[Dixielandjazz] Herlin Riley -- Hal Smith

[Robert S. Ringwald]

John Petters jdpetters at btinternet.com wrote:

> I stumbled across Hal by accident. Paul Barnes  on BBC Radio played a
> track by Bobby Gordon from his Bing album and I was puzzled by the
> drumming, which sounded sort of like George Wettling, but clearly
> wasn't. He had to be an American, because no way did this sound like a
> European drummer. I since got some other CDs featuring Hal and each one
> has been a gem. He knows where the music has come from and has avoided
> the pitfall of becoming a clone. So he has his own voice. We exchanged
> some very nice E-mails a few years back. One of these days I may get to
> hear and meet him in person which would be terrific.
((snip)

John, Yes, Hal is a terrific drummer in several styles.  I have had the 
pleasure of working with him on many occasions and it is always a pleasure.

--Bob (Now where'd they put that damn piano?) Ringwald