Ed Thigpen Brush Work

Back some years ago (long ago and far away) I went to an Ella Fitzgerald concert. The trio backing her included Ed. Thigpen on drums. As is usual, one number featured him -- he played an amazing solo - on brushes. It was spectacular - he didn't repeat figures, it built to a climax, it brought the crowd to its feet.

A drum solo with BRUSHES! No bombastic bombs. It was artful, tasteful, and exciting. From that point on, I've always admired him. Vastly under rated, in my book, he's up there with Max and Blakey.