Gary Chester

http://www.cymbalholic.com/forums/showthread.php?48347-Gary-Chester-plays-Jazz&fb_source=message

"Always use your own drum set"

As always, thinking of you today, your energy and your inspiration. knowing that its still very much alive dad. I love you, Trini Bean

Happy Birthday Gary! Your music and your lessons continue to inspire after all this time. That's true innovation and conviction. Thank you Gary. ....never forgotten

6pm east coast time, lighting the candles....butterflies and fishing, all day today dad. We love u and remember. Hope you feel us all. xxxBean

We're all thinking of you today Gary. Candles will be lit, hope you can see them.

set my intention today on you practicing with me and I did feel it. Love and miss you...xxxKatrina

hi mr. gary this is vicken you don't know me but i am learning from your book with my teacher Walid Tawil i am from Lebanon anyway god bless u and if you can connect me

Hey Katrina, You mentioned that you have your Dad's original kit, and possibly placing it in the Hall of Fame. If you could part with it, that is a great idea; and have next to it, a list of all the recordings on which it was featured. I have been in touch with Hal Blaine, Gary's West Coast counterpart, and his famous blue sparkle Ludwing set from all those hits in the 1960s rests in a museum in Nashville.

I studied with Gary from the beginning of 1982 until close to the end of 1983. At one particular lesson, I was having a little difficulty playing a very complex exercise. Being a little annoyed with myserlf, I said to Gary, "I can play this perfectly at my house!" And, Gary came right back with, "Well, let's go to your house, then!" Thought I was going to bust a gut from laughing. Always loved to hear his studio/session anecdotes, too. Those lesson were fun!

Thanks for the post Robert- love to see if anyone can place it! Greg! So great to hear from you! and remembering dad- dam that weckl! lol. You are so right Marco....really well put. Dennis, I loved your story! Thank you!! Rich-they had an interesting relationship but yes, knew eachother! all my best everyone! GUESS WHAT? My dads original-1st KIT EVER is with me! I had talks with people about dating it and matching it to certain songs and so far the feedback is amazing!! Snare is from the 1940's! rest is 50's. 60's and 70's but to SEE his kit that was played on all those sessions-slayed me! xxxx (was thinking hall of fame)

Gary has been a drumming inspiration for years. My dear friend Johnny's uncle, Bobby Andriani, was signed to Atlantic in the mid 60s and issued a 45 and left behind some wonderful demos he cut in the Brill Building. I believe Gary is playing on the song "The Letter I Never Wrote" - to me those snare fills are distinctly his. Katrina suggested that I post this story here, so...what do you think? Is it Gary?

I had the pleasure of being sent to Gary Chester for lessons by Dave Weckl, who was my teacher but suddenly became too busy for students (for some reason...). Special greetings to Katrina, with whom I did a few dozen 'club date' gigs back in the 90s. Love and peace, GREG BURROWS, Bronx, NY

There.

CHEERS! I will always keep in mind the lessons you taught 1,000's of drummers in your incredible career as a drummer. session musician and brilliant teacher. And you taught more than just drumming...you taught LIFE 101 my man. Heaven's band of drummers got a big boost the day you arrived, Gary !!! All bliss, Marco'

Every chance I get,when speaking to a drummer or other musician/non-musician, I am so proud to tell them about you, Gary. How humble you were and the great lessons about the music business, the sessions, and life in general that you taught so many of us. I have told a couple of drummers I have recently met about the NB books and they were able to download some of the lessons and it blew their minds. Loved it! Man, I just gotta laugh. You had this concept waayy back in the '70's!!! So hard to believe that it has been 23 yrs now since your passing. :o( On the XM side, still tryin my best to pick out your "sound" on every record I hear from the 50's,60's,and 70's. I get chills everytime I hear you! Damn I miss you! Love you, man!

It just sprung to my mind that in 1987 we lost two greats... Buddy and Gary... Two of the most innovative drummers of all time! Though in another field, I hope mr. Rich and mr. Chester met and respected each others work. Dutch admirer, Marcel

But not TOO soon Chrissy! xxxx

Thought of you throughout the day....shared a cool memory with Jan, how wonderful that was! the years are zipping by, it'll be here in a blink! ...see you soon! Happy Birthday Gary!!!!

Just remembering and missing you.I wish you were still here with me and to meet your grandchildren. I still feel you around me always. I love you. Mandy