Each year, the national Guitar Center chain sponsors a nationwide drum-off, searching for presumably the best drummer in the country. The winner wins cash, a lot of new drum equipment, and a considerable amount of fame and probably endorsements as well. With its legacy of soul, funk and gospel music, the city of Memphis has consistently produced some of the best drummers in the country. On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, several young Memphis drummers competed in the preliminary rounds of the local competition, seeking the right to represent Memphis at the Southeast regionals. I was particularly impressed with both Jonathan Chaffen and Desmond Harris this year, and enjoyed the competition even more since the rules were changed to ban octapads, triggers and loops, which had become intrusive in recent years. This year, drummers had to show their skill on the traditional acoustic drum set alone, and Memphis drummers definitely rose to the occasion.
A King Biscuit Daybook: Rebirth Brass Band at the Main Stage
https://goo.gl/photos/cfARvu54PXvkJJmy9 https://goo.gl/photos/hpbB2MR7QtbUH5Tn7 https://goo.gl/photos/AFkzwPVHcHP1LLVGA https://goo.gl/photos/uuJfGBR5cegLbESD6 https://goo.gl/photos/P4C1LCAgi72zkdSi8 https://goo.gl/photos/ZHYhvrsKQY5MchCN9 https://goo.gl/photos/rrXk18YCojA21gPa6 https://goo.gl/photos/L6LohHw7MnXtYpSw9 https://goo.gl/photos/j2QxmA1ajcV44L9E6 https://goo.gl/photos/nTwCktZQmk23487P9 https://goo.gl/photos/6jAEX3fijHngrcZe8 Those who know me know that I love New Orleans brass band music. Given …