This is a photo of a great drummer from Western New York who passed away recently. You may have felt a disturbance in the force last week. Especially if you are hip to jazz/rock, fusion or the Buffalo, NY area music scene. Ted Reinhardt was a remarkable musician and person. He played in so many great musical units in WNY,for over thirty years, that there are very few area musicians that haven't been inspired by his groove and intensity. He played progressive rock, fusion, jazz rock, RandB, Blues, Jazz, Dixieland and dance music. He was the drummer on Spyro Gyra's Morning Dance album and was the leader of the Instrumental jazz rock band Gamalon. He was especially interested in Indian musical styles and the complexity of rhythm. But he grooved deeply and that is why so many people dug playing with him. He influenced me and many other drummers early on. He was always eager to share licks, especially rudimental variations. We need to honor these kind of people. It's not just the famous ones who are deserving of recognition. Ted was unique and inspiring. He died unexpectedly in a plane crash in Virginia. Some of you may have seen about it. The scene in Buffalo will mourn him for a while. Here he is playing Gene Krupa's drums at a club in Buffalo.

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