Hey Dan, it's nice to see someone else from the Merrimack Valley here. The best teacher I ever had was Bob Reardon, who was also my older cousin. He was a fantastic drummer, and had played in many different jazz outfits in New England, and had played with the house band at the Kowloon on Rt 1 for over 30 years. We sadly lost him three years ago, but I cherish the close friendship we developed all those years ago and everything I learned from him - from technique to different genres of music and drumming to the history of the instrument to being a better musician to being an overall better human being. I've got so much in my life to thank him for. I was able to get his reso head after he passed and I have it mounted in my drum room.
ATeam,
Thanks for posting this. And yes, Merrimack Valley is my original home turf, and Merrimac to be specific. I was raised less than 200 feet from the River. That was back before they cleaned it up, and boy was it nasty. When the Standells produced 'Dirty Water', it was about the Charles but it rang true for all our disgusting rivers. Glad to say I had a part in getting that sorted.
And the Kowloon. Now there is a blast from the past. I can't recall the last time I was there, but it must be well over 30 years ago. Howie Carr was connected there and they used to send food to the radio studio.
Sorry for the loss of your teacher and cousin. Sounds like a guy we could all like a lot. Looks to have been a BR fan too given the kit he's picture on.
