Former Duke Ellington group drummer Dave Black passed away at his home in CA. on Dec. 4. In the same league as all the big name drummers of the time, Gene Krupa, Louis Bellson (who Black replaced), Buddy Rich et al., Black had a very innovative style. Known for his rapidly changing bass rhythms and his cut-up nature on stage. Mr. Black suffered a bout with Polio that interrupted his drumming career with Ellington, but recovered and freelanced his abilities for quite some time afterwards. His showcase "Gonna Tan Your Hide" is still one of my favorites.
