Oct 27, 2020, 08:00 AM
by
Rhythm Scene Staff
GRETCH
Gretsch Heritage Show Airs on Drum Network
Gretsch Drums has launched a brand new, live stream show called Gretsch Heritage, bringing to life the brand’s rich history. Every other Wednesday, each episode will feature special guests who continue to play important roles in the ongoing story of Gretsch Drums today.
The first episode of the show, hosted by Lucas Von Gretsch, a fifth-generation Gretsch family member, is called “Alone on a Steamship 1872–1895.” It looks at the early history of the brand, focusing on the company’s founder, Friedrich Gretsch. Later episodes chronicle the legendary drum company’s history and reveal the challenges and successes of his ancestors.
The special guest in the first episode was long-time Gretsch drums endorser Mark Schulman who has toured, recorded, and performed with some of the biggest names in the history of pop music including Pink, Billy Idol, Cher, Foreigner, Velvet Revolver, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner, Amy Grant, and many more. Mark is a prolific session drummer, a music producer, audio engineer, and co-owner of West Triad Studios in Venice, California. Mark joined Lucas for a live discussion about his career, influences, and history with Gretsch. A further guest spot featured one of the skilled artisans at the Gretsch factory talking about their area of expertise and answering audience questions.
The Gretsch Heritage show also offers the opportunity to win prizes in the trivia question of the day. Check out the show information on Drum Network, or for the complete, up-to-date Drum Network show listing visit dwdrums.com/drumnetwork. To find out more about the Gretsch drums visit gretschdrums.com.
Calhoun Joins Gretsch Artist Family
Best known as the drummer of the alternative rock band Living Colour, Will Calhoun’s extraordinary creative vision and drumming talents have seen him contribute to many and varied music genres including jazz, rock, hip-hop, ambient, and much more. He is also a prolific songwriter and producer, has scored several films, and has performed and recorded with a diverse array of notable artists such as B.B King, Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Lou Reed, Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Ronnie Wood, Wayne Shorter, Run-DMC, and Public Enemy. Calhoun has released six solo albums including his latest, celebrating the great Elvin Jones. He is also currently working on a new Living Colour record.
Calhoun recently took delivery of his Gretsch USA Custom Kit in a Custom Grain Yellow Gloss. His preferred sizes are 16x22 and 16x20 bass drums, 8x8, 9x10, 10x12, and 11x13 toms, 14x16 and 16x18 floor toms, with 6.5x14 Bell Brass and 6x13 Chrome over Brass snares.
Will adds, “It’s an honor and a pleasure to join the Gretsch drum family and its legacy of great drummers including Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Charlie Watts, Mitch Mitchell, Vinny Colaiuta, and Bronx legend and architect of hip-hop Erroll “Pumpkin” Bedward. I’m looking forward to exploring and expanding many musical frontiers in my partnership with Gretsch, starting with my Gretsch USA custom drum set!”
For more information about the USA Custom, other Gretsch drums, and Gretsch artists, visit gretschdrums.com.
HIT LIKE A GIRL
Marching Percussion Contest Judges Announced
HLAG has announced an exceptional lineup of judges for its 2020 Marching Percussion contest. The all-star panel features leading artists and educators from a variety of marching disciplines, including DCI, WinterGuard, BOA, and HBCU drumlines, as well as an internationally renowned drumset artist with strong Drum & Bugle Corps roots.
The 2020 HLAG MPC judges are Sandi Rennick, drumline instructor and arranger for the 7-time DCI Champion Santa Vanguard; James Riles III, founder of The Atlanta Drum Academy and featured performer in the Drumline movies; Emmanuelle Caplette, award-winning marching drummer and world-famous drummer, teacher, and clinician; Raychel Taylor, founder of Girls March and past performer with Mandarins, Phantom Regiment, and Vanguard; Mark Perrett, Gold medal winner with DCI’s Division III Teal drumline and co-founder/author of the popular and influential series of GridBook drum method books and social media; Jamese Moses, HLAG Marching Percussion Champion of 2019, HBCU marching advocate, and a featured performer with “Find Your Rhythm”; and Nicole Casino, the first female “center snare” drummer for the 19-time DCI Champion Blue Devils, Berklee College graduate, and current featured performer for the Disneyland Resort.
Contest entry in the <18 and 18+ age divisions opened October 1, 2020. For rules, schedule, sponsors, prizes and more, visit hitlikeagirlcontest.com.
PEARL
U.S. Distribution Deal Announced with Swedish Drumstick maker Wincent
Pearl Corporation, together with Wincent Drumsticks, announced a distribution partnership to grow the availability and awareness of Wincent products in the U.S. market.
“Wincent Drumsticks is honored and proud to join forces with Pearl Cooperation as our high-profiled MI distribution partner for the U.S. This will ensure greater service, reach, and market penetration of the Wincent portfolio. It has been a goal to partner with Pearl Corporation and now it is a reality, and we will make every effort to satisfy the U.S. market,” said Dan Nylén, Founder and CEO of Wincent Drumsticks.
Wincent Drumsticks was established in Sweden in 1992, with the stated goal to make the highest quality drumsticks, brushes, and rods. The sticks are manufactured using a stone lathing process with a unique wax protection applied that complements the feel and durability of the sticks. Each pair of Wincent sticks is butt-end branded with the stick size, so when you look down into your stick bag the various sizes are easily identifiable.
“Last year we had a meeting with Dan, and our entire team at Pearl was blown away with their product” said Glen Caruba, Pearl VP of Sales and Marketing. “Wincent is a legendary European brand, but the hickory they use to make their sticks comes from Bowling Green, Kentucky. We tested and scrutinized the sticks, and player after player commented about how great the sticks felt and how long they lasted. We did not go looking for this opportunity, but based on the superior quality of the product, it seemed like this is the right time for Pearl USA to get into the drumstick business,”
The Wincent product portfolio includes drumsticks, brushes, rods, mallets, and percussion accessories like practice pads, drum keys, stick grips, and tone gel. Pearl will begin accepting orders for Wincent products immediately and has inventory ready to ship. For more information about Pearl, visit pearldrum.com and wincent.se for more information about Wincent.