Bob Armstrong Presents…Danny Raymond Jr. Masterclass

29th April 2007. Royal British Legion Band Hall, Romford.

Steve Gadd, Joey Jordison, Jo Jo Meyer and Travis Barker are just the tip of the iceberg of drummers who’s creativeness on the kit stems from a solid foundation in rudimentary drumming. Danny Raymond may be a name that is unknown to us here in the UK, but rest assured his mastery of the rudiments of drumming will leave your jaw on the floor. If you don’t believe me then check out his website (backsticks.com) and prepare to be amazed. Starting at the Age of 3, Danny’s career encompasses performing for Walt Disney for over 16 years, worldwide clinics along side the likes of Joe Morello and Zoro, playing with the New York Skyliners and winning the DCA’s Prestigious Individual Snare Drum Championships twice. Danny flew over especially from the USA for this clinic, and despite suffering from heavy jetlag his enthusiasm for drumming and life was infectious.

I was initially a little apprehensive about seeing a clinic lead by an artist from a Bugle Corp background. How much can you do on a single snare drum I thought? What happened next truly took me by surprise. One of Danny’s many solos was called “The Guardsman” (shown on his website) For me this was one of the most expressively musical snare drum solo’s I have seen or heard, especially considering it was performed on a single drum. Like all of the solo’s performed on the day, dynamics, tempo, phrasing were balanced perfectly with pure showmanship. I’m talking about back sticking, one handed rolls, spinning and flips like you have never seen before. He even played at lightning speed whilst swapping traditional and matched grip between both hands and did all of the above with brushes too! Serious stuff this!!!!
Despite this phenomenal showmanship Danny stressed the importance of the musical journey that underpins his performances. Without which competition playing becomes a circus act rather than the performance of music. A personal highlight for me was the duet between Bob Armstrong (on Bass Drum) and Danny on Snare. What struck me most was the amount of groove that could be produced from instruments I thought were reserved for marching purposes only.

Danny further proved the extent of his talents by performing a brief David Garibaldi solo on the kit with a heavy funk feel and powerful groove. And whilst we are on the subject of the kit, the technical exercises handed out by Danny on the day are already helping my kit playing. So if you are a kit head then I urge you to check out this style of drumming and Danny’s website in particular. It was a delight to see a clinician so obviously very passionate about drumming, his family and the life that music has given him. A big thank you to Danny for making it over here for this very special event.

As ever with these clinics the atmosphere was fantastic, and it felt much more like a gathering of friends than a drum clinic. Particular mention has to go out to the brave soul’s who also performed on the day, in particular the cracking solo by 8yr old George Friend! The first of many performances to come I’m sure.
Thanks Bob and thanks to Danny Raymond for a great day.
By Jason Reeve