This is one I've been meaning to do for a long time. Years, really. I remember the first time I saw this video in college, and was struck by a few things. For one, I don't know that I had seen a left-handed jazz drummer before then. Also, the band seemed like an unlikely bunch. For one, I was surprised not to see Max Roach on drums, and two the bassist, who is named Sandy Block, seemed kind of old for that crew. And the pianist is Dick Hyman, who was also a host of the television show that this performance was on.
The drummer is Charlie Smith. His name isn't thrown around as often as the likes of Kenny Clarke or Max Roack, but he had an enviable career working for the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Erroll Garner, Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson, and more.
I love Charlie's feel on this tune, and the minimal set up with the jumbo bass drum.
Cool that you are giving C Smith some love. An exceptionally slick player that passed far too soon.
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