Timo-Germany
Active Member
Dear drummers,
In my new video, I take a closer look at “Fire Down There” - a calypso-inspired piece recorded by the Randy Weston Trio in 1955. On drums: the subtle and groove-oriented Wilbert Hogan.
What makes this piece particularly interesting is its striking similarity to “St. Thomas”, which Sonny Rollins recorded just one year later, in 1956, with Max Roach on the cult album Saxophone Colossus. While “St. Thomas” is widely associated with Rollins and Roach, the question arises, since “Fire Down There” was recorded earlier, were Sonny Rollins and Max Roach possibly influenced by this recording? Do we hear a direct influence of Wilbert Hogan on Max Roach? How does Hogan's approach differ from Roach's better-known interpretation? Could Fire Down There be the overlooked origin of St. Thomas as we know it? Compare both versions and decide for yourself.
Fire Down There was recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, NJ, on August 29-31, 1955. The album Get Happy with the Randy Weston Trio was released on Riverside Records in early 1956. Weston's version features a slightly Afro-Cuban arrangement of a calypso tune, driven by Hogan's sensitive drumming and tasteful groove. It really is a challenge to bring out all of the subtle sounds played by Hogan. So many nuances and timbres, very tasteful drumming.
Wilbert Hogan was a lesser known but very accomplished drummer who played with artists like Earl Bostic, Kenny Dorham, Bud Powell and Ray Charles. His drumming style was rooted in swing, but he showed a strong affinity for Latin-influenced grooves. His work, especially on Fire Down There, deserves wider recognition in the jazz drumming community.
“St. Thomas” has become one of the most popular jazz standards. Although Rollins is often credited as the composer, the tune is actually based on Caribbean folk songs such as Sponger Money, which in turn are adaptations of the English song The Lincolnshire Poacher. Rollins' mother is said to have sung him a nursery rhyme from the Virgin Islands based on this folk tune - and this personal connection became the basis for his 1956 version. Nevertheless, Fire Down There was recorded first - with amazing similarities.
If you're interested in Max Roach’s version, check out my transcription and performance of St. Thomas from Saxophone Colossus here:
If you're interested in Max Roach’s solo on St. Thomas , check out my transcription and performance here:
Have fun watching!
In my new video, I take a closer look at “Fire Down There” - a calypso-inspired piece recorded by the Randy Weston Trio in 1955. On drums: the subtle and groove-oriented Wilbert Hogan.
What makes this piece particularly interesting is its striking similarity to “St. Thomas”, which Sonny Rollins recorded just one year later, in 1956, with Max Roach on the cult album Saxophone Colossus. While “St. Thomas” is widely associated with Rollins and Roach, the question arises, since “Fire Down There” was recorded earlier, were Sonny Rollins and Max Roach possibly influenced by this recording? Do we hear a direct influence of Wilbert Hogan on Max Roach? How does Hogan's approach differ from Roach's better-known interpretation? Could Fire Down There be the overlooked origin of St. Thomas as we know it? Compare both versions and decide for yourself.
Fire Down There was recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, NJ, on August 29-31, 1955. The album Get Happy with the Randy Weston Trio was released on Riverside Records in early 1956. Weston's version features a slightly Afro-Cuban arrangement of a calypso tune, driven by Hogan's sensitive drumming and tasteful groove. It really is a challenge to bring out all of the subtle sounds played by Hogan. So many nuances and timbres, very tasteful drumming.
Wilbert Hogan was a lesser known but very accomplished drummer who played with artists like Earl Bostic, Kenny Dorham, Bud Powell and Ray Charles. His drumming style was rooted in swing, but he showed a strong affinity for Latin-influenced grooves. His work, especially on Fire Down There, deserves wider recognition in the jazz drumming community.
“St. Thomas” has become one of the most popular jazz standards. Although Rollins is often credited as the composer, the tune is actually based on Caribbean folk songs such as Sponger Money, which in turn are adaptations of the English song The Lincolnshire Poacher. Rollins' mother is said to have sung him a nursery rhyme from the Virgin Islands based on this folk tune - and this personal connection became the basis for his 1956 version. Nevertheless, Fire Down There was recorded first - with amazing similarities.
If you're interested in Max Roach’s version, check out my transcription and performance of St. Thomas from Saxophone Colossus here:
If you're interested in Max Roach’s solo on St. Thomas , check out my transcription and performance here:
Have fun watching!
I tend to be modest by nature, but I can understand that a title can detract from the value of a work. I've already updated it. Thank you very much for the food for thought! I really appreciate it!
Every bit of support helps, be it in the form of comments, recommendations or simply sharing the content. I'm grateful for everyone who stops by and I'm really happy that my videos are adding value. More is definitely in the works!
