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Esco Cromer / James Gadson Last viewed: 47 minutes ago

Posts: 4 Threads: 1

Dear Vintage Drum Forum Comunity,

this is my first post in this forum.

I'm a Hip Hop producer and recently started to do some research about the records many of the drum breaks used in Hip Hop music are taken from because I'm planning to get me a kit to play my own drumbreaks. The sound I liked most is Esco Cromers on Black Heats album "Keep on Runnin" and the stuff James Gadson did with Bill Withers in the early 70s. I'm curiouse what kits they play and thought maybe someone arround this forum might know.

Here's videos of them playing live...

Black Heat

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xby66i_black-heat-street-of-tears-live-72_music

and Bill Withers

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIdIqbv7SPo[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBhLh0BJAWA[/ame]

And here another Black Heat tune from the record with the drums in isolation in the beginning of the song. Maybe someone can tell from the sound what kind of kit is played.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM-fRrcAAgQ[/ame]

Many Thanks in advance for any answers.

Juse Brown

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

I'm going to say mid-60's Ludwig in Sky Blue Pearl 13-16-20 with a Superphonic snare.Nice videos with groove-

Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 4 Threads: 2

Oh man....I could listen to that version of "Kissin' My Love" all day! What a sick band!

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 715 Threads: 59

James Gadson is one of the greats and one of my favorites. His funk is super smooth and greasy!

1957 George Way BDP 26" concert bass drum
1959 George Way BDP 22/12/16 w/ 5.5x14
1959 George Way Green Sparkle 22/12/16 w/5.5x14
1961 George Way Blue Sparkle 20/12/15
1961 George Way Jelly Bean 20/12/14 w/4.5x14
1960’s Camco Oaklawn Champagne 20/12/14/16w/5x14
1971-73 Camco Chanute Walnut 24/14/18 w/5x14 COB
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 4 Threads: 1

Hey there. I'm glad you enjoeyed the videos :)

Thanks teverson-sr for your hint!

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 1292 Threads: 147

Here's a pic of Gadson playing what looks to be a Slingerland, but someone here could let me know if i'm wrong. There are also a few pics on the net of him playing Ludwigs, though all the more recent pics seem to be of him playing Pearl. I can't seem to find any pics of Esco Cromer that aren't Black Heat album covers or promo shots in a field, but I'll dig through youtube a bit & see what I can find (& enjoy some greasy funk while I'm at it!).Enjoy your breakbeat hunting! It pleases me to see hip hop heads doing their research Cool Dude

Viel Glück!

1964 Ludwig Champagne Super Classic
1970 Ludwig Blue Oyster Super Classic
1977 Rogers Big R Londoner 5 ebony
1972/1978 Rogers Powertone/Big R mix ebony
60's Ludwig Supersensitive
Pearl B4514 COB snare ( the SC snare)
Pearl Firecracker
PJL WMP maple snare
Odds & Sods

Sabians, Paistes, Zildjians, Zyns, UFIPs, MIJs etc
Item may be subject to change!
Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 4 Threads: 1

Hey funkypoodle, thank you, too, for your post. I got myself a Ludwig Acrolite, by the way. Still looking for a Bassdrum, though...

Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 1014 Threads: 14

Good choice on your snare,the acrolite is the same shell as the Ludwig supraphonic,exept the supra had 10 lugs abd was chrome plated on the outside,I have heard the supra was probably used on 75 per cent of the recordings done between the early 60's to early 80's.

AS far as a kit goes,if it was recorded pre 1976,good chance it was done on a 3 ply with re ring kit,so I think you would be safe with a slingerland or ludwig,those drums got a real warm meaty sound,you would also probably be happy with a rogers 5 ply with rering kit also.

Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 1041 Threads: 64

From eamesuser

Good choice on your snare,the acrolite is the same shell as the Ludwig supraphonic,exept the supra had 10 lugs abd was chrome plated on the outside,I have heard the supra was probably used on 75 per cent of the recordings done between the early 60's to early 80's.AS far as a kit goes,if it was recorded pre 1976,good chance it was done on a 3 ply with re ring kit,so I think you would be safe with a slingerland or ludwig,those drums got a real warm meaty sound,you would also probably be happy with a rogers 5 ply with rering kit also.

+1 on his comment.

Ive got an early 70s Ludwig kit with the 3 ply maple and re-rings. Best sounding drums I have ever owned! I play a 66 acro 90% of the time these days also. The acrolite is a very versatile snare drum and I would recommend everybody have one in their arsenal. There are a ton of them out there and you can usually find them for pretty darn cheap.

-Justin

"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross

"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Posts: 4 Threads: 1

Hey eamesuser and Brewkowski thanks for your suggestions. I'll keep your words in mind. I'm planning a USA trip in the near future so maybe I'll even find something over there...

Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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