Welcome to DRUMMER LIVE 2007
Another sweet drumsmith.com pictorial brought to you by
Dunnett Classic Drums & The George H. Way Drum Company
This pictorial is dedicated to
Max Roach and Rick Barrickman.
Rest ye both gentlemen.
Text, images and video by Ronn Dunnett copyright 2007
Use of images, text or video without consent is prohibited.
All images are watermarked.
The opinions and smart ass commentary expressed
in this pictorial are those of the author. No offense is intended.
The next train arrives in
minutes
LONDON CALLING
London. The name is almost mythological. Even though this was my first trip to the UK, it felt comfortable and in many ways, familiar. I'm sure part of that was the absence of any language barrier and of course my previous time in Australia, but I also think that familiarity had much to do with finding myself once again immersed in a pool of percussive talent, creativity and passion. Over 60 extraordinary exibitors and some of the finest drummers and educators in the world, all under one roof. It felt good to be at this show! The energy that the organizers (particularly Ian Croft and Mike Dolbear) volunteers, artists and companies - both large and small - invest in this event is truly inspiring. The percussive arts are LIVE and thriving in the UK. I'm so glad drumsmith.com was a part of it! Although I've only been back a few weeks I am already considering a return this June when Drummer Live becomes part of the London International Music show.
My sincere thanks go to the organizers and event staff
for your kind assistance in making this pictorial possible.
In additon to the show, I'll hope you'll join Paul Mason and myself in what is our second
travelogue - an interesting side dish that adds even more flavour, and dare I say, humor, to the story! You find the travelogue located at the end of the pictorial.
Enjoy the pics!
PS: Your comments and feedback are appreciated - please join up at Drumsmith.com if you are not already a member and let us know what you think and what you might like to see in future pictorials. Cheers!
Ronn
The Excel Centre was the venue for the 2007 Drummer Live show. It was actually a great venue altohugh a little removed from central London.
This shot was taken in the evening.
A wide angle shot of the Excel centre showing the surrounding area. We had beautiful weather for the entire trip. The cranes in the picture are not functional.
They are part of a residential theme that gives a nod to the areas dockyard heritage.
The entrance. Security was excellent.
Drummer Live had a fantastic policy that really helped control the db factor. One only had to endure 15 minutes of pure, unadulterated DIN for 15 minutes out of every hour - 15 minutes in which genuine clients could try the products at volume (or hell, just practise!) The other 45 made it possible to conduct actual business.
I wish Musik Messe and a few other shows would consider such a policy.
The plan view of the hall including a list of the exibitors. A very well organized event!
This is the show floor taken from the back of the hall.
Active Distribution
Animal Customs drums brought this very colourful sparkling jelly bean kit which I have to say sounded exceptional.
Some Animal snares nicely decked out in some rare and unusual wraps.
Carl Gavins of Animal Custom Drums shows off his personal favourite.
www.animalcustomdrums.co.uk
Ayotte snare drums - not horribly overpriced even for the UK.
Bauer. I have seen Bauer at the Frankfurt show, but I still know very little about the company other than that they are made in Brazil, but the quality is evident.
I'm just not sure about the Craviottos on the ground floor though!
It's not a drum show without Bosphorus cymbals. Bos artist Stanton Moore recentley completed a clinic tour of the UK.
Custom Skins.
Italian manufacturer CVL
Chop Shop. This kit was featured at the Chop Shop booth at NAMM and was purchased by dealer Middle Eight Music.
Contemporana. Some fine percussion gear.
This Brazillian style toupe made their way through the crowds and drew some serious attention - for obvious reasons.
I know - you wanna see it move, dontcha?
Whenever you see the MPEG icon, click on it for a short clip.
Coke bottle green.
And if you don't like them you can always recycle them.
