious gorilla grip. Love ya Louie. Condolences to Francine....

[AlbertHarding]

damn this guy totally pwned the skins

rest in peace brother

[cgmsdh]

There VERY FEW people who can pull off a jazz double bass groove, Louie is one of them.

And then Brian Setzer's drummer.

[pooper589]

real drumming...

[DrMortician]

RIP Louie!

[AS5A]

Louie, Buddy and Gene together again.

R.I.P.

[johnpetters]

RIP Louie. Wonderful playing. A real legend.

[BrickFlims]

It is really sad to hear a ledgend like this to pass away. RIP

[drummer78]

RIP Louie

[JazzCat934]

Just found out earlier today that Louis passed away. A great loss to the music world. Louis was definitely one of the greatest drummers ever. He was also the nicest guy you would ever meet. RIP Louis.

[fallingfromjupiter]

I'm not referring to chops here, but there style is extremely similar. That's probably why alot of people compare them

[russg84]

INCREDIBLE. nuff said

[Jaythedrummerman]

Absolutely fantastic.  Most compare him to rich i say there is no comparison personally and musically bellson all the way

[cadaverr]

Buddy was no doubt a superior drummer. Although Bellson is still one of the greatest Jazz drummers of all time. His chops/technique and musicality sometimes come close to Rich's.

[cleanbeats007]

Louie was definitely the superior musician. His musicality shines through.

[cadaverr]

Yeah, no doubt. Thats why Louie himself has said that he had NEVER seen anyone play ANYTHING better than Buddy Rich. Be it solos, with bands or anything. Take a look at Buddy's "Jazz Legend 1917-1987" and you'll see. :)

[toth1971]

awesome solo...

[toth1971]

brilliant love it. so creative.

[Drumguy1988]

I've never seen a drum kit like that. There's no tuning rods or lugs. Looks like there's latches or something on them .

[TomGrosset]

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Bellson at a NAMM show in Austin, Texas in 2007. I was competing in the Worlds Fastest Drummer competition (check my videos) and he had heard about me! Hes a very friendly, down-to-earth man and still plays marvelously!

[eskimoposh]

HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

2:48-2:56 "What else can I hit?!?!!?"

Bellson will always be the man.

[Ossadas]

Legendary!

[panzerschnott]

This fantastic dude was playing with Benny Goodman 10 years before I was even born. where was joe Morello?

[AmrddH]

i want to play as good as louie when i grow old

[Phrase]

That was a really cool solo!

Thanks drummerworld!

[guyonguitar]

Back in the Late 70s early 80s I had the pleasure of meeting Louie and his wife Pearl Bailey. I was preforming with my band at the same Hotel they were staying at.He and Pearl were so kind to my band and I.This guy is still one of the greatest drummers. John

[Martimus98]

I agree with you 100% guyonguitar! When I was a kid I had the honor of being taught to play drums by Louie's younger brother Hank. Henry introduced me to Louie who I remember as a truly friendly who even gave me tips on playing. I met Louie again about 10 years later and he actually remembered me. Needless to say I was floored by that.

[Wavingclouds]

Very Cool. I remember giving the guy at Fat Tuesdays $20 to sit me near Louies drums and he sat me straight in front of his Bass Drum. Imean the table was an inch away from it. What a show. Louie came over to me before he started and put his arm around me and asked me how I was? So friendly and a great Quintet? He was so cool and still is.

[Lastdragonrider88]

imnotworthyimnotworthyimnotwor­thyimnotworthy

[holtzheimerpe]

Louie Bellson is extremely good! One of the best in the world. But he's a hack, compared to Joe Morello. Why? Because Bellson hammers the drums; Morello "pulls" the notes out of the drums with a delicate touch. Watch them both and compare.

Don't get me wrong, Bellson is fantastic. I like him, always have, but Morello is the true God of drummers.

You don't have to "beat" the drums to play them.

[pyroseed13]

Bellson and Morello play completely different styles of music. Morello does not play swing jazz, so it only expected he would "hammer" the drums less than Bellson does.

[toth1971]

i agree totally. well said.

[fonz06969]

this guy is a god!!!

[PunkKTiLLiDiE]

are they singerland drums?

[drumboypro]

Those were Remo PTS drums: Pre-Tuned Series. They had pre-tuned heads that clipped onto the drum shells. Louis also used them in a View Video tape now on DVD called "Louis Bellson & His Big Band" where he played a solo from his main drum kit and played on just a PTS drum head while walking over to his second PTS drum kit with the snare top head off and using the PTS head in his hand for effects with the open PTS snare drum shell before clipping it on and playing out his solo. Great stuff!

[stixx2000]

You've got to give him props for playing those things. I remember when they came out thinking........Junk. Those little wire thingys were so flimsy.

[jcghooker]

If you play in a band, and your drummer is getting too big for his britches, just show him this video.

[elvischevy]

the best drum solo from louis bellson ,your a true superstar ,from a irish fan ,

[toth1971]

well said from a hungarian fan....

[KingCrimson12]

His bass drum sound is amazing! It just kills!

[4064ed]

One of the greats!

[seasondrummer]

just pure class

[sussexcounty]

Oh yea! One of the best of all time!

[bopmanfromspace]

Thank Goodness for REAL drums and REAL DRUMMERS!

[drummrboyee]

im not worthy

im not worthy

im not worthy

[Jaythedrummerman]

the father of double bass drumming

[k8ai]

A true artist! To all the young pukes that'll leave stupid comments and comparisons with rock drummers - You've never heard the speed, precision, and creativity of Belson unless you've heard some of his stuff from the past and you need to SHUT UP until you have!

[pap4456]

Thank you for that statement!

[MarkR1957]

That's right, you pukes -- watch learn from the Masters -- The JAZZ Masters.

Buddy, Louie, Elvin, Morello, Mel Lewis, Shelly Manne, Max Roach, Art Blakey, to name a FEW.

The List goes on.

Dig these Cats, THEN open your puke holes ~

[legolover79]

i listen to rock....

but amen!

[athlonian11]

I ran out of breath just looking at that solo. To sustain that kind of speed over 7 minutes shows the technique involved.Those drums sound superb too especially the lovely full wallop from the bass drum. I could watch Louie play unaccompanied all day long and i can't say that about many other drummers.

[DrMortician]

Awesome. Living legend. When your as good as Louie you can wear whatever you want.

[DrMortician]

I wonder what happened to the comment I was responding to about Louie wearing a rug? Doesn't matter, I stand by my original statement. He is a living legend.

[ciminoo]

Love this video, who knew Remo made such great sounding drums...

[cearleywine]

they do sound good, although I bet Louie could make the worst drum sound awesome.

[phatphace]

Gotta love louie

[DrumKiller22]

incredibile...mitico...un genio