Sad to report the death of Martin Drew after a heart attack yesterday afternoon.
As late as May this year I heard him at the Kings Head in Crouch End with Simon Spillett, John Critchinson and Andy Cleyndert. He was playing as great as ever and also chatted about the LCD gig at the Corner House with Mornington Lockett and Laurence Cottle. Martin did me the honour of posting my review of that gig on his website.
Previously I'd seen him at York's Early Music Centre with Spillett and Co for another memorable gig (see photo).
But of course my memories of Martin go much further back - the Ronnie Scott Quintet with Dick Pierce, Critch and Ron Mathewson and of course the Peterson years.
Whatever band he played with that band swung like no other. A Grandmaster of his craft.
May he Rest In Peace - sadly missed.
Martin was 66 years old.
Two great drummers within days of each other...
All are invited to add their memories of Martin and Chris.
Lance
Hi Lance:
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read of the sad demise of drummer Martin Drew, who we met in Dubai in '93 when Jude and I were Key Largo, the lounge duo at the Royal Abjar Hotel. Martin was with the great Ronnie Scott Quartet, who were there to appear at Harry's Place, the Italian restaurant in the hotel, and they did capacity business for three nights running (lots of Brit ex-pats in the audience).
I well remember first meeting Martin, when he sidled up to our little bandstand in the lobby, and grabbed a tambourine and played along with us! While the Quartet played in the restaurant, I was excused from lobby duty to join the restaurant resident quartet, and got to play support for the main attraction (Ronnie and the boys, John Critchinson, Andy Cleyndert and Martin!)
Martin also paid us a social visit, coming to our flat because he was curious about Jude's music programming ability, which he said his daughter was into,and he programmed some great conga rhythms for us on Jude's computer. Later got to talk with him at Appleby, and he was a tremendous player and a nice guy. He wil be missed. Dave the Rave
RIP Martin, thoroughly enjoyed that gig here in York Lance. He was indeed a nice man and of course a fine musician. I remember that, as I watched him, his love of the drums was wonderful to behold
ReplyDeleteLiz
sad to hear that Lance, I saw him at Caedmon hall and chatted with him in the interval. Was a funny guy and amazin on the drums.
ReplyDeleteRIP Martin: a brilliant musician and a total gent.
ReplyDeleteJude x
Hi Lance
ReplyDeleteMartin was one of the all-time greats.
Russell
It is indeed a tragic week for the UK drumming community. A double blow with the unusual connection of both having been associated with Ronnie's. I was not an acquaintance of Chris Dagley but I knew of him from seeing him on a few occasions when he played with NYJO. On the other hand I knew Martin quite well and it is such a shame that this great musician is no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteI have posted a personal piece regarding Martin's passing that you may want to post on BeBop.
Adrian
Just been listening to this on YouTube. I guess you've reached the top when Oscar asks you to join his group.
ReplyDeleteCreme de la creme as Miss Brodie would say.
Roly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZbSonHGVXc
So sorry to hear about Martin Drew he was a legend in british drumming his track record is fab Oscar Peterson for one and also the years with Ronnie Scott at his club. I met him at Appleby Jazz Festival and he was very entertaining sitting at our table outside the Royal Oak Pub where the musicians stay, great bloke and told us lots of tales, on his years in USA Buddy Rich in particular which I cannot print here. He will be sadly missed. Thanks for the opportunity to print this Lance . Regards Eric
ReplyDelete