[Dixielandjazz] Hearing Loss

[Ken Mathieson]

Hi Jack et al,

You're right about cymbals and their effect on hearing if you get too close. About 20 years ago I played drums on some gigs in Scotland with Buddy de Franco on a big stage in a big hall. He was very particular about where he stood in relation to the kit and at the rehearsal asked to hear the 2 ride cymbals. He then stood about 8 feet away on the opposite side from the brighter sounding cymbal. He explained that he had suffered tinnitus many years before while playing in a quartet with Art Blakey in a small club in NYC. He had no idea what was causing the problem, but it was affecting not just his ability to hear, but also his ability to pitch accurately. He was put in touch with an Ear, Nose & Thraot specialist who was a jazz fan and a occasional attender at the club. This doc was delighted to meet Buddy and asked him who he was working with and where. When Buddy said "Art Blakey", the doc said "there's your problem right there; just stand as far away as you can from Art and things will gradually get better!"

Cheers,

Ken Mathieson