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Richard "Pistol" Allen
1932 - 2002
The legendary Motown drummer & member of the Funk Bros. "Pistol" Allen was renowned
for his sledgehammer backbeats & heavy hi-hats, his smooth easy shuffles - "Beale Street Shuffle", his solid steady
grooves, & his "4 on the floor" style of playing.
The name "PistolShot" was bestowed upon me by Emory Early, a blues musician & friend
from Pittsburgh, PA. Emory would often call me "PistolShot" when we played together. It was after some time
that I learned of "Pistol" Allen & questioned him about the name. He answered by telling me that I played a
lot like him. It is in honor & memory of "Pistol" Allen, & with tremendous respect
& pride, I carry on the name.
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"Babe" Fabrizi
The drummer, instructor, & friend who taught me most of what I know & how to figure out
the things I don't know about playing drums... rudiments, independence, timing, feeling, & something many drummers never
learn - how to work on & tune a set of drums. I owe much of my success & how I've learned to play & perform to
"The Babe".
It was said that Babe Fabrizi was so rhythmic that many claimed that he walked in '6/8' time.
Babe taught many drummers at his studio pictured here.
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A must read for all drummers,
& for all who may have the desire to be a drummer...
ESSAYS by FRANCIS CLAY
The Drummer as a Person
If you feel that you must learn to play the drums and that love of drums is so strong that you feel
you could dedicate your whole life, your whole being, and set priorities so that nothing comes before your music, then drumming
has become your destiny.
Most often, when approaching a teacher, he can, almost from the start see the potential in your already acquired
knowledge of music. He sees your sense of rhythm and even your appreciation and taste in various types of music and its musicians.
Your bone structure and how loose and fast the movements of your hands and particularly if your coordination is good, are
all taken into account.
If you love music and your instrument, you must study and practice with a metronome for hours each day. After you
have learned your rudiments and other basics, you can go on to better and better teachers. When you have learned to play well
in a group along with other instruments and you have mastered your own instrument, it is time to find a coach. For a good
coach can help you apply all your knowledge and technique to music with a professional touch and taste.
Remember, after you have learned all the rules, mastered your music and your instrument, only then are you allowed
to break the rules in order to create.
If you are lucky and you have been true to yourself, then you will see a reflection of yourself in your music,
thus creating an original style of your own.
In beautiful music, you can feel a "together" person, who has gained and maintained a peace of mind through his
dedication to his art.
Thoughts to remember: Never sell yourself or your art in any manner that would shame you. It's a good life, being
a musician, so don't trade it in for a temporary high. If your music doesn't give you a natural high, then there is something
missing in your music or yourself or both.
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