This picture from a Paiste cymbal ad in the 1980's was a picture of the kit that Steve Jordan used when he was drummer on David Letterman's Late Night Band. Steve was the original drummer, then left to pursue many other opportunities. Certainly, he's done well for himself, but it seems like that was sure a cool gig to have with Late Night. His replacement, Anton Fig, has kept the gig ever since, as has original bassist Will Lee and the band's second guitarist for the band Sid Ginnis (who followed original guitarist Hiram Bullock into that band).
So back then Jordan was playing with his crash cymbals WAY HIGH UP THERE. Of course, part of that is so that the TV camera can see your face and you drumming, as Steve is nothing if not an expressive drummer. I notice now that he like me plays with his cymbals far, far lower. Age has it's costs. Back then though, we were all made of rubber in our early 20's, and reaching way high up there for a crash was no big deal.
Today, I'd need the heating pad and some kind of painkiller if I tried to play cymbals mounted that high. But back in the day of the early to mid 80's, lots of us normal guys used to do that too playing locally, and there was a certain value to being able to see the other members of the band and the audience under the cymbals, whereas "normal" cymbal positioning might block lateral views of the band.
But I'd love to have a pair of red 16" and 18" crash Paiste Colorsounds, a black 20" or 22" ride and a pair of green or red high hats for a quasi reasonable price. Paiste is making some kind of ride currently in a black finish, but the days of the Colorsounds are long gone. Back then, although I noted they sounded good and more Zildjian-ey than traditional Paiste cymbals, I never bought a set, even though they were reasonably priced.
So if you see any out there, give me a holla.
So back then Jordan was playing with his crash cymbals WAY HIGH UP THERE. Of course, part of that is so that the TV camera can see your face and you drumming, as Steve is nothing if not an expressive drummer. I notice now that he like me plays with his cymbals far, far lower. Age has it's costs. Back then though, we were all made of rubber in our early 20's, and reaching way high up there for a crash was no big deal.
Today, I'd need the heating pad and some kind of painkiller if I tried to play cymbals mounted that high. But back in the day of the early to mid 80's, lots of us normal guys used to do that too playing locally, and there was a certain value to being able to see the other members of the band and the audience under the cymbals, whereas "normal" cymbal positioning might block lateral views of the band.
But I'd love to have a pair of red 16" and 18" crash Paiste Colorsounds, a black 20" or 22" ride and a pair of green or red high hats for a quasi reasonable price. Paiste is making some kind of ride currently in a black finish, but the days of the Colorsounds are long gone. Back then, although I noted they sounded good and more Zildjian-ey than traditional Paiste cymbals, I never bought a set, even though they were reasonably priced.
So if you see any out there, give me a holla.
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